Traveling Along Iceland's South Coast: Attractions, Itineary, etc

Why Visit the South Coast?

The South Coast is full of natural beauty and easy to get to from Reykjavík. The Ring Road (Route 1) takes you through quiet farmlands, past big waterfalls, and along glaciers that are part of Europe’s largest ice cap. It’s great for a quick day out or a longer trip. You’ll see famous places like Skógafoss and Jökulsárlón, but there are also smaller, peaceful spots hidden behind mossy hills or inside canyons. The landscape changes a lot—green and full of life in summer and icy and shiny in winter—it's one the best road trip routes to do in Iceland.

Must-See Attractions

The South Coast has some of Iceland’s most popular spots, each one showing off its beautiful landscapes in a different way.

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

Seljalandsfoss is about 60 meters tall and is famous because you can walk behind the water. It’s a fun place for photos, especially at sunset when the light looks great on the water. If you walk behind the waterfall (which you should), you’ll probably get pretty wet, so don’t forget your waterproof clothes.

Skógafoss Waterfall

Not far from Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss is a big, powerful waterfall that crashes down from old sea cliffs. It’s one of my favorites. There’s a staircase on the right where you can climb up to a platform with great views of the waterfall and the open plains around it. On sunny days, you might even see a rainbow in the mist. Be sure to visit the Skógar Museum nearby to learn more about Iceland’s history.

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

Reynisfjara is a beach known for its black sand and tall, sharp basalt columns. The Reynisdrangar sea stacks in the water add a magical touch. Icelandic folklore says they are trolls turned into stone. The waves here are really strong, so stay back and watch them from a safe spot.

Vík í Mýrdal

Vík is the southernmost village in Iceland, set between high cliffs and the ocean. Its little red-roofed church sits on a hill with amazing coastline views. The village is a good base for exploring the South Coast, with beaches and cliffs nearby and cool activities like the Lava Show.

Dyrhólaey Peninsula

Dyrhólaey is an impressive promenade with a big rock arch that sticks out into the sea. In summer, it’s a good place to see puffins and other seabirds. If you go to the lighthouse, you’ll have amazing views of the black sand beaches stretching out on both sides. It’s raw nature at its purest.

Sólheimajökull Glacier

What’s nice about Sólheimajökull (besides being a glacier) is that it’s very easy to get to. You can go on guided hikes or try ice climbing. The blue ice mixed with black ash looks really cool and makes it one of the most unique glaciers in Iceland. Hiking Sólheimajökull, or any glacier for that matter, is one of the best experiences you can have in Iceland.

Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon

Fjaðrárgljúfur is a deep canyon shaped by glacial water. You can walk along the top while you look down at the river. It’s a quiet, peaceful spot, great for getting away from busy places.

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Jökulsárlón is one of the most beautiful places in Iceland, often called the “Crown Jewel.” It’s basically a massive lagoon with huge chunks of ice that broke off from the nearby Breiðamerkurjökull glacier floating across the lagoon before heading out to sea. It’s truly a sight to see. I recommend taking the boat tour to get closer to the icebergs and learn more about the lagoon and the surrounding glacier. You can even see seals swimming and resting on the ice.

Right across the road is Diamond Beach. It’s a black sand beach where the ice washes up and sparkles in the light. It’s pretty unique, and it’s literally 5 minutes from Jökulsárlón.

Sólheimasandur (DC-3 Plane Wreck)

What about watching a plane wreck sitting on a remote black sand beach? A US Navy plane crashed in Sólheimasandur in 1973, and now all that’s left is the body of the aircraft. It has an eerie, abandoned feel, but it’s different from your usual natural wonder. The walk from the road takes about 45 minutes, but it’s worth it if you want to see something really different.

Vatnajökull National Park

Vatnajökull National Park is one of the coolest places in Iceland, home to Europe’s biggest glacier. The park has everything—volcanoes, waterfalls, hiking trails, and incredible views. You can visit the Svartifoss waterfall, hike the trails on Skaftafell, or do some winter activities like glacier hiking or ice cave exploring.

South Coast Three-Day Itinerary

Traveling along the South Coast is pretty straightforward, but it’s always better to do it with a plan in mind. If you’re very short on time, you can do plenty in just one day, but I’d encourage you to expand the trip to three days to fully enjoy the trip.

Day 1: Waterfalls and Vík

Start your journey in Reykjavík and drive east on the Ring Road. Your first stop is Seljalandsfoss, where you can walk behind the waterfall. Don’t leave without visiting Gljúfrabúi, a hidden waterfall tucked into a narrow canyon just 5 minutes from Seljalandsfoss. Next, head to Skógafoss and climb the stairs next to the falls for awesome views. If you have time, stop by the Skógar Museum to learn a bit about Icelandic culture. If you want some relaxing time, you can visit the Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool. Finish your day in the village of Vík, where you can grab something to eat and maybe watch the sunset over the black sand beach.

Day 1 Summary in Bullet Points:

• Drive from Reykjavík along the Ring Road
• Seljalandsfoss (walk behind the waterfall)
• Gljúfrabúi (hidden waterfall nearby)
• Skógafoss (climb the stairs for views, possible museum visit)
• Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool
• Overnight in Vík

Gljúfrabúi

Day 2: Reynisfjara, Dyrhólaey, and Glacier Wonders

Wake up early and head to Reynisfjara Beach to catch the sunrise over the basalt columns and sea stacks. From there, visit the Dyrhólaey Peninsula for some stunning views and, in the summer, watch puffins nesting in the cliffs. Continue east to explore the Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, then make your way to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon in the afternoon. If you can, join a boat tour to see the icebergs up close. Don’t miss Diamond Beach across the road. Spend the night near Höfn or closer to the lagoon.

Day 2 Summary in Bullet Points:

• Sunrise at Reynisfjara (basalt columns, sea stacks)
• Dyrhólaey Peninsula (panoramic coastline, puffin habitat)
• Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon (hiking along the canyon edge)
• Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon (icebergs, possible boat tour)
• Diamond Beach (photograph glistening ice)

Diamond Beach

Day 3: Vatnajökull National Park and Return

Start your morning at Vatnajökull National Park, where you can hike to Svartifoss, a beautiful waterfall surrounded by dark basalt columns. If you’re in the mood for something more adventurous, you could try a glacier hike to explore the icy landscape up close. On the way back, make a quick stop at Kvernufoss, a smaller and quieter waterfall near Skógafoss. If you have time, check out Hjörleifshöfði, where you’ll get wide views of the black sand plains. End your day with the drive back to Reykjavík, thinking about all the amazing sights from the past three days.

Day 3 Summary in Bullet Points:

• Morning at Vatnajökull National Park (hike or glacier tour)
• Svartifoss (waterfall with basalt columns)
• Kvernufoss (hidden waterfall near Skógafoss)
• Optional stop at Hjörleifshöfði (views of black sand plains)
• Evening drive back to Reykjavík

If you’re not returning to Reykavik, and you're a waterfall geek like me, make sure to visit Kvernufoss on the first day of your itinerary, right after visiting Skógafoss.

Activities to Try

Beyond just sightseeing, the South Coast has plenty of cool activities to make your trip even more memorable. Here are some things you might want to add to your list:

Glacier Hiking and Ice Cave Tours

Exploring glaciers in Iceland with a guide is an incredible experience. You’ll get to see deep crevasses, amazing ice caves, and the cool mix of volcanic ash and ice. In winter, the ice cave tours are a must-do activity, with glowing blue tunnels that look unreal. Think that Iceland is one of the few places in the world where you can do something like this.

Puffin Watching

From May to August, puffins and other seabirds flock to cliffs like Dyrhólaey. Watching these colorful little birds in their natural habitat is a summer experience you won’t forget. Plus, puffins are very used to humans, so you can see them from quite close.

Horseback Riding on Black Sand Beaches

Icelandic horses are friendly and very unique looking. Taking a ride along the black sands near Vík or Sólheimasandur is such a fun way to explore the area.

Photography Expeditions

The South Coast is perfect for anyone who loves photography, with stunning black sand beaches, icy lagoons, and roaring waterfalls. Early mornings and evenings often have the best light, and if you’ve got a drone, you can capture some seriously cool aerial views of the rugged coastline.

How to Explore the South Coast

The South Coast is easy to explore because of the Ring Road, which connects the main attractions. You can drive yourself or join a tour—both are great options. Just keep in mind that Iceland’s weather can change fast, so it’s good to plan ahead and stay flexible.

Self-Driving by Car

Renting a car lets you go at your own pace and stop wherever you want. It’s great if you enjoy taking your time at waterfalls or finding hidden spots. If you’re driving in winter, be extra careful because the roads can be icy. Choosing a 4×4 is a smart idea during the colder months.

Tackle Iceland's South Coast with your car rental

Feel the freedom of exploring Iceland at your own pace

Organized Tours

If you don’t want to worry about driving, joining a tour is a good choice. Tours from Reykjavík can be day trips or multi-day adventures. Guides often share cool stories and interesting facts about the area, which improves the overall experience. There are also specialized tours for photography, glacier hiking, and even Northern Lights spotting in the winter.

Best Time to Visit

The South Coast is amazing any time of year, but each season offers something different. The best time to visit depends on what you want to see and do.

• Summer (June to August): Long days, green landscapes, and warmer weather. It’s great for hiking, spotting puffins, and exploring highland roads that only open in summer.
• Winter (November to March): Snowy views, frozen waterfalls, and a good chance to see the Northern Lights. Expect shorter days and possible road closures from storms.
• Shoulder Seasons (April–May, September–October): Fewer crowds, decent weather, and slightly cheaper accommodations. The weather can be unpredictable, so it’s good to stay flexible.

Sustainability and Responsible Travel

It’s important to keep the South Coast beautiful for future visitors. Here’s how you can travel responsibly:

• Stay on Marked Paths: Walking off trails can harm fragile plants, like moss, which takes years to grow back.
• Keep a Safe Distance from Wildlife: Watch puffins and other birds from afar, especially during nesting season.
• Minimize Litter and Waste: Use bins or take your trash with you. Bring a reusable water bottle to avoid single-use plastics.
• Conserve Resources: Pick smaller group tours and eco-friendly accommodations to support sustainable practices.

Travel Tips

Exploring the South Coast is an amazing adventure if you’re prepared. Here are some tips to help you enjoy your trip:

• Dress in Layers: Even in summer, the weather can change quickly; waterproof and windproof layers are a must, especially at windy beaches or near misty waterfalls.
• Check Road Conditions: Websites like Road.is and SafeTravel.is give real-time updates on road closures and weather. This is especially useful in winter.
• Book Accommodations Early: The South Coast is a popular spot, so hotels and guesthouses can fill up fast, especially during peak seasons.
• Try the Local Cuisine: Try local dishes like lamb soup, fresh fish, or skyr at nearby restaurants to get a taste of Icelandic food.
• Respect Safety Signs: Pay attention to warnings about hazards like “sneaker waves” at Reynisfjara or dangers near cliffs and glaciers.

Conclusion

The South Coast has so much to offer, from waterfalls and glaciers to volcanoes and local culture. Admire the icebergs at Jökulsárlón or step behind Seljalandsfoss for an unforgettable experience. Enjoy your trip and make the most of your time in this land of fire and ice!