WHY SOUTH ICELAND

South Iceland embodies the essence of the country, offering natural wonders such as hot springs, waterfalls, rivers, mountains, volcanoes, glaciers, and black beaches, along with great food and welcoming locals. Thanks to its rich volcanic soil and good weather, it’s a key agricultural area, home to major dairy and meat production. Greenhouses powered by geothermal energy produce vegetables, highlighting the region’s use of clean energy. It also hosts critical fishing ports and Iceland’s second-largest import-export port, a short drive from Reykjavík.

Geographically, South Iceland is split into three areas. The western part is a fertile, densely populated lowland, close to the capital’s economic activities and experiencing population growth. The eastern area is more rugged, with mountains, glaciers, and deserts, and has fewer inhabitants. Vestmannaeyjar, the third area, is known for its robust fishing industry and is a densely populated island with a rich cultural life.

Explore the vision, goals and emphasis of our region by reading the South Iceland Regional and Rural Development Plan 2020-2024 here.

RESOURCES

Renewable energy
Over 97% of all electricity and heat in Iceland are renewable, coming either from hydropower stations or geothermal fields.

Clean water, hot and cold
Iceland offers one of the most reliable water supplies in the world

Land
Land can be rented from regional governments but typically bought from private landowners.

Nature
Nature is one of the most critical parts of how we live and what we do.

Sea
The North Atlantic ocean has the best and most utilized fishing grounds in the world and gives millions of tons of fish each year for human consumption and industry.

SKILLS

Labor force
Iceland has a high level of education.

Agriculture and processing of agricultural products
Agriculture is one of the key industries regarding food safety in Iceland

Tourism
Tourism is one of the leading industries in South Iceland

Fishing industry
Iceland is known to be leading in the world when it comes to fishing industry. In South Iceland there are three big fishing ports and fish processing towns.

Horticulture
South Iceland is rich in geothermal heat, and that is the prerequisite for horticulture

Aquaculture
Iceland´s qualities, clean waters and environmentally friendly energy make energy-intensive food production less costly process with top-level results.

Construction industry
There is a lot of knowledge in the construction industry in South Iceland and a rich tradition of education in that area.