When I went to Iceland for the primary time (means again in 2012, earlier than the nation grew to become an Instagram darling), I arrived with only a few plans – largely as a result of I hadn’t achieved a ton of analysis earlier than reserving a winter journey to Iceland.
But my lack of plans lasted for about 5 minutes after boarding the Flybus from Keflavik International Airport.
There, within the bus’ seat-back pocket, was a brochure outlining all of the superior excursions and excursions you may do in Iceland. The Golden Circle, horseback using, snorkeling in between tectonic plates… But one tour specifically caught my eye: the South Shore Adventure on Iceland’s South Coast.
The South Coast ended up being the primary a part of Iceland I actually skilled (after the Blue Lagoon). And it is the one a part of Iceland that I’ve visited on all FOUR of my journeys to Iceland.
If you might have a rental automotive in Iceland, you may discover the South Coast over the course of a pair days. If you do not have a automotive, there are a number of tour firms that do day journeys and even in a single day excursions to this a part of Iceland. Either means, it is part of the nation you will not need to miss!
An introduction to Iceland’s South Coast
The South Coast of Iceland has no official “start” and “end,” however most individuals would agree that it begins across the city of Selfoss, stretches via the village of Vík í Mýrdal and Vatnajökull National Park, and ends roughly across the city of Höfn.
(Höfn is in fact technically in East Iceland, however we’ll simply name that space the southeast coast; it is nonetheless unimaginable.)
The distance between Selfoss and Höfn is 400 kilometers (about 250 miles), and the best way to journey is through Route 1 AKA the Ring Road AKA Þjóðvegur 1. All the websites I’ll embrace listed here are both alongside the Ring Road, or simply reachable from it.
The South Shore has a few of Iceland’s most iconic landscapes, from thundering waterfalls to black sand seashores to glaciers and ice caves. And since I’ve been there a number of occasions in nearly each sort of climate you may think about, I’ll share my ideas on which spots are must-sees and which of them you may perhaps skip in case you’re brief on time.
When to go to the South Coast
Iceland’s South Coast is a well-liked space for vacationers to go to year-round. The Ring Road doesn’t shut besides in probably the most inclement climate (which may technically occur any time of 12 months, however is extra doubtless within the fall and winter).
The hottest time to go to Iceland is through the summer season – primarily July and August. Anytime from June-September is an effective guess although by way of having the ability to entry the whole lot. This can be the time of 12 months when the best variety of excursions are working.
Here are some examples of fine occasions to go to the South Coast by way of what you need to see:
- Mid-May via mid-August – Experience the Midnight Sun, when the solar barely units, or units very very late.
- Mid-May via mid-August – Your finest likelihood to see puffins nesting.
- Mid-June via early July – See fields of purple lupins blooming alongside the South Coast.
- September/October – The days begin to get brief sufficient to presumably see the Northern Lights.
I final visited all 25 of the spots listed under throughout an August journey to Iceland, however I’ve additionally visited in November.
25 epic issues to do on Iceland’s South Coast
To make this listing simpler to navigate, we’ll “travel” alongside the South Coast so as from west to east.
I’ll listing all the preferred sights, and provide you with my opinion on whether or not I feel every one is value stopping for or not.
1. Town of Selfoss
Type of sight: Town
We’ll begin within the city of Selfoss, which is lower than an hour’s drive from Reykjavik on the Ring Road. The city is the biggest in South Iceland – however with a inhabitants of underneath 7,000, it on no account looks like a giant metropolis.
Most folks drive proper on via Selfoss on their strategy to different sights on the South Coast, but it surely’s value making a fast cease.
The city sits on the Ölfusá River, and is residence to the Bobby Fischer Center, which is a small museum devoted to the well-known chess participant. An outdated milk manufacturing unit within the middle of city has just lately been remodeled right into a meals corridor and assortment of outlets; on the very least, cease in for a espresso on the very cute Konungs Kaffi.
Worth it? Yes, for a espresso break or lunch.
Good to know: Most of the eating places within the meals corridor are solely open till 9 p.m.
2. Seljalandsfoss
Type of sight: Waterfall
Chances are you’ve got already seen images of this waterfall, because it’s one of many most-photographed waterfalls in Iceland. And it isn’t obscure why.
Seljalandsfoss cascades 200 toes over cliff right into a rounded pool surrounded by inexperienced moss. Because of the best way the cliff face is shaped, you may really stroll all the best way across the again of this waterfall, which you may undoubtedly need to do!
The path is pretty brief (you may see it from the parking space), but it surely’s moist and could be slippery in spots. Know that if you wish to stroll the loop all the best way round behind the falls, there’s some rock scrambling concerned on the far left aspect in case you’re going counter-clockwise.
Worth it? Yes, it is a very fairly waterfall and strolling behind it’s enjoyable.
Good to know: This is a extremely popular spot, and you must pay to park within the devoted parking zone (there is a pay station). Since it is so fashionable, although, there are companies right here – together with restrooms.
3. Gljúfrabúi
Type of sight: Waterfall
If you go to Seljalandsfoss, you may discover that the path continues on previous the primary well-known waterfall. Not as many individuals make the 10-minute stroll, however those that do can go to Gljúfrabúi, or the “Canyon Dweller.”
This 130-foot-tall waterfall cascades down right into a small gorge, virtually fully hidden from view. Those who do not thoughts getting moist can stroll/wade into the canyon and see this spectacular waterfall.
Worth it? Yes, however you’re going to get VERY WET, so I extremely suggest totally mackintosh, pants, and boots to go to this one.
Good to know: You need to stroll/wade via a shallow river to get contained in the canyon, however when you’re inside there are giant rock slabs to face on. Obviously do all of this at your personal danger!
4. Gluggafoss
Type of sight: Waterfall
Also often called Merkjárfoss because it’s on the river Merkjá, Gluggafoss is one other waterfall value visiting on this space. It’s positioned only a 25 minute drive north of Seljalandsfoss, and is usually a lot much less crowded since most individuals do not appear to learn about it.
This waterfall is definitely a collection of falls which have carved out fascinating holes within the rock that resemble home windows (and the Icelandic phrase for home windows is “gluggar,” therefore the Gluggafoss title). The prime part of the waterfall plunges 145 toes, whereas the underside part is about 27 toes tall.
A flat path goes proper as much as the falls from the parking space, and you’ll stroll behind the decrease part of the falls right here, too.
Worth it? If you might have the time to make this detour, sure! It’s a pleasant waterfall and normally not crowded.
Good to know: Gluggafoss is positioned off Road 261, which is a paved highway that meets up with Route 1 in Hvolsvöllur. IF you need to journey from Seljalandsfoss to Gluggafoss (or vice versa), the shortest route might be through Road 250, however know that Road 250 is a gravel highway (although one that’s normally satisfactory in a small automotive).
5. Eyjafjallajökull
Type of sight: Volcano
The volcano well-known for snarling 1000’s of flights again in 2011 seems pretty unassuming rising out of the panorama simply north of the Ring Road.
There’s no strategy to stand up near it, however there’s a “Eyjafjallajökull Info Point” marked on Google Maps that could be a great place to cease for images. There are some data boards to learn right here, too.
Be positive to ask a neighborhood the way to correctly say “Eyjafjallajökull.” After working within the information media through the 2011 eruption and listening to tons of of mispronunciations of the volcano’s title for months, it is all the time cool to me to listen to it roll simply off Icelandic tongues.
Worth it? If you need a picture of the well-known mountain, positive, this can be a fast cease.
Good to know: You can get the identical view on the close by Gamla fjósið restaurant, which makes for an honest meal cease.
6. Skógafoss
Type of sight: Waterfall
Not distant, certainly one of Iceland’s largest waterfalls tumbles over one other cliff that marks the nation’s former shoreline.
Skogafoss is without doubt one of the bigger waterfalls in Iceland (and the biggest on the South Coast), with a peak of round 200 toes and a width of simply over 80 toes. This waterfall actually thunders!
Legend has it {that a} Viking settler within the space buried a treasure in a cave behind the waterfall, and other people have been looking it for hundreds of years. It’s mentioned that somebody discovered the chest at one level and grabbed one of many rings on the aspect, solely to have the ring pop off and the chest to vanish once more. The alleged ring can now be discovered on show on the close by Skógar Museum.
You can get pretty near the bottom of the falls right here (put on the rain gear!), and there is additionally a set of stairs that may take you as much as the highest of the waterfall.
The stairs (and know that there are over 400 of them) are steep, although, and except you need to hike a part of the Waterfall Way (extra on that within the subsequent part), I DON’T suppose climbing the steps only for the Skogafoss view is value it.
Worth it? Stopping to see Skogafoss is certainly value it! Climbing to the viewing platform? Maybe much less so.
Good to know: There’s a big parking space right here, and there is no price to park! There are restrooms, too, however you’ll have to pay a small price to make use of these.
7. Waterfall Way path
Type of sight: Hiking path and waterfalls
Have a while and need to go on an epic-yet-not-super-popular hike? Then the Waterfall Way is perhaps for you. The path really begins at Skogafoss, and requires you to climb these tons of of stairs subsequent to the massive waterfall.
Once you are on the prime, the Waterfall Way path follows the Skógá River for 8 kilometers (about 5 miles), passing 26 totally different waterfalls alongside the best way. The Waterfall Way hike is a part of the longer Fimmvörðuháls path, which matches all the best way to Thórsmörk.
This is an out-and-back path, so you may hike as a lot or as little as you need alongside the Waterfall Way.
Worth it? Hiking a part of this path is the one cause I’d suggest climbing the Skogafoss steps! You can hike as a lot of the Waterfall Way path as you might have time for.
Good to know: From Skogafoss, the Waterfall Way path is a gradual uphill stroll. Which means it is all downhill when you determine to show round.
8. Skógar Museum
Type of sight: Museum
Right subsequent to Skógafoss is the Skógar Museum, a regional people museum that really includes three totally different small museums and 6 historic buildings, together with a reproduction turf home village. It’s an fascinating look into the historic lifestyle on this a part of Iceland.
The three totally different museums embrace a people museum, a technical museum, and an open-air museum (the place you may discover the turf homes).
Inside the technical museum there’s additionally a beautiful little cafe that is a superb place to seize lunch.
Worth it? If you take pleasure in small people museums, then sure that is an fascinating cease! (And it is cool as a result of you may go contained in the turf homes.) If you are brief on time although, I would not name this a must-do.
Good to know: There is a price to park close to the transport museum constructing of the Skógar Museum – however this may additionally function parking for the subsequent sight on this listing! When the museum is open, you may go inside to pay; if it isn’t open, you might have to pay through an app like Parka, or on-line at Parka.is.
9. Kvernufoss
Type of sight: Waterfall
Kvernufoss might be my favourite waterfall on the South Coast – and perhaps my favourite waterfall in all of Iceland!
It’s very near the Skógar Museum and Skogafoss, and but most vacationers do not appear to learn about it. It’s the one main waterfall on the South Coast that you simply might need all to your self even in case you’re visiting through the summer season.
Kvernufoss is a skinny 100-foot waterfall half tucked-away in a small gorge. It requires a brief (quarter-hour or so) hike throughout a comparatively flat area, and when you attain it you might have the choice to stroll down into the gorge and behind the waterfall.
Even although Seljalandsfoss is taller, I felt like being behind Kvernufoss was much more spectacular as a result of you may see mainly your complete waterfall because it cascades down.
Worth it? Absolutely sure! This is such a cool waterfall, and never almost as busy as among the others on this listing.
Good to know: The path to get to Kvernufoss begins on the parking zone on the Skógar Museum’s transport museum (which, bear in mind it’s essential pay to park at; you may pay prematurely right here). The path is usually flat, however you do need to climb over a farm fence as soon as, which requires you to make use of a ladder-like set of steps.
10. Sólheimajökull
Type of sight: Glacier
If you need to stand up near a glacier in Iceland, Sólheimajökull is without doubt one of the most straightforward to entry. So although it isn’t precisely on the coast in South Iceland, I’m nonetheless together with it right here.
Sólheimajökull is a part of the bigger Mýrdalsjökull glacier, which is the fourth-largest ice cap in Iceland. It sits atop the (nonetheless very lively) Katla volcano, making it a brilliant distinctive place to go to.
You can drive up actually near Sólheimajökull arm of the glacier for images, and also can e-book a wide range of excursions right here together with glacier walks, mountaineering, and snowmobiling. (Just please by no means try and stroll onto ANY glacier by yourself with no information – ice could be very harmful!)
Worth it? If you need to e-book a glacier hike, this can be a nice possibility that is priced fairly effectively!
Good to know: This is one other spot the place it’s essential pay to park. You can pay on-line prematurely, or through the use of the Parka app.
11. Sólheimasandur airplane wreck
Type of sight: Beach/desert
You’ve doubtless seen images of this website, too – the wreckage of a DC-3 airplane on a black sand seashore.
The airplane was a US Navy Douglas Super DC-3 (the US used to have a navy base in Iceland), and it crashed on this huge black sandy plain in 1973 throughout a brief provide mission. No one was damage through the crash, and for no matter cause nobody ever moved the wreckage.
You used to have the ability to drive proper as much as the airplane wreck (I did again in 2015), however you now not can. The airplane is on non-public land, and the land house owners received more and more pissed off by thoughtless vacationers as the location’s reputation grew. They did not fully shut the location down or take away the airplane, although. Now you simply need to park in a delegated lot and hike to the airplane.
The draw back is that the hike to the airplane wreck is 2 miles every means via very flat (and fairly boring) volcanic desert terrain, and on the finish it is actually simply the partial skeleton of an outdated airplane to see.
There is a shuttle that runs folks out to the airplane each half-hour beginning at 10 a.m. every day (so long as climate permits), but it surely prices $20 per particular person along with what you must pay to park, and I actually do not suppose it is value that.
Worth it? Honestly, no, I do not suppose this can be a cease value making any longer except you are spending a variety of time on the South Coast and have 2+ hours to kill with a purpose to do the hike. I undoubtedly do not suppose taking the $20 shuttle is value it.
Good to know: Regarless of the way you get to the wreck website, you may need to pay to park within the lot simply off the Ring Road. You can do that on-line prematurely, or utilizing the Parka app.
12. Dyrhólaey Viewpoint
Type of sight: Scenic spot
Located excessive above what’s often called “The Endless Black Beach,” the Dyrhólaey Viewpoint is certainly a cease value making on the South Coast. There are literally two areas you may go to on the small Dyrhólaey Peninsula, with probably the most notable one being the point of view on the prime of a hill.
The viewpoint has a big parking space with entry to a brief path that loops across the Dyrhólaey Lighthouse. Nearest to the cliff edge, you get nice views of the Dyrhólaey rock formation, which is a big arch. Just beware that it may be VERY windy up right here, so do not get too near the sting!
Worth it? Definitely value it for an epic picture cease.
Good to know: The viewpoint is up on prime of a hill, and requires you to drive up a reasonably steep highway. It also can get VERY windy up there. There’s one other viewpoint nearer to seashore stage, which is marked on Google Maps as “Dyrhólaey View Parking Lot.” There are restrooms at this decrease viewing space.
13. Reynisfjara Beach
Type of sight: Beach
Iceland is known for its black sand seashores, and Reynisfjara Beach is probably probably the most well-known of these. Wind-swept with large Atlantic waves, Reynisfjara is the epitome of of what you in all probability image if you consider an Icelandic Beach.
It’s identified for its tall basalt columns proper on the seashore (which type the Hálsanefshellir Cave), in addition to the Reynisdrangar rock formations proper offshore (legend has it they’re really trolls who received caught and frozen within the daylight). Puffins additionally nest on the cliffs right here through the summer season months.
Reynishfjara is certainly a formidable seashore, but it surely’s additionally one of many extra harmful seashores in Iceland. Large “sneaker waves” are frequent right here, and sadly have swept unsuspecting vacationers to their deaths earlier than. There are indicators warning folks about how harmful this seashore could be, however most individuals ignore them.
Worth it? Honestly I’m on the fence about this one. Yes, it is “famous” in Iceland, but it surely’s additionally normally crowded and people sneaker waves are critically no joke and so scary. Ten years in the past I’d have mentioned it was a must-see, however now I sort of really feel like you may skip it.
Good to know: There’s a pretty big parking space right here that is free to make use of (for now, at the very least). There’s additionally a new-ish cafe known as the Black Beach Restaurant proper subsequent to the parking space.
14. Vík í Mýrdal
Type of sight: Town
Not removed from the well-known black seashore is the small city of Vík í Mýrdal, or simply merely Vik. Vik isn’t actually what I’d name a captivating city (not like Husavik or Siglufjörður or Seydisfjordur), but it surely’s used as a base for a number of journey tour firms and makes stopping level.
Along with having its personal black sand seashore (that’s a lot much less crowded than close by Reynisfjara), the red-roofed Vík i Myrdal Church can be a preferred spot for images. If the climate is dangerous, you may try the Icelandic Lava Show or the small Skaftfellingur Museum, which facilities round shipwrecks.
And in case you’re on the lookout for meals in Vik, I can extremely suggest Black Crust Pizzeria, which does certainly make pizza with black crust.
Worth it? You’ll in all probability have to cease right here anyway, even when it is only for a meal or to fuel up your automotive. You might as effectively see the few sights, too.
Good to know: The Ring Road goes proper via the middle of city.
15. Katla ice cave
Type of sight: Glacier
I debated together with this one or not, as a result of the “ice cave” you may go to on Myrdalsjokull Glacier (normally simply known as the “Katla ice cave”) generally is a bit underwhelming for some folks. It’s not an enormous, blue-ice cave like those you may see in Iceland within the winter.
BUT, the Katla ice cave is accessible year-round, making this the one ice cave you may see through the summer season months.
You do need to e-book a tour with a purpose to go to the Katla cave, which features a Super Jeep trip and a stroll throughout the glacier. (Book the tour right here)
Worth it? If you do not suppose you may ever go to Iceland within the winter and also you go in with reasonable expectations, then I feel this generally is a enjoyable tour. (If you are doing one other correct glacier hike, although, then I’d in all probability skip this one.)
Good to know: Glaciers are always altering and shifting, so there is no assure the cave will stay a cave endlessly. It’s additionally fairly small from the images I’ve seen.
16. Eldhraun lava area
Type of sight: Lava area
You’re going to see numerous lava fields in Iceland. But the Eldhraun lava area is exclusive.
Eldhraun is the biggest lava movement of its type anyplace on the earth, and was the results of a cataclysmic eruption of a volcano known as Laki from 1783 to 1784. This volcanic eruption brought about plague-like illness and famine in Iceland, and the ash and haze from it altered the local weather in your complete Northern Hemisphere. Crop failures brought on by this eruption are even partially blamed for sparking the French Revolution.
Today, the huge lava area (it covers greater than 215 sq. miles!) is roofed in a thick layer of spongy green-gray moss. This moss seems tremendous inviting to pat or lay on, however please chorus from touching or strolling on it! The moss may be very fragile, and as soon as broken might by no means develop again.
There are a number of locations to cease and see this lava area; I’d suggest “Gönguleið um Eldhraun” on Google Maps, the place yow will discover some data boards and a few established trails you may safely stroll on.
Worth it? Definitely value it for a fast picture cease.
Good to know: Remember, do not stroll on or squish the moss!
17. Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
Type of sight: Canyon
It seems like a mouthful, I do know. But simply know that “gljúfur” in Icelandic means “canyon.” And this is without doubt one of the extra accessible canyons you may go to alongside the South Coast of Iceland since it isn’t far off the Ring Road.
Fjaðrárgljúfur is a canyon via which the Fjaðrá river has carved out a putting panorama that appears prefer it belongs in Lord of the Rings. The canyon is greater than 320 toes deep and stretches for over a mile.
A path from the parking space will take you up alongside the highest a part of the canyon, which is fairly gorgeous! You can get good views by simply strolling for about 10 minutes, or you may stroll the entire size of the canyon when you’ve got extra time. (At the top there is a waterfall known as Mögáfoss to see.)
Just observe that this canyon has been beloved a little bit an excessive amount of in recent times (thanks partly to Justin Bieber filming a part of a music video right here). When I visited in 2022, a delegated strolling path and cord limitations had been put in alongside the primary half mile or so of the path to maintain folks from trampling all of the vegetation. The ropes make it inconceivable to get too near the canyon edge.
Worth it? Yes, I do suppose it is value visiting!
Good to know: You need to drive down a gravel highway to get right here, but it surely’s effectively maintained and satisfactory in a daily automotive exterior of the winter months. Parking is free, and there are restrooms close to the parking zone. Remember to respect the marked path.
18. Skaftafell / Svartifoss
Type of sight: Hiking path and waterfall
Skaftafell is a protected pure space that is a part of Vatnajökull National Park, which is residence to the biggest ice cap in Iceland. Skaftafell was once a nationwide park itself, and has a customer middle, campsite, and several other mountain climbing trails.
There are a number of mountain climbing trails in Skaftafell (all beginning close to the customer middle), however the preferred are the path to see Skaftafellsjökull (a glacier tongue of the bigger Vatnajökull glacier), and the hike to the well-known Svartifoss waterfall (pictured above).
You’ve in all probability seen images of Svartifoss; the 65-foot-tall waterfall tumbles down from the highest of tall, black basalt columns (which provides the waterfall its title since “svarti” refers back to the colour black).
The waterfall is certainly memorable, however the hike to get to it’s much less thrilling. It’s a little bit underneath a mile one-way to succeed in the waterfall, however the All Trails critiques that label this hike “easy” are barely deceptive. It is straightforward within the sense that the path is large and smooth-surfaced and straightforward to comply with. But it is completely uphill for about 40 minutes, with some steep sections in the beginning.
Once you get near the waterfall, you must hike down into the small canyon it flows into the place there is a viewing platform. This complete space was fairly crowded on the August afternoon after I went.
Worth it? Honestly… perhaps, however perhaps not. If you actually need to see Svartifoss and do not thoughts the mile of uphill mountain climbing, then positive, go for it. But the hike itself is fairly boring (there aren’t actually any views till you get nearer to the waterfall), and except you may go early or late within the day in the summertime, you undoubtedly will not have the view to your self. I’m glad I noticed it as soon as, however doubtless would not do that one once more.
Good to know: If you are on the lookout for an extended hike, you may join the Svartifoss path to the path to the Sjónarnípa viewpoint. Also, there’s numerous parking close to the customer middle, however you do have to pay to park at a pay station within the parking zone.
(Note that it is also attainable to e-book Vatnajökull glacier mountain climbing excursions *close to* Skaftafell. Like this brief one, or this longer one.)
19. Hofskirkja
Type of sight: Turf church
There are solely 6 turf church buildings left in Iceland, and Hofskirkja is certainly one of them. This makes for a straightforward cease alongside the Ring Road that is value it for a photograph.
Hofskirkja was initially constructed within the Eighteen Eighties, and was fully restored within the Fifties. Hofskirkja remains to be a training parish, however the church inside isn’t open to vacationers. You can nonetheless go to the surface and the hooked up cemetery, although, which is crammed with burial mounds that make the bottom seem like it has waves.
Worth it? Yes, it is a cool picture cease that is totally different from virtually the whole lot else you may see on the South Coast.
Good to know: The constructing is maintained by the National Museum of Iceland. Please respect the truth that vacationers should not allowed inside.
20. Múlagljúfur Canyon
Type of sight: Canyon
If you need to know my private favourite spot on the South Coast… it is this one! Múlagljúfur is a canyon not removed from the Fjallsárlón glacial lagoon that hasn’t but been found by the vacationer lots.
The canyon isn’t tremendous straightforward to entry, requiring a drive down a bumpy and pitted gravel highway (I technically did it in a daily automotive, however a 4WD might be advisable). Once you make it there, you then have a reasonably strenuous uphill hike for 45 minutes or so on a path that is probably not effectively marked.
But the views when you make it to the highest of the canyon? SO WORTH IT.
You can see a number of waterfalls cascading down into the moss-covered canyon. And, in case you get fortunate sufficient to have the clouds half on the head of the canyon, you may additionally see a little bit peek of glacier. (But I feel this spot is much more magical with a little bit fog and mist.)
Worth it? If you are in comparatively first rate form and have a pair hours to dedicate to the entire hike (between mountain climbing and taking images, this took us a little bit over 2 hours in good climate), then YES, that is so value it. I’d fortunately do that hike once more.
Good to know: The path is not tremendous straightforward to comply with, however simply know that it’s essential go UP till you get to the canyon’s edge. There’s additionally a river crossing concerned, so waterproof boots are a good suggestion in case you’re not assured rock-hopping.
21. Fjallsárlón
Type of sight: Glacier and glacier lagoon
Jökulsárlón under is probably the most well-known glacier lagoon in Iceland – but it surely’s not the one one! Fjallsárlón is smaller, however usually so much much less crowded.
The official spot to go to is marked as “Fjallsárlón Glacier Parking” on Google Maps. There’s a restaurant right here and a few companies, and that is additionally the place boat excursions on this glacier lagoon start.
If you do not thoughts tackling a bumpy gravel highway, you can too go to the spot marked as “Viewpoint of Fjallsjökull,” which is an ever quieter spot to view the glacier lagoon and numerous glacier tongues. Kate and I visited this space, and had the entire viewpoint to ourselves.
Worth it? If you might have time to go to each glacier lagoons, do it! We really most popular this one as a result of it was a lot extra peaceable.
Good to know: A zodiac tour on Fjallsarlon is extra reasonably priced than an analogous boat tour at Jökulsárlón!
22. Jökulsárlón
Type of sight: Glacier lagoon
This is Iceland’s well-known glacier lagoon, the place giant chunks of ice break off the glaciers in Vatnajökull National Park and slowly make their means out to sea. Getting out into the lagoon on a ship is fashionable right here and pretty straightforward; you are able to do a fast 35-minute tour in an amphibious boat in case you’re brief on time, or e-book an hour-long zodiac tour that may get you up nearer to the ice.
You also can simply cease right here for some images, as you may stroll proper as much as the sting of the lagoon.
Also, know that the quantity of ice within the lagoon varies from season to season, and typically even from week to week or each day.
Worth it? Definitely, whether or not you are simply stopping for images or to take a ship tour on the lagoon. (But do e-book any boat excursions prematurely!)
Good to know: Boat and zodiac excursions solely run right here May-October. (During the winter, although, the ice caves are accessible.) Parking is free, and there are restrooms and normally meals vehicles right here. Just know that this can be a very busy place, and the parking zone typically fills up quick through the summer season months.
23. Diamond Beach
Type of sight: Beach
Just throughout the Ring Road from Jokulsarlon is a spot often called Diamond Beach, the place sea-polished chunks of glacier ice wash up on a black sand seashore. It’s makes for a cool picture cease.
Worth it? Yes, it is a gorgeous spot the place you may see black sand AND glacier ice collectively.
Good to know: There are two parking areas for Diamond Beach, one on either side of the bridge that spans the outlet of Jokulsarlon. Parking is free, and it is a brief stroll from the parking space to the seashore over rocky floor.
24. Vatnajökull Glacier
Type of sight: Glacier
You’ve been seeing arms and tongues of this nice glacier all alongside the South Coast – however you may stand up nearer if you need!
As a reminder, Vatnajökull is the biggest ice cap in Iceland, overlaying roughly 8% of the nation. Beneath it sit a number of lively volcanoes, in addition to Hvannadalshnjukur, the tallest mountain in Iceland.
During the winter months (normally November-March), you are able to do glacier hikes on components of the glacier to go to winter ice caves. In the summer season, although, the preferred tour to take here’s a snowmobiling tour on prime of the glacier like this one.
Worth it? You’re going to see numerous bits and items of this glacier all alongside the South Coast. If you are visiting in winter, doing an ice cave tour right here is certainly value it. In summer season although? You in all probability need not make an additional journey.
Good to know: Vatnajokull National Park encompasses your complete glacier and plenty of areas round it (the park at present protects 5,460 sq. miles!).
25. Stokksnes
Type of sight: Beach and scenic spot
Okay, so this one technically belongs in East Iceland because it’s barely previous Höfn. BUT, because it’s certainly one of my favourite locations in Iceland, I’m going to incorporate it right here anyway.
Stokksnes is a small peninsula with dramatic mountains and a black sand seashore. You’ve doubtless seen images of the double-peaked Vestrahorn mountain earlier than – I did, and it is what made me need to go to!
The black sand seashore under Vestrahorn with its gently rolling dunes is certainly the star right here, however you can too go to a “Viking village” that was constructed as a film set, in addition to hike out to a lighthouse and probably see some seals.
Worth it? Yes, I undoubtedly suppose so. Even in August (AKA excessive season), this spot was comparatively quiet and we fell in love with the views.
Good to know: The Stokksnes peninsula is non-public land, so that you do have to pay an entry price with a purpose to go to. Pay your price on the Viking Cafe (which additionally serves espresso and meals, and has public restrooms).
Spots not on this listing that perhaps needs to be:
- Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool – Only reachable by a hike of roughly 1 mile every means, this can be a geothermally heated swimming pool. No companies besides a fundamental altering space.
- LAVA Centre in Hvolsvöllur – Interactive museum about volcanoes.
- Gígjagjá (“Yoda Cave”) – A enjoyable picture cease and spot to discover, reachable through a gravel highway.
- Hoffell Hot Tubs – 5 small scorching tubs out in nature. Reviews typically say the water is just too scorching.
(These aren’t on my listing just because I have never visited them and subsequently cannot speak about them! On my subsequent journey, I’ll attempt to go to a few of these.)
How many days do you want on the South Coast
If you needed to see each single factor listed above (and to perhaps do the hikes, glacier walks, boat excursions, and many others.), you want AT LEAST 3 days on the South Coast.
You may simply fill 4-5 days although, or you may whittle it all the way down to 2 full days in case you skipped among the longer hikes and solely went as far east as Jokulsarlon.
Iceland South Coast excursions
Want to discover Iceland’s South Coast on a tour as an alternative of driving your self? That’s what I did on my earlier journeys to Iceland. Here are some fashionable excursions to take a look at:
(Note that almost all of those excursions begin in Reykjavik, so these are nice in case you’re basing your self there and never renting a automotive.)
Where to remain on the South Coast
There are 3 major lodging sorts you may discover in Iceland:
- Hotels – The commonplace that you simply’re used to, with entrance desks and facilities like wifi, lodge eating places, and many others. Hotel rooms in Iceland are normally pretty Scandinavian in fashion, which typically means fairly minimalistic. There are only a few lodge chains or large lodges in Iceland exterior of Reykjavik.
- Guesthouses – These are normally smaller than lodges. Rooms are fundamental, and you may typically be utilizing shared bogs, kitchens, lounge areas, and many others. In smaller cities, guesthouses are extra frequent than lodges.
- Apartments – There are condo leases throughout Iceland, that are excellent for longer stays or in case you’re touring with household or just a few buddies.
Since you are in all probability going to spend a pair nights on the South Coast, listed here are some good lodging choices.
- 360 Hotel & Thermal Baths – The top-rated lodge in Selfoss, this family-run luxurious lodge presents up snug rooms with gorgeous views. There’s an on-site restaurant, plus a thermal pool for friends to take pleasure in.
- Ásahraun Guesthouse – Just exterior of Selfoss, you may hire a comfortable barrel cabin right here. They are SO cute and cozy, although they are not made for greater than 2 folks. Lots of considerate small touches, and a pleasant shared bathe.
- UMI Hotel – Look out on the sea in a single path, and in the direction of Eyjafjallajokull within the different. This lodge is in a quiet spot, and has an on-site restaurant.
- The Garage Apartments – If you need an entire studio to your self, The Garage is a favourite on the South Coast. Apartments have sea, mountain, and waterfall views, and each unit has a kitchenette.
- Solheimahjaleiga Guesthouse – Located on a household farm, this guesthouse presents a wide range of rooms sorts, in addition to a nightly meal that is extremely advisable.
- Hotel Vik i Myrdal – The top-rated lodge in Vik, Hotel Vik is inside strolling distance to the city’s black sand seashore. There’s an on-site restaurant, and household rooms out there.
- Hotel Kria – Another of the highest-rated lodges in Vik, Hotel Kria has an on-site bar and restaurant.
- Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon – Located comparatively near each glacier lagoons, this Fosshotel is an expensive possibility alongside the South Coast. It has a restaurant and bar.
- Nypugardar Guesthouse – A highly-rated possibility near Hofn, this guesthouse on a farm presents cozy rooms with good views.
(Note: If you are touring through the summer season months, you may need to e-book your South Coast lodging as early as attainable! It does refill, and costs do get excessive.)
What to put on in Iceland
I’ve one main packing tip for Iceland: heat, waterproof layers!
No matter what time of 12 months you are visiting, you are going to need a rain coat (and doubtless rain pants), waterproof boots/footwear of some type, and a hat in Iceland. Add as many layers beneath as it’s essential keep heat. (The wind and rain are virtually all the time chilly, and the excessive temperatures hardly ever get above 55 F even in July and August.)
Some must-haves for me embrace:
Check out my complete Iceland packing listing right here.
READ NEXT: 19 Epic Things to Do and See on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula in Iceland
Who’s able to plan a South Coast journey in Iceland now??
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