The South Coast of Iceland is stunning. The region has an amazing concentration of really special spots, making it a very popular region for tourists. A visit to the South Coast can be done in one very long driving day from Reykjavik, perhaps as far as Vik, but I would recommend an overnight so you can get further down the coast or take your time visiting the many gorgeous places. Tour companies also offer one day or longer South Coast trips. These can be big bus tours or smaller group vans. Most self-drivers or tours stop in/around Vik if doing an overnight. The view from the white church up on the hill out to the sea is amazing!
Some sites I recommend considering when visiting the South Coast are below.
You can also add an extra day down on the South Coast and take the ferry out to the Westman Islands. Check out my post on things to do in the Westman Islands here.
South Coast Sites between Hveragerdi and Vik:
- Kerid Crater – Just before Selfoss, and a short drive off the Ring Road, you can add a short stop to this crater lake. For a small fee (it is on private land), you can hike around the caldera and also go down the steps to the lake level. See my Instagram post on Kerid Crater here: Spotted By M – Kerid Crater Website: Kerid crater
- Seljalandsfoss – This is the waterfall you can walk behind! You will get wet and the path can be crowded and slippery so please wear appropriate shoes. You can still visit this waterfall in winter, but know that the path behind is closed due to ice and for safety. Seljalandsfoss waterfall | Visit South Iceland
- Gljufrabui – If you’re at Seljalandsfoss, take the time to also go to the far, far left and visit a smaller waterfall in a narrow canyon that you can walk into which is so cool. You do have to carefully navigate some shallow water, stones, and a narrow entry gap, so waterproof shoes – and good balance! – are helpful. Once you’re in the small space, there is a good photo-op if you can (carefully) climb up onto the large boulder inside! Gljúfrabúi | Visit South Iceland
- Skogafoss – This waterfall is a must, and time permitting, and if you’re able to, walk up ALL the stairs and continue walking back along the path for some stunning views of other waterfalls and canyons up back behind it. Skógafoss – Waterfall | Visit South Iceland
- Skogar Museum – If you’re interested in a good local museum, just next to Skogafoss waterfall is the Skogar Museum. Especially of note are their collection of authentic Icelandic historic buildings in an open air setting. The traditional Icelandic turf houses are adorable and there is also a cute little cafe for a warm coffee and a cake (and restrooms!). Website: Skogar Museum
- Kvernufoss – This waterfall is just a short walk down a path behind the Skogar Museum. You can also visit this waterfall in winter, but note that the path can be icy, so spiked shoes with good traction or a walking stick could be helpful. Kvernufoss waterfall | Visit South Iceland
- Dyrholaey – If it is the right season, you can see puffins in the lower cliffs of Dyrholaey, a hill near the famous Black Sand Beach. There are two options once you drive up to the hill. The top road goes up to the lighthouse and has some paths with good views out over the coast, rock formations, and black sand beaches. But, the puffins are usually at the area adjacent to the lower road. Park and walk out on the path to the left for great puffin views.
- Reynisfjara Beach (or the “Black Sand Beach”) and its basalt columns is also a must do. The basalt formations informs some Icelandic architecture, like the Hallgrims church in Reykjavik! Please do take all signs about the danger of “sneaker waves” very seriously. This is a real threat. Reynisfjara, Reynisfjall og Reynisdrangar | Visit South Iceland
South Coast Sites between Vik and Glacier Lagoon:
- Yoda Cave (also known as Gígjagjá), off the Ring Road past Vik – This cave is a unique little spot. You need a car to get here though (or to ask your tour van to stop here). It is a bit off the ring road at the backside of a big rock formation. It really does look like baby Yoda – from the inside of the cave looking out.
- Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon – In between Vik and Kirkjubæjarklaustur and off the Ring Road, up a short path from the parking lot is this extremely picturesque canyon. I’ve only visited during winter and it was stunning! Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon | Visit South Iceland
- Hofskirkja Turf church, in Hof – I love traditional old Icelandic turf houses and the one in Hof is really special. Worth the short stop just off the main road. It has a cemetery attached with old burial mounds or graves. More detailed info here: Hofskirkja Turf Church in Öræfi in South-East Iceland – the youngest one
- Svartifoss (aka “the Black Waterfall”), in Skaftafell – This is a really beautiful waterfall due its special setting with the waterfall surrounded by columnar basalt. But, it does require a hike to get up to it so plan some time if you add this stop. The path is a bit steep at first, but is do-able even for a beginner hiker. Estimated to take about 45 minutes to get up to the main waterfall. You can park in the lots at the bottom and there are bathrooms there too. Pictured above in featured image on this page. Worth it! Svartifoss – Wikipedia
- Glacier Lagoon (Jökulsárlón) and Diamond Beach – These locations are quite a way past Vik. But they are one of the most unique things I’ve ever seen – anywhere. Small icebergs break off of the glacier and flow down through the lagoon to the sea and then get kicked back up onto the black sand by the waves – looking like “diamonds.” You can often see seals swimming in the channel up from the sea to the lagoon too! Jökulsárlón Glacier lagoon | Visit South Iceland Diamond Beach – Atlas Obscura
