Luxury adventure on Iceland’s South Shore
Waterfalls tumbling over mossy cliffs, black-sand beaches facing the open Atlantic and glacier lagoons scattered with icebergs – Iceland’s South Shore is where many of the country’s most iconic landscapes meet. This is how we love to introduce private guests to the region, with polished stays, thoughtful pacing and quietly spectacular days outdoors.
Why visit the South Shore?
The South Shore combines some of Iceland’s most dramatic scenery with relatively easy travelling. In a single day you can stand behind a thundering waterfall, walk barefoot on black sand and watch icebergs drift slowly out to sea – then return to a warm, light-filled suite and dinner built around local ingredients.
Distances are manageable, making the region ideal for families, first-time visitors and anyone who prefers fewer hotel changes. With the right planning, we can keep the days unhurried while still weaving in memorable experiences and quiet corners far from the main crowds.
Luxury accommodations on the South Shore
We curate a small collection of lodges and hotels that pair characterful design with easy access to the region’s highlights. A few favourites:
- Hótel Skálakot Manor – A manor-style retreat on a working farm, with warmly styled rooms and wide-angle views over the surrounding hills.
- Hótel Rangá – A long-time PTI favourite for aurora watching, with riverside hot tubs and cosy lounges perfect for post-adventure evenings.
- Hótel Jökulsárlón – A contemporary base near the glacier lagoons, ideal for guests wanting to wake up close to the ice.
- Umi Hotel – Intimate, design-led rooms tucked between mountains and ocean, with an unforgettable shoreline just steps away.
Tell us the style that feels most like you – sleek, romantic, playful or quietly remote – and we’ll recommend the stays that best match your journey.
Must-see destinations on the South Shore
The South Shore is a string of show-stopper landscapes. We’ll shape each day to your pace and preferences, mixing headline sights with quieter local stops:
- Seljalandsfoss & Skógafoss – Two of Iceland’s most photographed waterfalls. We’ll time your visit to dodge the heaviest crowds whenever possible.
- Reynisfjara black-sand beach – Basalt cliffs, crashing surf and sea stacks out in the waves; best experienced with a local guide who knows the tides.
- Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon & Diamond Beach – Icebergs drifting out to sea and glittering shards of ice scattered along the shore.
- Sólheimajökull glacier – A gentle introduction to glacier hiking, with routes suited to different comfort levels.
Exclusive experiences for the luxury traveller
Beyond the classic stops, we can layer in private experiences that bring the South Shore into sharper focus and keep the days feeling quietly special.
- Helicopter tours – Lift off for aerial views of waterfalls, glaciers and volcanic highlands, landing on remote mountaintops for photos or a glass of something chilled.
- Ice cave adventures – Venture inside shimmering blue ice with expert glacier guides, using high-quality equipment and routes suited to your group.
- Private Super Jeep days – Head off the paved roads with an experienced driver–guide, exploring quieter valleys, black deserts and hidden viewpoints.
Every activity can be tailored to your comfort level – from soft adventure with plenty of photo stops to full days out in wilder terrain.
When to visit the South Shore
Each season on the South Shore has its own character, and we’ll help you choose the timing that best matches your priorities.
- Summer – Long days, lush hillsides and vibrant colours; ideal for families, hiking and time by the sea.
- Autumn – Quieter roads, golden light and excellent conditions for photography, with a chance of early Northern Lights.
- Winter & early spring – Dramatic contrasts of snow, surf and black sand; cosy evenings by the fire and strong aurora chances on clear nights.
Begin planning your South Shore journey
Whether you’d like to focus just on the South Shore or weave it into a longer circuit around Iceland, our team in Reykjavík will design a route, pace and collection of stays that feel right for you. From proposal stage to farewell at the airport, you’ll have a dedicated planner and on-the-ground support whenever you need it.
Share a few details about who you’re travelling with and what kind of trip you’re dreaming about, and we’ll start shaping a bespoke South Shore itinerary around you.
Ready to plan your Iceland journey?
Share your wishes, timings, and travel style with us. Our team will craft a tailor-made itinerary and take care of every detail from first email to final farewell.