Travel South Iceland with Heiða

My Iceland

Blue Lagoon employees share their favorite attractions and activities in Iceland.

Travel South Iceland with Heiða

Our employees are a regular treasure trove of knowledge, experiences, and recommendations. Heiða Rakel, a business manager for the hotels Silica and Retreat in our sales department, is a South Coast girl and is happy to share some of her favorite excursions, places, and seasons.

“I’m from Hafnarfjörður,” says Heiða, when asked where she’s from. Hafnarfjörður is part of the capital area, famous for hidden people lore and colorful houses. But Heiða recharges far from the capital. “Since my family has a summer house in the South, I spend quite a bit of time there—especially during spring, summer, and fall. Most days are happily spent around the summer house itself, enjoying the surroundings.” Heiða is a true local, here to offer ideas, recommendations, and insight that can hopefully make your Iceland visit one that you’ll remember forever.

The South Coast

Iceland’s South Coast is the most popular part of the country among visitors—apart from the capital area—and for good reason: This is where you’ll find cherished treasures like Skógafoss and Gljúfrabúi, and the bucket list stops like Gullfoss waterfall and the famous Geysir. Since Heiða is no stranger to these parts, she loves to couple her summer house retreats with nourishing day trips. And she has some great tips: “I’ll head out sightseeing, grab lunch at Friðheimar or other restaurants in the area, relax at a nearby lagoon or swimming pool, and finish the day with dinner outside at the summer house—weather permitting, of course.” We quite agree that the local swimming pools are a treat to visit, and since most people feel hungry after a hearty dip complete with a gossip session in the hot tub, Friðheimar is a wonderful choice. This greenhouse is famous for its tomato production, and you can get a range of tomato-themed meals that make you appreciate this nutrition powerhouse even more. Fun fact: Icelandic greenhouses run on green geothermal energy, meaning the production is sustainable—and delicious.

Heiða’s favorite things

We didn’t envy Heiða when we asked her to name her top 3 favorite spots, but she delivered. With some famous highlights and some lesser-known treasures, Heiða recommends you stop by Seljalandsfoss but make sure you don’t miss its stunning yet more humble neighbor Gljúfrabúi. She also wholeheartedly recommends Sólheimar—the eco-village. “It gives me a ‘feel-good’ feeling thanks to its unique atmosphere and values,” she says, recommending coffee lovers to stop by the local coffee shop and stroll around the village, takeaway-cup in hand.

When it comes to stunning nature a little further afield, Heiða’s quick to answer: “Fjaðrárgljúfur. I was absolutely speechless the first time I went there,” she says and adds that it’s a wonderful place for a walk. “It has plenty of beautiful spots to stop and enjoy a picnic, surrounded by breathtaking scenery.” If that isn’t a glowing recommendation, we don’t know what would be.

Pick your ideal season

Heiða’s partial to summer in the South Coast because of the long days and landscape dressed in vibrant colors. And while summer is a classic travel season for a reason, there’s value in traveling when there are fewer people around. “I love autumn as well,” says Heiða. “My family goes blueberry picking around the summer house. Afterwards, we enjoy Icelandic skyr with sugar, cream, and freshly picked blueberries,” she says and reminisces about this quintessential fall food that, in her mind, is simply the best.

When you pick your season, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• The midnight sun is at its zenith on June 21. Between mid-May and early July, you can enjoy the famous long nights near the Arctic Circle. • If you want to travel when there are fewer around, spring and fall are your safest bet. Obviously, this is due to the fact that most working people and students get their vacation time or breaks around the same time. But if you have the chance and would like to travel around with the added bonus of easier access, March-May and September-early November are a great bet. • Winter weather can vary greatly between areas. You could get perfect, frosty conditions in the North and a howling blizzard in the capital—or vice versa. This unpredictability adds a great sense of adventure, but being prepared for anything and everything is absolutely key. And if you’re not confident driving in snowy conditions, then just book tours with one of many solid tour operators in the country. • And then—the northern lights. A key thing to remember is that the sky needs to be dark for a chance of Aurora visibility. This rules out visits from May-early August.

The secrets that most miss

It’s likely that when you started dreaming about a trip to Iceland, a few visitor favorites made it onto your list. Gullfoss, Geysir, Þingvellir, and the Blue Lagoon are all popular for a reason (we’re so happy to see you all!), but if you want to stretch your vacation a little further and find some brag-worthy spots to spark wanderlust in within your friend group, we can wholeheartedly recommend visiting Þjórsárdalur to see some Viking ruins and the picturesque Háifoss of Stranger Things fame. For something family-friendly, Heiða suggests visiting Efstidalur Farm. “It’s a charming café that serves homemade ice cream and waffles, and you can enjoy it while looking directly into the cow stable,” she says and adds that it’s a perfect and memorable stop for the kids.

Close to nature

The beauty about traveling the South Coast during any season is that you don’t have to venture very far off the beaten track to find something that you’d never expect. Whether you’re an outdoors afficionado, get your kicks chasing waterfalls, or want to dive into history and the Icelandic Sagas, the South Coast is the place to go. And, of course, we look forward to welcoming you to the Blue Lagoon—right when you land, during the middle of your trip, or just before you take off again.