How to Spend a Magical Weekend in South Iceland

Planning a visit to Iceland and fancy the idea of a visit to the Golden Circle and the delightful scenery of the south coast? Black Sand Hotel is the ideal base for a weekend away and in just two days you can see some of the country’s most remarkable sights. We’ve put together an itinerary that shows you how to maximise your time to make this an unforgettable trip. Be warned though: Iceland is an addictive place and you’ll want to come back for more.

Day 1

The Golden Circle

Set out from the hotel this morning to tackle one of Iceland’s most exciting driving routes: the Golden Circle. This sightseeing region loops through some of the most well-known and magnificent sights in South Iceland and is an unmissable part of any trip. As the Black Sand Hotel is located so close to it you’ll be able to maximise your time marvelling at what the area has to offer.

As you are approaching from the south on the 35, the first place you’ll reach is Kerið crater. This photogenic hollow was formed around 3000 years ago when a volcano’s magma chamber emptied, causing a dramatic collapse. Today it’s characterised by its extraordinary colours. The vivid blue of the water that fills this depression is set off to perfection by the rich red of the rock that rises from it to form a steep bowl-like landform.

Backtrack slightly to the junction with the 36 to continue to drive northwards into the Golden Circle region. Set your sights on perhaps the most culturally significant place in Iceland: Þingvellir. Now a national park, this place was where Iceland’s first parliament met more than a thousand years ago. The Alþing convened here to debate matters of importance and make policy until eventually parliamentary functions moved to Reykjavik.

Yet though the place positively oozes history as you stroll from the car park down into the Almannagjá fault, this isn’t the only reason to come here. This fascinating place is also a must for its remarkable geology, immediately apparent as you amble down into the steep sided gorge, visit tucked away waterfalls such as Öxarárfoss and perhaps snorkel the crystal clear but icy waters of Silfra Fissure, filtered by the surrounding bedrock.

It’s perhaps hard to imagine dragging yourself away from a place such as this but there are two other incredible sights that will impress as much. The first, reached in under an hour, is Geysir Geothermal Area. There are many geothermally active regions in Iceland but only one boasts Strokkur. This fabulous geyser erupts every few minutes, sending a jet of superheated water and steam high into the air to the delight of a waiting crowd.

Completing the trio is Gullfoss Waterfall. This is one of the most powerful waterfalls in the country and massive quantities spill over a double drop on the Hvitá River. Nature really puts on a show here and you can get close enough to the edge of the falls to experience the spray – bring a rainproof jacket  if you don’t want to make the return journey back to the hotel in soaking wet clothes.

Geothermal baths: an essential experience while visiting the Golden Circle

Whichever route you take through the Golden Circle region, you’ll want to visit at least one of Iceland’s famous geothermal baths. These vary considerably: some are sleek, stylish and sophisticated while others offer a more rustic experience. Each has its merits and no matter which one you settle on, it’s sure to be something you’ll talk about long after you return home.

The good news is that as the Golden Circle region is geothermally active, there is plenty of choice so that you can find the setting that’s just right for you. Let’s take a look at some of the options:

• Laugarvatn Fontana

One of the most popular spas within the Golden Circle region is Laugarvatn Fontana. This comfortable option is probably best described as mid-range. There are hot pools which overlook a scenic lake, and if you get too hot you can cool off with a dip in the lake itself. It also offers a geothermal bakery add-on where you can learn how rúgbrauð (traditional rye bread) is baked and taste this delicious steaming treat right after it’s been pulled out of the hot sand.

• Secret Lagoon

Secret Lagoon is thought to be the oldest swimming pool in Iceland. You’ll hear Icelanders refer to it as Gamla Laugin, and the first locals took a dip here way back in 1891. You’ll find it at Hverahólmi, a geothermal area near Flúðir, and it receives a steady stream of sulphur-rich hot water from Vaðmálahver, Básahver and Litli Geysir. The latter, while no match for Strokkur, is an active geyser which spouts every few minutes.

• Laugarás Lagoon

Late summer 2025, a new geothermal pool opens and this one will inject a dash of luxury into the area’s offerings. Architect-designed, its skilful use of natural wood and other materials ensures it blends seamlessly into its surroundings. The infinity edge pool spans two levels and there’s also a sauna. It’s likely to be popular with the tourist market, so you’ll enjoy bragging rights as one of the first to enjoy its facilities.

• The Reykjadalur Valley

At the complete opposite end of the spectrum but no less enticing is the hot water river that flows through the Reykjadalur valley. The trailhead is located barely half an hour’s drive from Black Sand Hotel but you’ll need to tackle a 45 minute hike to venture steadily upstream. When you reach a series of boardwalks lining the river, you’ll have arrived at the bathing spot. As steam rises, you’ll enjoy a spectacular backdrop of Icelandic nature at its glorious best – definitely worth the walk.

Day 2

The South Coast

If you thought the Golden Circle was impressive, wait until you travel east along Iceland’s extraordinary south coast. This part of the country is a magnet for tourists and you won’t  be disappointed. We’d suggest making the first stop after leaving the hotel Seljalandsfoss; this jaw-dropping waterfall is a popular visitor attraction as you can venture behind the curtain of water.

Skógafoss is barely 20 minutes further east, and if you’re in any doubt as to the wisdom of calling in at another waterfall you’ll see why it’s a must immediately you lay eyes on it. Set back from the ring road but clearly visible, a rainbow (sometimes double) often forms over the falls. Spend enough time there to climb the steps beside Skógafoss to look out over the south coast from the top.

Iceland’s most infamous beach, Reynisfjara, is located just before the charming tourist base of Vik. It is less than two hours by car from the hotel so be sure to add this strip of black volcanic sand to your plans. It boasts a massive cave flanked by towering basalt columns and also an uninterrupted view of Reynisdrangar, the craggy sea stacks that you see just offshore.

But the reason Reynisfjara hits the headlines is altogether more sinister – the sneaker waves that occasionally pound the coast here can sweep a person off their feet, sometimes with tragic consequences. A warning system is in place; make sure you always heed advice and never turn your back on the waves.

You might also want to make a stop at neighbouring Dyrhólaey. This peninsula juts out to sea and the ocean has eroded a huge arch. To give you an idea of the scale, once a daredevil pilot flew a small plane right through it, but we wouldn’t advise anyone to do the same. In summer, however, it’s a good place for birdwatching and you might catch sight of some of Iceland’s most enchanting seasonal visitors, the comical clumsy puffins that come here to nest and rear their chicks.

Theoretically it’s possible to reach Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon on a day out from Black Sand Hotel; the drive time each way is around 4 hours. That’s a lot of time in the car, though you’ll pass wonderful glaciers and moss-covered lava fields as you drive east along the ring road.

This particular iceberg-strewn lagoon is one of the most beautiful in the country and in summer boat trips are a good way to get a closer look – sometimes seals are spotted in the water. At nearby Diamond Beach, Atlantic breakers wash some of the icebergs back onto the volcanic sand where they slowly dissolve away.

Slightly closer but equally magical is one of Iceland’s most accessible yet gorgeous canyons: Fjaðrárgljúfur. This is sometimes referred to as Justin Bieber canyon as the singer once shot a video here. Its moss-covered interlocking spurs, vertiginously steep walls and impossibly tiny stream make this a delightful spot for a hike.

Iceland’s majestic glaciers: an essential experience while visiting the South Coast

Whether you choose to drive all the way to Jökulsárlón and back or turn around at Vik is likely to be determined by a number of factors. The first of these is the time of year, which has a bearing on the amount of daylight you can expect. Weather may also play a role, though conditions can change quickly so even if it’s raining at Vik there’s no reason to assume the weather will be the same farther east.

Nevertheless, there are plenty of sightseeing and activity opportunities in and around Vik, largely thanks to its location close to Mýrdalsjökull Glacier which looms large above it. This is a great place to come if you have dreamed of setting foot inside an ice cave; usually it’s possible to do so here on an organised tour year-round, but local tour providers will advise you.

Hiking across the surface of a glacier is also a possibility. Again the element of danger means it’s only possible to do so with an experienced, qualified guide. But for adventurous travellers, the chance to traverse the uneven surface of the glacier and peer down into ice blue crevasses is an unmissable opportunity to get acquainted with some of the most dramatic of Iceland’s landscapes.

Alternatively, get the adrenaline racing as you join a snowmobile tour across Mýrdalsjökull. It’s a fun way to cover more ground than you would be able to on foot. As you pause for a break your guide will point out features of interest and give you time to absorb the incredible view.

On both days, though you’ll need to accept you won’t see everything, you’ll see plenty of remarkable sights. Basing yourself at Black Sand Hotel brings you closer to these two extraordinary parts of the country and helps ensure you’ll have a memorable trip and stories that you’ll be keen to share with friends and family back home. And when you’re ready to see more (as we’re confident you will), we’ll be here waiting to welcome you back for a return trip that’s just as fun.