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Miles and miles of black-sanded beach, ice caps topping volcanos and glacial rivers turning into tumbling waterfalls, Iceland’s south coast shows why this small island nation is known as the Land of Ice and Fire. The Route One road runs along the south coast, making it easily accessible from Reykjavík and the perfect spot for a day trip.
Best Time to Visit
All year-round
Distance from Reykjavík
120 - 380km (75 - 236mi)
Coordinates
63.41767, -18.99731

Ice and Fire along the South Coast of Iceland

How to access Iceland’s south coast

The route of the south coast is a popular day trip from Reykjavík. The Route One main road that encircles the entire island of Iceland leads from the capital and runs all the way along the south coast, making it an easy place to explore by car. A south coast self-drive adventure is a popular way to see the sights along this route. Under your own steam, you can spend as long as you want at each waterfall, beach and glacier viewpoint, taking your time or speeding up whenever you feel like it. However, if you prefer to simply sit back, relax and take in the volcanoes, mountains and wild Atlantic shore from the car window, joining one of the many day trips or multi-day trips that run from Reykjavík to the south coast is the perfect option.


The natural wonders of the South Coast

One of the most popular sights is the south coast waterfalls. Iceland has hundreds of waterfalls that tumble from cliff tops and thunder over rocks and two of the most beautiful are on the south coast. Seljalandsfoss waterfall is the only place in Iceland where you can actually walk behind the cascade. At Skógafoss you can hike up to the top of the waterfall for a view over the mossy-green landscape all the way to the sea and count the rainbows that appear when the sun hits the spray at the cascade’s base. You can also spot some of the country’s huge ice caps from the roadside like the famous Eyjafjallajökull which caused the dramatic ash cloud of 2010.


Reynisfjara Black Beach

Most South Coast itineraries include a stop at Reynisfjara black-sanded beach, where a sweep of onyx sand stretches for miles and miles. The beach’s Hálsanefshellir cave, made from twisting basalt columns, looks like something from a legendary tale where fae folk might hang out, and two jagged sea stacks stand tall as skyscrapers out at sea. It makes for a striking picture.


Explore the Glaciers

Along the south shore, you'll find some of Iceland's most renowned glaciers. Adjacent to Eyjafjallajökull is the mighty Mýrdalsjökull with its outlet, Sólheimajökull. Further east lies the colossal Vatnajökull, Europe's largest ice cap. These glaciers provide not only breathtaking views for your day trip but also act as a haven for adventure enthusiasts. Glacier hikes, ice climbing, ice caving, and glacier lagoon kayaking tours are available.

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

At the opposite end of the south coast from Reykjavík, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is considered the “jewel in Iceland’s crown”. Glowing blue icebergs float in the clear glacial water and you can take a boat out into the lagoon to touch the ice up close. Just across the road from the glacier lagoon, the Diamond Beach is another of Iceland’s black-sanded beaches, but this one is a little different. Huge shards of crystal-clear ice travel down from the glacier lagoon to the shore where it rests on the jet-black sand. When the light hits the ice, it looks like diamonds shimmering on the ground.

Adventure activities along the south coast

There is plenty for the outdoor enthusiast along the south coast of Iceland. One once-in-a-lifetime experience that can be ticked off your bucket list is hiking on a south coast glacier. Iceland isn’t short of ice caps, in fact, 11% of the country is covered in glacial ice. There are a few spots where you can embark on a glacier hike along the south coast, but the most popular are Sólheimajökull and Skaftafell. You can also explore glacial ice caves under the guidance of a professional guide and try your hand at ice climbing.

A hikers paradise

More hiking opportunities are on offer around Skaftafell, where miles of trails meander across the rugged landscape. You can even follow a long-distance walking trail through the Icelandic Highlands from Skógar (near Skógafoss waterfall) towards the untouched Icelandic Highlands.

Adventures in the South Coast

For a unique view of Iceland’s landscape, you can join a zip-lining adventure at Vík, soaring high above rivers and lava plains. Or, for a more grounded experience, power across the black sand of Reynifjara in an ATV and discover the wreck of a DC-3 plane.

Eat, drink and sleep along the south coast

If you’re taking it slow and spending more than a day exploring the sights of the south coast, you’ll want to stop for food and accommodation. Cabins and rooms in guesthouses on remote farms can be found all along the Route One road for overnight stays, often including a home-cooked meal and breakfast in the morning. The pretty coastal villages of Vík and Höfn are home to a selection of hostels, hotels and B&Bs for all budgets, plus pubs and restaurants for a drink and meal at the end of the day. Most of the major sights have their own visitor’s centre with a café so you can try rustic Icelandic soups, stews and sandwiches for lunch as you sightsee. In some of the remote regions, especially around Skaftafell, you’ll find campsites with tent pitches and spots for campervans.

All About Iceland’s South Coast

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