The Ultimate Guide To The Icelandic South Coast

Iceland’s south coast is one of the most beautiful parts of this extraordinary country, but there are some standout destinations on our tours that you really won’t want to miss. With fabulous waterfalls, dramatic coastal scenery and impressive glaciers, this region delivers on majestic landscapes and remarkable landforms. Let’s start by taking a look at some of the area’s must-see destinations and how you can see them as part of a tour with Gray Line Iceland.

Seljalandsfoss

Waterfalls are a crowd-pleaser on our tours. This delightful waterfall has an impressive drop of about 60 metres, as the spring-fed Seljalandsá River plunges over an ancient sea cliff. It’s a spectacular sight, made even more appealing as it’s one of only a handful of waterfalls that you can walk behind. A short rocky trail leads up from the car park and behind the curtain of water.

Looking out at the surrounding countryside from this unusual vantage point is a highlight of any South Coast tour. A short distance away, there’s another waterfall to discover. Gljúfrabúi is tucked out of sight behind a cleft in the rock – to stand right beside it you’ll need rubber boots and waterproofs as you’ll have to wade through the river to reach it.

Skógafoss

About twenty minutes further east from Seljalandsfoss is another landmark waterfall. Skógafoss is about the same height as its neighbour but is considerably wider, measuring an impressive 25 metres across. Time it right when the sun’s shining on it and you’ll see a rainbow above it – sometimes even a double rainbow.

A highlight of a visit to Skógafoss is climbing up the metal staircase at the side of the waterfall. The view from the top overlooking the south coast is a splendid reward for those who make the effort. Inland, the challenging Fimmvörðuháls Trail leads all the way to verdant Þórsmork; at 15 miles long even if you’re an accomplished hiker you’ll need a whole day to walk it.

Reynisfjara Beach, Reynisdrangar and Dyrhólaey

Just before you reach Vik, you’ll reach one of the most infamous beaches in Iceland, separated from this charming village by an impressive basalt headland. Reynisfjara is striking, boasting a broad swathe of charcoal grey sand that abuts a cliff formed of columnar basalt, evidence of an ancient lava flow.

That same volcanic eruption saw lava pouring over the headland and has led to the existence of a cluster of sea stacks that have been pounded over the centuries by rough Atlantic breakers. They’re known as Reynisdrangar and local lore claims that they are petrified trolls that were turned to stone by the rising sun as they tried to pull a sailing ship onto the shore to loot it.

In summer, you’ll see a lot of seabirds on the cliffs above a huge basalt cave. Close by, the Dyrhólaey peninsula is another place which is known for its seabird colonies. In fact, in summer this is one of the best places in this part of Iceland to see nesting puffins. They come en masse in spring to rear their chicks before flying off to the ocean again every August.

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and its environs

Vatnajokull is a huge glacier which covers around 8% of Iceland’s land area. Subsidiary tongues of ice known as outlet glaciers drop down from the main part of the ice sheet. One of these is Breiðamerkurjökull which is the glacier that you see behind Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.

This is an extraordinary place, well worth the long journey from Reykjavik. Icebergs calve from the glacier and float in the lagoon. Curious seals swim around them and sometimes haul out on the ice. It’s possible to take a boat trip out on the lagoon, whether a Zodiac or amphibian boat, to get a closer look at both.

The icebergs eventually drift out to sea along a narrow channel. Atlantic breakers wash them back onto the black sand beach here. It’s nicknamed Diamond Beach because the chunks of ice resemble glittering gems. The waves sculpt these blocks of ice into myriad shapes before they eventually dissolve into the sand.

Another lagoon is located close to Jökulsárlón – it’s called Fjallsárlón and it sits in front of a different outlet glacier, Fjallsjökull. Fjallsárlón tends to be the quieter of the two; some tourists prefer the sense of solitude and more intimate setting. It really comes down to personal preference as both are exquisitely beautiful.

Other places to visit along the south coast

• The Westman Islands

This volcanic archipelago is a half-hour ferry ride from the mainland. In the main town of Heimaey, you’ll find a sanctuary housing two rescued beluga whales that it’s hoped will one day be able to be released back into the wild. The island is also known for its volcanic scenery; there was a dramatic eruption about fifty years ago which has left remarkable lava fields. This archipelago is also home to the world’s largest colony of Atlantic puffins; see them during the summer from a bird hide or on a boat trip.

• The Sólheimasandur plane wreck

In 1973, a US Navy cargo plane came down at Sólheimasandur in a storm. The crew survived, but the aircraft was unable to be salvaged and was left where it crashed. Over the years, its interior has been stripped out and the weather has battered its fuselage, but it remains a popular destination for curious travellers, whether on foot or by ATV.

• Hjörleifshöfði Cave

Better known as Yoda Cave, the elements have cut a hole above a natural opening to resemble the cute character from Star Wars movie franchise. It’s certainly an unusual landform. Some say this is also the final resting place of an early Norse settler who was murdered by his own slaves.

• Ingólfshöfði

This wild and windswept headland takes its name from Iceland’s first permanent settler, a Norseman who overwintered here in the 9^th century. In summer, organised tours head out over the wet sand for birdwatching; after a steep climb up a sandy cliff you can expect to see birds such as puffins and skuas if you get your timing right.

• Fjaðrárgljúfur and Múlagljúfur Canyons

The south coast of Iceland is characterised by a number of tucked away canyons carved by rivers that originate up in the Highlands region. Fjaðrárgljúfur is a magical canyon whose moss-covered interlocking spurs give it an almost magical quality. Múlagljúfur Canyon is similar in appearance but a little further off the beaten track.

Activities you should book in South Iceland

Aside from offering some of the best sightseeing in the country, there are a number of fun activities you can do in South Iceland. These include our glacier hiking tour, snowmobiling and horse riding. If you’re looking for an adventure, then seeing the south coast scenery in this way is likely to be memorable and fun.

When to visit

There’s no reason you can’t visit Iceland’s south coast at any time of year, so long as you’ve dressed for the occasion – warm, waterproof layers are definitely the way to go. The majority of its must-see landforms aren’t seasonal and open even during the colder months. In fact, at this time of year, some people prefer the south coast as it’s much less busy. If the weather is fine and the sun is out, the soft winter light makes everything look pretty.

Between late August and mid April you might also be lucky enough to see the Northern Lights. The aurora borealis is frequently seen dancing across Iceland’s dark skies although predicting when and where is best left to the experts. Improve your chances of a sighting by booking a spot on Gray Line’s South Coast and Northern Lights Mystery Tour. Accompanied by a guide you’ll set off on a hunt for this ethereal and delightful phenomenon.

There’s a risk of bad weather, however, as storms can blow in and occasionally the roads are temporarily closed until the wind drops or a blizzard clears. If you’re self-driving, build time into your itinerary in case of unforeseen delays. If you prefer to take a tour to take the uncertainty out of driving in potentially icy conditions you still might want to book earlier in your trip so that the tour can be rescheduled if necessary.

The length of the day varies considerably between the seasons, though between early spring and mid autumn there’s still plenty of daylight. The important part is ensuring that there’s enough light for the sightseeing part of your day out; in December that might only be four or five hours, but by late February for instance you’re looking at around ten hours between sunrise and sunset.

In summer, the weather tends to be warmer and statistically there’s less chance of windy conditions – though nothing is guaranteed in Iceland’s unpredictable climate. Some travellers prefer to do their south coast sightseeing at this time of year when the waves might be calmer on Reynisfjara beach and it’s less blustery at the top of Skógafoss. Some activities, such as boat trips on Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, are seasonal, so this might have a bearing on when you choose to come.

Should you do a day trip or stay the night?

This is a common dilemma and in truth, it depends a lot on how long you can spare and what your interests are. Gray Line operates some great value day tours that are a tremendous introduction to this scenic part of the country. By leaving the driving to someone else, you can relax and enjoy the passing scenery without having to concentrate on the road which of course is more tiring.

For example, in a single day it’s possible to get as far as Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and back from Reykjavik with Gray Line. You’ll stop for some sightseeing at Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, two of Iceland’s most remarkable waterfalls. Continuing east, you’ll enjoy jaw-dropping views of Mýrdalsjökull and Vatnajokull glaciers.

On reaching Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, you’ll have the opportunity to take a boat trip and also to wander down to Diamond Beach where the icebergs that calve off the glacier are washed onto a nearby black sand beach. In all, you’ll be out for about 14 hours, but it’s a sensational way to spend a day.

Another option is a comprehensive and enjoyable 10.5 hour tour which combines the pair of waterfalls with the coastline close to Vik. Reynisfjara beach is a gorgeous strip of black sand backed by basalt cliffs and a magnificent cave. Just offshore, you’ll also see the breathtaking Reynisdrangar sea stacks which have been sculpted by the ocean from ancient lava flows. This place is known for its dangerous sneaker waves, so keep a safe distance from the shore at all times.

Some travellers choose to stay the night near Jökulsárlón or in Vik so that they can add more activities into their itinerary, such as snowmobiling or horse riding. Another option is to detour into Skaftafell to hike to Svartifoss waterfall. Gray Line offers a great tour which combines some of the south coast’s most scenic spots with a glacier hike, giving you the chance to get a closer look at the crevasses and ice ridges on Sólheimajökull glacier.

How to get there: tour versus self-drive

There are pros and cons of tours and hiring your own car, so think about what matters most to you before making your decision. If you opt for a tour, then it’s an easy way of making sure you get to the must-sees in a stress-free fashion. You simply sit back, relax and enjoy the ride. Having a professional tour guide with you means that you will also learn more about the places you visit and get some valuable context about Iceland’s landscapes, customs and traditions.

Self-drive itineraries offer more flexibility for you to determine how much time you wish to spend at each location and the opportunity to head off the beaten track if the fancy takes you. However, driving in some weather conditions can be challenging and not everyone will be keen to experience that. Particularly if you’re travelling in the colder months, think about the type of driving conditions you’re used to and the experience you have, for instance driving on ice.

Cost-wise, the expense of tours and rental cars will be determined by how many people are in your party and, in the case of self-driving, how much comfort and space you require. Whether you’re a solo traveller or visiting Iceland as a family or group of friends, compare what you get for your money and weigh up the advantages and disadvantages to see which offers better value for money in your opinion.

The south coast as part of a ring road trip

The south coast of Iceland is often a highlight of a longer holiday. Road trippers will be interested in looping the entire country. The ring road – route 1 – is well maintained and clearly signed. Iceland’s comparatively sparse population makes it an easy driving destination so long as the weather’s fine. To drive all the way round, allow at least ten days, preferably more.

Then there’s the question of whether to do it clockwise or anti-clockwise. There’s a certain logic to starting along the south coast, heading east from Reykjavik (or Keflavik Airport). There’s a lot to see, and doing so while you’re fresh means you are likely to enjoy it more. Travelling clockwise is less common, but just as rewarding – and, arguably, you’ll save the best for last. It really comes down to personal preference.

Combining the south coast with the Golden Circle

If you have opted for a self drive, then you might also be thinking about visiting the Golden Circle. Its location means that it’s straightforward to combine this popular scenic route with Iceland’s south coast. Coming from the east, many people turn inland just after Selfoss and follow route 35 up towards Kerið volcanic crater and beyond.

Once you’ve toured places such as Gullfoss waterfall and Geysir Geothermal Area, you can take a different route back. From the Golden Circle, rather than heading south again, you can follow the northern shore of Þingvallavatn lake and cut across back in the direction of Reykjavik on route 36.

Iceland’s South Coast is a must for any traveller to the country, so why not get the best out of your visit by joining a Gray Line tour?