Hvolsvöllur

A small service town in the south coast's agricultural heartland, serving as a base for exploring nearby waterfalls and Þórsmörk valley. It's a practical hub with amenities and convenient access to some of Iceland's most visited natural attractions.

Things to do

• Seljalandsfoss Waterfall — A stunning 60-meter waterfall where you can walk behind the curtain of water on a path around its base, located about 30 minutes west of Hvolsvöllur.
• Skógafoss Waterfall — One of Iceland's most powerful waterfalls dropping 60 meters into a misty canyon, accessible via a short walk and situated roughly 45 minutes from town.
• Þórsmörk Valley Hiking — A scenic highland valley offering multiple hiking trails through colorful mountains, glacial rivers, and birch forests, reachable via mountain roads from Hvolsvöllur.
• Hvolsvöllur Town Centre — Browse the local grocery store, petrol station, and small shops that serve as the practical hub for refueling and stocking supplies before exploring the region.
• Gljúfurfoss Hidden Waterfall — A lesser-known waterfall hidden behind a rock overhang near Seljalandsfoss, requiring a short scramble but offering an intimate viewing experience.
• Landmannalaugar Hot Springs — Geothermal hot spring pools surrounded by colorful rhyolite mountains, accessible via a mountain road that becomes passable mid-summer and offers spectacular multi-day treks.

Food to try

• Fresh Lamb Stew — A warming traditional Icelandic dish of slow-cooked lamb with root vegetables and potatoes, commonly found in local restaurants as a hearty meal for travelers.
• Trout from Local Rivers — Freshly caught Arctic char or brown trout from the region's glacial rivers, often simply prepared grilled or pan-fried at farm restaurants and guesthouses.
• Rye Bread (Runkulaug) — Dense, slightly sweet geothermal-baked rye bread that takes advantage of Iceland's natural hot springs, sold at local bakeries and supermarkets.
• Skyr with Berries — Thick Icelandic yogurt-like dairy product served with local bilberries and crowberries, available at shops and often included in guesthouse breakfasts.
• Kjötsúpa (Meat Soup) — A traditional Icelandic soup made with lamb, barley, and vegetables that warms travelers after exploring cold waterfalls and valleys.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Waterfall Safety — Many waterfalls in the region are extremely powerful and slippery; always stay on marked paths, never turn your back to waterfalls, and respect warning signs and barriers.
• Prepare for Weather Changes — South Iceland's weather shifts rapidly within hours, so dress in layers and carry waterproof jackets even on seemingly clear days when visiting outdoor attractions.
• Plan Road Conditions — Mountain roads to Þórsmörk and Landmannalaugar are only accessible in summer (June to September) with suitable vehicles; check road.is for current status before traveling.
• Limited Services After Hours — Hvolsvöllur is a small town where shops and restaurants have limited evening hours, so fill your petrol tank and purchase supplies during daytime business hours.