No visit to Iceland would be complete without seeing some fine waterfalls and the South Coast offers a selection of the country´s best, each unique in its own way.

The location of Seljalandsfoss waterfall is stunning. The narrow flow of water cascades gracefully 60 meters (180 feet), over a high cliff into a pool below. The grassy slope leading up to the waterfall and the wildflowers that bloom in summer add to the glorious experience.

One of the special features of this waterfall is that you can actually walk behind it. Just be prepared to get somewhat wet!

Just a 15-minute drive further east is Skógafoss waterfall. Its waters thunder 60 meters (180 feet) off a cliff face that was former coastline. This is one of the largest waterfalls in the country.

One has the choice of walking right up to the foot of the waterfall; or for a grand panoramic view from the top, there´s a stairway up the side of the waterfall.

Large clouds of spray come off the waterfall and when the sun´s rays hit these the outcome is the most wonderful rainbow.

There´s an old legend that tells of the first settler in the area who rather than share his wealth decided to hide it in a chest behind the waterfall. Years later some brave lads attempted to recover the chest, but before they could drag it out the handle broke off. This handle was for a long time the knocker on the nearby church door.

Because of how dramatic the waterfall is, several major movies have selected it as a location for scenes. These include, Vikings, Thor: The Dark World and Game of Thrones.

Driving further east we come to Reynisfjara, the most famous black sand beach on the South Coast. It´s been rated as one of the top ten most beautiful non-tropical beaches in the world. The black sand is actually lava broken down over time by the sea.

Take time to marvel at the raw power of the Atlantic Ocean as the waves crash on the beach and the cliff face made of basalt columns.

Just offshore are the Reynisdrangar, sea stacks towering out of the sea. Locals believe them to be trolls who were once pulling a boat to shore when they were caught by the rays of the rising sun and turned to stone. Today the stacks are home to thousands of nesting seabirds.

Vík is Iceland´s southernmost town and where we have lunch. A bustling place that once was a trading post, this is where travelers like to break their journey, stretch their legs, grab a bite and tank up.

The scenery roundabout is fantastic. There´s the lovely local church perched high on the hill, the long black sandy beach, lush green pastures, and cliffs that are home to thousands of seabirds.

Vík sits in the shadow of the mighty subglacial volcano, Katla, a slumbering giant the locals are very wary of. Over the centuries the volcano has wreaked havoc and destruction on communities living along the South Coast. But that´s what comes with living in this wild and untamed country aptly named the Land of Ice and Fire.

Since 11% of Iceland is covered with glaciers it seems only right that we should get to see one. Sólheimajökull glacier is the country´s southernmost, an impressive outlet glacier coming off a major ice cap and crawling down towards the coastal lowland. The great thing is how accessible it is.

Sadly, the glacier has been receding rapidly these past decades, the length of an Olympic swimming pool each year.

From the car park we take a walk up to the glacier´s tongue. In front of the glacier is a large lagoon which is growing as the glacier melts and recedes. The scenery here is on a grand scale and one gets to appreciate the raw power of this majestic giant of nature as it crawls down towards us.

The Icelandic sheep is a creature dear to the Icelandic heart. Through the centuries this special breed with its double-coated fleece enabled this nation to survive.

In the severe winter cold and in a land where food was in short supply, the hardy sheep provided both food and clothing.

At the Icelandic Yarn House studio, Guðrún Bjarnadóttir, a yarn specialist, offers a fascinating and entertaining insight into the history of Icelandic wool and the natural dyeing techniques used by Icelanders.

Drawing on a wide selection of plants Guðrún works her magic in her dye pots to conjure up the most wonderfully colored yarns.

This is where Thor Travel gives you the opportunity to chat with a local and so get to know a little more about us Icelanders and the way of life.