Umi Hotel sits on Iceland's South Coast, between the mountains and the sea. On one side rises Eyjafjallajökull glacier. On the other, the open Atlantic and the Westman Islands on the horizon.
There are many things to see and do in Iceland, and some of the most loved sights are right around us. Here are a few of our favourites, all within an easy drive of the hotel. Spend the day exploring, then come back to the quiet.
The black sand beach on our doorstep
The black sand beach is one of the sights many travellers dream of when they visit Iceland. Along the South Coast, it stretches for miles along the shoreline.
From the hotel, a private road, open only to our guests, leads all the way down to the black sand coast. It takes just a short walk to get there. Go early for the sunrise or late for the sunset. Both are pure magic.
Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi
About a 15–20 minute drive from Umi, Seljalandsfoss drops from the old sea cliffs into a green meadow. A path leads behind the curtain of water, so you can see the falls from the inside out. Bring a rain jacket. You will get wet.
Just a short walk further along the cliffs, Gljúfrabúi hides inside a narrow canyon. Step through the gap in the rock and you'll find a waterfall tucked away from the world.
Skógafoss
In the other direction, around 15 minutes from the hotel, Skógafoss falls 60 metres in a wide, powerful sheet of water. On sunny days, rainbows often hang in the spray.
Climb the steps beside the falls for the view from the top, and follow the river trail upstream if you want more. Waterfall after waterfall, with the highlands opening up around you.
Eyjafjallajökull
The glacier you see from your window is Eyjafjallajökull, the volcano that made headlines around the world when it erupted in 2010. Today it rests quietly under its ice cap, and the farms at its foot are green again.
It is a view that changes with every hour of the day, and one we never tire of.
Sólheimajökull glacier
About 25 minutes east, Sólheimajökull glacier tongue reaches down from Mýrdalsjökull. Walk up to the edge of the ice, or join a guided glacier hike and step onto the glacier itself, with crampons, ice axe and an experienced guide. In winter, ice cave tours from the area show the glacier from the inside, in shades of blue you won't see anywhere else.
Reynisfjara and Dyrhólaey
Further east, near the village of Vík, Reynisfjara is the most famous black sand beach in Iceland. Basalt columns rise from the sand, and the Reynisdrangar sea stacks stand in the surf just offshore.
From the Dyrhólaey headland next door you can look out over the coastline in both directions, and in summer, watch puffins nesting on the cliffs.
A word of care: the waves at Reynisfjara are strong and unpredictable. Keep well back from the water's edge and never turn your back on the sea.
The Westman Islands
On a clear day, the Westman Islands rise from the ocean right in front of the hotel. The ferry from Landeyjahöfn takes around 35 minutes, and makes for a wonderful day trip. Walk up the volcano Eldfell, visit the Eldheimar museum and take in the views over Heimaey.
Northern lights over the South Coast
From September to April, the dark skies over the South Coast are some of the best places to look for the aurora. With no town lights around us, you often only need to step outside. Read more in our story Northern Lights in Iceland.
Plan your days with us
Want a guide for the glacier, the ice cave or a day on the islands? We have handpicked tours on the South Coast that you can book online, or simply ask us at reception. We are always happy to help you plan your days.
Come for the sights. Stay for the quiet.
After a day of waterfalls, glaciers and black sand, come back to Umi. Dinner at our Michelin Key restaurant, a warm sauna and a room with a view of it all.
