8 Days Along the South Rim of IcelandI traveled to the southern rim of Iceland for 8-10 days. This is one of the most majestic places I have ever visited, to this day... from the blue ice caves of Votnajökull glacier to the gushing waterfalls of the Golden Circle, this is a must-visit destination! Authorskatherinebeard
DestinationsIcelandItinerary

STAYS

Hotel Hafnarfjall
Just outside of Reykjavik, this hotel complete with cozy rooms, mountain views, and a jacuzzi is the perfect home base for adventures in this region. Visit spots like the Glymur Waterfall or Landbrotalaug Hot Springs!
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Fosshotel Vatnajökull
A convenient and beautiful stay once you arrive on the east side of the island.
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Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon
This modern hotel has clean rooms, a super convenient location, restaurant on-site, and even a waterfall in the backyard that you can hike to!
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Nest Apartments
These adorable apartment stays are right in downtown. They make walking around the city, exploring easy and convenient.
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Sel Guesthouse
These quaint guesthouses are perfect for a quiet stay amidst the amazing Icelantic landscapes. Admire the mountains off in the distance as the sun goes down.
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Hótel Eldhestar
A convenient and beautiful stay once you arrive on the east side of the island.
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DAY ONE

Nest Apartments
These adorable apartment stays are right in downtown. They make walking around the city, exploring easy and convenient.
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Harpa
Visit this iconic concert hall / conference center known for its glass facade resembling a honeycomb! It has beautiful views of downtown.
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Hallgrimskirkja
A striking Lutheran parish church in the heart of Reykjavik. It's architecture was inspired by Icelantic landscapes!
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Fótógrafí
A cute little photography shop with film and old cameras everywhere, records playing tunes in the background. A total gem.
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Brauð & Co
You have to grab Icelandic bread and buns here on your first day. Pack a few for the road!
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Blue Lagoon
Take a dip in the famous geothermal, milky-blue, mineral waters amidst the lava fields just outside of Reykjavik.
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Brimketill Lava Rock Pool
Hit the coast and see the crashing waves along this lava rock pool site!
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DAY TWO

Hotel Hafnarfjall
Just outside of Reykjavik, this hotel complete with cozy rooms, mountain views, and a jacuzzi is the perfect home base for adventures in this region. Visit spots like the Glymur Waterfall or Landbrotalaug Hot Springs!
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Landbrotalaug Hot Springs
Soak in these small hot springs with a beautiful mountain view. They are free!
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Glymur Waterfall
Visit this freefalling waterfall and stand in awe as the water cascades down.
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Kirkjufellsfoss
This iconic waterfall and peak combination are a must-stop when in the Northwest of Iceland. It is an iconic photo spot and sooo beautiful.
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DAY THREE

Hótel Eldhestar
A convenient and beautiful stay once you arrive on the east side of the island.
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Gullfoss Waterfall Lookout
This waterfall is two-tiered and has played a huge roll in sustainable energy and conservation in Iceland. It is a must-see in the Golden Circle.
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Hrunalaug Hot Spring
A hidden gem hot spring that gives visitors a tranquil and natural bathing experience in the open!
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Sel Guesthouse
These quaint guesthouses are perfect for a quiet stay amidst the amazing Icelantic landscapes. Admire the mountains off in the distance as the sun goes down.
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Thingvellir National park service centre
Visit this NP and UNESCO World Heritage site known as the site of Iceland's very first parliament and the stunning geological formations between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates.
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Þingvallakirkja (Þingvellir church)
Snap some photos of this historic church in the NP!
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DAY FOUR

Seljalandsfoss
Hike behind this famous waterfall at sunrise for an unforgettable sight. It is so magical to feel the power of the rushing water.
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Skógafoss
This waterfall has been featured in music videos, stories, films, and more throughout its history. It's no wonder, visitors can hike right up to the base and feel the mist hit their cheeks!
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Rutshellir Caves
Once lava tubes, then used by early settlers (and even rumored to have been a hideout for outlaws), visit these unique structures along your road trip.
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Dyrhólaey
Look out over this viewpoint at the famous rock arch over the icy blue waters. A great spot for photos!
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Solheimasandur Plane Wreck
This US Navy DC-3 airplane crashed on this black sand beach in 1973! The hike is relatively flat and about 5 miles long.
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Reynisfjara Beach
Explore this famous black sand beach with its climbable and towering basalt columns along the water. Be careful of the powerful waves here!
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Fjaðrárgljúfur
Justin Bieber filmed his music video here, and it is welllll worth visiting. The undulating canyon walls are beautiful with the turquoise river running through.
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DAY FIVE

Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon
This modern hotel has clean rooms, a super convenient location, restaurant on-site, and even a waterfall in the backyard that you can hike to!
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Svartifoss
A short hike leads you to this gushing waterfall with hexagonal rocks framing it from behind. So unique.
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Skaftafell
Another waterfall nearby that has the same hexagonal rock patterns. You can hike to the base of this falls to get up close to it!
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Diamond Beach
One of my favorite stops on this "road trip," along the Southern Coast. Diamond Beach boasts glacial pieces that float from the lagoon to open waters in every shade of blue imaginable.
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Ice Cave Captured - Professional Photos Included
Seeing the ice caves in Iceland is an absolure bucket list item! They are even more blue than you can imagine.
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Adventurous Vatnajökull Glacier Exploration - Full Day Hike
Take a guided hike across the largest glacier in iceland. In the winter you can sometimes see the famous, blue ice caves! One of my favorite experiences from this whole trip.
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Fjallsárlón
A blue lagoon up against the Votnajökull glacier that hosts pieces of all shapes and sizes floating around in it.
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Svínafellsjökull
Another Icelantic glacier, there are beautiful viewpoints that you can hike to allwoing you to take in the sheer size of this ice!
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DAY SIX

Fosshotel Vatnajökull
A convenient and beautiful stay once you arrive on the east side of the island.
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Hoffell Hot Tubs
After exploring the Vatnajökkull glacier, dip into these hot tubs to relax your muscles.
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Vestrahorn
Head out to the coast to view the iconic mountains turn golden as the sun sets here. The black sand and crashing waves make this absolutely magical.
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Stokksnes
Head out to this peninsula to view Vestrahorn mountain. The coastline is absolutely jaw dropping here!
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OTHER EXPERIENCES

Private South Coast Adventure – Design Your Icelandic Journey
Don't worry about driving on this private day tour of the South Coast where you will see iconic falls like Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, and Gljúfrabúi, along with the black sand beaches of Reynisfjara, and more!
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Private Silfra Snorkeling 6 p. group - Meet on Location - with Underwater Photos
Something on my wishlist for this trip! Swim between two tectonic plates on this snorkeling excursion just outside of Reykjavík.
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South Coast | Private Tour | PRO Photo Package included
Don't worry about driving with this private tour of the South coast. Your guide will show you all the hotspots and take professional photos of you along the way!
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