The Eyjafjöll Region
Eyjafjoll is more than one mountain view. It is the settled strip under Eyjafjallajokull where farms, waterfalls, glacial rivers, volcanic history and South Coast touring come together.
Quick guide
| Location | South Iceland, below Eyjafjallajokull between Hvolsvollur, Seljalandsfoss and Skogar |
| Best for | Waterfalls, volcano history, farms, glacier views, Thorsmork access and South Coast touring |
| Nearby places | Skogar, Skogafoss, Seljalandsfoss, Gljufrabui, Thorvaldseyri, Drangshlid, Ruttshellir, Solheimajokull and Thorsmork |
| Typical visit time | Half day for the waterfall belt; a full day or more with glacier or Thorsmork activities |
| Best season | Year round for the main road; summer is better for highland and long hiking routes |
What is Eyjafjoll?
Eyjafjoll means the mountains of the islands, a name connected with the Westman Islands visible offshore. Travellers often think first of Eyjafjallajokull, but the useful travel area is the inhabited lowland below the glacier and volcano.
This is one of the richest short stretches of the South Coast. Within a compact area you can connect cliff waterfalls, old farms, folk-history sites, views of Eyjafjallajokull, glacier outlets and the routes that lead inland toward Thorsmork and Fimmvorduhals.
Eyjafjoll is a whole South Coast region below Eyjafjallajokull, not just a single viewpoint.
Why visit Eyjafjoll?
Visit Eyjafjoll when you want the South Coast to feel more layered than a quick stop at two waterfalls. Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss are the famous anchors, but the area also has Gljufrabui, Skogar Museum, Thorvaldseyri farm, Drangshlid, Ruttshellir, old coastal cliffs, river flats and glacier views.
The 2010 Eyjafjallajokull eruption made the name internationally famous, but the traveller value is broader: geology, farming, folklore, waterfalls and access to some of South Iceland's strongest guided activities.
How to visit Eyjafjoll
Most visitors arrive along the Ring Road. A simple self-drive day can link Seljalandsfoss, Gljufrabui, Skogar and Solheimajokull, while a guided day can add glacier hiking, snowmobiling, Thorsmork or a private South Coast route.
Do not treat the highland routes behind Eyjafjoll as normal sightseeing roads. Thorsmork and Fimmvorduhals depend on season, rivers, weather and suitable transport. For many visitors a guided super jeep or hiking tour is the practical way to go beyond the Ring Road.
South Coast and Eyjafjoll tours from Reykjavik
Use these when Eyjafjoll is part of a full South Coast day from Reykjavik, especially if you want waterfalls, glacier scenery and private route flexibility.
Meet-on-location tours near Eyjafjoll
These are better when you already have a car or are staying on the South Coast and want one strong activity instead of a long bus day.
Places near Eyjafjoll
Nearby should support the traveller plan, so this section keeps to places and nature stops instead of repeating tour cards.
Suggested itinerary ideas
Classic waterfall belt
Start with Seljalandsfoss and Gljufrabui, continue to Skogar and Skogafoss, then add Solheimajokull if conditions and time allow.
Adventure day
Choose one main activity: Eyjafjallajokull snowmobiling, a Solheimajokull glacier walk, Thorsmork by super jeep or Fimmvorduhals with a guide.
Slow South Coast base
Stay nearby and use Eyjafjoll as a base for Skogar, Petursey, Vik, Thorsmork and the black-sand coast.
FAQ about Eyjafjoll
Is Eyjafjoll worth visiting?
Yes. It is one of the best South Coast areas for combining waterfalls, glacier views, volcano history, farms and guided activities.
Is Eyjafjoll the same as Eyjafjallajokull?
Not exactly. Eyjafjallajokull is the glacier-volcano; Eyjafjoll is the mountain and lowland region below it.
What is near Eyjafjoll?
Useful nearby ideas include Skogafoss, Seljalandsfoss, Gljufrabui, Skogar, Thorvaldseyri, Solheimajokull, Petursey, Thorsmork and Fimmvorduhals.
Can you visit Eyjafjoll from Reykjavik?
Yes, it works as a long South Coast day from Reykjavik, especially with a guided tour.
What tours fit Eyjafjoll best?
South Coast tours, Eyjafjallajokull snowmobiling, Solheimajokull glacier walks, Thorsmork super jeep tours and Fimmvorduhals hiking all fit well.
Do you need a 4x4?
Not for the Ring Road waterfall stops, but highland routes toward Thorsmork require the right vehicle, conditions and experience.
Is Eyjafjoll good in winter?
The main road sights can be good in winter, but highland routes and hiking plans need extra caution.
How long should you spend there?
A half day covers the main waterfall stops; a full day or more is better if you add glacier or highland activities.