Guide to the Icelandic South Coast
City/town information
Hveragerði is a cute village with a lot of geothermal activity. You can see hot smoke surfacing in various places in an around the town.
Restaurants in the town:
Skyrgerðin is a restaurant located in an old Skyr factory that they have made into a cozy place that serves various great dishes meat, fish and vegan options.
Ölverk is a trendy brewery and pizzeria with great atmosphere, beers and pizzas.
Reykr is a new restaurant located by the Varmá River. Here you can have a fancy night out.
Matkráin serves excellent Scandinavian cuisine, their speciality is Danish Smørrebrod.
Activities in and around the town:
Hveragerði has a great variety of beautiful hikes around the town with Reykjadalur hot river trail being the most famous. Green houses you will see all over the town because of the thermal energy. It can be really fun to look around and see bananas and other fruit not traditionally linked to Iceland grow.
Hveragerði swimming pool is a great for a nice dip as well.
Hellisheiði Power Plant is located about 15min drive from Hveragerði. Here is an exhibition about how Iceland uses thermal energy to heat up our towns and cities and about the interest CO2 capturing projects Carbfix and Climeworks.
39 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Hveragerði
Hveragerði is a cute village with a lot of geothermal activity. You can see hot smoke surfacing in various places in an around the town.
Restaurants in the town:
Skyrgerðin is a restaurant located in an old Skyr factory that they have made into a cozy place that serves various great dishes meat, fish and vegan options.
Ölverk is a trendy brewery and pizzeria with great atmosphere, beers and pizzas.
Reykr is a new restaurant located by the Varmá River. Here you can have a fancy night out.
Matkráin serves excellent Scandinavian cuisine, their speciality is Danish Smørrebrod.
Activities in and around the town:
Hveragerði has a great variety of beautiful hikes around the town with Reykjadalur hot river trail being the most famous. Green houses you will see all over the town because of the thermal energy. It can be really fun to look around and see bananas and other fruit not traditionally linked to Iceland grow.
Hveragerði swimming pool is a great for a nice dip as well.
Hellisheiði Power Plant is located about 15min drive from Hveragerði. Here is an exhibition about how Iceland uses thermal energy to heat up our towns and cities and about the interest CO2 capturing projects Carbfix and Climeworks.
Selfoss is the town closest to the cottage. It is the largest town on the south coast with a population of 9000 people. This town has all basic services you might need: groceries, hospital, pharmacies etc.
For groceries:
Bónus and Krónan are supermarkets with the lowest prices. For vegetarians and vegans as well as intolerances and allergies Krónan has more variety. Nettó is also a good option with a wide selection.
Hagkaup is more expensive and has a variety of quality products.
Vínbúðin is the official liquor store of Iceland. You cannot buy alcoholic beverages in any other stores (you might see Pilsner in supermarkets but in Iceland Pilsner means an alcohol free beer). Vínbúðin is closed on Sundays. Besides that, Selfoss has regular opening hours although many smaller towns do not.
Here are some things to do in the town:
Restaurants in the town:
Mjólkurbúið is a food hall with loads of different food options. Ísey skyrbar (downstairs) serves absolutely delicious Icelandic Skyr dishes which we can highly recommend you try out.
Kaffi krús is located in a cute old house and for example serves nice pizzas, burgers and fish.
Pylsuvagninn Selfoss’s hot dog stand is iconic. It is located on the left side by the water right after you cross the bridge coming from the cottage. Here you have a great variety of excellent hot dogs and veggie options are available.
Tryggvaskáli a Selfoss stable serves seafood, European and Scandinavian dishes.
Krisp is a burger place that serves vegan options.
Ísbúð Huppu offers delicious ice cream. Icelanders eat ice cream all the time any time of the year and we have a word specifically devoted to driving to the ice cream shop called “Ísbíltúr”. For the ultimate experience start with a trip to the swimming pool and drive to the ice cream shop afterwards.
Bókakaffið is a book café with cozy, casual vibes.
Activities in the town:
Skyr museum is located in the Mjólkurbúið. The museum tells our important history of the Skyr and even better you get to try some delicious Skyr as well.
The Bobby Fischer Center. For chess enthusiast (or anyone that watched Queens Gambit) the center houses memorabilia related to the legend player Bobby Fischer. It is only open from June-August.
69 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Selfoss
Selfoss is the town closest to the cottage. It is the largest town on the south coast with a population of 9000 people. This town has all basic services you might need: groceries, hospital, pharmacies etc.
For groceries:
Bónus and Krónan are supermarkets with the lowest prices. For vegetarians and vegans as well as intolerances and allergies Krónan has more variety. Nettó is also a good option with a wide selection.
Hagkaup is more expensive and has a variety of quality products.
Vínbúðin is the official liquor store of Iceland. You cannot buy alcoholic beverages in any other stores (you might see Pilsner in supermarkets but in Iceland Pilsner means an alcohol free beer). Vínbúðin is closed on Sundays. Besides that, Selfoss has regular opening hours although many smaller towns do not.
Here are some things to do in the town:
Restaurants in the town:
Mjólkurbúið is a food hall with loads of different food options. Ísey skyrbar (downstairs) serves absolutely delicious Icelandic Skyr dishes which we can highly recommend you try out.
Kaffi krús is located in a cute old house and for example serves nice pizzas, burgers and fish.
Pylsuvagninn Selfoss’s hot dog stand is iconic. It is located on the left side by the water right after you cross the bridge coming from the cottage. Here you have a great variety of excellent hot dogs and veggie options are available.
Tryggvaskáli a Selfoss stable serves seafood, European and Scandinavian dishes.
Krisp is a burger place that serves vegan options.
Ísbúð Huppu offers delicious ice cream. Icelanders eat ice cream all the time any time of the year and we have a word specifically devoted to driving to the ice cream shop called “Ísbíltúr”. For the ultimate experience start with a trip to the swimming pool and drive to the ice cream shop afterwards.
Bókakaffið is a book café with cozy, casual vibes.
Activities in the town:
Skyr museum is located in the Mjólkurbúið. The museum tells our important history of the Skyr and even better you get to try some delicious Skyr as well.
The Bobby Fischer Center. For chess enthusiast (or anyone that watched Queens Gambit) the center houses memorabilia related to the legend player Bobby Fischer. It is only open from June-August.
Reykjavík is the capital of Iceland and the northernmost capital in the world.
Approx. 120,000 people live in the city and approx. 210,000 people live in the capital region which is almost the 2/3rds of the country’s population.
Activities in Reykjavík:
Hallgrímskirkja church is the #1 tourist attraction in Reykjavík.
The Sun Voyager
Beautiful sculpture by the sea side. Lovely view over the mountain area.
Harpa Concert Hall
This beautiful concert hall is down by the harbour and we recommend that you take a look inside. The architecture is excellent. For events or tours of the building check out the schedule at: www.en.harpa.is
The Old Harbour
There are lots of colorful small boats by the old harbour, lovely restaurants and cozy coffee shops.
The Parliament
Is located at Austurvöllur square. Free city walking tours are operated from the Austurvöllur square daily. Must book in advance. More info: www.citywalk.is.
Museums
Reykjavík has a good collection of museums of all sorts. If you plan on doing a few it could be a good idea to get a Reykjavík citycard. You can get that at tourist information center. To name a few:
Reykjavík Art Museum (3 locations)
National Gallery of Iceland
Icelandic Phallological Museum
Perlan Wonders of Iceland
Thermal Swimming Pools
It’s super nice to relax in one of the many thermally heated swimming pools in Reykjavík. We recommend:
Vesturbæjarlaug pool at Hofsvallargata 107.
Sundhöll Reykjavíkur (closest to the apartment) at Barónstígur 45a.
Laugardalslaug pool at Sundlaugavegur 30.
Sky Lagoon. The newest addition to our endless bathing options. This one is a spa with a 7-step self-care ritual, infinity pool with a gorgeous mountain- and ocean view. Highly recommended!
Shopping
Laugavegur, Skólavörðustígur and Hafnartorg are the main commercial streets. Skólavörðustígur has a lot of small Icelandic design shops.
Shopping malls would be Kringlan and Smáralind.
Mt. Esja
Is the mountain across the city. It takes 20 min. to drive or approx 25 min. The hike itself takes total 3 hours and at the top you can have a great view over the city.
By bus: Bus #57 from Busterminal Mjódd or Ártún going to Esjurætur.
62 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Reykjavík
Reykjavík is the capital of Iceland and the northernmost capital in the world.
Approx. 120,000 people live in the city and approx. 210,000 people live in the capital region which is almost the 2/3rds of the country’s population.
Activities in Reykjavík:
Hallgrímskirkja church is the #1 tourist attraction in Reykjavík.
The Sun Voyager
Beautiful sculpture by the sea side. Lovely view over the mountain area.
Harpa Concert Hall
This beautiful concert hall is down by the harbour and we recommend that you take a look inside. The architecture is excellent. For events or tours of the building check out the schedule at: www.en.harpa.is
The Old Harbour
There are lots of colorful small boats by the old harbour, lovely restaurants and cozy coffee shops.
The Parliament
Is located at Austurvöllur square. Free city walking tours are operated from the Austurvöllur square daily. Must book in advance. More info: www.citywalk.is.
Museums
Reykjavík has a good collection of museums of all sorts. If you plan on doing a few it could be a good idea to get a Reykjavík citycard. You can get that at tourist information center. To name a few:
Reykjavík Art Museum (3 locations)
National Gallery of Iceland
Icelandic Phallological Museum
Perlan Wonders of Iceland
Thermal Swimming Pools
It’s super nice to relax in one of the many thermally heated swimming pools in Reykjavík. We recommend:
Vesturbæjarlaug pool at Hofsvallargata 107.
Sundhöll Reykjavíkur (closest to the apartment) at Barónstígur 45a.
Laugardalslaug pool at Sundlaugavegur 30.
Sky Lagoon. The newest addition to our endless bathing options. This one is a spa with a 7-step self-care ritual, infinity pool with a gorgeous mountain- and ocean view. Highly recommended!
Shopping
Laugavegur, Skólavörðustígur and Hafnartorg are the main commercial streets. Skólavörðustígur has a lot of small Icelandic design shops.
Shopping malls would be Kringlan and Smáralind.
Mt. Esja
Is the mountain across the city. It takes 20 min. to drive or approx 25 min. The hike itself takes total 3 hours and at the top you can have a great view over the city.
By bus: Bus #57 from Busterminal Mjódd or Ártún going to Esjurætur.
Sightseeing
Þingvellir is one of the most important places in Iceland, both for its nature and history. Here you can take a walk between the two techtonic plates, see the beautifully clear river Silfra and and find the ruins of the oldest parliament in the world amongst other activites.
You can go on nature / historic walks with the rangers and in Silfra river that runs in the rift between the two continents, you can do a snorkling or diving tour. The river is known for its incredible clarity and we can highly recommend trying this!
40 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Thingvellir
Þingvellir is one of the most important places in Iceland, both for its nature and history. Here you can take a walk between the two techtonic plates, see the beautifully clear river Silfra and and find the ruins of the oldest parliament in the world amongst other activites.
You can go on nature / historic walks with the rangers and in Silfra river that runs in the rift between the two continents, you can do a snorkling or diving tour. The river is known for its incredible clarity and we can highly recommend trying this!
Gullfoss is part of the Golden Circle alongside Geysir and Þingvellir. Massive and powerfull waterfall with gorgeous views!
283 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Гулльфосс
Gullfoss is part of the Golden Circle alongside Geysir and Þingvellir. Massive and powerfull waterfall with gorgeous views!
Geysir is one of the stops on the Golden Circle. Magnificent geothermal area!
288 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Гейсир
HaukadalsvegurGeysir is one of the stops on the Golden Circle. Magnificent geothermal area!
Seljalandsfoss waterfall is one of the endless waterfalls on the south coast of Iceland. The exceptional feature to this one is that you can take a walk behind it.
160 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Сельяландсфосс
ÞórsmerkurvegurSeljalandsfoss waterfall is one of the endless waterfalls on the south coast of Iceland. The exceptional feature to this one is that you can take a walk behind it.
Skógafoss is a gorgeous fairytale like waterfall on the south coast.
Skógarfoss is also the start of the scenic hiking trail Fimmvörðuháls that leads into Þórsmörk (approx. 25km 6-8h). If you have time and are in Iceland during the summer, this trail is most definitely worthwhile including everything Iceland is known for: endless waterfalls, beautiful glacier views and volcanoes.
110 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Skógafoss Waterfall
Gönguleið um FimmvörðuhálsSkógafoss is a gorgeous fairytale like waterfall on the south coast.
Skógarfoss is also the start of the scenic hiking trail Fimmvörðuháls that leads into Þórsmörk (approx. 25km 6-8h). If you have time and are in Iceland during the summer, this trail is most definitely worthwhile including everything Iceland is known for: endless waterfalls, beautiful glacier views and volcanoes.
Sólheimajökull glacier is a beautiful outlet glacier. You can have a short hike approx. 20 min to get a great view of the glacier or even do a glacier hiking, ice-climbing or kayaking trip in the glacier lake in front of it. We can highly recommend going onto the glacier. The views and landscapes are unreal!
Guiding companies we recommend: Arcanum and Icelandic Mountain Guides.
27 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Солхеймайёкюдль
SólheimajökulsvegurSólheimajökull glacier is a beautiful outlet glacier. You can have a short hike approx. 20 min to get a great view of the glacier or even do a glacier hiking, ice-climbing or kayaking trip in the glacier lake in front of it. We can highly recommend going onto the glacier. The views and landscapes are unreal!
Guiding companies we recommend: Arcanum and Icelandic Mountain Guides.
Reynisfjara is the famous black sand beach on the Icelandic south coast.
Please be careful as the waves can get extremely strong and dangerous.
36 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Reynisfjara
Reynisfjara is the famous black sand beach on the Icelandic south coast.
Please be careful as the waves can get extremely strong and dangerous.
Skaftafell is part of Vatnajökull national park. The area is magnificent with numerous outlet glaciers, beautiful waterfalls and scenic views. Here is a great variety of hiking trails from easy family friendly hikes to more strenuous hikes. Recommendations: Hike up to Svartifoss waterfall, Sjónarnípa trail and Kristínartindar trail.
There are also great options to go on glacier hikes and ice-climbing trips on the outlet glacier in the park, incredible landscapes and beautiful scenes.
We would recommend Icelandic Mountain Guides.
17 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Скафтафедль
Skaftafell is part of Vatnajökull national park. The area is magnificent with numerous outlet glaciers, beautiful waterfalls and scenic views. Here is a great variety of hiking trails from easy family friendly hikes to more strenuous hikes. Recommendations: Hike up to Svartifoss waterfall, Sjónarnípa trail and Kristínartindar trail.
There are also great options to go on glacier hikes and ice-climbing trips on the outlet glacier in the park, incredible landscapes and beautiful scenes.
We would recommend Icelandic Mountain Guides.
This glacier lagoon has made it's way onto various lists in travel magazines for its breathtaking views. Highly recommend paying this beautiful area a visit.
A great option to explore the lagoon is to take a kayaking trip - sometimes cute and curious seals make an appearance.
70 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Jökulsárlón
This glacier lagoon has made it's way onto various lists in travel magazines for its breathtaking views. Highly recommend paying this beautiful area a visit.
A great option to explore the lagoon is to take a kayaking trip - sometimes cute and curious seals make an appearance.
Reykjadalur valley is in Hveragerði town. Hveragerði is a geothermal area. You will see steam coming from the ground at random places even in the town. At the end of the town is approx. 40 min trail to the valley. There are these two rivers one hot and one cold, that meet so you can bathe in the lovely warm river.
Reykjadalur
ReykjadalurReykjadalur valley is in Hveragerði town. Hveragerði is a geothermal area. You will see steam coming from the ground at random places even in the town. At the end of the town is approx. 40 min trail to the valley. There are these two rivers one hot and one cold, that meet so you can bathe in the lovely warm river.
Kerið is a scenic volcanic crater with a pretty lake in the middle. It is located 5 min drive away from the cottage.
113 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Керид Кратер
Kerið is a scenic volcanic crater with a pretty lake in the middle. It is located 5 min drive away from the cottage.
Рекомендации для путешественников
Транспорт
Driving in Iceland
Public transport is unfortunately not a great way to get around in Iceland. For almost all sightseeing it is better to rent a car (usually the cheapest option) or take a guided tour. In the summer there are a few more options such as Hop on Hop of buses along the main roads in Iceland and a few more public buses routes open.
All main roads are well maintained in Iceland throughout the year. However, because of the ever-changing weather we strongly advice you to go to www.road.is to check the conditions of the roads before heading out.
The speed limit on the main roads is 90km. There are not
Что взять с собой
Pack for every weather
Iceland does not have your traditional four seasons. The weather changes very fast so you can end up having the four seasons hitting in one day.
In the summer you maybe don't have to expect a snowstorm however but we recommend you bring some warm layers and always be prepared for rain and wind.
We don't want to discourage you however from coming, we also get beautiful warm, sunny days (June-August the warmest months) and of course a great amount of daylight.
Обычаи и культура
Drinking water
Icelandic water is very clean and you can drink water straight from the tap. Icelanders never use bottled water so there is no need to buy water from stores: cheaper and eco-friendlier :)
Drinking water from rivers or lakes is also completely fine. Just skip the glacier rivers - they are white in color and carry a lot of sediments.
The hot water in Iceland is a natural source. For many visitors the hot water has a smell but don't worry it is just the sulphur in the water.