The South Coast is by far the most popular region in Iceland. People come here to explore spectacular waterfalls, black sand beaches, gorgeous canyons, glaciers covering volcanoes and glacial lagoons, and see the quiet villages of Vik, Hof, Hofn, and others. All this in one day’s drive from Reykjavik.
To the east of Vik village, you can visit the wonderful Fjadragljufur Canyon. In Skaftafel Park, take a walk to the Svartifoss waterfall or take other longer trekking routes. Finally, visit the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, where you can take a boat trip among floating icebergs in the summer or hike the glacier with a local guide and visit the glacier caves in winter.
While you will have many top-notch attractions in the south, you will also find many other tourists and itineraries in the summer. Parking is limited, and only the Ring Road runs from Reykjavik across the South Coast to the East Fjords, which can be easily accessible by car. Explore the sights in the south for a true Icelandic journey. And if you get the chance, consider spending some extra time in other areas of Iceland with hidden gems.
Highlights:
- Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls
- Dyrholaey South Cape
- Reynisfjara black sand beach
- Crashed DC-3 plane on Solheimasandur beach
- Eyjafjallajokull, Myrdalsjokull and Vatnajokull glaciers
- Canyon Fjadrargljufur
- Skaftafell park and Svartifoss waterfall
- Fjallsarlon Glacier Lagoon
- Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach
- Vestrahorn mountain & Stokksnes beach
- Glacier Walks, Ice Caves, and Ice Climbing on Iceland’s impressive glaciers
How to get here: 2-hour drive from Reykjavik to Vik, 4.5 hours to Jokulsarlon. Or fly into Egilsstadir and drive from east to west.