The Ultimate Guide to Iceland’s South Coast (With Map + Itinerary)

Having been to Iceland six times, I cannot get enough of this country. I always look forward to returning, and it always makes me happy when I see people who’ve never visited fall in love with this beautiful island in the middle of the North Atlantic. The South Coast is one of the most popular beginner routes, and I think it’s one of the best regions to plan your first trip around. 

But while frequented by tourists, driving along Iceland’s South Coast is not without its challenges. Distances are bigger than you might think, and the weather—like the rest of the country—is unpredictable. As a result, I recommend spending some time planning your trip and ensuring that you’re as prepared as you can possibly be. 

I’ve been to the South Coast multiple times; since I have been both as part of a tour and on a self-driven trip, I have unique insights. Based on those experiences, I’m bringing you this comprehensive guide to Iceland’s South Coast. You’ll discover everything you need to know, including both things to do and practical information. 

A Map of Iceland’s South Coast 

It’d be so obvious if I told you that the South Coast covers the whole southern part of Iceland, but things are a little more complicated than that. Technically, Reykjavík is on the South Coast—but I wouldn’t strictly count it as the South Coast. 

For simplicity’s sake, my definition of the South Coast starts in Selfoss and ends in Höfn. However, while I class Höfn as the endpoint of the South Coast, I’d say that the nearby Vestrahorn mountain is part of the Eastfjords.

To help you plan your trip more effectively, I’ve created a Google Map of the South Coast. I’ve added the main towns so that you’ve got a better idea of where to base yourself, too. 

While it could technically be included, I haven’t added the Westman Islands as part of Iceland’s South Coast. However, I do recommend detouring if you have an extra 1-2 days to spare. You can check out this complete guide to the Westman Islands to prepare accordingly. 

How to Get to the South Coast

The South Coast covers part of the Ring Road, and the easiest way to get here is by driving. Vík, which is where we stayed on my second trip to this region, is around two hours from Reykjavík. Before continuing your onward journey to the South Coast, I recommend spending a couple of days in the Icelandic capital; there are plenty of fun things to do in Reykjavík. 

You can take the bus to the main towns, but you may need to change multiple times along the way. I would only consider buses as an option during the summer, as the weather would be too unpredictable in the winter. Either way, I think you’re much better off renting a car and not needing to rely on the bus’s schedules. 

If you’re visiting Iceland without a car, I’d recommend taking a day tour to the South Coast instead. We did an amazing tour in 2019 that took us all the way from Reykjavík to the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, stopping in multiple places—such as Seljalandsfoss—along the way. I still think you’re better off renting a car if possible, but if not, tours are a good way to see the South Coast’s highlights. 

You’ll find plenty of day tours to the South Coast, many of which will pick you up from Reykjavík. Doing this is ideal if you’re visiting Iceland without a car.

The Main Sights on Iceland’s South Coast

One reason why the South Coast is so popular is that it has many of Iceland’s most popular attractions. I’ll give you a complete itinerary later in this guide, but below, you’ll find a summary of the main sights in this part of the country. 

Seljalandsfoss

Seljalandsfoss is one of Iceland’s coolest waterfalls, and it’s known for the route that goes behind it. You can see the waterfall from the Ring Road, and regardless of when you visit, it’s a stunning spectacle. While I prefer Skógafoss, I still think that Seljalandsfoss is worth a stop. 

You can visit Seljalandsfoss year-round, but the path behind the waterfall is closed during the winter. If you see a sign saying that you can’t continue, don’t be *that* person and ignore it. Parking is available at Seljalandsfoss; it costs 1,000 ISK, and you can pay in the parking lot.

Skógafoss

Visiting Skógafoss is an absolute must when traveling around Iceland’s South Coast. This powerful waterfall deserves every ounce of its popularity, and it’s the perfect place to see just how powerful this country’s nature is. 

In addition to visiting Skógafoss itself, I recommend walking at least part of the hiking trail close to the waterfall. To get here, you’ll need to take the nearby stairs. While you’re there, you’ll also get a unique view of Skógafoss. 

Parking at Skógafoss costs 1,000 ISK (c. $8). You can pay in the Parka app (iOS and Android).

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

Reynisfjara is known for its basalt columns and for being one of the many Game of Thrones filming locations in Iceland. From this black sand beach, you can get a view of the nearby Reynisdrangar sea stacks. 

The beach is notorious for its dangerous sneaker waves, which have been known to sweep people out to sea. If you’re caught by a sneaker wave, your chances of surviving are slim; take the warning signs at the beach seriously and keep your distance from the water. 

While I actually think Reynisfjara is quite overrated (I much preferred nearby Víkurfjara), it’s still worth visiting on your first Iceland trip. Parking fees start at 1,000 ISK if you plan to leave your car here.  

Dyrhólaey

We mainly went to Dyrhólaey because we were staying nearby, but I’m glad that we added it to our itinerary in the end. This nature reserve offers great views of the nearby beaches and sea stacks, and it’s a prime spot for some birdwatching. 

At Dyrhólaey, you’ll find a picturesque lighthouse and can see what’s known as the never-ending beach. This area looks particularly wonderful on a moody day, but it’s worth visiting even if you get sunshine instead. 

Jökulsárlón 

Jökulsárlón is one of my favorite spots on the South Coast, and it’ll look different each time you visit. The ice that makes landfall offers some great photography opportunities, and if you visit in the summer months, you can book a cruise among the icebergs. 

Jökulsárlon is Iceland’s deepest lake; at its deepest point, it’s 284 meters (932 feet). And just in case you were wondering, no—you should not swim here. The lake is, however, a great place to spot seals.

You can park here for 1,000 ISK. 

Svartifoss

Hiking to Svartifoss is relatively straightforward; it takes around 45 minutes each way. This waterfall is one of the coolest that you’ll see on your Iceland trip, and it’s located inside Skaftafell National Park. 

The hike to Svartifoss starts from close to the visitor center and is free. You can park your car in the parking lot at Skaftafell National Park; it costs 1,040 ISK.  

Skaftafell National Park  

In addition to Svartifoss, Skaftafell National Park is worth visiting on your South Coast adventure. You won’t be able to go everywhere in one day, but you can at least go to Svartifoss and walk near (read: near, NOT on) the Skaftafellsjökull glacier.

The national park is around two hours from both Höfn and Vík, and you’ll find camping spots here as well. 

Where to Stay on Iceland’s South Coast

When traveling around the South Coast, I recommend staying in Höfn or Vík. Vík offers easier access to Seljalandsfoss, Reynisfjara, Skógafoss, and Dyrhólaey. However, you’re better off staying in Höfn when visiting Jökulsárlón. You can browse accommodation in Höfn below. 

We stayed in Black Beach Suites on our most recent trip to Iceland’s South Coast. These self-catering apartments are a 10-minute drive outside of Vík, and since there’s little light pollution, they’re ideal for seeing the Northern Lights if you’re visiting between September and April. You’ll find plenty of accommodation options in and around Vík, too. 

You’ll also find some campsites along Iceland’s South Coast, including the previously mentioned one at Skaftafell National Park. If you’re visiting Iceland on a budget, this can be a great way to bring down your costs. You can find a number of campsites in Southern Iceland here.

Driving Along the South Coast: What to Expect

For the most part, driving conditions along the South Coast are pretty good. You’ll be driving along the Ring Road for the most part, which is well-maintained. 

However, you will also encounter multiple single-land bridges. The car closer to the bridge normally has right-of-way, but if you’re unsure, you can always take the initiative and pull over. These bridges can be nerve-wracking if you haven’t driven across them before, but you should get used to them before too long. 

You can identify single-lane bridges via the “Einbreið Brú” signs. 

PSA: Don’t Try and Visit All of the South Coast on Your Own in One Day 

While you’ll find plenty of day tours covering the South Coast in one day, you should not try and cover the entire region in one day if you’re driving yourself. These tours are typically 16+ hours long, and traveling to and from Jökulsárlón/Reykjavík would be over 400 miles as a round-trip. 

Instead, you should stay at least three days on the South Coast. If you can allocate 4-5 days, that’s even better. Besides ensuring that you don’t burn out, you’ll have more time to appreciate the beauty of this region. 

How to Prepare for Your Trip to Iceland’s South Coast

1. Pack Appropriately

Packing for a trip to Iceland can be challenging, and this is no different on the South Coast. Bringing a windproof/waterproof jacket is non-negotiable, and you should ensure that you have appropriate hiking gear. This means not hiking in jeans, for the record. 

I’ve written a comprehensive Iceland packing list for all seasons, if you prepare in more depth.

2. Beware of the Seasonal Differences

You shouldn’t have too many problems traveling around Iceland’s South Coast in the summer, and when we were there in April, our experiences were also smooth. Besides more stable weather, we also had longer daylight hours. 

However, you should allocate more time during the winter. Besides having fewer daylight hours, the weather will also probably be less predictable. While there are multiple benefits of visiting Iceland in the off-season, understanding the challenges is important. 

Even if you visit in the summer, you should still accept that the weather might scupper your plans. 

3. Don’t Drive Across the Rivers in Þórsmörk

While Þórsmörk isn’t part of the South Coast (it’s in the Highlands), it is close enough that this warrants a mention. Unless you know what you’re doing, you should not drive across the rivers in Þórsmörk. In any case, you definitely should not unless you have a 4 x 4 vehicle. 

Driving across rivers in Iceland isn’t included in your insurance, which means that you’ll have to pay for the full car if you destroy it. Considering how expensive Iceland is in general, you probably don’t want to add that to your bill. 

4. Don’t Underestimate the Distances

While Iceland looks tiny on a map, distances are longer than you might think. Make sure that you’re stocked up with enough food and water, and take every chance you have when you find a public toilet.

You should also be honest with how much you’re willing to drive each day and plan your days accordingly. 

You should also make a note of the gas stations along the South Coast and ensure that your tank is full. This page has a map with the Olís stations in this region. 

5. Book Your Rental Car and Accommodation in Advance

Always book your rental car in advance, and I recommend doing the same for your accommodation. This is particularly important if you’re visiting in the summer, but it’s a good practice regardless of when you visit. 

You can pick up your rental car from Keflavík Airport with many of the major providers, which is what we did. 

6. Consider Staying in a Couple of Places 

If you want to cover the full South Coast, consider staying in a couple of places. For example, I recommend staying in or close to Höfn to visit Jökulsárlón. However, Vík is a better choice for the likes of Seljalandsfoss. 

You don’t need to stay in multiple places, and doing so might be annoying if you’ve packed a lot of things with you. However, it might make getting around and exploring the sights easier. 

7. Don’t Always Rely on Your Phone

While I haven’t had too many issues with my internet connection dropping along the South Coast, relying just on your phone is risky. I recommend downloading or printing your routes beforehand, and it’s also worth buying a physical map of Iceland that you can bring with you. 

My 4-Day Iceland South Coast Itinerary

You can customize this itinerary however you want, but I think it’s a good starting point if you’re planning to explore Iceland’s South Coast. It covers the entire way up to Jökulsárlón, and you can then decide how you want to continue your onward journey. 

Day 1: The Main Waterfalls

On the way from Reykjavík, stop at Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss. The two waterfalls are just under 30 minutes away from each other, making them easy to visit in a single day. I suggest allocating additional time to Skógafoss, but be sure to walk along the route near Seljalandsfoss as well. 

While at Seljalandsfoss, you should also walk to Gljúfrabúi. This waterfall is hidden behind a rock, and while you will get wet, it’s still worth seeing. 

At the waterfalls, be sure not to make the same mistake that I did. I wrote this complete guide on how to not destroy your camera in Iceland so that you’re better prepared. 

Day 2: Vík, Dyrhólaey, and the Black Sand Beaches

After checking into your accommodation, doing some food shopping, and getting a good night’s rest, you’re ready for some serious exploring on your second day. I recommend allocating an afternoon to Vík; the town is well worth visiting. While you’re here, be sure to do the Vík Culture Walk and visit Víkurfjara Beach. 

While in Vík, I recommend stopping at Black Crust Pizza for some excellent lunch or dinner. It’s still the best place I’ve ever eaten in Iceland. 

Away from Vík, make the short drive to Dyrhólaey. While you’re in the area, be sure to visit the lighthouse. From Dyrhólaey, Reynisfjara is a short drive away. If possible, try to avoid visiting at the same time as the tour buses; it can get a bit busy when they’re there. 

Day 3: Skaftafell National Park and Surroundings

After having more than a taste of Iceland’s South Coast, you can continue onward to Skaftafell National Park. Before visiting, be sure to spend a few minutes at the Skeiðará Bridge Monument. These twisted beams are part of a bridge that was destroyed by a glacier rush in 1996. Nobody was harmed, thankfully, but the monument is a stark reminder of how powerful nature can be. 

If you only have one day at Skaftafell National Park, I recommend hiking to Svartifoss. Once you’ve done that, be sure to walk to the area around Skaftafellsjökull. Note that you should not climb on the glacier as it’s very dangerous.

Both hikes are signposted, and you can start them from the visitor center. 

While on the way to (or coming back from) Skaftafell National Park, I recommend taking a detour to the Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon. It’s around an hour away.

Day 4: Glacier Lagoon

Allocate some good time to Jökulsárlón, and ideally, come here early or late to avoid the crowds. The icebergs here are mesmerizing to watch, and it’s one of the most peaceful places I’ve been to. You could easily spend a couple of hours here, in my opinion. 

While here, be sure that you don’t climb atop the icebergs; this is incredibly dangerous. If you’re visiting in the summer, it’s definitely worth booking a lagoon boat tour as well. 

Continuing Your Onward Journey

From Jökulsárlón/Höfn, you can continue around the Ring Road. You’re very close to the Eastfjords, and from there, you can venture north. I haven’t yet been to either region, but the Eastfjords in particular are at the top of my bucket list. 

If you’re planning to drive back to Reykjavík, consider spreading your trip over a few days. Jökulsárlón is almost five hours from Reykjavík by car, so it’s doable in a day if more than one person is driving—but more difficult if one of you is.

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