Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
Also known as Feather River Canyon, a coat of emerald moss covers almost every inch of this remarkable scar across the South Coast destination during summer months. Created by thousands of years of streaming deep-blue glacial water cutting through dark bedrock, the resulting ravishing ravine is popular with hikers and photographers. If you experience a certain sense of familiarity here, it may be because you’ve seen it as the backdrop in a very famous cable network show set within an imaginary realm of fire and ice.
Rauðasandur Beach
With 10 kilometers of golden red-tinged sands to explore during low tide, Rauðasandur Beach is a beachcombing paradise of epic proportions. Known for its red sand and tranquil remoteness, this is a place where migrating whales can be spotted offshore alongside the occasional whale bones onshore. Be prepared to drive carefully along a steep and narrow gravel road to the beach, one requiring constant attention and slow speeds.
Hornstrandir Nature Reserve
If peace and quiet rank high on your list and you identify as a capable backcountry backpacker, this nature reserve offers the opportunity to experience a section of Iceland left mostly untouched by human habitation for the last 70 years. Home to the country’s largest colony of Arctic foxes, alongside a unique abundance of endemic flora and fauna, Hornstrandir Nature Reserve’s ecosystem is popular with birders and nature photographers. Camping gear and proper attire are required before entering, as there are no shops available in Hornstrandir.