11 Best Places to Visit on the South Coast of Iceland
The scenic South Coast of Iceland is the second most popular tourist destination in the country, after the Golden Circle.
With spectacular scenery featuring a multitude of waterfalls and glaciers, dramatic black sand beaches, and majestic cliffs, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to places to visit on the South Coast of Iceland.
🌄 Iceland South Coast Full-Day Small-Group Tour Discover the breathtaking landscapes of Iceland’s south coast, including Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, black sand beaches, and the Sólheimajökull glacier. Check price and availability now!
Iceland’s South Coast is easy to tour from Reykjavik, as it is traversed by the Ring Road. You can do a day trip up to Vik and back, or tour the entire length from Reykjavik to Höfn, a road trip of 3 to 5 days.
In this article, we describe the top must-visit places on the South Coast of Iceland.
Must-Book Iceland Activities — Reserve Early!
| Reykjavik | Food Walk; Walking Tour; Lava Show; Perlan Museum; Sky Lagoon |
| Day Excursions | Golden Circle; South Coast (to Vik); Golden Circle + Blue Lagoon + Kerid Crater; Snaefellsness Peninsula |
| Summer Adventures | Silfra Snorkeling; Silfra Diving; Whale Watching; Horseback Riding; Katla Ice Cave; Glacier Hike + South Coast |
Best Places to Stop on a Road Trip through the South Coast of Iceland
Seljalandsfoss (with Gljúfrabúi)
A stunning waterfall that you can walk behind, Seljalandsfoss is a must-stop on any trip along Iceland’s South Coast.
Seljalandsfoss sports one elegant plunge of 60 meters (about 197 feet) into a lovely plunge pool below.
🧊 Silfra: Snorkeling Between Tectonic Plates Dive into the crystal-clear waters of Silfra fissure in Thingvellir National Park, snorkeling between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Check price and availability now!
The lava cliff setting is spectacular for photography, but what sets Seljalandsfoss apart is the cave behind the curtain of water and the walking path that lets you walk right behind that curtain in the summer.
It is cool to look out at the landscape through the waterfall, especially if you are there during a colorful sunset.
There’s also a short hike at Seljalandsfoss that leads to a second waterfall hidden between tall gorge walls: Gljúfrabúi.
🌋 Golden Circle Classic Day Tour from Reykjavik Explore the iconic Golden Circle route, visiting Thingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall. Check price and availability now!
Seljalandsfoss is lit with floodlights, so you can visit after dark for a surreal experience.
If you don’t want to drive, Seljalandsfoss is a stop on this hugely popular day tour of the South Coast from Reykjavik!
Skogafoss
Arguably the most famous waterfall on the South Coast of Iceland and one of the most massive waterfalls in the country, Skogafoss makes for a jaw-dropping sight.
Pictures don’t really do justice to Skogafoss, you have to visit to see and feel its might for yourself!
A very short walk from a large parking area brings you to the viewing area at the base of the waterfall, where you can get up close (but wear a waterproof layer to prevent getting soaked!)
🇮🇸 Reykjavik Food Walk – Local Foodie Adventure Embark on a culinary journey through Reykjavik, sampling traditional Icelandic dishes and local delicacies. With a 5.0 rating from over 16,000 reviews, it’s a must-do for food enthusiasts. Check price and availability now!
Skogafoss generates so much spray and mist that on a sunny day you can pretty much expect to see a rainbow or two. It’s a magical sight.
To the right of the waterfall as you face it, a staircase goes up the cliff to a viewing area at the top for another perspective on Skogafoss.
If you have the time and do go up the stairs, it’s worth walking the Waterfall Way, a trail that leads to many more waterfalls created by the Skoga River.
Skogafoss is the river’s final plunge before it enters the ocean.
You can visit Skogafoss on a self-drive tour, or you can join a guided tour from Reykjavik.
Solheimajokull Glacier
There are many glaciers you can view in Iceland, but Solheimajokull Glacier is popular because it is so accessible and there are many guided walks available that take you on the ice.
Located just off the Ring Road in the south of Iceland, Solheimajokull Glacier is a long “tongue” of the much larger Myrdalsjokull Glacier.
Unlike most other glaciers that are pure white, Solheimajokull features artistic streaks of charcoal grey, from volcanic ash deposits during eruptions of the two volcanoes between which it sits.
🌌 #1 Northern Lights Tour in Iceland from Reykjavik with PRO Photos Chase the elusive Aurora Borealis with expert guides who’ll take you to the best viewing spots. Capture the moment with professional photos included in this unforgettable night tour. Check price and availability now!
From the parking lot, you can walk to a viewpoint that looks out over the glacier and the lagoon formed by the meltwater.
Other than walks on the glacier, you can go ice climbing at Solheimajokull Glacier under the lead of a guide, or kayak in the glacier lagoon in the summer.
If you plan to drive to Solheimajokull Glacier, choose a guided glacier walk that leaves from the parking lot. If you do not wish to drive, you can join a tour from Reykjavik that includes the hike on the ice.
Solheimasandur Plane Wreck
Decades ago, a US Navy plane crashed on the black sand beach at Sólheimasandur when it ran out of fuel. Fortunately, there were no casualties.
The wrecked plane still sits on the beach and has become an iconic photo spot on the South Coast of Iceland. You can actually pose for a photo standing on the wing!
The wreck has been photographed by day and by night, against a sunset and against the aurora borealis, in the snow and on bright summer days, and it makes for stunning photos in every case.
🐋 The Original Classic Whale Watching from Reykjavik Set sail from Reykjavik to spot majestic whales in their natural habitat. This tour follows a code of conduct for responsible whale watching, ensuring minimal disturbance to marine life. Check price and availability now!
You can’t drive right up to the wreck in your car, but you can park your car at a pullout along the Ring Road and hike up to the wreck and back.
It’s a long hike though, so you only want to go if you are fit, and only in good weather. And bring a buddy!
Book an ATV tour for an easier way to view the wreck and to ride along the black sand plains on a thrilling adventure.
Dyrholaey
The Dyrhólaey Peninsula is actually a long and very picturesque promontory along Iceland’s South Coast that juts out 120 meters (394 feet) into the ocean.
A hole made in the promontory by erosion has created the massive Dyrholaey Arch. Boats cruise through the arch and a daredevil pilot even flew through the arch once!
🧊 Silfra: Snorkeling Between Tectonic Plates Dive into the crystal-clear waters of Silfra fissure in Thingvellir National Park, snorkeling between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Check price and availability now!
Other than being supremely photogenic, the Cliffs of Dyrhólaey are nesting grounds for cute Atlantic puffins. If you visit in the summer, you must definitely stop to photograph the puffins here.
From Dyrhólaey, you get stunning views of the coastline, including the black sand Reynisfjara Beach, Reynisfjall Mountain, and the Reynisdrangar sea stacks.
You can hike up to the top of Dyrhólaey to visit the old lighthouse and enjoy the sublime views.
You can stop at Dyrholaey if you are on a self-drive tour of Iceland’s South Coast. You definitely should if you happen to visit during puffin nesting season, usually May through September.
Dyrholaey isn’t a stop on most guided tours of the South Coast, but you can book a private tour that includes a stop here.
Reynisfjara Beach
Considered one of the best non-tropical beaches on the planet, Reynisfjara Beach features a long stretch of glistening black sand that contrasts beautifully with the waters of the North Atlantic Ocean.
🏔️ Snaefellsnes Peninsula Full-Day Tour from Reykjavik Explore the diverse landscapes of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, from black sand beaches and volcanic craters to charming fishing villages and the iconic Kirkjufell mountain. Check price and availability now!
But the beautiful black sand isn’t the only attraction at Reynisfjara Beach. The beach sits at the base of the majestic Reynisfjall Mountain, and just offshore are the picturesque Reynisdrangar sea stacks.
The beach is also home to the Halsanefshellir Cave, whose entrance is framed by a large stack of hexagonal basalt columns.
Add all the features of Reynisfjara together and you have a scene made for dramatic photos.
Reynisfjara Beach is notorious for sneaker waves, though, so do not get so carried away by the beauty that you forget about your safety. Stay well back of the water line and respect warning signs.
You can drive to Reynisfjara Beach (it’s a short drive of the Ring Road). If you don’t plan to drive, Reynisfjara Beach is a stop on almost all South Coast guided sightseeing tours.
Vik
The charming village of Vík í Mýrdal sits by the ocean and is a popular place to refuel or stay overnight as you explore Iceland’s South Coast.
Vik is the southernmost hamlet in Iceland.
Here you will find a very picturesque church, Vikurkirkja, a white structure with a red roof that makes for striking photos. In the summer, you can capture the church against fields of colorful lupines.
🛁 Golden Circle, Volcano Crater, and Blue Lagoon Small-Group Tour Experience Iceland’s iconic sights in one day: visit Thingvellir National Park, witness the erupting Geysir, marvel at Gullfoss waterfall, explore the vibrant Kerid volcanic crater, and unwind in the soothing waters of the Blue Lagoon. Check price and availability now!
You can climb up to the top of the ridge where the church is located for sensational views over the surrounding landscape.
There are several walks around Vik for active travelers, including the hike up to the top of Reynisfjall for aerial views over the Reynisfjara Beach, the Reynisdrangar sea stacks, and Dryholaey in the distance.
The black sand beach of Vikurfjara is worth visiting as well.
Plan to spend the night? Consider Hotel Vik i Myrdal or Hotel Kria for a comfortable stay in this charming South Coast village.
Svartifoss
Want to see the waterfall that is said to have inspired the architecture of the striking Hallgrimmskirkja in Reykjavik?
Svartifoss is framed by dozens of hexagonal basalt columns that resemble a gigantic pipe organ. It’s a unique setting that makes this South Coast waterfall a must visit.
🥾 6-Day Adventure Tour Around Iceland from Reykjavik Embark on a 6-day journey around Iceland’s Ring Road, exploring waterfalls, glaciers, volcanoes, and hot springs, with opportunities for whale watching and northern lights spotting. Check price and availability now!
The waterfall is fed by the meltwaters of the Svínafellsjökull Glacier and tumbles 20 meters (about 80 feet) over a dark lava cliff that gives it its name “Black Falls.”
A footbridge over the stream offers a fabulous view of the waterfall, and there is also a viewing platform.
Svartifoss is located in the nature preserve of Skaftafell, now a part of Vatnajökull National Park. It is accessed via a short and scenic trail, about 45 minutes one way. The hike begins at the visitor center at Skaftafell.
En route to Svartifoss you will see three other waterfalls, and the views are pleasant as well.
You can drive to Svartifoss from Reykjavik. If you do not wish to drive, this highly-rated 2-day South Coast guided tour has Svartifoss as a stop.
Falljökull Glacier
Falljokull Glacier, located in the Skatafell Nature Preserve, is an outlet glacier of the massive Vatnajokull ice cap and is a popular destination for guided glacier hikes.
Falljokull translates to “Falling Glacier” and the name is apt for the field of ice that sweeps down the mountain face. With a backdrop of majestic mountains, the glacier is often compared to a frozen waterfall.
🏙️ Walking Tour of Reykjavik City Discover the charm of Iceland’s capital on a guided walking tour, visiting landmarks like Hallgrímskirkja church, Harpa Concert Hall, and the Sun Voyager sculpture. Check price and availability now!
The shimmering ice-blue glacier has impressive crevasses and ice formations asking to be explored on a guided walk.
Other than walking on the glacier ice, you can also go ice climbing at Falljokull, or explore ice caves.
You can drive to the Falljokull Glacier from Reykjavik. Guided hikes generally start from a nearby base location such as the Skaftafell Visitor Center or Söluskálinn í Freysnesi.
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
A stunning glacial lagoon that borders Vatnajökull National Park, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is famous for its floating icebergs.
🛶 Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon Boat & South Coast Tour from Reykjavik Witness the breathtaking beauty of Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon on a boat tour, combined with visits to stunning south coast attractions like Diamond Beach and Vatnajökull National Park. Check price and availability now!
It’s Iceland’s largest glacial lake, and as it’s located at sea level, the tides flood it with sea water as well.
The icebergs in the lagoon are blocks of ice that have broken off from the Breiðamerkurjökull Glacier, a part of the Vatnajokull Glacier.
The smaller icebergs drift languidly toward the Atlantic Ocean, creating a striking picture. Sometimes pristine white, sometimes a shimmering blue, the icebergs of Jokulsarlon are mesmerizing.
Because the lake is full of fish, seals gather here in large numbers in the winter to feed. You can also see lots of sea birds.
Boat tours on the Jokulsarlon Lagoon are a popular summertime activity. You can choose from amphibian boats or smaller zodiac boats that can offer a more immersive experience.
You can drive to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon from Reykjavik, or join a guided tour that includes the lagoon and the option to take a boat tour.
Diamond Beach
Located just a short walk from the Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon, Diamond Beach is a gorgeous black sand beach where the icebergs from the glacial lagoon get deposited as the water drifts seaward.
The icebergs look like diamonds against the black sand, hence the name “Diamond Beach.” The official name of the beach is Breidamerkursandur.
Walking the black sand beach to admire the “diamonds” is a very cool thing to do on Iceland’s South Coast!
Diamond Beach is a photographers’ paradise, especially when sunlight brings out colors in the icebergs scattered about the black sand. The icebergs on the beach can be bright blue, black, clear, or white.
Diamond Beach is also a fantastic place to visit if you are a birdwatcher or wildlife enthusiast. You can see seals here, a variety of sea birds, and maybe even some orcas in the ocean.
You can drive to Diamond Beach from Reykjavik if you have a rental car. If you do not wish to drive, consider this highly-rated guided tour that includes Diamond Beach and the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon.