Because of budget constraints, I didn't stay long in Iceland. However, despite my short stay I enjoyed every second of it.
South Iceland
Iceland is home to numerous waterfalls and breathtaking landscapes. The southern region showcases the contrast of the country through the combination of geothermal heat and freezing temperatures. I couldn't help but gape at the views I saw en route to each stop. I was lucky the weather was clear during my trip. You'll need more than just a day to see the natural attractions of Iceland's south coast. However, I did get to see some of its highlights during my excursion.
You can read my other posts about Iceland here:
South Iceland Day Trip from Reykjavik
You have the option to explore the region on your own or join a tour. I did the latter because renting a car as a solo traveler in Iceland is very expensive.
By Private Vehicle
You can explore South Iceland and other regions on your own. You can rent a vehicle for roughly US$400 for three days. You'll have to ask if the price includes insurance or not. You'll also have to pay for parking, entrance fees, and others for some places. The price might be higher or lower for different types of vehicles. If you need one for the highlands, you might need to pay more. In my opinion, the only way you can save money is if you maximize the vehicle's occupancy. You can look for cars online and compare prices. You can also rent on the day you arrive. You might need to book a rental early if you plan on visiting during the summer.
Join a Tour
If you're traveling alone, you might want to consider joining a tour. I booked one online through GetYourGuide.
You can join a tour here: South Iceland tour
Exploring South Iceland
The tour started with a scenic drive with spectacular landscapes along the way. Our first stop was Skogafoss. Its one of the largest waterfalls in the country with a width of around 15m and a height of 60m. The powerful cascade sprays water as you get closer to it. Stand as close to it as possible, if you don't mind getting wet. You can walk up the nearby stairs to get a view from above.
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach was a definite highlight of our trip.
The volcanic shoreline is a sight to behold. It's also an ideal spot for seeing puffins. However, the waves can sneak up on visitors because it might suddenly surge. So it's better to stay away from the shore as much as possible.
The southern region also has glaciers you can visit for a short time while on the tour, one of which is Solheimajokull Glacier. You can book a specific tour that allows you to hike up the glacier instead of just viewing it from a distance. However, you'll need to use the appropriate gear to do so. Viewing the glacier from the edge of the walking path was still good for me.
Seljalandsfoss was another stop included in the itinerary of the tour I joined.
One of many waterfalls in Iceland, Seljalandsfoss allows visitors to go behind its cascade (that's if you don't mind getting wet). It's around 60m high.
The drive through the southern region also provides stunning views of the landscape. I kept looking out the window as our bus made its way from one destination to the next. The South Iceland tour was one for the books and I wouldn't mind returning.
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