When taking a relatively quick trip to Iceland, it seems like the Golden Circle gets all the hype. However, an alternative trip to take is a little road trip along the South Coast of Iceland. You can do the major highlights in a day or even spread it out into a few days. This area is rich with black sand beaches, mountains, hot springs and more! If you’re looking to do something different than the Golden Circle, this South Coast Iceland guide is for you!

South Coast Iceland – Quick Info

WHERE IS IT? The South Coast of Iceland is located, obviously, along the southern section of the island. Most of the things to see in this area, though, are very easily reached via Route 1 or the “Ring Road” which circumnavigates the entire island.
TOWNS THAT CAP OFF THE ENDS: Reykjavik to Höfn, an approximately 6-hour drive each way without stops.
WHAT MAKES IT SPECIAL? The natural wonders in this area are unreal… Waterfalls, black sand beaches, glaciers, hot springs and so many other natural sites. Plus, there are other interesting things of note like museums, elf houses and more!
HOW MANY DAYS DO YOU NEED TO VISIT? To really be able to dig in to the area and see as much as you can, I would recommend 3 days total. Beginning and ending in Reykjavik.
PLANNING TO DRIVE IN ICELAND? Our post on driving in Iceland will help with practical knowledge, budget tips, rental tips and more!
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: Read this post for things to know before you visit Iceland that will help make your entire trip easier to enjoy and to plan.

South Coast Iceland Map

Don’t Forget to Pack

These are items we used, or wished we had, on our trips to Iceland. Check this section over to make sure you’re not missing anything before you leave!

Top South Coast Iceland Sites + Stops

Reykjadalur Hot Springs + Waterfalls

If you want to have a unique adventure while roadtripping in southwestern Iceland, add Reykjadalur hot springs (which literally means “steam valley”) to your bucket list. You’ll need to hike to these hot springs, nestled in the mountains of the Reykjadalur valley, outside the town of Hveragerði, which is about a forty-five minute drive from Reykjavik.  To find the trailhead, you can search in your GPS application for “Dalakaffi”, a rustic coffee shop near the start of the hike (and the perfect place to grab a drink to warm up once you’re done!). The hike is a moderately challenging 2.4 miles roundtrip trek into the mountains, winding through the rolling green hills of Iceland. The hike itself is stunning- you’ll meander past towering waterfalls, pools of milky blue water (from the earth’s natural silica), bubbling mud pots, and adorably gruff Icelandic sheep.  You’ll know you have reached the end of the trail when you reach a river, with a wooden boardwalk and privacy dividers. You can either change into your bathing suit here (tip- wear it under your hiking clothes before starting out) or alternatively, lots of bathers elect to enjoy the springs in the nude! The farther upstream you go, the warmer the river gets so you may need to explore a bit before finding a spot that’s the perfect temperature. When you find the right spot, sit back and soak in the incredible sights and sounds of the Land of Fire and Ice!
Take a guided hike here: You can take a small group hike here from Reykjavik if you’re looking for ease.
Contributed by Jessica of Uprooted Travel

Reykjadalur Hot River Soak

Have you ever watched a movie and see people bathing in a mountain spring, and wondered how are they not freezing cold? The scenery is always beautiful, but the whole soaking in a river kind of thing does not make any sense. Well, meet Rekjadalur! This hot river is hidden in the mountains of Southern Iceland and is one of the top experiences you should do in Iceland, along with snorkeling at Silfra. It takes a light hike of about one hour to get there, but it’s a very easy hike as the road is obvious and the elevation is nothing to worry about. When you get to the river, you can choose your preferred temperature by going up or down the river stream. How cool is that? There are some small changing areas, but they’re outdoors and pretty exposed to people’s views. The best solution is to have your bathing suit under your clothes and when you get there you just take them off. When you’re out of the water you’ll have to remove it, but you’ll be all warmed up and won’t feel cold if you move fast.
Contributed by Cristina of Honest Travel Stories

Urriðafoss

This waterfall is another super quick stop in for a trip along Iceland’s southern coast. It isn’t a big stunner like many of the others listed, but there is still something special to it, as there is with every waterfall. It isn’t a large drop-off, but there are several series of small falls and the depth changes in the pools and falls mean there are multiple shades of teals and turquoise. It’s another stop just off the Ring Road so it’s a great stop to add just another something special to your day.
Looking to jump into the Golden Circle? This is a great site to see before splitting of onto the Golden Circle if you’re wanting to combine that with a South Coast trip!

Heimaey Island

Heimaey Island is part of the Westman Islands (Vestmannaeyjar), a group of small islands off the south coast of Iceland, and it’s the only one with year-round inhabitants. Reachable by ferry from the town of Landeyjahöfn, the island, despite its small size, has a lot to see and do – a sort of microcosm of Iceland as a whole. There are many things to do in Heimaey Island, but the absolute must-see is in the south of the island, home to a puffin sanctuary. There, you can walk paths around the edge of the island along the cliffs where the puffins nest. Alternatively, stop at the pull-off a few hundred meters before the end of the road, follow the walking path, and you’ll arrive at a small bird blind. Inside, you can open small hatches and see puffins clearly, staying out of the wind at the same time. The other must-see is the Eldheimar Volcanic Museum, which recounts the 1973 volcanic eruption and the dramatic evacuation of Heimaey that followed. Built around a single excavated home, it certainly makes an impression. Next to the museum, you can climb the path up Eldfell, the volcanic cone formed by the eruption, and see the view over the island, including the additional 20% of the island that the volcano added.
Contributed by Rachel Heller of Rachels Ruminations

Gljufrabui

Gljufrabui is one of the best hidden gems to add to your South Coast Iceland itinerary. The best part is that it is located right next to one of the more popular stops on a Southern Iceland road trip. Most people stop to see Seljalandsfoss, but they don’t continue just a little ways down the road to see the hidden Gljufrabui waterfall. You won’t be able to see it from the road, or even as you walk up to it, as it is hidden from sight in a canyon. You can park in the area along the head of the short trail or leave your car at Seljalandsfoss and walk down the path to Gljufrabui. You will want to have waterproof everything if you attempt to hike into the canyon. Even staying out of the canyon and looking into it is likely to get you soaked. You will have to hike through the water to get through the base of the waterfall, but the water is not usually very deep. Good waterproof hiking boots or Wellies will work most of the time. You should also bring a waterproof jacket and pants to keep yourself warm and dry. If you take in a camera with you, bring something to protect it from the mist if it is not waterproof. The stop at Gljufrabui is well worth it as you look into the canyon and see the water pouring over the ledge. Whether you take a road trip around Ring Road or just stay along the southern coast of Iceland, make sure to at Gljufrabui to your Iceland bucket list.
Contributed by Christine of Live Love Travel Run

Seljalandsfoss

Seljalandsfoss is probably the second most popular waterfall in South Coast Iceland. It’s famously photographed from behind has it has the trail that you can walk behind. This waterfall has a specified parking area, which is nice for being able to locate it, but that said, there’s a parking fee at this particular waterfall. It costs 700 ISK, which equates to about $6, give or take. The beauty of this area, though, is that there are a couple of waterfalls along the trail here. So, at least you feel a bit more like you’re getting your money’s worth. While this is a beautiful and popular experience, if you’re on a super tight budget, don’t forget that there are plenty of waterfalls in South Coast Iceland, as well as other waterfalls in Iceland in general, that you don’t have to pay to visit.
Seljalandsfoss Need to Know: While it is very cool to walk behind, you will get wet from the mists, but more than that, the rocks are slippery when wet. I’ve seen people fall there, and especially in the winter when temps can get below freezing, it can even get icy. So be very careful, and remember that travel insurance is there for this very reason. (Trust me, I slipped hiking at a waterfall in Thailand a few years ago.)

Seljavallalaug Hot Spring

Seljavallalaug isn’t your average hot spring. It’s a rural swimming pool filled with water from a geothermal river. Yes, you read that right. It’s an opportunity to swim in geothermal waters, but in a swimming pool setting! The pool stays a consistent 68-86 degrees F (20-30 degrees C) throughout the year. This pool was built in the 1920s and is maintained by a group of local volunteers. This means two things: 1 – it isn’t always spotless, 2 – because this is here for visitors based on the amazingness of these volunteers, be extra diligent about leaving no trace. The thing I love the most about Saljavallalaug Hot Spring is that when I say it’s a rural swimming pool, I mean rural. You have to hike about a mile each way and you get to take a dip with the most beautiful view – the foothills of Eyjafjallajökull Volcano. It’s an unforgettable place for a soak.
Seljavallalaug Need to Know: There are “changing rooms” but they’re super rustic. Be prepared for the dressing rooms to potentially be dark. I recommend wearing your swimsuit under your clothes so you only have to change once.

Drangschilð

One of the things I find endlessly charming about Icelandic culture is the belief in “hidden people” or elves. I’m a lover of folklore and mysterious, magical things. So, imagine my surprise when my mom and I happened upon this little site of Elf Houses built up in a crazy rock formation very near to Skogafoss. These houses are located just off of Ring Road and you’re able to pop in and visit with ease. There’s no parking fee and it makes a really fun addition to a South Coast Iceland itinerary that would only add about 15 minutes to your day.

Skogafoss – South Coast Iceland’s Most Popular Waterfall

Skogafoss is easily the most popular waterfall along South Coast Iceland, and one of the most popular in the entire country. This beauty is fifty feet wide and falls a massive 200 feet! One of the things that’s most special about this waterfall is its accessibility, but also the opportunity for a longer adventure, if you’re up for it. It’s a simple, short walk to the base of the falls, but this waterfall is so big that you can even see it from the road. However, like I said before, there is so much more. There is a staircase along the side of the waterfall which gives you access to the top of the waterfall. If you continue along the path, you can find all kinds of other beauty, like several other cascades and beautiful mountain views!
Skogafoss Need to Know: Skogafoss is open 24/7 and there is no parking fee required. 4WD vehicle is not required to visit this waterfall.

DC-3 Plane Crash Site

The DC-3 plane crash in Iceland is a fascinating attraction for anyone interested in aviation or a cool photo opportunity. The facts surrounding the crash make it an interesting story, and the site of the wreckage is quite scenic. The NATO DC-3 plane crash in Iceland in 1973 was most probably due to lack of gasoline, but there are other theories about the crash. All seven crew members survived, though the plane was damaged. According to the facts about Iceland, the deal between NATO and Icelandic government was that the USA covers 85% of the recovery cost of all planes which crash in Iceland, but it’s Iceland that needs to clean the site. In the case of DC-3, it was the locals which quickly collected the usable parts of the plane leaving only the body of the plane on the beach. Apparently, the 800 litres of gasoline still in one of the tanks, supplied locals with gas for a year. If you are driving the ring road toward the Vik, on the right, you will find the parking place looking like in the middle of nowhere. You leave the carpark and follow the road on foot towards the sea. After around 3.5 km you will see the remains of the plane. Depending on your fitness, it can take you anywhere from 30 minutes to 1 hour.
DC-3 Crash Need to Know: There are no lights around the path to the wreckage. So if you are visiting Iceland in the winter please do check if you manage to come back to the car before sunset.
Contributed by Ania of The Traveling Twins

Solheimajokull Glacier

This glacier may not be the most well known, but it is still a very special experience. While many glacier tours will take you to ice caves or on boats to watch glaciers calve, this is a trail that leads to a glacier that you can hike on. I’ve visited in the summer and the winter and didn’t do their actual glacier hike tour. However, I greatly enjoyed the hike in both seasons and getting to see glaciers up close is a pretty special thing to be able to do, especially with the way global warming is impacting our world’s glaciers. I actually had no idea that this glacier was here the first time I visited. My mom and I were road tripping south coast Iceland and followed a blue glow in the sky above some mountains to this glacier. Seriously. It’s that amazing.
Solheimajokull Glacier Need to Know: Although visiting this glacier is beautiful any time of year, it goes from beautiful to breath-taking in the winter. That glacial blue pops and the glacier is much larger in the winter months.

Dyrholaey Lighthouse

Dyrholaey Lighthouse sits on a popular outcrop in southern Iceland near the town of Vik. Breathtaking views are afforded in all directions for those that take the time to find this spot off Route 1. Looking to the north  from the outcrop you will see the big glacier Mýrdalsjökull, while a gaze to the east there is Reynisdrangar. Reynisdranger features the amazing black lava formations that rise out of the Atlantic ocean. It was a total WOW moment. On a good day, you can see all the way to Selfoss. Black sand and sunlight made this spot look magical, a only in Iceland moment. A visit to Dyrholaey lighthouse is all about the views afforded of the amazing Icelandic coastline and the remotness of the lighthouse that guided ships along the icelandic coast. At certain times of the year you will be able to spot Icelandic Puffins making this are home. Dyrholaey is best visited as part of a trip from Reykjavik down the south coast to the popular Reynisfjara beach and beyond. Dyrholaey is 180 kilometres from Reykjavík on National Route 1, be prepared for the drive to take you well over two and a half hours.
Contributed by Mark of Wyld Family Travel

Reynisfjara – South Coast Iceland Black Sand Beach

Reynisfjara is a very popular black sand beach near the town of Vík. It’s most notable for its beautiful basalt columns that create an interesting backdrop, in addition to the black sand and the rock formations that sit just off the coast. It’s a really stunning scene that’s iconic to South Coast Iceland. Even in the summer, this isn’t the type of beach you get into, the waves here are fierce and can potentially drag you out to sea. However, the beauty of it is enough to make a visit worth it. If you go in the middle of the day, you’ll definitely see a crowd, but if you go late at night or in the morning, you can find peace on this moody black sand beach.
Reynisfjara Need to Know: You don’t require a 4WD vehicle to visit this spot. There is a parking area specifically for the beach and it is free of charge! Overnight parking is not allowed.

Vik

Vik is sort-of the hub of South Coast Iceland. There are gas stations, restaurants, a coffee shop, a bar and even a few cultural sites as well! Vik houses a really cool lava experience, the Voyage Vik statue and even a wool museum. A lot of different tours start out of Vik for the eastern section of South Coast Iceland. It’s a great place to stay overnight on your first night of adventuring along Iceland’s South Coast. It’s a stunning natural location with mountains + volcanoes casting the background landscape and the town stretches up to the black sand lined coast. Even if you only use it for its barebones things like gas, food and accommodation, you’ll enjoy your stay here.

Green Lava Walk

Green Lava Walk is part of lava field Eldhraun meaning Fire (Eld) Lava (Hraun). Here you will find the biggest lava field in the world, covering the surface of 565 square kilometers. It was created in the 1783-84 volcanic eruption of Laki, which caused many problems in Iceland and in the Northern Hemisphere. Some say it is the reason for the French Revolution. This site has historic, botanical, and geological importance. What makes it special is its green color because it is covered with moss in various shades of green. This landscape looks out of this world. Green Lava Walk is a path where you can walk among these green formations on a roped path with a platform for viewing the area. Don’t go out of this path because fragile moss will be ruined by your footsteps. Plus, you can get injured on unstable rocks. Stopover here will not take a lot of time, 15 to 30 minutes is more than enough. It is located in south coast Iceland close to village Kirkjubaejarklaustur. It is easily accessible and The Ring Road passes through it.
Contributed by Džangir of Dr Jam Travels

Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon

Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon is located close to the village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur. It can be reached by following road 206 for about 3km. The road starts off sealed and then becomes a dirt track. In the winter months it may be closed to traffic.There is a small parking area and from here a steep path follows the east side of the canyon. There are viewing points and platforms along the way with each becoming more spectacular. The canyon stretches for 2km and is over 100m at its deepest point. At the head of the canyon there is a small waterfall known as Mögárfoss. A viewing platform allows you to step out over the canyon and look down into the coloured waters that merge from the three rivers that run into the canyon. While the walk up to the viewing point is steep, the walk back follows the same path and is downhill all the way with stunning views out over the canyon and the lowlands towards the sea. Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon became more widely known after its appearance in a Justin Bieber video and its role in the Game of Thrones. This increase in visitors has meant that from time to time the paths can be closed to allow the landscape to recover.
Contributed by Suzanne of Meandering Wild

Svartifoss

Svartifoss is a stunning waterfall that I would highly recommend to anyone that is interested in seeing a genuinely unique waterfall and doesn’t mind (or is even seeking out) a bit of a hike. Svartifoss is iconic because of its basalt columns that are similar to those as Reynisfjara black sand beach and helped inspired the architecture of Hallgrímskirkja in Reykjavik. The hike to the base of the waterfall is about 2 miles total and goes up the whole way there, and down the whole way back, so be careful if it’s wet. This trail is really cool because you do see some other waterfalls along the hike and you also get to see different vantage points of Svartifoss along the way. This is absolutely a special hike in Iceland and an unforgettable stop along your south coast Iceland itinerary!

Fjallsárlón Glacial Lagoon

If you’re considering visiting Iceland, you probably know about the huge and spectacular glacial lagoon, Jökulsárlón. This stunning place is definitely worth a visit – but so is its neighbor, Fjallsárlón, another glacial lagoon just 15 minutes down the road. Compared to Jökulsárlón, Fjallsárlón is smaller, with smaller icebergs floating in its lagoon. However, it is also quieter and far less visited than its more showy neighbor. I’ve visited Fjallsárlón twice in the last few years and both times, there was no more than two other people there at the same time as me. So if you like a bit of solitude and a break from the crowds of south coast Iceland, consider stopping here for a while. In addition to that, the relative smallness of Fjallsárlón actually makes it easier to take it all in. On a clear day, from the gravel ridges around the lagoon and from the shore, you can see all of the Fjallsárlón: the volcanic peaks high above you, the glacier cascading down the slope (well, two actually) and the whole of the lagoon itself. It really is a breath-taking sight! And what’s more, it is free to park and visit the lagoon – making Fjallsárlón one of the best free things to do in Iceland, which is great if you’re keen to visit Iceland without going bankrupt!
Contributed by Martha of May Cause Wanderlust

Diamond Beach

Diamond Beach is a must see on a 7 day Iceland itinerary any time of year. It’s a volcanic black sand beach covered with chunks of glacial ice. The icebergs break off of the Jökulsárlón glacier and land in the Jökulsárlón lagoon. Smaller pieces of these icebergs then travel down the Jökulsá river to the ocean. Eventually sizable chunks of ice land on the beach at the water’s edge. It’s such a beautiful sight to see the glistening ice resting on a black sand beach with waves crashing around it. You might find it surprising to see so much ice during the summer, but this phenomena occurs all year long. As with many sights in Iceland, it’s very easy to visit Diamond Beach. The are two places where you can pull off the ring road with plenty of parking spaces. This is a great kid friendly activity but they shouldn’t climb on the slippery ice as it could lead to injury. If you are lucky enough to be at Diamond Beach for sunrise or sunset, you can take extraordinary photos. During summer, it’s a little harder when sunset is at midnight but daytime photos are gorgeous too.

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Jökulsárlón is the famous glacier-fed lake along Route 1. Specifically, Breiðamerkurjökull Glacier feeds the lake and gives it the beautifully colored water, the large icebergs that float and bob atop the water. The lake is beautiful to simply stop at and bask in the beauty, but there are many activities you can do here as well, like different boat tours and even ice cave tours. Chunks of ice from this lake eventually lead to the “diamonds” of the very nearby Diamond Beach.

Vatnajokull Glacier Walk + Ice Cave

When traveling in Southern Iceland there are many fantastic sites to include on your itinerary. One of the more adventurous activities to include is an Iceland glacier walk and ice cave experience.  Since it is required to have a tour guide on any glacier tour in Iceland, there are numerous choices depending on your interests.  The tours are only offered during the Icelandic winter when the glaciers are completely frozen and the ice caves are formed into massive crystal blue caverns. The tours most commonly begin with a glacier hike from Skaftafell National Park or boat ride from Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon in southern Iceland.  The tours explore Vatnajökull National Park, which includes Vatnajökull, the largest glacier in all of Europe. Tour participant should wear sturdy hiking boots.  Guides will give instructions on how to attach clampons to the hiking boots.  These are hard metal spikes on a platform that is attached to the bottom of footwear.  The object is to stomp the spikes into the ice to avoid sliding across the glacier.  Pick axes are also used during the tour to help maneuver on the glaciers.  The glacier walk is definitely a don’t-miss activity in Iceland and will be the highlight of your Southern Iceland itinerary.
Contributed by Michelle of Moyer Memoirs

Bonus: Blue Lagoon

I almost didn’t include the Blue Lagoon because it isn’t exactly along the same route of South Coast Iceland as the others. However, it is technically on the south coast and it is an experience that many people seek out in Iceland. The Blue Lagoon is touristy, for sure, but it’s also a wonderful outdoor spa soaking experience that’s definitely more luxurious than a simple soak in a river or a spring-fed pool. I think it’s a really fun addition to a nature-filled trip through Iceland, especially if that has included a lot of hikes, to be able to soak those aching muscles in a glamorous way – sipping wine in the vivid turquoise Blue Lagoon.
Blue Lagoon Need to Know: If this is on your Iceland bucket list, I would be sure to book your ticket as soon as possible. Their time slots fill up quickly.

Truly, South Coast Iceland is a road trip that would be convincing enough take you to Iceland, but you combine it with its gorgeous capital city, the splendors of the Ring Road and Golden Circle and you have the makings of one of the most truly spectacular countries you’ve ever visited.

Convinced to Go, but Feel More Confident with a Tour?

Check out these 1-3 day tours that will check off the highlights, take care of the driving for you and allow you to sit back and relax, while still giving you freedom for other portions of your trip!

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