Small towns with a great character

There are many beautiful small towns in South Iceland, which you will pass while driving along the South Coast. Make sure you pay them a visit and enjoy the best of what they have to offer. 

While most people who visit Iceland come to experience and enjoy the many great natural attractions, many mention how beautiful and neat the many small towns along the main routes are. There are so many small villages, each with its own charm and attractions. Perhaps due to the popularity of the natural attractions many people forget to explore and enjoy the towns as well.

Here’s a list of towns along the South Coast that are well worth the visit. Make sure you take time to enjoy and experience the urban part of Iceland as well.

Hveragerdi

When you get down from Hellisheidi heath, Hveragerdi is a small town to your left. This neat little town has a long history of geothermal activity. The people use the geothermal heat to empower their greenhouses where they grow vegetables and fruits, even bananas. There’s a great stop here, a small geothermal park where you can go explore hot springs and mud pools.

Stokkseyri

A little detour will take you to this quaint little village. Despite it’s size, this village hides one of the best langoustine restaurants in Iceland, even in the world, making this detour more than worth it. Also, not far from the restaurant is a museum dedicate to ghost and elves, which is really a treat.

Selfoss

Selfoss is the largest town in South Iceland. It has a superb swimming pool and we fully recommend it. A visit to Hubba Ice Cream Shop afterwards or the Hot Dog Stand makes the trip even more enjoyable.

Hella

Next up is Hella. Just before you cross river Ranga, there’s a small hut to your right. Make sure you stop there, because not far from it you will find caves that were made hundreds of years ago, and have served many different roles throughout the ages, even as a church.

Hvolsvollur

Hvolsvollur is a small town right before you reach the foothills of Eyjafjallajokull glacier and Seljalandsfoss waterfall. It has a marvelous museum dedicate to the Saga of Njall, which is one of the most beloved saga and takes place in this area. If you are interested in the sagas and the history of the Vikings in Iceland, make sure you check it out.

Vik in Myrdalur valley

Vik is probably most famous for the Reynisdrangar basalt sea stacks, which you can see from the road. However, there’s another attraction in Vik that is fast becoming just as popular. The lava show in Vik is great, and you can see a real red hot lava flow. This is absolutely stunning to behold.

Kirkjubaejarklaustur

Kirkjubaejarklaustur is the last town before you head out across the black sands towards Jokulsarslon glacial lagoon. There’s a beautiful twin waterfall right in the middle of the village. The river, Fossa, is fed by lake Systravatn which is on top of the mountain, which the waterfall cascades down.

See the small towns in Iceland

If you wish to see the many small towns in South Iceland, just let us know. Our guides are all local experts and know this area very well. Please fill out the form below and we’ll respond as soon as possible.