Find hotels in Southern Iceland from $118

These Southern Iceland insights are based on real traveler data from Expedia, aggregated using AI to help you plan your trip. Updated: September 4, 2026.

Top reasons to visit Southern Iceland

• Stunning Natural Landscapes: Southern Iceland is renowned for its breathtaking mountains, vast glaciers, and picturesque nature reserves.
• Thrilling Outdoor Adventures: Experience glacier hiking, ice cave tours, and hiking through diverse terrains.
• Iconic Waterfalls: Visit famous waterfalls like Seljalandsfoss, where you can walk behind the cascading water.
• Charming Towns: Explore quaint towns that offer a glimpse of local culture and hospitality.
• Diverse Accommodations: Choose from cozy guesthouses to budget-friendly hostels for a comfortable stay.

Find great hotels near Southern Iceland

Southern Iceland offers a diverse range of accommodation options tailored for every traveler. From cozy guesthouses to budget-friendly hostels, you'll find the perfect place to rest after exploring stunning landscapes. Whether you're seeking a nature-themed retreat, a family getaway, or a golf vacation, the region boasts some of the best hotels along the South Coast. Discover the ideal lodging for your Iceland adventure and immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of this unique destination.

• The Highland Center Hrauneyjar: Nestled 15 miles from Southern Iceland, The Highland Center Hrauneyjar is a charming 3-star guesthouse rated at 8.4. This family-friendly accommodation provides a warm and inviting atmosphere, making it ideal for travelers seeking a family vacation experience. With amenities geared towards children, including breakfast options, a first aid kit, and window guards, parents can relax while their little ones enjoy a safe stay. The scenic surroundings will surely enhance your family getaway, offering a comfortable base for exploring Iceland's natural wonders.
• Hólaskjól Highlandcenter: Located 15 miles from Southern Iceland, Hólaskjól Highlandcenter offers a budget-friendly hostel experience that immerses guests in nature. Focused on providing a wellness-oriented retreat, this accommodation features outdoor amenities such as charcoal grills, barbeque grills, and a picnic area, perfect for those looking to connect with the great outdoors. The natural setting encourages relaxation and activities, making it a fantastic choice for travelers who appreciate a nature-themed vacation.
• Hotel Highland: Just 14 miles from Southern Iceland, Hotel Highland is a budget-friendly hotel boasting a guest rating of 8.0. This property is perfect for golf enthusiasts, featuring access to golfing facilities that allow guests to enjoy a unique golf-themed vacation. With its welcoming ambiance and convenient location, Hotel Highland serves as an excellent base for both relaxation and recreation, ensuring a memorable stay in the beautiful Icelandic landscape.

Where to stay near Southern Iceland

Southern Iceland offers a breathtaking blend of adventure, romance, and eco-friendly experiences. From the stunning landscapes of the Golden Circle to the serene beauty of the South Coast, you’ll find endless outdoor activities such as hiking, glacier exploring, and waterfall chasing. Whether you're visiting iconic sites like Seljalandsfoss or enjoying the charm of quaint towns, Southern Iceland promises an unforgettable vacation filled with natural wonders and unique experiences that embody the spirit of Iceland.

• Ásahreppur: Nestled 28 miles from Southern Iceland, Ásahreppur is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure and eco-friendly experiences. This charming city boasts access to picturesque parks and stunning beaches, perfect for a day of relaxation or exploration. Visitors can indulge in luxurious spa treatments at local resorts, enhancing their connection to nature. With breathtaking lookouts nearby, Ásahreppur offers numerous opportunities to soak in the beauty of Iceland's diverse landscapes, making it an ideal stop for those looking to unwind and adventure alike.
• Grafarkirkja: Also located 28 miles from Southern Iceland, Grafarkirkja welcomes travelers with its romantic ambiance and adventurous spirit. This city experiences a moderate influx of visitors, peaking during the summer months from July to September. Grafarkirkja is surrounded by natural wonders, including serene lakes, majestic waterfalls, and towering mountains, perfect for outdoor activities like hiking and photography. The local resorts provide a cozy retreat after a day of exploration, making Grafarkirkja an attractive destination for couples and adventure seekers alike.

Things to do in Southern Iceland

Southern Iceland offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventures and romantic getaways. Explore stunning camping sites, embark on thrilling hikes, and take unforgettable ice cave tours. Don’t miss the chance to go glacier hiking for an immersive experience in this breathtaking landscape. With its diverse activities, Southern Iceland is an ideal destination for those seeking both adventure and relaxation in nature.

Shopping

In Southern Iceland, visit the Kringlan Shopping Mall in Reykjavík for a mix of local and international brands. For unique souvenirs, explore the local markets like the Kolaportid Flea Market, where you can find crafts, food, and Icelandic memorabilia to take home.

Recreation

The Blue Lagoon offers a luxurious geothermal spa experience, featuring mineral-rich waters surrounded by stunning lava fields. Enjoy rejuvenating treatments and relax in the calming atmosphere. For a unique adventure, explore the Golden Circle, which includes breathtaking waterfalls, geothermal areas, and the iconic Þingvellir National Park.

Secret Lagoon is a natural hot spring experience set in a picturesque landscape, perfect for soaking and unwinding. Nearby, the charming village of Flúðir invites you to explore its serene surroundings and enjoy local cuisine while basking in the beauty of the Icelandic countryside.

The Retreat at Blue Lagoon offers an exclusive wellness experience, featuring luxurious spa treatments, a private lagoon, and stunning views. Engage in yoga sessions or meditation while surrounded by the tranquil beauty of the unique volcanic landscape.

Adventure

Explore the stunning Sólheimajökull Glacier, where you can hike on the ice and marvel at its breathtaking blue crevasses. Try glacier walking or ice climbing for a thrilling experience. Don’t miss the nearby Seljalandsfoss waterfall, where you can walk behind the cascading water for an unforgettable view.

Nightlife

Experience vibrant nightlife at the Reykjavik Nightclub, where you can dance to local DJs and enjoy a lively atmosphere. For a more laid-back vibe, visit the South Coast Brewery to sample craft beers and mingle with locals in a cozy setting.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Southern Iceland

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The hotel pricing around Southern Iceland is moderately seasonal. The cheapest months to stay around Southern Iceland are November to January, where the prices are moderately lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are moderately higher.
• The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Southern Iceland is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Southern Iceland is Friday. The most expensive day to stay around Southern Iceland is Thursday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to choose your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your search results to display hotels from the most affordable to the highest prices, ensuring you find the best deals first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel category; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will show you sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are available for booking.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay in Southern Iceland with your flights and activities by booking an Expedia package.

Find the best attractions near Southern Iceland

Southern Iceland offers a thrilling blend of outdoor adventures and romantic getaways, making it a perfect vacation spot. Visitors can explore breathtaking mountains, vast glaciers, and stunning nature reserves. Whether you're seeking picturesque scenery, exciting outdoor activities, or a relaxing beach experience, Southern Iceland has something for everyone to enjoy. Don't miss the chance to immerse yourself in the region's natural beauty and unique attractions.

• Landmannalaugar: Experience the stunning beauty of this mountain area, known for its colorful rhyolite peaks and geothermal hot springs. Perfect for hikers and adventurers, Landmannalaugar offers breathtaking views and a variety of trails that immerse you in Iceland's rugged landscapes.
• Fjallabak Nature Reserve: This pristine reserve is a haven for nature lovers, featuring diverse ecosystems and spectacular scenery. With its unique volcanic landscapes, rich flora, and fauna, Fjallabak provides endless opportunities for exploration and photography.
• Lake Frostastdavatn: Delight in the serene beauty of this picturesque lake, surrounded by stunning landscapes. Ideal for romantic getaways and outdoor activities, Lake Frostastdavatn offers a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for picnics and reflection.

Best time to go to Southern Iceland

The best time to visit Southern Iceland can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Southern Iceland falls in July, when visitor numbers are high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Southern Iceland falls in December, visitor numbers are low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	31.8°F (-0.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Moderately Low
February	32.7°F (0.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Average
March	33.8°F (1.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
April	38.8°F (3.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
May	44.1°F (6.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
June	49.5°F (9.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Moderately High
July	52.5°F (11.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	High	Moderately High
August	51.4°F (10.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	High	Moderately High
September	46.6°F (8.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	High	Average
October	40.5°F (4.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
November	40.5°F (4.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Moderately Low
December	30.7°F (-0.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Moderately Low

The nearest major airports for your trip to Southern Iceland

When visiting Southern Iceland, you can fly into several major airports. KEFlavik International Airport (KEF) is 114 miles away, with nearby hotels like Diamond Suites, just 2 miles from the airport, and The Retreat at Blue Lagoon, located 10 miles away. Reykjavik Domestic Airport (RKV) is closer at 93 miles, with options such as The Reykjavik EDITION and Tower Suites, both 1 mile from the airport. Akureyri Airport (AEY), situated 110 miles from Southern Iceland, offers accommodations like Hotel Kea, 2 miles away, and the Lamb Inn Öngulsstaðir, a 4-mile distance. Each hotel provides convenient access to its respective airport.