My Iceland: The South Coast with a local

Discover insider tips for exploring the South Coast of Iceland with a local perspective from Heiða Rakel, a Blue Lagoon employee. This guide covers must-see attractions along with hidden gems, local bathing culture, Icelandic food experiences, and seasonal travel advice. Learn the best time to visit Iceland and how to plan an unforgettable South Iceland road trip.

Local expert tips for visiting the South Coast of Iceland

Our employees are a valuable source of local knowledge, travel tips, and recommendations for anyone planning a trip to Iceland. Heiða Rakel, a business manager for the hotels Silica and Retreat at Blue Lagoon, is a South Coast girl and is happy to share some insider advice on exploring the Southern region, including her favorite excursions, attractions, and best seasons to visit.

“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, offering authentic recommendations, travel insights, and personal tips to help visitors discover the best things to do on the South Coast of Iceland and plan a memorable Iceland itinerary, ultimately helping make your Iceland visit one you’ll remember forever.

Popular stops along the South Coast of Iceland

The South Coast is one of the most visited travel regions in Iceland, and for good reason. This area is known for its dramatic waterfalls, geothermal attractions, black sand beaches, and scenic road trip routes. The area is known for its dramatic waterfalls, geothermal attractions, black sand beaches, and scenic road trip routes. Located within easy driving distance from Reykjavík, South Iceland is home to some of the country’s most famous natural landmarks and bucket-list attractions, including Skógafoss, Gullfoss waterfall, and the world-famous Geysir geothermal area.

Bathing culture and local cuisine recommended by a local

Heiða is no stranger to these parts. Having spent years exploring South Iceland, she loves to couple her summer house retreats with nourishing day trips to some of the region’s top attractions. 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.”

One of Heiða’s top recommendations is visiting Iceland’s local swimming pools and hot tubs, which are an important part of Icelandic culture and a great way to unwind after a day of sightseeing on the South Coast. Since most people feel hungry after a hearty dip complete with a gossip session in the hot tub, Friðheimar is a must-visit restaurant for food-lovers. 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, the famous waterfall you can walk behind, but make sure you don’t miss its stunning yet more humble neighbor Gljúfrabúi.

She also wholeheartedly recommends visiting the eco-village Sólheimar, known for its sustainable living and peaceful atmosphere. “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.

For travelers looking to explore dramatic Icelandic nature further afield, Heiða’s quick to answer: “Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon, one of South Iceland’s most breathtaking natural attractions, ideal for hiking, photography, and scenic viewpoints. 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.

Top 3 places in South Iceland:

• Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi waterfalls

• Sólheimar eco-village

• Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon

Pick your ideal season for visiting the South of Iceland

Heiða’s prefers to summer in the South Coast because of the long days and landscape dressed in vibrant colors. And while summer is a popular 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.

Iceland travel seasons: What to know before you go

Summer (midnight sun)

The midnight sun reaches its peak on June 21. Between mid-May and early July, you can enjoy the famous long nights near the Arctic Circle.

Spring and autumn (fewer crowds)

For fewer tourists and easier access to popular South Iceland attractions, spring (March-May) and fall (September-early November) 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 explore with the added bonus of easier access, these shoulder seasons offer a good balance of manageable travel conditions and lower visitor numbers.

Winter (adventurous)

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 is part of the Iceland travel experience, and adds a sense of adventure. But it’s important to be well-prepared. If you are not comfortable driving in snowy winter conditions, joining guided tours with experienced local operators is highly recommended.

Aurora season

And then—the northern lights. A key thing to remember is that the sky needs to be dark for a chance to see the Aurora. This means aurora visibility is generally not possible from mid-May to early August due to the bright summer nights. The best time for northern lights tours in Iceland is during the darker months of the year.

The secrets that most visitors miss

It’s likely that when you started dreaming about a trip to Iceland, a few world-famous attractions and visitor favorites made it onto your list, such as Gullfoss, Geysir, Þingvellir, and the Blue Lagoon. These Golden Circle and South Iceland highlights 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, Iceland is also full of lesser-known hidden gems.

We can wholeheartedly recommend visiting Þjórsárdalur valley where you can explore scenic landscapes and historical Viking-era ruins, and the picturesque Háifoss waterfall 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 South Iceland 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. In fact, South Iceland is one of the easiest places in Iceland to experience dramatic nature without going far off the main road.

Whether you’re an outdoors afficionado, get your kicks chasing waterfalls, or want to dive into history and the Icelandic Sagas, the South 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.