How to Visit the South Coast of Iceland: Must-See Sights in Iceland’s South Coast & Top Tips!

Looking for the best places to visit on the South Cost of Iceland? You’ve come to the right place!

In this article I have outlined everything you need to know about visiting the Icelandic South Coast, including the best things to do, the best places to stay, how to get around and more.

I didn’t visit the South Coast of Iceland until my second trip, and honestly I now feel like I missed out on my first trip! The South Coast is simply stunning, and full of iconic Icelandic landmarks.

Along the South Coast of Iceland you will find epic waterfalls, dramatic black sand beaches, iceberg lagoons, glaciers and much more.

So what are you waiting for? Read on, and start planning your perfect Iceland South Coast itinerary!

Places to Visit in the South Coast of Iceland

See the floating icebergs in Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

A must-visit for any South Coast tour of Iceland, this glacial lagoon is one of the most scenic parts of the region. 

One of the most defining features of Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon is the many icebergs floating serenely in its still, blue waters.

These were once part of the Breiðamerkurjökull (which is an offshoot of the huge Vatnajökull glacier). It’s also a great place for wildlife, especially in winter when seals can be seen in abundance.

The best way to get up close to the icebergs (and the seals!) is by gliding across the lagoon on a boat tour, which will also provide an insight into the lagoon’s glacial formation and wildlife that calls it home.

Click here to book your boat tour of Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon!

If you can’t get enough of Iceland’s iconic glacier lagoon, make sure to check out my YouTube video all about it!

Go on an Ice Caves tour

Doing an ice caves tour ranks among the best of Iceland’s South Coast attractions. It’s a very unique Icelandic experience, that should feature on everyones Iceland bucket list. 

Ice caves are formed within glaciers themselves by geothermal heat, which warms and melts pockets of ice, creating further tunnels thanks to water and airflow.

Stepping inside the caves themselves provides a glimpse into a blue-tinged, crystalline world. The only way to see them is on a tour with an expert guide; you can’t just go wandering into ice caves! 

Visiting is an adventure in itself, often requiring special equipment like helmets and crampons, and hikes through glacial landscapes. It’s also a winter-only activity: they melt in summer, making them dangerous.

Click here to book your Ice Cave Tour in Vatnajokull Glacier!

If you want to see more of what it’s like to explore an Icelandic ice cave, make sure to check out my YouTube video about it!

Hike on Vatnajökull Glacier

Whether you’re on a 2-day South Coast tour in Iceland, or you just come for the day, it wouldn’t be complete without visiting Vatnajökull Glacier, the centrepiece of Vatnajökull National Park.

This is the largest glacier in Europe in terms of both area and volume, covering around 8% of Iceland.

It’s also the source of many rivers in Iceland, not to mention Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon, and home to an ever-changing network of ice caves.

One of the best ways to see it is with a glacier walk (with a guide, obviously). You’ll don crampons and hike on the glacier itself, learning about the importance of this enormous landform as you go.

Click here to book your Vatnajokull Glacier Hike & Ice Cave Tour!

Visit Diamond Beach

Another top attraction, Diamond Beach can be found in the narrow channel of water that separates Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon from the Atlantic Ocean.

Like almost all of the beaches in Iceland, it’s a black sand beach, created by the erosion of black volcanic rock. 

But there’s more to Diamond Beach, and the clue is in the name. Chunks of crystalline ice from the icebergs that float in the glacial lagoon wash up here, making it look like giant diamonds against the black sand.

A lot of Iceland South Coast tours go here, but it’s best to visit in winter as the ice melts in summer (so it can just look like another black sand beach).

Click here to book your Diamond Beach Tour!

Explore Black Sand Beach in Vik (Reynisfjara Beach)

That’s not to say that all black sand beaches are the same, far from it. Just next to the village of Vik you’ll find Reynisfjara Beach, another of South Coast Iceland’s must-sees. 

This globally renowned black sand beach is famed for its geological quirks, including cliffs of angular basalt columns and Reynisdrangar, the craggy collection of rocky pinnacles jutting out of the sea.

According to Icelandic folklore, the rocks known as Reynisdrangar are trolls that were turned to stone by the sun, as they took too long to pull their boats in. 

It’s a beautiful spot to wander and take photos. Just beware of the waves! I’ve seen many videos of tourists getting swept in by the waves because they got too close to the sea on choppy days, it’s not worth getting wet, or worst, just for a photo!

Admire Seljalandsfoss

Seljalandsfoss is one of the many beautiful waterfalls that you can visit in Iceland.

Not all of them have the same unique vantage points that Seljalandsfoss boasts, however, so you should make sure to include this on your South Coast of Iceland tour.

The waterfall looks impressive enough in the lush green, yet craggy landscape of southern Iceland, cascading from a height of 60 metres to the pool below.

But what’s more impressive about Seljalandsfoss is seeing it from the huge cave behind the waterfall itself. The photo opportunity game here is strong — it looks stunning!

One thing to note, is that if you visit Iceland in winter, you probably won’t be able to walk behind the waterfall, as the path becomes icy and it would be dangerous, so they simply close it to avoid issues.

Discover Gljufrabui Waterfall

You should definitely make time during your trip to discover this hidden gem on the southern coast of Iceland.

Gljufrabui (literally meaning “one who dwells in the canyon”) waterfall is a 40-metre cascade that’s partially hidden when you first glimpse it.

However, there is a trail that you can follow, which leads into a magical canyon. Here you can see the waterfall drop from the surface into this cavernous world. 

Despite being so beautiful, it’s way less famous than Seljalandsfoss, and the crazy thing is that it’s right next to it! 

It’s just a short 5-minute walk over from Seljalandsfoss, but since you can only access the waterfall a small group at a time, many skip it as the day trips don’t give you enough time to stop and see both waterfalls properly.

Admire Skogafoss

Skogafoss is another famous waterfall and definitely features on pretty much every Iceland South Coast itinerary.

Although, like Seljalandsfoss, it is 60 metres in height, Skogafoss is wider (25 metres) and therefore one of the biggest in the country — and one of the most impressive too, with a particularly powerful torrent of water.

There’s such a huge amount of water involved that the spray regularly produces rainbows (on sunny days at least). It may even be a double rainbow if you’re lucky.

Being able to walk really close to the waterfall is very cool too, but make sure you wear waterproof clothing!

Drive along Vestrahorn

This epic mountain can be found fairly near the village of Hofn, making it a convenient place to stop along Iceland’s South Coast driving route (i.e. the southern portion of the Ring Road). 

Possibly the best place to see it is from the beach on the Stokksnes headland (it’s a private beach, and there’s a small fee to access it).

It’s an awesome vantage point for taking first-class photos of the breathtaking scene, especially reflected in the water. Otherwise, you can hike a paved trail to the base of Vestrahorn to get a closer view.

Admire Svartifoss Waterfall

Situated in Vatnajökull National Park, Svartifoss is yet another of Iceland’s South Coast waterfalls.

Its name means “Black Waterfall” in Icelandic, which has everything to do with the dark basalt columns that frame the cascade as it plummets 20 metres to the pool below.

It may not be the tallest, but the setting is otherworldly and makes for amazing photos.

Apparently, the basalt columns here inspired the work of Gudjon Samuelsson, the Icelandic architect behind the amazing Hallgrímskirkja.

Search for Solheimasandur Plane Wreck

When you’re on a self-drive tour of Iceland’s South Coast, a plane wreck may not seem picturesque, but it’s actually a super popular sight.

In 1973, frozen conditions in the air meant that a US Navy plane had to land on a frozen river in Iceland. 

All the crew survived and were rescued, but the aircraft was left in place. Today part of the plane remains stuck in the black sands near the river. 

To get there, you have to park at a big car park nearby and walk (45 minutes to 1 hour) to get there, but make sure to check the weather first.

It’s not a well marked route, and I’ve heard of people getting lost in the snow, which obviously isn’t fun.

How to Explore South Iceland 

Now that you know all about the most beautiful and iconic sights on Iceland’s South Coast, here are some logistical tips about how to best explore it.

By Car

The easiest way to explore the South Coast of Iceland is obviously to rent a car and do a self-drive itinerary.

That way you’ll have the most flexibility in terms of itinerary and timings, without having to wait around for a group.

Just remember that driving in Iceland can be tricky, especially if you visit in winter when the roads can get very snowy, so only go for this option if you’re a fairly confident driver.

Click here to find your perfect car rental in Iceland!

With a South Coast Iceland Tour

If you don’t want to drive, another option is to join a guided Iceland tour. That way you only have to figure out how to get from the airport to Reykjavik, and you’ll then have a local guide to take over all the driving.

That way you don’t have to worry about deciding your itinerary, driving in bad Iceland weather conditions, and you’ll also have a knowledgeable local guide telling you more about the places you’re visiting.

There are loads of options for Iceland South Coast tours, here are some of the most popular ones, both for day trips and overnight trips.

2 Day Winter Tour to Iceland’s South Coast and Diamond Beach – Experience the breathtaking beauty of Iceland’s South Coast on this two-day winter tour, where you’ll explore stunning waterfalls, black sand beaches, and iconic glaciers.

Marvel at the ethereal ice formations of Diamond Beach and create unforgettable memories amidst the stark, winter landscape.

Click here to book your Iceland South Coast & Diamond Beach 2-day Tour!

Reykjavik: South Coast, Diamond Beach, and Jökulsárlón Tour – Embark on a captivating bus tour from Reykjavik along Iceland’s picturesque south shore, culminating at the magnificent Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon.

Discover the sparkling beauty of Diamond Beach and immerse yourself in the breathtaking natural landscapes that define this unique region.

Click here to see prices & availability for your Iceland South Coast tour!

From Reykjavik: 3-Day South Coast Winter Tour with Ice Cave – Explore the stunning South Coast of Iceland on this immersive three-day winter tour, where you’ll experience breathtaking glaciers, enchanting ice caves, and majestic waterfalls.

Delight in the geothermal wonders, including erupting geysers and soothing hot tubs, as you journey through the diverse volcanic landscapes of this extraordinary region.

Don’t miss out, book your 3-Day South Coast winter tour in Iceland here!

How many days do you need to explore the Iceland South Coast?

It ultimately depends on your wider Iceland itinerary and how many of these South Coast attractions you want to visit.

Many people only visit the South Coast on a day trip from Reykjavik, sticking to the main waterfalls and Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, whilst travellers who have more time and want to go off the beaten track will drive along the South Coast for 3-4 days.

Often as part of a wider Ring Road itinerary.

That said, I don’t personally suggest visiting on a day trip from Reykjavik, as it would be a lot of driving to do in one day, and you won’t have enough time to properly enjoy the sights.

Personally I would say the bare minimum you need in the South Coast is 1 night and 2 full days.

Hotels Iceland South Coast

If you want to stay in a city, where you have options of supermarkets and restaurants, Vik makes the most sense to stay when you’re embarking on a South Coast trip in Iceland.

It’s a popular place to stay, close to many attractions, and here are some of the best options for all budgets.

Budget – The Barn – This stylish hostel offers affordable private rooms and dorm beds in Iceland’s beautiful South Coast.

On-site there’s a bar and restaurant (plus a communal kitchen), complete with picturesque views, making it a great place to hang out after a day exploring.

The dorm beds have curtains for privacy too, which is always a plus. There’s also on-site parking.

Click here to book your stay at The Barn!

Mid-range – Guesthouse Carina – Located in scenic Vik, this welcoming guesthouse offers private rooms in a clean and modern setting.

There are different rooms for different budgets; some have shared bathrooms, while others have private bathrooms. 

The main hub is its dining room, complete with floor-to-ceiling windows allowing the incredible views to do the talking — a dreamy spot to make plans with your Iceland South Coast tour map.

Click here to book your stay at Guesthouse Carina!

Luxury – Hotel Kria – For something a little more high-end, look no further than Hotel Kria. Just a 5-minute walk from Vik’s black sand beach, this stylish hotel boasts sleek interiors and modern comforts.

Enjoy a beer at the bar, relax in the garden, and start your day with a delicious buffet breakfast included in the price.

Click here to book your stay at Hotel Kria!

There are lots of other hotels on Iceland’s South Coast away from populated areas like Vik, but these are only really doable if you have your own rental car. 

I’d especially recommend staying in places like this in winter. Since they’re far from light pollution, you’ll be more likely to see the northern lights without having to drive for hours.

These include:

Paradise Cave Hostel & Guesthouse — Low-key hostel (set in a former boarding school) impressively situated within walking distance of Seljalandsfoss

Click here to book your stay at Paradise Cave Hostel & Guesthouse!

Adventure Hotel Hof — This budget hotel has an on-site restaurant, comfy rooms and is super close to Vatnajökull National Park.

Click here to book your stay at Adventure Hotel Hof

Adventure Hotel Garland — If you want something comfortable, that won’t break your Iceland travel budget, then these private huts with comfy beds, an on-site bar and restaurant, and awesome views are perfect.

Click here to book your stay at Aventure Hotel Garland

What to wear to visit Iceland’s South Coast

Visiting Iceland’s South Coast doesn’t require any specific gear, but packing for Iceland in winter will definitely require a little bit of packing preparation.

The most important thing that you should remember to pack for your Iceland trip, especially if you plan on visiting the ice caves, is a pair of waterproof shoes.

There’s the chance you’ll step in little rivers of meltwater (like I did!), and if your shoes aren’t waterproof, you’ll get wet feet. This is obviously not ideal in freezing temperatures. 

Other things include the usual kind of winter gear — extra layers, thermal clothing, waterproof/windproof jacket, waterproof or hiking trousers.

If you want more advice on what to pack for Iceland, make sure to check my Iceland packing list!

Do you need travel insurance to visit the South Coast of Iceland? 

After my personal experience spending two nights in a private hospital in Tenerife, and having to pay for it out of pocket (it wasn’t cheap), I always recommend getting travel insurance.

You might not end up needing it, but for a small fee, you can travel without worries. Personally, I suggest getting your travel insurance with  Heymondo.

Heymondo offers tailor-made travel insurance, providing the best value for money for your specific trip. You can also buy it once you’re already abroad and have forgotten about it before flying (which, if you’re anything like me, is quite likely).

Besides the usual cancellations, medical expenses, luggage coverage, and general travel insurance services, Heymondo also has a 24/7 doctor chat and instant assistance through their app.

Plus, as a Greta’s Travels reader, you get 5% off your Heymondo travel insurance!

Click here to get your 5% off Heymondo travel insurance!

Final Thoughts on Doing a South Coast Trip Iceland

There you have it, the ultimate guide to the South Coast of Iceland! Have you visited Iceland’s South Coast before? How did you find it? Let me know in the comments below!

Personally, the South Coast of Iceland is my favourite part of the country.

It might not be as iconic as the Golden Circle, or as off the beaten track as the Westfjords, or yet again as volcanic and dramatic as the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, but it’s simply unique.

In Iceland’s South Coast you will find landscapes, attractions and activities that you simply can’t find anywhere else in the world. 

After all, how often do you get to hike on a glacier, explore an ice cave, see icebergs floating in a lagoon and walk behind a powerful waterfall all in one day?!

I hope you found my Iceland South Coast guide useful, and that it helps you make the most of your Iceland trip. If you have any questions, just let me know in the comments below!

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