A Complete Guide to Iceland’s South Coast, From Someone Who’s Explored It in Detail

I’ve been to Iceland almost 10 times now, and of all the regions in the country, the South Coast is the one that I’ve explored the most. While many of its spots have been discovered (this is one of the most popular tourist spots in the country), I’ve also found plenty of places off the beaten path. 

To be honest, I’m not surprised at all that many people choose to visit the South Coast. Firstly, it’s pretty close to Reykjavík and therefore easier to reach than many regions. On top of that, its tourist infrastructure is relatively well-developed. And when it comes to the landscapes here, they’re both beautiful and varied. 

Even though Iceland’s South Coast has been explored more than most parts of the country, that doesn’t mean you should skip it altogether. You will, however, need to prepare accordingly before you travel. This is precisely why I’m putting together this super-detailed guide, which synthesizes all of my real-life experiences traveling in this part of Iceland. 

I have explored the South Coast both on my own and as part of a guided tour. So, I’ve seen it from multiple perspectives. With a bit of preparation and curiosity, I still think that it’s a great place to spend a few days (or a week, or more). In this guide, I’ll cover what I think are its must-see sights, along with practical information to help you have a more comfortable trip. 

What Do I Actually Mean by Iceland’s South Coast?

When I say the South Coast of Iceland, I’m pretty much talking about the stretch of the country from the town of Selfoss to the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach. I am also going to include the Westman Islands (Vestmannaeyjar) as part of the South Coast, since you can easily reach them from the mainland by boat. 

I am not including Þórsmörk, even though it’s very close to Seljalandsfoss and not a million miles from the Ring Road. This, to me, is the Highlands. I will, however, include Skaftafell National Park as part of the South Coast. The reason why is that it’s right next to the Ring Road that stretches along this part of the country. 

Iceland’s South Coast Is One of the Best Regions for Tourist Infrastructure

I have traveled around the entire Ring Road in Iceland, along with the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Golden Circle, Reykjavík, the Reykjanes Peninsula, and part of the Icelandic Highlands. Of all the regions I’ve visited, I think that the South Coast has—with the exception of the Golden Circle—the best tourist infrastructure in the country. 

The roads on the South Coast are generally in good condition, though you will find some gravel roads that are challenging to drive on. However, there aren’t as many scary roads compared to—say—the north of the country. 

You won’t find many towns along the South Coast, which is simply because the landscape is largely inhospitable. However, I think that Vík has the most facilities designed for visitors in Iceland apart from Reykjavík. The trails here are also well-kept, and I’ve noticed more things like safety barriers compared to some other parts of Iceland. 

If you’re visiting Iceland for the first time, and you’re not going to drive around the whole Ring Road, the South Coast is a pretty comfortable place to explore and base yourself.  

… That Does, However, Come at a Cost

I’m going to be a bit controversial here and say that I don’t think the South Coast is overrun with tourists. It’s really not that difficult to find some space for yourself. However, some parts of the region are very busy. 

Since many tourists visit the South Coast when they’re in Iceland, the main sights can get very crowded. You will see other people at the likes of Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, and Jökulsárlón. Unless you go there at midnight in the summer, I guess. 

With that being said, the only time I’ve felt too overwhelmed was when I once went to Seljalandsfoss in August. I had been there two months prior, and while there were crowds, they weren’t as bad as that particular August trip. 

I do feel like I sometimes need a bit more patience when on the South Coast compared to other parts of Iceland. At the same time, this is something that I simply expect before I visit—which makes it much easier to manage. So, I recommend that you do the same. 

What the South Coast Is (and Isn’t) Good For

If you’re currently choosing between which regions you want to visit in Iceland, knowing what you will and won’t get on the South Coast is a good idea. To help you, I’ve outlined my top reasons for visiting—along with when I think going elsewhere is a better idea. 

Why I Think the South Coast Is Worth Visiting

If you’re short on time in Iceland, the South Coast is a great way to see many of the country’s highlights and a variety of its landscapes. You’ll find waterfalls, beaches, cliffs, and vast open spaces here. You can throw in a couple of glaciers for good measure, too. 

I also think that the South Coast is worth seeing if you’re into hiking. Skaftafell National Park has several excellent hiking routes for varying difficulties, and it’s one of my favorite places to visit in the entire country. You will also find other hiking opportunities on the Westman Islands. 

The South Coast is similarly worth seeing if you want to experience Iceland without some of its harsher, more remote regions. Compared to the Eastfjords especially, I feel like the South Coast was much easier to get around and also find a variety of places to stay. 

However, You May Sometimes Want to Consider Going Elsewhere in Iceland

As stunning as the landscapes are on the South Coast, I do think that you’ll find more dramatic scenery elsewhere in the country. For example, I love the Snæfellsnes Peninsula—which is also quite close to Reykjavík. If you want a real adventure, I’d also recommend hiking the Laugavegur Trail if you visit in the summer. I did this with guides via The Iceland Trail experience, which I also suggest; when I say adventure, I mean “hours from civilization, tough terrain, and no mobile signal”. 

If you really dislike crowds, you can find other parts of Iceland where there are fewer people. For example, most visitors skip the Westfjords; with the exception of Seyðisfjörður, I also found that crowds were very sparse in the Eastfjords. 

My Favorite Places to Visit on Iceland’s South Coast (Or, as Some Would Say, “Must-See Sights”)

While there’s plenty to see and do on the South Coast, I think that some places are worth visiting more than others. In this section, I’ll cover the spots that I think are absolute must-visits when you’re in this part of the country. 

1. Dyrhólaey

We visited Dyrhólaey when staying in nearby Vík, and it’s a great choice if you enjoy birdwatching. Even though we went here in the off-season, we saw plenty of fulmars flying around and perched within the cliffs. During the summer, you can also see puffins nesting here. 

The views here are also great. It’s the best place, in my opinion, to get a vantage point of some of Iceland’s black sand beaches. I also thought the rock formations were beautiful, and the lighthouse is worth seeing as well. 

Although parking was free when we first visited Dyrhólaey, this is no longer the case. When you visit, you will now need to pay for parking—which you can do via the Parka app. Your ticket covers both the upper and lower parking lots. 

2. Kvernufoss

I had wanted to visit Kvernufoss for a very long time before doing so, but to be honest, I prioritized other parts of the South Coast. But on my seventh visit to the country, I finally decided to go there. We had just been at Seljalandsfoss and were staying close by anyway, so it made perfect sense. 

Kvernufoss is interesting because I wouldn’t call it a hidden gem, but it’s also way less crowded than some of the other waterfalls along the South Coast. We went here on a Sunday evening in June and had the place almost to ourselves. The walk to get here is very simple; it takes around 30 minutes from the parking lot. 

During the summer, you can stand behind the waterfall. This, in my opinion, is the best perspective for photos. However, Kvernufoss and its surroundings look pretty from any angle. 

You will need to pay for parking here, too, which you can do via Check-it when you arrive. Kvernufoss is a short drive from Skógafoss.  

3. Þakgil’s Hiking Routes

The mountainous drive to the Þakgil campsite is nerve-wracking, and while not technically an F-road, I do strongly recommend having a 4×4 vehicle. You also cannot access it in the winter. Still, if you plan to visit Iceland in the summer—and you can stomach the drive—it’s a great place to stay overnight. 

When you’re there, I can also strongly suggest doing the blue hiking route. We chose to spontaneously do this one morning before continuing our journey, and it was very much worthwhile. We only saw two other people on this trail, and it was one of my favorite hikes on the entire trip. 

The hike starts from close to the campsite, and you’ll get some great panoramic views before descending into a valley. I would say that it’s of moderate difficulty; the start and finish are quite steep, but we otherwise found it manageable. You’ll find a hiking map at the campsite. 

In addition to this route, you’ll find other hiking routes at Þakgil. 

4. The Westman Islands

If I’m being truthful, the Westman Islands were more of a “sure, why not” stop than something that had actively been on my bucket list. But my word, I am so happy we made the trip. I’ve said this multiple times, but I genuinely think this archipelago is one of Iceland’s most underrated spots. 

We stayed on Heimaey, which is the main island and the only one with a permanent population. Since we were here in the off-season, we were some of the only tourists there. We stayed overnight, which was a good amount of time; you can drive from one side of the island to the other in less than half an hour. 

While on the Westman Islands, we hiked the Eldfell volcano. This was a super cool experience, and from the top, you can see the mainland on a clear day. We also went to the museum dedicated to the 1974 eruption, which destroyed several houses in the town; you can see remnants of that today when you walk around. 

During the summer, the Westman Islands are one of the best places in the country to see puffins. I wrote a guide on staying overnight on the Westman Islands; to get there, you’ll need to take the ferry from Landejyahöfn. You can bring your rental car, as long as you book a spot for it. 

5. The Svínafellsjökull Viewpoint in Skaftafell National Park

Skaftafell National Park has a number of hikes, and you could easily spend a few days here doing nothing but these trails. The best “views-to-effort” ratio is, in my opinion, the hike to the viewpoint of the Svínafellsjökull glacier. 

We did this hike on a 10-day camping trip in Iceland, and it was a nice way to spend a few hours after breakfast. It’s more of a walk than a hike, to be honest, as it’s pretty much flat the whole way there. Getting to the glacier viewpoint takes around an hour each way. 

The views on the way are pleasant; during the summer, there are some plovers nesting here, and if you see them, they will likely follow you to ensure you don’t get near their nests. Just keep walking, though, and they should leave you alone. 

The viewpoint is guarded with a fence, but parts of it were broken when we were there. So, be extra careful not to stand too close to the edge. 

6. Seljalandsfoss

Seljalandsfoss is probably the most famous waterfall on the South Coast, and it’s also the one that I have visited the most times in all of Iceland. I’ve been here both in the summer and during the colder months, and it’s a must-visit for first-timers in the country. 

During the summer, you can walk behind the waterfall. If you choose to do so, bring a waterproof jacket as you *will* get wet. Protecting your camera is also a good idea, and as a side note, you can also check out my guide on how to not destroy your camera in Iceland. Be prepared to wait in a queue, too. 

If you visit outside the summer, you should not go behind the waterfall; icicles can form, and it’s therefore very dangerous. Still, I think it’s worth visiting regardless of when you’re in Iceland. Expect to deal with crowds, but the waterfall itself is worth it. 

You can also go to Gljúfrabúi, which is another waterfall hidden behind some rocks and is just 10 minutes’ walking from Seljalandsfoss along the trail. I don’t think it’s as cool as Seljalandsfoss, but it’s worth seeing if you’re in the area anyway. You will need to pay for parking at Seljalandsfoss, which you can do via the ticket machines there or on the Check-it app. 

7. Skógafoss

Skógafoss is another of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls, and it’s another place that I have been to more than once. Like Seljalandsfoss, it’s quite crowded—but once the tour buses leave, it’s usually quite manageable. 

If you want to see sheer power, Skógafoss is the place to do this. You will need a rain jacket here as you’ll get wet if you go anywhere near the waterfall. Unlike Seljalandsfoss, you cannot go behind Skógafoss. 

While at Skógafoss, I also recommend taking the stairs and doing part of the trail behind the waterfall. Here, you’ll see numerous other waterfalls and also get a unique view of Skógafoss at the beginning. You’ll need to pay a parking fee here, which is done via the Parka app. 

8. Fjallsárlón

Nearby Jökulsárlón is much more famous than Fjallsárlón, but I actually thought Fjallsárlon was more beautiful. We came here on a particularly cold and rainy day, but despite my hands freezing (and yes, this was in June), I didn’t really care. Well, I didn’t care until my camera became misty soon after. 🙂

The view across the lagoon to the glacier is amazing, and if you’re into photography, this is a place you really shouldn’t miss. We spent around 20 minutes here before moving on, so it was a nice, quick stop before going to Jökulsárlón. You will need to pay a separate parking fee, but it’s worth the money, in my opinion. 

9. Vík í Mýrdal

Most people use Vík as a base for its nearby attractions, but they never actually explore the town itself beyond its church. This, in my opinion, is a big mistake. Since we were staying close to the town on one trip, we took the effort to spend an afternoon wandering around it in more detail. 

Controversially, I think the black sand beach in Vík is nicer than Reynisfjara. The Vík Culture Walk was also a nice way to learn more about the town’s history, and the surroundings in general are beautiful. 

Vík is also where you will find Black Crust Pizzeria, which I personally think is the best pizza in Iceland. It’s walk-in only, and the queue is often long in the peak season, but the wait is worthwhile. I also wrote a guide on my favorite things to do in and around Vík if you’re interested in exploring the town in more detail. 

Unless You’re Joining a Day Tour, Don’t Even Bother Trying to Do the Whole South Coast in One Day

One of the biggest mistakes you can make is assuming that Iceland is small. It looks like it on a map, but the distances are much bigger than you might think. For example, Jökulsárlón is almost five hours from Reykjavík by car *one-way*. 

If you’re driving yourself, I strongly advise against trying to do all of the South Coast in one day. You will not enjoy yourself, and you will rush from one spot to the other. The only exception is if you take a guided day tour, since you don’t need to do any of the driving yourself. 

At a minimum, I recommend spending 2-3 nights on the South Coast. If you have more time, you could push this even further and spend closer to a week. We did this once, and it was much more enjoyable to take our time. 

If you don’t have time, and you really want to do a day trip from Reykjavík, I would say that Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss are manageable. Beyond that, though, you’re really pushing it. 

You should spend longer in the winter if you can, since the daylight hours will be very short. As a result, you won’t see as much as if you visited in the summer or shoulder season. In these cases, I’d suggest pushing as close to a week as you can. 

Renting a Car for Your South Coast Adventure

Of all the trips I’ve done along the South Coast, I’ve by far had the most fun when using a rental car. Day tours will cover the main sights, and they’re convenient for this, but you’ll miss out on many of the lesser-known spots that are also worth your time. 

You could easily do a trip on the South Coast with just a 2WD. We did this on an April visit with no issues. The only exception would be if you’re planning to drive to Þakgil, which is doable with a 2WD but much better with a 4WD. If you’re just doing the main Ring Road route, you absolutely do not need a 4WD. 

If You’re Planning to Stay for a Night or More, Vík Is the Best Place to Base Yourself

Vík is my top choice to base yourself on Iceland’s South Coast for two reasons. Firstly, it’s within reasonable driving distance of most main attractions; Fjallsárlón and Jökulsárlón are two exceptions if we talk about a day trip. Secondly, it’s got the best range of accommodation IMO. My top choice is Black Beach Suites.

If you visit the Westman Islands, I’d suggest basing yourself there overnight rather than trying to take a day trip. Otherwise, camping in Skaftafell National Park is an option; I also stayed near Selfoss once, which was another decent choice (it’s the largest town on the South Coast, though less tourist-oriented than Vík). 

For Fjallsárlón and Jökulsárlón, Höfn is a decent nearby choice. It’s also a good option if you’re going to continue on to the Eastfjords. 

What’s the Weather Like, Compared to Other Parts of Iceland?

I mean… It’s Iceland. You’re still probably getting all the seasons in one trip, and maybe even in one day. 

With that being said, I do think that the South Coast is one of the windiest parts of the country. Even when I was here in the summer, that very much rang true. It also rains a lot, and does so throughout the year. Of all the places I’ve been to in Iceland, the South Coast has definitely been the wettest. 

You’ll have slightly longer daylight hours in the winter, but not by a significant amount. I don’t have any specific advice for packing for the South Coast; like anywhere else in Iceland, you should dress warmly and also bring a good rain jacket. I wrote an Iceland packing list that you may find handy. 

Does It Matter When I Visit?

If I could pick any time to visit the South Coast, it would be between mid-April and June. The weather is still pretty volatile in April, but the daylight hours are long, and it’s *much* less crowded than at the peak times of the year. I also have found June reasonable for crowds, and you’ll have extra benefits like being able to walk behind Seljalandsfoss. 

With that being said, I don’t think it matters too much. Each time of the year has pros and cons. The crowds at the main sights are bigger during the summer, and accommodation is expensive. Beyond that, you will need to book in advance if you visit during the summer months. 

Winter can also be a nice time to visit, and the Ring Road along the South Coast is generally well-maintained. However, the weather is more unpredictable, and the wind can be brutal. On the flip side, you do have a chance of seeing the Northern Lights. 🤷🏾‍♂️

If you want to see puffins, you’ll need to visit between the middle of May and the middle of August. Preferably, you should go in June or July.

Everything You Need to Know About the South Coast in One Place

Even if the South Coast is one of the most-visited regions in Iceland, I think it’s worth seeing if you’ve never been to Iceland before. Even after multiple visits, I still find new experiences and places to see that I otherwise wasn’t aware of. 

If you prepare properly, Iceland’s South Coast is a rewarding and stunning place to visit. Having read this guide, you should now feel more equipped with the places to see, where to stay, and the practical information you need. 

If you want to do some more planning for your trip, I recommend next reading my 10-day itinerary, which goes along the South Coast. 

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