South East Iceland

South East Iceland is a stunning region that offers visitors a chance to experience some of the most breathtaking natural wonders of Iceland. From towering glaciers and glacial lagoons to black sand beaches and volcanic landscapes, South East Iceland has something for everyone. The region is also home to charming towns and villages, each with its unique history and culture. Whether you're interested in hiking, glacier exploration, or simply soaking up the beauty of Iceland's natural wonders, South East Iceland is a must-visit destination.

This is one of the great road trips in Iceland, delivering a cornucopia of varied sights. So you want to see glacial lagoons, a waterfall framed by imposing basalt columns, icebergs glittering on a coal-black beach, and lush green landscapes? You will see all of this and more. One thing I will say, this trip should not be attempted as a single-day trip from Reykjavík. You need two days to do justice to these wonders.

You are driving around Iceland? My advice is to stay the first night near Vík, see the sights as you as you go, then spend your second night in the fishing town of Höfn. In this blog, I'd like to share with you my favorite places in South East Iceland, which you don't want to miss on the trip to Iceland.

Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon 

This steeply dramatic 1.25 mi (2 km) long canyon has been less of a secret since Justin Bieber’s video, I’ll Show You, was filmed there. But you can rest assured there is still an air of untouched mystery about this 328 ft deep swerving canyon. Explore the canyon but keep to the pathways to avoid erosion. Fjaðrárgljúfur began to form after an intense ice age period two million years ago, and over a millennia ice flows carved out the Faðrá river gorge.

You need to turn off Highway 1, not far from Skaftafell, taking Road 206. After 1.49 mi (2.4 km), turn right onto Road F206. From here it is 0.8 mi (1.3 km) to the parking area. F206 is an unsurfaced mountain road. A 4 x 4 is essential in winter, and icy conditions can make the gorge inaccessible.

Kirkjubæjarklaustur

The name, meaning ‘church town monastery’, tells you a lot about the history of this small but lovely town. Benedictine nuns lived the cloistered life here as early as 1186. Kirkjubæjarklaustur is a charming village located in the south of Iceland, nestled between stunning glaciers and lava fields. It is known for its picturesque landscapes, scenic hiking trails, and cultural attractions. Visitors can explore the beautiful Systrafoss waterfall, the hidden canyon of Stjórnarfoss, and the historical Systrastapi hill. Kirkjubæjarklaustur is an ideal destination for those seeking a tranquil escape from Iceland's stunning natural beauty.

Systrafoss

is a delightful waterfall in a lush green landscape. It is fed by the Systravatn Lake – in summer, the cascade tumbling over the cliff edge is augmented by meltwater. A pathway leads up to the lake. I did this short walk in heavy rain but it was still beautiful. Systrafoss is a stunning waterfall located in Kirkjubæjarklaustur, a small village in south Iceland. It is a popular stop for visitors traveling along the Ring Road, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Systrafoss is also steeped in folklore, with a legend that two sisters once lived near the waterfall and were turned to stone for committing a terrible crime.

Kirkjugólf

is a protected monument at Geirland. Although the name means church floor, this is a natural phenomenon. The ‘floor’ is formed from basalt columns, their angles creating very unusual hexagonal patterning. Kirkjugólf is a natural wonder in Iceland that you don't want to miss if you stop at the Kirkjubæjarklaustur area. It's a unique formation of basalt columns that looks like a paved church floor. You can visit Kirkjugólf at any time of the year and take a leisurely stroll around the area to appreciate its natural beauty. Don't forget to bring your camera to capture the stunning landscapes and unique features of Kirkjugólf. Whether you're a nature lover or simply curious about the world around you, Kirkjugólf is a must-visit destination in Iceland.

Skaftafell

From the very first moment, even the trees and greenery that surround the parking lot are so entrancing. Whether you want a gentle stroll or a really demanding hike, one of the paths that radiate from the Visitor Centre will be right for you. You can choose the drama of Kristínatindar Mountain, the valley of Morsárdalur, or the seclusion of Bæjarstaðarskógur, a gorgeous woodland.

On the eastern side, Skaftafell National Park is bordered by one of Iceland’s most powerful volcanoes, Öræfajökull, which rises to Iceland’s highest peak, Hvannadalshnjúkur. Plentiful information about Icelandic life around Skaftafell can be found at the Visitor Centre, as well as an exhibition. More information is available here and a map of the area can be seen here.

Svartifoss

framed by dramatic banks of angular black basalt columns, is a fabulous waterfall. 66 ft tall (20 m), this cascade will, I promise, leave you with a big impression in terms of its beauty, grace, and magnificence. Glistening white water pours over the anthracite blackness of basalt. The walk from the Visitor Centre will take you on an uphill trek of just under a mile (1.5 km). Glorious views await you along the way, including three other waterfalls. The higher you go, the more fabulous the views, so be sure to leave plenty of time for stops to ‘drink’ in the scenery. It is good to allow 45 minutes in each direction. Anyone in reasonable condition can walk to Svartifoss.

Skaftafellsjökull Lagoon

is the lake that has formed at the edge of the receding Skaftafellsjökull glacier. The easy 2.3 mi (3.7 km) walk to the lagoon will take you through a lunar-like landscape, which contrasts dramatically with the scenery around Svartifoss before you glimpse the lake and the ice of the glacier rises behind it. Usually, you will see icebergs in the ever-increasing lake, and often astoundingly beautiful blue ice. Skaftafellsjökull is the tongue of the stupendous Vatnajökull, the largest volume glacier in Europe. The round trip from the Visitor Centre should take about 90 minutes.

Camping at Skaftafell

is available all year on the western side of the site, close to the Visitor Centre where fees are paid for camping. Showers, and toilets, together with laundry, outdoor cooking, and dishwashing facilities, are available. If you arrive late but before 11 pm, you can pay your camping fee the following morning.

Skeiðará Bridge Monument

Twisted iron girders are the only remnants of what was formerly the Skeiðará Bridge, and a nearby information board tells the story. On September 29^th, 1996, the Gjálp eruption caused an enormous glacial flood, one that was unusually powerful even by Icelandic standards. On November 5^th, the ‘ice shell’ surrounding the internal lake within the Grímsvötn caldera ruptured, and a monumental cascade bearing huge blocks of ice and rock took out everything in its path, including the bridge over the original Highway 1.

Hof

The picture postcard church with a turf roof was rebuilt in 1847 by Jón Jakobsson, a local man who farmed the area beneath the Eyjafjöll mountains. The charming traditional buildings that stand at Hof nowadays were built in the shadow of Öræfajökull’s massive volcanic eruption, which destroyed everything here in 1362. Hof is a small village located in the south of Iceland, known for its beautiful natural surroundings and historic landmarks. Visitors can enjoy hiking in the nearby Vatnajökull National Park, exploring the scenic glacial lagoon of Jökulsárlón, and visiting the Hofskirkja church, which dates back to the 19th century. With its picturesque landscapes and rich cultural heritage, Hof offers a unique and unforgettable experience for travelers seeking to explore the beauty of Iceland.

Fjallsárlón Lagoon

This glorious glacial lagoon will show you Iceland’s stunningly pristine ice vistas. Located really close to Highway 1, you just need to look out for the Fjallsárlón Iceberg Boat Tours sign. A boat tour will take you exploring between the icebergs, as a crazily beautiful ice world surrounds you. The scenery changes here, as new icebergs calve from the glacier and the weather shapes the atmosphere.

Enjoy the unique beauty, or arrange a fabulous boat tour.

Jökulsárlón - Glacier Lagoon

This is the glacial lagoon with extreme grandeur! It has been the setting for some famous cinematic footage, including the Bond movies, A View to a Kill, and Die Another Day. The surface area of the lake now covers nearly 6.95 mi² (18 km²), and it is still growing. Unbelievably, the lagoon only began to form around 1934 when the glacier, Breiðamerkurjökull, began to retreat. The icebergs here are larger than life, and many display fabulously rich shades of blue, as the mighty glacier, Vatnajökull, extends into the distance. My boat trip on this lagoon was one of my most sensational experiences ever. This place is probably the most beautiful one in South East Iceland.

Summer boat tours are operated from 1^st May to 15^th October.

Winter ice cave tours are operated from November to March. Exploring a spectacular Vatnajökull ice cave is something no one should miss. These tours sell out fast.

Diamond Beach

Like a stately procession, those icebergs float from the lagoon to the Atlantic Ocean at Breiðmerkursandur, known as the Diamond Beach. Icebergs, even really large ones, are brought up onto the beach by the tide, where they sit on the black sand like a giant and magnificent diamonds. Diamond Beach also known as Breiðamerkursandur, is a unique black sand beach located in southeast Iceland. The beach is famous for its breathtaking scenery and sparkling icebergs that have washed ashore from the nearby Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. It's a popular tourist destination that offers visitors a chance to witness the natural beauty of Iceland up close. The contrast between the dark sand and crystal clear ice creates a magical atmosphere that is truly unforgettable.

Höfn

This coastal town, with views of Vatnajökull glacier, is still a working fishing port, famous for Humarhátíð, its annual lobster festival. Many traditional buildings in Höfn have been turned into restaurants, museums, and gift shops/galleries.

The Vatnajökull National Park Visitor Centre has wonderful information, photographs, and an exhibition. Excellent accommodation is on offer and this is a popular place for two day summer and winter tours to stay overnight. On a private tour, everyone can relax and fully enjoy the terrific scenery.

Restaurants in Höfn include

Humarhöfnin – A specialist lobster and fish restaurant also offering some meat and vegetarian dishes.

Pakkhús – Fish, meat, and vegetarian dishes with a focus on local ingredients.

Kaffi Hornið – Café bar offering fish and meat dishes with some vegetarian options, using local ingredients as much as possible.

Lunches, full evening meals, snacks, drinks, and cakes. All are licensed.