Discover the Hidden Gems of Southern Iceland: A Day Trip to Hveragerði, Selfoss, Stokkseyri, and Eyrarbakki
- Karitas Mitrogogos
- Jul 29
- 5 min read
Whenever I'm in Iceland, I always enjoy taking short trips or day excursions in Southern Iceland, which consistently provides stunning natural beauty and vibrant small towns waiting to be explored. For anyone seeking a unique day trip with spectacular landscapes, rich local culture, and delicious cuisine, this is the ideal destination!
This past week, two of my "besties" and I embarked on a journey to visit another friend residing in Eyrarbakki. Our route took us through Hveragerði, Selfoss, and Stokkseyri, culminating in a visit to the local Folks Museum followed by a charming walk along the seafront and a memorable dinner in Eyrarbakki.
Hveragerði: The Geothermal Paradise
Hveragerði, for those unfamiliar with Southern Iceland, is an enchanting town often referred to as the "hot spring capital" of Iceland. Situated in a scenic valley, this town welcomes visitors with steam emanating from the ground, inviting you to discover nature's marvels.
I always suggest that visitors make a stop at the Hveragerði’s geothermal park. Here, you can observe bubbling hot springs and fumaroles up close. The park boasts over 20 hot springs, offering plenty for adventurers to explore. Take a leisurely walk along the easy trails, allowing you to immerse yourself in the surreal surroundings. For photography enthusiasts, remember to bring your camera, as the vibrant colors and steam make for breathtaking photos!
In Hveragerði, time allowing, visit the Geothermal Spa where you can unwind in naturally heated waters. More than 90% of the homes in Hveragerði are warmed by geothermal energy, highlighting the town's distinctive connection to this natural resource.
I also always recommend a visit to the LA Art Museum - Listasafn Árnesinga, because their exhibitions never fail to impress me and are definitely worth seeing. Durig this visit, we viewed an exhibit titled Among Gods and Mortals: Icelandic Artists in Varanasi (India) that was truly exceptional.
The museum also has a nice souvenir shop as well as a coffee shop with both indoor and outdoor seating, where after exploring, you can enjoy a cup of coffee or other beverage with some pastry. Alternatively, you might prefer to visit one of the town's restaurants. One of my favorites is the, Matkráin, where I enjoy savoring their delicious open sandwiches or daily specials.
Selfoss - A Regional Hub for Locals and Visitors Alike!
We traveled from Hveragerði to the charming town of Selfoss, located on the banks of the Ölfusá River. This town is renowned for its stunning natural scenery, rich cultural history, and lively community. With approximately 6,500 inhabitants, Selfoss is a key center for commerce and services in the area, serving as a focal point for both residents and tourists.
One of the notable features of Selfoss is its closeness to numerous natural attractions. The town serves as an entry point to some of Iceland's renowned sites, such as the Golden Circle, which includes the awe-inspiring Þingvellir National Park, the magnificent Gullfoss waterfall, and the geothermal area in Haukadalur, home to the famous Geysir. Visitors to Selfoss frequently utilize its advantageous location to explore these iconic landmarks, along with the picturesque landscapes that characterize the Icelandic countryside.
The town boasts a variety of shops, restaurants, and recreational amenities, such as parks and sports complexes. The local community is renowned for its welcoming ambiance and strong sense of unity. I always relish visiting for a walk or a quick bite or coffee with treats from one of the town's excellent bakeries, or as we did on our last visit, at the charming Bókakffið ( Bookcafé bookstore/cafe).
This charming café is a favorite among locals for exploring new and second-hand books in both English and Icelandic. Enjoy two cherished Icelandic pastimes—reading and savoring coffee, perhaps accompanied by a cake, cookies, or an Icelandic kleina (cardamom twist). With its warm and welcoming atmosphere, you can unwind with their Icelandic roasted coffee on a cozy sofa or outside on a beautiful patio.
Stokkseyri: A Seaside Delight
Just a short drive from Hveragerði you´ll find the village of Stokkseyri. This seaside town is renowned for its stunning ocean vistas and vibrant arts scene. The area is also a favorite spot for birdwatchers, as spring and summer attract numerous migrating species, appealing to nature lovers globally.
This time we drove through the town but, in the past, I've relished many walks along the beach, gathering smooth pebbles and listening to the waves . . . followed by a meal at the Fjöruborðið restaurant that is known for its lobster soup and grilled lobster tails.
Eyrarbakki: A Historic Gem
Our final stop on the trip, which could be yours as well, was the historic village of Eyrarbakki. This delightful fishing village exudes a unique allure. Indeed, exploring Eyrarbakki feels like a journey back in time, with its traditional houses providing a tranquil ambiance and surely a captivating interest for every explorer!
As you wander through the narrow streets lined with colorful houses, you'll notice each home's unique story. Many of these houses are over a hundred years old and reflect Iceland's rich maritime heritage.
In the heart of Eyrarbakki village you will find the Árnessýsla Heritage Museum
with interesting exhibitions in several houses that include The Mercants House, Egg House and Kirkjubær.
The Merchants House in Eyrarbakki, was built in 1765. The House was for two centuries the home of merchants, and one of Iceland’s major centers of culture. Diverse cultural and artistic trends reached The House during the time when Eyrarbakki was the main port and center of trade in south Iceland, whose realm extended all the way east to Mt. Lómagnúpur by the Vatnajökull glacier.
An Evening of Relaxation and Flavor
To wrap up your day, enjoy a leisurely stroll along the seafront in Eyrarbakki, just as we did! The majestic Atlantic Ocean merges with the town's coastal path, creating a perfect setting for reflection . . . even on a cloudy, windy day as depicted in the photo below. I always suggest taking a few deep breaths of the fresh sea air . . . while listening to the sound of the waves lapping against the shore. It's truly exhilarating!
If you're hungry, check out the Red House Restaurant, situated in a historic building in Eyrarbakki. This delightful restaurant serves a range of seafood dishes as well as numerous other options to satisfy any palate; all within a cozy and inviting atmosphere that will surely add a special touch to your visit to this beautiful spot.
Embark on Your Adventure
A day trip in Southern Iceland promises an unforgettable journey filled with natural wonders, cultural treasures, and delightful culinary experiences. Whether it rains or shines, you can be sure an adventure awaits you!
My day with my "besties" was truly special and I would like to thank them all for sharing this special day with me, adding to my cherished memories! As always, this experience leaves me longing to return to the unique charm of Iceland with its countless hidden gems.
Until soon again! Karitas
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