Icelandic horses in Mýrdal, Iceland, July 2025.
Experiencing the central parts of Suðurland is like continuing a journey from film set to film set - whether one reaches the central southern lands from the east or west. The Reynisfjara black sand beach is probably the best known, from the hit series Games of Thrones. Travel on, and you will discover it the rocky points in the sea at the end of this beach look even cooler from the eastern side. That is, from the town of Vik - which might be a bit overrated in some reviews, but is a good jump spot to discover some of the highlights. Vik has its own black sand beach closer to town, which is great for a stroll.
Islande "carved" into the sand of Víkurfjara Black Sand Beach in Vik, Iceland, July 2025.
People at a stone pier on Víkurfjara Black Sand Beach in Vik.
A home on the outskirts of Vik.
Vik's church on the hill overlooking the town.
The famous pointy rocks of the Reyjnisfara Black Sand Beach
Icelandic horses
The Icelandic horse is a tough animal, and only the ones on Iceland are the real deal. Once an Icelandic horse makes it abroad - by ferry or plane, as the swim too much of a challenge - it may never return to its homeland. This to prevent diseases and keep the breed strong and healthy.
The Icelandic horse is a bread derivative of the ponies Norse settles brought to the island in the 9th and 10 centuries. Mass extinction occurred in the 1780s, after the Laki volcano erupted. But since then, with the help of other countries and breed societies in Iceland, a strong horse has resurrected.
Travellers come across the Icelandic horses in large parts of the countries. Often they roam relatively freely in fenced of sections - and Icelandic horse riding is one of the adventures tourists are lured into. Shepherds use them too, to manage the sheep.
Icelandic horses in Mýrdal
More photos of Central Suðurland coming within the next two weeks ... stay tuned!