All the sights on the south west side of Iceland are easily accessible from Reykjavik on day trips, so expect it to be busy.

So picking up from the south east we started driving north. All of the stops are just off the ring road.

Black beaches near Vik

First stop was Reynisdrangur, picturesque sea stacks rising from the ocean. They are situated off the famous black sand beach which also boasts more basalt columns. Again when we visited it was raining, I have yet to see this place with the sun out. Warning the waves are very powerful here, and a few have lost their lives by being washed out to sea. So watch for the sneaker waves that can catch you off guard.

Next stop just up the road is Dyrholaey, at lower car park you can see the views back over the Black beach. Also you can watch the waves crashing against the rocks. The upper car park is probably 4X4 accessible only. But up there the views over the endless black beaches are incredible, plus the rock arch looking out to sea is amazing too. It’s extremely windy up there so hold on tight.

Skogafoss

So the famous Skogafoss was next, this has been featured in many films and countless Iceland photos. The curtain of water cascades beautifully over this 60m drop. Walk up close to get shots with nobody around and prepare to get wet. On sunny days you will see a rainbow shining through the mist at the bottom of the falls. You can even take the steep path alongside and walk to the top.

Seljalandsfoss

So a bit further north and you will come to Seljalandsfoss, this cool waterfall is much thinner and falls away from the cliff edge. The best thing about this fall is you can walk behind it, so bring your waterproofs and head behind it.

Just 10 mins walk from Seljalandsfoss is Gljufrafoss, this waterfall is situated in a cave. It’s only one way in and out with no passing places, you have to step on rocks in the water to access the cave. Sometimes the water maybe quite high, but we managed to get in without getting our feet wet. This is definitely worth the extra time to visit. Note protect your camera whilst inside it gets very wet.

Just before we turned off the ring road we came to Urridafoss this small but powerful fall is so pretty and not very busy so its worth a quick stop.

The golden circle

The following day was to do the golden circle, a route easily accessible from the capital and it involves a geothermal area, a waterfall and a national park. This is a very popular trip for coaches.

Gullfoss

Gullfoss named the golden fall, has 2 parts to it and takes a sharp turn at the bottom. you can view these falls from platforms at the top or you can walk down to get quite close. Viewing them close up you can feel the power thundering through the ground and get a different perspective of the falls.

Geysir

This geothermal area boasts bubbling mud pools and boiling water spouts. Strokkur geyser erupts every 10-15 mins shooting hot water 15-30 meters into the air. we only made a brief stop here as we had been before and I think the geothermal area of Hverir in the north was much better to visit.

Pingvellir national park

This national park holds lots of important history, the first democratic parliament was set up here. It also is where the tectonic plates of north America and Europe meet. A path runs down of the middle of these 2 plates which is slowly pulling away from each other. There are so many walking trails in the area and plenty to see and do. If I was to come back again I think a whole day could be spent exploring the park.

Read more about the rest of Iceland here