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type: "Article"
title: "South Iceland – Impressions from the Land of Elves and Volcanoes"
description: "Iceland, the land of elves and vulcanoes is a unique destination that offers pristine nature, breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture."
resource: "https://travelmemo.com/iceland/impressions-land-elves-volcanoes"
language: en
translation: { lang: de, resource: "https://reisememo.ch/island/impressionen-sued-island-icelandair" }
author: "Walter Schaerer"
publisher: "Travelmemo"
photo_count: 8
tags: ["Animals", "Landscape", "Nature", "Rural", "Iceland"]
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  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/nature-tourism"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/rural-tourism"
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  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/culinary-tourism"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/author/walter-schaerer"
generated: { by: "human:https://travelmemo.com/author/walter-schaerer", at: 2026-07-27T19:56:09+00:00 }
verified:
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sources:
  - id: photos
    resource: impressions-land-elves-volcanoes.md#photos
    title: "Original photography by Walter Schaerer"
    author: "human:https://travelmemo.com/author/walter-schaerer"
timestamp: 2026-07-27T19:56:09+00:00
---

# South Iceland – Impressions from the Land of Elves and Volcanoes

> South Iceland offers a dramatic landscape of volcanoes, geysers, and lava fields, brought to life through ancient Norse legends and geothermal wonders that draw a fast-growing number of independent travellers.

## Destination
South Iceland, centred on Reykjavik, with excursions to Fludir, Keflavik, and the volcanic landscapes of the south.

## Getting there
Icelandair operates a direct Zurich–Reykjavik flight landing at Keflavik Airport. Renting a car at the airport is recommended as the shuttle into town is expensive. Reykjavik Excursions buses (WiFi included) also connect the airport to the capital.

## When to go
Not specified in the article.

## Why visit
Iceland sits over drifting continental plates with a thin crust, producing constant geothermal activity including geysers and volcanoes. The island blends geological spectacle with Norse legend and is increasingly accessible to independent travellers.

## What to see
- **Strokkur Geyser** — An active geyser that also supplies cheap hot water and contributes to Iceland's geothermal energy and aluminium industry.
- **Eyjafjallajökull (E15) Volcano** — Site of the famous 2010 eruption; a visitor centre at icelanderupts.is features a small cinema showing the eruption.
- **Lava landscapes around Keflavik** — One of Iceland's most forbidding lava landscapes surrounds the international airport.
- **Stone sculptures along the Reykjavik road** — Roadside sculptures created by a former government minister turned convict, now minister again.

## What to do
- **Guided tours with a local storyteller guide** — Expert guides like Arthúr Bollason bring Norse legends and history vividly to life.
- **Self-drive by rental car or camper** — Independent travel by car or camper has grown significantly; Superjeeps are available for remote routes via SuperJeep.is.
- **Visit the Eyjafjallajökull visitor centre** — Includes a small cinema screening footage of the 2010 eruption; see icelanderupts.is.

## Good to know
Weather can change rapidly — heavy rainfall or snow may close routes even in summer, so always check road conditions before heading into remote areas. Tourism now contributes more to the economy than the traditional fishing industry.

## Photos

```yaml
photos:
  - url: "https://travelmemo.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Icelandair-Captain-Orri-Eiriksson-Copilot1.jpg"
    caption: "Captain Orri Eiriksson and his co-pilot"
  - url: "https://travelmemo.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Kleinbus-Reykjavik-Excursions.jpg"
    caption: "Reykjavik Excursions bus with Marie-Astrid and \"her\" Icelandic horses"
  - url: "https://travelmemo.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Ausbruch-Vulkan-Eyjafjallajoekull-Island.jpg"
    caption: "Eruption of Eyjafjallajökull or E15 for short"
  - url: "https://travelmemo.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Vulkan-Eyjafjallajoekull-Aussprache-E15.jpg"
    caption: "Guide to pronouncing the Eyjafjallajökull volcano’s name"
  - url: "https://travelmemo.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Walter-Schaerer-Tour-Guide-Arthur-Bollason.jpg"
    caption: "My first-ever tour guide with his own Wikipedia page"
  - url: "https://travelmemo.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Icelandair-Hotel-Fludir-Island.jpg"
    caption: "Sunset seen from the Icelandair Hotel in Fludir"
  - url: "https://travelmemo.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/ION-Luxury-Adventure-Hotel-Aussenansicht.jpg"
    caption: "Exterior view with lava landscape; Foto © ION Hotel"
  - url: "https://travelmemo.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/ION-luxury-adventure-hotel.jpg"
    caption: "Pool at the ION Luxury Adventure Hotel; Foto © ION Hotel"
```