Explore South Iceland

Iconic Attractions on Our Doorstep

Northern Lights Cabin sits in the heart of Iceland's Golden Circle, with the entire South Coast within an easy day's reach.

From our cabin in Grímsnes you can be standing in front of one of Iceland's most famous waterfalls in under an hour, watching Strokkur geyser erupt in less than 50 minutes, or peering into a 6,500-year-old volcanic crater in just 12 minutes. Þingvellir, where Iceland's parliament was founded in 930 AD and where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates pull apart, is 18 minutes up the road.

Below are nine of our favourite places nearby — the full Golden Circle, plus the most iconic stops along the South Coast. Each page has photos, distances, directions, and our own tips from years of visiting.

The Golden Circle

Within an Hour of the Cabin

The classic Golden Circle route — five world-class natural wonders, all reachable as a relaxed half-day or full-day loop.

Kerið volcanic crater lake with aquamarine water and red rock
Golden Circle

Kerið Volcanic Crater

A 6,500-year-old volcanic crater lake with striking aquamarine waters, vivid red rock, and lush green moss — one of Iceland's most photogenic natural wonders.

~12 km · 12 min Read more
Þingvellir National Park landscape with rift valley and Almannagjá gorge
Golden Circle · UNESCO

Þingvellir National Park

Where continents drift apart and history runs deep — a UNESCO World Heritage Site of raw geological power and the birthplace of Iceland's parliament in 930 AD.

~18 km · 18 min Read more
Turquoise blue water of Brúarfoss waterfall flowing through lava rock
Golden Circle

Brúarfoss Waterfall

Iceland's bluest waterfall — a mesmerising cascade of vivid turquoise water flowing through ancient lava rock, often called the most beautiful falls on the Golden Circle.

~45 km · 43 min Read more
Strokkur geyser erupting with hot water and steam shooting into the air
Golden Circle

Geysir Geothermal Area

The birthplace of the word "geyser" — a steaming geothermal valley where Strokkur erupts every few minutes, sending boiling water up to 30 meters into the air.

~56 km · 47 min Read more
Gullfoss waterfall panoramic view with mist rising from the canyon
Golden Circle

Gullfoss Waterfall

Iceland's most iconic waterfall — a thundering two-tiered cascade where the Hvita river plunges 32 meters into a dramatic canyon, creating a wall of mist and rainbows.

~66 km · 60 min Read more
South Coast & Highlands

Worth the Drive

A bit further afield — the legendary waterfalls of Iceland's South Coast and a hidden ravine in the highlands. Each of these is an easy day trip from the cabin.

Moss-covered walls of Nauthúsagil ravine with stream and hidden waterfall
South Iceland · Hidden Gem

Nauthúsagil Ravine

A hidden moss-covered canyon beneath Eyjafjallajökull — wade through a stream, grab onto chains, and discover secret waterfalls deep inside the earth.

~80 km · 1h 10min Read more
Seljalandsfoss waterfall with path leading behind the cascading water
South Coast

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

The waterfall you can walk behind — a spectacular 60-meter cascade fed by the Eyjafjallajökull glacier, offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience from every angle.

~90 km · 1h 17min Read more
Háifoss twin waterfall plunging 122 meters into a dramatic canyon
South Iceland · Stranger Things

Háifoss Waterfall

Iceland's fourth highest waterfall at 122 meters — a breathtaking twin cascade plunging into a canyon near volcano Hekla, and a filming location for Stranger Things.

~100 km · 1h 30min Read more
Skógafoss waterfall, a wide curtain of water 60 meters high with rainbow in the mist
South Coast

Skógafoss Waterfall

One of Iceland's largest and most majestic waterfalls — a thundering 60-meter curtain famous for rainbows, Viking legend, and a 527-step staircase to the top.

~118 km · 1h 40min Read more
Planning Your Trips

Tips from Your Hosts

A few practical notes from years of exploring this corner of Iceland.

Driving in Iceland

  • A standard 2WD car is fine for the Golden Circle and South Coast in summer. For highland routes (e.g. Háifoss in shoulder seasons) consider 4WD.
  • Always check road conditions on road.is and weather on vedur.is before setting out, especially October–April.
  • Headlights must be on at all times, even in summer.
  • Fuel up when you can — gas stations are scarce in some areas.

Suggested Day Trips

  • Classic Golden Circle: Þingvellir → Geysir → Gullfoss → Brúarfoss (full day)
  • Quick morning loop: Kerið → Geysir → Gullfoss (half day)
  • South Coast waterfalls: Seljalandsfoss → Skógafoss → Nauthúsagil (full day)
  • Highland adventure: Háifoss + Hekla viewpoint (full day, summer only)