South-East Iceland: 10 Incredible Spots To Explore
Last Updated: Jun 26, 2023
Reading Time: 6 minutes
By: Shaun
The south coast of Iceland is a region of stunning natural beauty and some of the country’s top attractions. In our previous post, we took a look at the best places to visit in the south west, where we looked at attractions like Reynisfjara, Seljalandsfoss, and Skogafoss, so it was only natural to also cover the other side of Iceland’s south coast.
The main town in this part of Iceland is Hofn, a small fishing village that is known for its delicious seafood. Hofn is also a good base for exploring the surrounding region, so let us explore together the 10 Best Places to Visit on Iceland’s South-East Coast.
What are the best things you can do in Iceland’s South-East Coast?
1. Hengifoss
Hengifoss | Image by Severin.stalder on Wikimedia Commons
We start our list with Hengifoss which is known for its unique geology and towering height, making it one of the most impressive waterfalls in the country.
Hengifoss stands at a height of 118 metres (387 feet), which makes it the third-tallest waterfall in Iceland, and it is situated in the Hengifossá River, which flows through a beautiful canyon before plunging over the edge of the cliff.
The walls of the canyon are lined with layers of basalt and sandstone, which have been carved by the flow of the river over time. This created a stunning effect, with the dark basalt contrasting sharply with the lighter-colored sandstone.
2. Petra’s Stone Collection
Petra's Stone Collection | Image by Andrew Bowden on Flickr
While driving down the east coast of Iceland, one can take a break and visit Petra’s Stone Collection. This museum exhibits the extensive collection of stones collected over decades by Petra Sveinsdottir. This extensive collection shows the amazing geological diversity that makes up the island.
3. Hvalnes
Hvalnes | Image by Steve Batch 61 on Flickr
Hvalnes is a small peninsula located on the eastern coast of Iceland. It is known for its stunning natural beauty and rich history.
The peninsula is named after the whales that are often spotted off its shores. In fact, Hvalnes is one of the best places in Iceland to see these magnificent creatures up close. Visitors can take boat tours to see the whales in their natural habitat or even go whale watching from the shore.
Weather permitting, you can visit the Hvalnes lighthouse, which is situated on a small hill and provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Further down the road, one can then visit Hvalnes Beach, which is a long stretch of black sand beach backed by tall cliffs and rolling hills.
4. Jökulsárlón
Jökulsárlón | Image by zen whisk on Flickr
A must-see entry on any itinerary to Iceland is the glacial lagoon of Jökulsárlón. The site was formed by the melting of the Vatnajökull glacier, which is the largest glacier in Europe. As the glacier melts, it creates a large lagoon filled with icebergs of various sizes. These icebergs, which range in colour from deep blue to milky white, create a beautiful and otherworldly landscape.
At Jökulsárlón you can take a boat tour, which allows visitors to get up close to the icebergs and see the lagoon from a unique perspective. These tours are available from the nearby Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Visitor Centre, and they provide a truly unforgettable experience. In addition to boat tours, the area around Jökulsárlón also offers a number of other activities, such as hiking, fishing and even ice caving.
5. Diamond Beach
Diamond Beach | Image by Raphael Panhuber on Flickr
The icebergs that make up Jökulsárlón eventually make it out to sea. A number of these icebergs get washed up on the nearby Diamond Beach, creating a truly unique and otherworldly landscape. The beach gets its name because the icebergs look like giant diamonds as they get sculpted by the wind and waves.
This site is one of Iceland’s most famous locations and just minutes away from the glacier lagoon, so no trip to the area is complete without a stop at this beach.
6. Svartifoss
Svartifoss | Image by Theo Crazzolara on Flickr
Svartifoss, also known as the “Black Fall”, is a beautiful and unique waterfall located in Skaftafell Nature Reserve, which is part of the greater Vatnajökull National Park. This picturesque waterfall is known for its dark basalt columns, which provide a stunning contrast to the white water as it tumbles over the cliff.
The waterfall can be reached by a short hike from the visitor centre. The hike itself is an enjoyable experience, as it takes visitors through a beautiful landscape of lush greenery and towering rock formations.
When visitors reach the falls, they are treated to a truly breathtaking sight. The water cascades over the basalt columns, creating a mesmerising effect as it tumbles down into the pool below. The dark basalt columns are a striking feature of the falls, and they are believed to have been formed over thousands of years as the lava from nearby volcanic eruptions cooled and solidified.
7. Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
Fjaðrárgljúfur | Image by Theo Crazzolara on Flickr
Fjaðrárgljúfur is a canyon that was formed over thousands of years by the flow of the Fjaðrá river. The flow of the river eroded a deep, narrow valley across the surrounding countryside, creating sharp cliffs and high walls. The result is a genuinely spectacular scene with the canyon creating a stunning contrast to the flat and wide farmland.
The canyon is a great place for hiking with various trails which will take you through its scenic landscape. There are also opportunities for fishing, birdwatching and even rock climbing.
8. Yoda Cave
Yoda Cave | Image by ArtHouse Studio on Pexels
The Yoda Cave (the site is actually called Gígjagjá) is a geological formation located 15 kilometres (9.3 miles) from the town of Vik. The site got its nickname because the shape of the cave resembles the famous Star Wars character Yoda.
The Yoda Cave is actually a lava tube formed by molten lava flowing underground and then cooling and solidifying. Over time, the surface of the lava tube has eroded away, leaving a deep and spacious cave. The cave is filled with a variety of interesting features like stalactites and stalagmites.
9. Vik
Vik | Image by Matt Hardy on Pexels
Vik is the southernmost village in Iceland and served as the backdrop for the Icelandic Netflix sci-fi series Katla, which was filmed on location in Vik and its surroundings.
The show takes its name from the nearby Katla glacier volcano, which last erupted in 1918 and is due for another eruption any day, which would definitely be catastrophic to this little town.
10. Icelandic Lava Show
The Icelandic Lava Show is the only live lava show in the world. Situated in the picturesque town of Vik, this unique show will get you up close and personal with what it would feel like to be standing right beside a volcanic lava flow.
One of the most surprising aspects of the Icelandic Lava Show is the intense heat that radiates from the lava. The temperature in the room will quickly rise making it difficult to do anything but sit and watch in awe as the lava cools before your eyes. It goes from bright orange to grey to black, providing a sensory experience unlike any other.
Conclusion
The Iceland’s South-East Coast offer a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors. From stunning natural wonders to charming towns and unique cultural experiences, this region is truly spectacular.
Whether you’re a nature lover or just looking for a relaxing getaway, be sure to add Iceland’s south-east coast to your travel bucket list.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit Iceland's South-East Coast?
The best time to visit Iceland's South-East Coast is during the summer months (June-August), when the weather is milder and the days are longer. However, visitors can also enjoy the region's beauty during the winter months (December-February), when they can witness the Northern Lights and enjoy winter activities like skiing and snowmobiling.
Are there any guided tours available for the Best Places to Visit in Iceland's South-East Coast?
Yes, there are several guided tours available that can take visitors to the top attractions in the South-East Coast region. These tours can be a great way to learn about the area's history, culture, and natural wonders, while also enjoying the convenience of having a knowledgeable guide.
Are there any cultural events or festivals in Iceland's South-East Coast?
Yes, there are several cultural events and festivals that take place in the South-East Coast region throughout the year. These events can be a great way to experience the local culture and traditions, and include things like music festivals, art exhibitions, and cultural celebrations.
