South Coast of Iceland – Best Advice & Things to See

The south coast of Iceland, what are the best things to see and do in an area that will definitely be on your Iceland itinerary?  The beauty on offer combined with the many sightseeing attractions makes it the perfect area to visit in Iceland.

Together with Reykjavik, the Golden Circle and maybe even the Blue Lagoon, the south coast of Iceland just simply belongs on your Iceland itinerary. Especially if this is your first time in Iceland.

But it is also by far one of the most popular destinations within Iceland due to its easy reach from Reykjavik and Keflavik airport. So be prepared that you will be sharing the Icelandic south coast with many other tourists.

Should you ask yourself which months is best to Visit Iceland? then check out out Visit Iceland in October guide.

About the Icelandic South Coast

Iceland’s south coast stretches for over 322 km from Selfoss town all the way to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. If you are driving from Reykjavik it is 380km.

This beautiful stretch of the south Icelandic coastline includes highlights such as the black sand beach at Reynisfjara and the waterfall, Skógafoss. And not to forget the  Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach. Different outdoor activities such as glacier hiking, quad biking and ice climbing are all available.

But these are not the only landmarks in Iceland to be seen, there is so much more to the south coast.

See it this way, you could easily spend weeks at the south coast in Iceland and still not see it all. So, why would you think that a day trip to the south coast from Reykjavik would be enough to see this place?

The south coast of Iceland is full with many of the best things to see and do, therefore to choose the “must stops” in Iceland can be a bit overwhelming.

In this article I will show you the popular Icelandic Landmarks along the south coast but also some spectacular places that are off the famous ring road and are NOT on the tourist route. Let’s say, Iceland off the beaten track!

NOTE : I went a bit further along the coast and included part of the southeast coast until the Hvalnes Lighthous and nature reserve.

This would give you a total of 441 km along the Icelandic south coast. The extra stretch is very easy to add on to your road trip in Iceland, and it will add some of the most beautiful landmarks Iceland has to offer.

On top of that, this is the part with less tourists and hardly any tour buses. We absolutely loved this part of our trip.

Best way to visit the South Coast of Iceland

Easy answer, “self-drive”.

A bus day trip from Reykjavik to the south coast in Iceland can be as much as 14 hours. Yes, tiring and honestly not what I would wish to do on holiday especially with kids. A self-drive and stay along the south coast will afford the opportunity to get the most and best out of a visit to the south coast of Iceland.

Be your own tour guide and manage your time in Iceland how you like it and tailor it to your needs. There are many rental car companies around Keflavik Airport and in Reykjavik.

While visiting the South Coast you may want to consider One day at Westman Island – Heimaey Island

Self-Drive Tips and Tricks in Iceland

Explore what Iceland has to offer at your own speed. Seeing the sights of the south coast in Iceland is the perfect self-drive route to choose.

Especially if you have never done something like this before or if the thought of a self-driving tour in Iceland is making you a bit nervous.

But don’t worry you’ve got this.

Furthermore, what makes it even better is that the majority of the spectacular sights are accessible from route 1, the so called “ring road”. Driving on F-roads (normally closed as of October / November) will not be necessary, as all the Icelandic landmarks in this itinerary are either on the ring road or on a side road.

If you really don’t want to self drive in Iceland you are in luck. Get Your Guide offers many different guided trips to the best things to see along the South Coast and the Golden Circle

Petrol Stations & Food Shopping along the Icelandic South Coast

Petrol stations are easy to find with many N1 and Olís petrol stations dotted along the south coast.

If you need to do some food shopping, try to do this in Selfoss for example as it is a large town and the shops are reputedly cheaper.

A lot of tourists talk about “BONUS” food shops to be the cheapest in Iceland. We have not really taken notice of that and shopped where we needed to. The only time we did went into a Bonus was at the very end of our trip to buy bananas. I checked a bit around for the prices and did not really feel it was much cheaper than any of the other supermarkets we shopped at in Iceland.

What type of car do I need in Iceland?

We went backwards and forwards with our choice until we finally went for a 4X4 rental car while in iceland. See it this way, for an average drive along the southern coast of Iceland; any type of car will be fine.

Your normal Iceland itinerary stops which include most of the best things to see in Iceland, will typically be dotted close to the ring road, which is well maintained.

Make sure you get a car that suits your needs.

A smaller car with good fuel efficiency should be your go to choice. BUT if you are travelling during the months of October in Iceland or later, make sure your car has winter tires and a 4×4 is a better choice.

We got totally snowed in, in the Vik area and without winter tires (and possibly the 4×4) we would not have been able to even leave our accommodation in Iceland.

If you are planning to go beyond the standard route and explore a bit more, you’ll have to do a little research into which types of road you would be driving.

A good rule of thumb would be that if you plan to stick to the basics of the south coast tour, then a standard car would be fine. But if you intend to turn off route 1 at all then go with the 4X4. No matter what.

During our trip to Iceland in October 2021, we have been driving on side roads and only really the one to the Haifoss Waterfall along the Golden Circle was a bit tricky.

But having said this, we have been in a snow storm and super happy to have a 4×4 at that moment.

Discover cars has a great choice of good rental cars with different pick up stating in Iceland.

What are F-Roads in Iceland

F-roads are inaccessible to anything other than 4X4 vehicles and you’ll need to be able to handle off road driving.

Many of the roads that go off the main ring road in Iceland can quickly turn into “F roads”. Others may be bumpy and have many potholes.

I cannot tell you too much about the real “F roads” as we have not be driving on these during our last trip. But having seen some entries to F-roads, I can honestly say, do not attempt these with a normal car.

Summer vs Winter when self-driving in Iceland

An important consideration to make when planning to drive along the south coast will of course be the weather. Visiting before or during the winter months, you will only have one choice. A 4X4 rental car is a must in this case.

For sure you will have heard that the weather varies tremendously between seasons. And even within one day and especially along the south coast of Iceland.

So take into account what time of year your journey will be taking place. The south coast tends to get some of the most extreme weather that hits Iceland. Check out our Instagram reel and this was all in one day in the Vik area. I have never experienced such strong winds.

It is very important to frequently observe the warnings and notices regarding weather and road conditions.

This information is offered on sites such as vedur.is (the Icelandic Met Office website) and safetravel.is. They will inform you of any hazards that you might face.

In winter Iceland tends to get a lot of snow and rain which can cause some slippery and icy conditions along the roads. The country is very diligent in ensuring the connecting roads between towns are ploughed and salted. But still bear in mind that weather conditions can change rapidly and frequently.

With this in mind if you are planning on driving during the winter time you may want to get a larger car with a bit more grip. All cars should come equipped with winter tires.

And don’t forget to allow additional driving time to your itinerary. Depending on the road condition, the given 2 hours may take you 3 or even 4 hours.

Best Stops along the Icelandic South Coast

Here are some of the best places to see and best things to do on the south coast of Iceland.

Everything on this list is located either on the south coast of Iceland along the ring road No1 or just slightly off along a side road.

The best things to see in Iceland below are listed according to their appearance along the ring road No1.

You may also like to read our 10 day Iceland Itinerary with kids

On the map of Iceland below see how close or far these places are from each other. This should give you an idea of what you can achieve in one day.

The orange markers, are additional places that are maybe worth adding to your list if you do have some extra time.

We have not been to these places because we just could not fit them into our Iceland itinerary so we are keeping them on file for next time. These points of interests are listed at the end of this blog.

Enjoy your road trip along the South Coast of Iceland!

How to Use This Map:  By clicking the icons on the map you get more information about each point of interest. Click the star next to the title of the map to add this map to your Google Maps account so you will always have it with you when road tripping the south coast of Iceland. To view it later, on your phone or computer, simply open Google Maps, click the menu button, go to “Your Places,” click Maps, and you will see this map on your list.

1. Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

Busy tourist stop
Seljalandsfoss waterfall is one of Iceland’s most photographed waterfalls and best known for the fact that you can walk behind it.

This gives you an amazing view of the 60-metre-tall falls. Best during the late afternoon golden hours.

Just be careful when you are planning to walk behind it, as the path is muddy and wet. Don’t forget your waterproof clothing as you will get wet as well.

Seljalandsfoss waterfall is a very popular south coast attraction and there are always many people as all the tours stop here.

As most people move along the path quite quickly you may get some opportunities with fewer people if you are patient and wait until one wave of people have gone.

Good to know: You have to pay a parking fee here. (700ISK about 5 euro) It is also one of the only places where there is a parking attendant which shows how busy this place gets.

Alternatively, you could drive along to the campsite (just a few hundred metres down the road direction west) and park where it is free. From here you can access Gljúfrabúi waterfall (#2) and then walk to Seljalandsfoss which would only take you a few minutes.

2. Gljúfrabúi Waterfall

Less touristy
Located just a few minutes walk away from its better-known counterpart, Seljalandsfoss waterfall (#1)

This is one where you will get wet for sure if you are brave enough to walk the canyon and step on the rock in front of the waterfall for your famous photo. Make sure you do have the right clothing for the kids and you.

Sometimes there is more water and to access the back of the canyon may prove itself difficult. When we visited it was an easy hop along the rocks to the end of the path. A fun and wet experience!

You may still read about this waterfall as being a hidden gem and lesser known fall. I would disagree. Most of the people that visit the big Seljalandsfoss, will also visit Gljúfrabúi Waterfall.

Good to know: You can park for free right at the campsite which is adjacent to the waterfall and walk the 5 min to Seljalandsfoss along the footpath.

3. Arpáfoss Waterfall

Hidden Gem along the South Coast
Now, if you really want to add some Icelandic south coast hidden gems to your itinerary, then you have to add Arpáfoss waterfall to it.

After visiting Gljúfrabúi and Seljalandsfoss drive along road 249 until the first road heads up the mountain on your right. (Froad Hamragarðaheiði ) The road looked pretty new or newly maintained in October 2021 so you should be able to drive it without any problem.

You only need to drive a short stretch as far as the 1^st bend. It is here where you park your car at the side of the road and walk up the meadow on your right for a few metres. Soon you will hear and see the beautiful Arpàfoss.

To get its correct location you can check on Google maps as it is marked. We easily spent one hour up there all alone. It was bliss.

4. Skógafoss Waterfall

Very Busy location
Another very popular stop along the south coast and pretty much every bus tour will stop here. The reasons are clear, it is a powerful waterfall in a setting that will take your breath away.

It is super easy to get to as the large car park is right at the waterfall and it is free of charge. Admire Skógafoss either from the bottom or walk up the path to the very top. With an impressive 60 metres drop and a width of 15 metres, Skógafoss is one of the tallest waterfalls in Iceland.

Depending on the weather and wind situation you may get wet whilst visiting Skógafoss, but that is part of the fun. If you are lucky and the sun is shining, you may be treated to a magical double rainbow due to the mist that rises up from this powerful beauty.

Picture perfect. Well, we did not have the sun during our visit but still managed to get some great photography done with a little bit of patience.

Good to know: Observe the crowds and when you see that they are all departing to their tour bus it is your time to enjoy Skógafoss all by yourself. But hurry, it will not last for long as the next bus is already arriving.

5. Skogar Museum

Quiet Place
As you already are stopping to admire the mighty Skógafoss waterfall, you may like to add the Skogar Museum to your plans. It is a quiet place unlike the waterfall and one of the best places to see turf houses along the south coast of Iceland.

The museum is split into three parts – Folk Museum – Turf houses and Transport Museum. We loved to see the open-air part of the museum with the turf houses. You can go inside them and some ancient equipment is still in place.

Good to know: The museum is open daily apart from some festive holidays. Check their website to get some more information. There are toilet facilities and a small restaurant available within the museum.

6. Kvernufoss Waterfall

Hidden gem along the Icelandic South Coast
Another beautiful waterfall in Iceland and one of our favourites along the South Coast in Iceland was Kvernufoss waterfall.

And the best thing was, that during the time we visited, only a handful of other people made the short 20 min hike to this beauty. Normally a very quiet place.

Leave your car at the Skogar Museum, from where you can see the start of the trail. There is a parking charge and you can pay inside the Museum.

I cannot remember how much but it is never really much in these places. The path continues along a field away from the Museum and into a beautiful canyon from where you quickly see the waterfall.

Good to know: Kvernufoss is also a waterfall where you can walk behind just like at Seljalandsfoss, minus the crowd. Definitely worth the visit as this place will add something extra to your Iceland Itinerary along the south coast.

7. Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck

Can get very busy
Love it or hate it!  Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck (a Super DC-3 used by the US Navy)

So many opinions about this place. When I saw this place on SO-ME first, I knew I wanted to see and photograph it, in person. Wouldn’t you?

I think this is a place that you need to get out of your system. I am happy we saw it, photographed it and ticked it off the list.

The aircraft crashed on Wednesday, November 21st, 1973, onboard were seven crew members. No one was injured during the emergency landing.

Good to know: There are different ways to get there, and at the time of our visit I somehow only knew about one option. YOU WALK.

It is a never-ending 4km (one way) hike. You think you’re nearly there but it feels like someone is stretching the path like a piece of chewing gum. Not only are you hiking on a flat and uninteresting path in the middle of nowhere, but it can also be incredibly windy. Horizontal snow and/or rain can make this hike dangerous and nearly impossible.

Shuttle to the plane Wreck

Only After our extreme hike, I found out about the plane wreck shuttle. Definitely the recommended option in all weather conditions.

I don’t know how they operate, as we did not see any busses around, but we would have definitely paid the fare, no questions asked! Here you will find some more information.

Another great outdoor activity would be to ride a quad from the Black Sand Beach to the wreck.

The free parking is right off the ring road located 6 km east of Skógar and 27 km west of Vík.

You will for sure see some other cars parked, but to ensure you are at the right place before you wander off, there is a gate with some information about the wreck right next to the parking.

This place became particularly famous after Justin Bieber’s video in 2015. And no, I am not a fan.

8. Sólheimajökull Glacier

Lesser-known stop
Sólheimajökull is an outlet glacier of the mighty Mýrdalsjökull on the south coast of Iceland.

Known as one of the most easily accessible glaciers to reach from Reykjavík, just 158 kilometers away. It is also not far from Vik and offers all kinds of guided glacier activities such as glacier walks and hikes as well as ice climbing.

The mountain guides have an office there as well and use it a lot for training sessions.

The surroundings of the glacier are marked by rugged rock formations that have been shaped by the glacier for centuries. The locals say that one day this will be all flooded when the volcano awakens again in Katla.

Take a Guide

Like always any excursion on the glacier is only recommended with a glacier guide and proper glacier gear like crampons.

The cool thing with this glacier is that you can get very close to the foot of it even without stepping on it or participating in a guided tour.

Without the gear, you can still enjoy the view and walk all the way up to the glacier from the base camp.

When we visited it was a total wipe-out. ( check our IG reel ) Strong winds and horizontal rain made it impossible for the kids to walk to the foot of the glacier. So, I went quickly by myself to check it out. Definitely worth the effort to walk to the glacier. It is only about 1.5 km, even less to the lake

Good to know: From the ring road No1 turn off on to the 221 and follow the road to the end. Park your car at the free parking lot. There is also a small coffee shop and a mountain guide office.

The path brings you to the start of the glacier though you can also walk down to Glacier Lake where Ice blocks are floating.

9. Dyrhólaey Arch & Lighthouse

Can get busy at times
Set like a separate island is Dyrólaey a place where you can get some of the most spectacular views of the south coast of Iceland.

Drive to the very top (this road is now new and even a normal car can access it) where the lighthouse is situated. Unexpectedly jaw-dropping views to the west, along the black sand beach and the arch and the cliffs rising out of the sea.

This is also a good spot during the summer months to spot the puffins nesting along the cliffs.

Then drive down again where you will turn right for a very short drive to reach another parking lot and further viewpoints.

A short walk will take you to several viewpoints of Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach. We had very bad weather again when we were here and could not really enjoy this place to the fullest. But it was still amazingly beautiful

Good to know: At the seconde parking (lower one are toilet facilities) parking is free of charge at both places.

10. Reynisfjara – Black Sand Beach

Busy Tourist stop
No road trip along the South Coast of Iceland is complete with a stop at the Reynisfjara – Black Sand Beach.

And as you guessed, yes it gets busy down there. The beach is at the foot of the Reynisfjall mountain of which one side is partly covered in large hexagonal pillars of basalt columns. These stacks are right at the beach and a very popular picture place. You may have seen it many times on Instagram.

At the far end, out on the shoreline, you will see large basalt columns called Reynisdrangar. Also, these are great for photography.

Good to know: Be careful of the tide (sneaky waves) and take warnings around the beach seriously. These waves have been known to sweep people away and have claimed lives. You think the wave is far out, but suddenly you have wet feet.

Probably best to avoid a visit at high tide to be safe.

At Reynisfjara beach you will find a good restaurant serving local delicacies. And parking is free of charge.

11. Vik (Vík í Mýrdal) Viewpoint

No crowds
Vík is Iceland’s southernmost town located about 3 hours from Reykjavík and a great base for touring the south coast of Iceland.

Even though Vík has a population of a few hundred people it’s one of the busiest tourist locations in Iceland.

If you are not staying around Vik, then it is a great stop to stock up on food and petrol if needed.

As you are passing through drive up to the church and further to the graveyard to get a nice view over the town and the Reynisdrangar pillars that are easily seen at the town’s black sand shore.

12. Hjörleifshöfòi Cave – The Yoda cave

Quiet place to Visit
A detour off the ring road to this cave is well worth it because you will most probably be alone and it is protected from the wind. So, we enjoyed this place very much.

When you’re standing inside the cave it gives you a great silhouette from Yoda (Star Wars).

As you are leaving Vik it is pretty much the first road that turns right towards the sea. The road is called Hjörleifshöfði like the name of the cave.

Good to know: The area is also a nature reserve and one can do a circular hike at the top of this mountain. There are no facilities. 

13. Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon

Can get busy at times
Fjaðrárgljúfur meaning “Feather River Canyon” is one of Iceland’s most photogenic spots. Needless to say, it will also get quite busy but as it is a 2km hiking trail along the edge of the canyon, the crowds may disperse.

Definitely, a must-stop along the south coast of Iceland.

This beautiful canyon is suffering from its own success.

The nature along the top of the canyon has been abused by disrespectful tourists jumping the fence to get to the edge for that “important” photo. Sad to see. PLEASE do stay on the designated footpath the Icelandic authority has put in place and respect the protected zones.

There are two parking lots. The 1^st one when driving along the 206, brings you closer to the furthest viewing platform (ideal also for wheelchair access). The 2nd larger parking lot is further down the road. From this place, you will be walking along the entire top of Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, passing some great viewpoints down the canyon where the river Fjaðrá runs through.

We wanted to hike further along the canyon to get to the other side but all hiking trails were closed off.

Good to know: Parking is free in both places. Remember the first parking lot, closer to the viewing platform has better accessibility for wheelchairs.

14. Hofskirkja in Hof

Quiet Place
The reason we spotted this beautiful traditional turf style church was its location right next to our overnight stay along the south coast, to break the journey from Vik to Höfn. And for sure when we spotted it we wanted to check it out a bit closer.

Its setting could be used in a film, it is magical, special and mysterious. After investigating a bit more I found out that it is one of only 6 turf churches remaining in Iceland. Today it belongs to the National Museum of Iceland but is still in use for ceremonies.

15. Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Hidden Gem of Iceland
This glacier lagoon is smaller and much less touristy than its neighbor – Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. It is absolutely beautiful.

As it is right off the ring road and only a short walk to the foot of the glacier, I would highly recommend it. This glacier is not on the bus tour routes from Reykjavik, which is why it is so quiet.

Good to know:  Parking is free and there is a small coffee house and toilets. During the summer months, one can book a boat tour on the lake to get closer to the ice blocks. (Needs to be pre-booked)

16. Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Busy Touristy Place
This famous and pretty lagoon is the outlet of the Breiðarmerkurjökull glacier. Magnificent huge blue icebergs drift slowly away from the glacier towards the Atlantic Ocean. An atmosphere you don’t experience every day.

And the fact that you can be so close to it makes it even more special. You will even spot seals swimming around the blocks.

Most people just look down to the lagoon before they head over to Diamond Beach which is located just on the other side of the road. However, we suggest going down to the shore and walking along the narrow beach. You will be surprised how many icebergs are at the shore and hardly anybody there.

The upper footpath will bring you back to the car park with a great view of the whole glacier lagoon. An amazing place to be at sunset.

Good to know: The parking area is free and right at the lagoon after you have crossed the big bridge. Boat trips around the icebergs or even kayaking are activities you can enjoy there. Definitely an experience that we would suggest for families with older children. Check out the activities here.

When you approach Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon from Reykjavik on the ring road, there are several other great viewpoints before hitting the large car park. It is well worth stopping and walking over the small hill to get a different view over the lagoon. It can get very windy though.

Jökulsárlón has been a setting for four Hollywood movies: A View to a Kill, Die Another Day, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, and Batman Begins. As well as the reality TV series Amazing Race.

17. Diamond Beach

Can get very busy
A beach that has become famous due to the large stranded Icebergs that were floating down the river from the large Glacier Lagoon – Jökulsárlón.

With the contrast of the black sand this place is a photographer’s paradise, especially at sunset.

Good to know: There is a large free car park right at the beach across from the glacier lagoon.

18. Stokksnes or Vestrahorn PENINSULA

A “must” stop along the South Coats of Icleand for photographers
This is a place I absolutely wanted to see during our trip to Iceland. And I am so glad we made the effort and went all the way to Höfn. 

Vestrahorn mountain is one of the iconic photography locations in Iceland. The rugged mountains flow straight into the Atlantic Ocean next to a black sand beach. The surroundings with the black sand dunes partially covered in the grass make this spot picture perfect during sunset or sunrise.

With no light pollution, it is also a fantastic spot to photograph the aurora borealis and night sky.

Because Stokksnes is further away from all the other main tourist places, it is less visited and you may find yourself at the beach with only a few photographers dotted along the sand dunes. Don’t miss the turn-off the ring road. If you pass through the tunnel, you went too far.

Good to know: This is on private property and you have to pay to access the beach (900 ISK per person). With the entry, you can also visit the Mock Viking Village. At the entry to the beach is the Viking coffee shop, great for a break.

19. Viking Village Film Set

At the foot of the Vestrahorn mountain, you will find a mock Viking Village, and as you have just paid the entry to the Stokksnes beach, you may as well do the detour to the village.

Before heading down to the beach turn left along a gravel road to a small parking place. From there it is a short stroll to the village.

I have to be honest it was a real mess all around. Which was a pity as it would not need much to clear it up a bit and make it super pretty.

As I said, to pay extra is not worth it, but as you paid for the beach access which is a must, go and wander around anyway.

Good to know: The village was built for a movie which was never filmed as the company went bust before they could even start.

20. Skútafoss Waterfall

Quiet Place
Most people miss Skútafoss, because it looks small and is quite far towards the east coast of Iceland. If you do not stop you will miss out. Even though it is not the tallest and most powerful waterfall in Iceland, it is still very photogenic.

Depending on the season you visit you may get icicles hanging down and making it even more like a fairytale waterfall. And there is a small easily accessible cave behind the waterfall.

The waterfall is located about 6 km after the tunnel by Höfn, if you are driving the ring road anti-clockwise.

Good to know: Visit at midday for sunny photos as the sun shines only for a short time into the canyon.
You will see the waterfall from the ring road on your left just before the Red Chair. Drive as long as you can towards the waterfall and walk the rest. It is a short 3-5 min walk depending on where you leave the car.

21. The Red Chair

Quiet Location
Why has someone bolted a red chair on top of some rocks far along the south coast in Iceland? I don’t know but it was a fun stop for some vacation photos. It even has its #longuesthouse #redchairiceland Good advertising for a guest house 🙂

The chair is right next to the road, unmissable.

22. Hvalnes Lighthouse in Hornafjorour

Quiet amazing place
This will be our last suggested stop along the South Coast in Iceland and if you have the time during your Iceland road trip, I highly recommend driving that far (even if it is at the start of the east coast of Iceland)

The Hvalnes Lighthouse is orange and looks amazing in its natural surroundings. The mountains afar, the shoreline, and the mossy hills – combine into a pretty scenic view. And to our surprise, it was not windy. We had a warmish day and just enjoyed it to the fullest.

The view of the surroundings is breathtaking with the huge waves breaking against the lava rocks and the black sand beach giving a beautiful contrast to the scene. You can experience all kinds of surprises at this place like reindeer, fast-moving clouds, rain, wind, sun… just about everything.

Additional Stops along the South Coast of Iceland 

• Seljavallalaug hot spot, swimming pool. This is a protected 25-metre outdoor pool in southern Iceland and is one of the oldest swimming pools in Iceland. There is a 30 min walk to the pool and I have heard it is not as hot as other hot springs are. But it looks beautiful.

• Svartifoss Waterfall, located in Vatnajökull National Park in Iceland, and is one of the most popular sights in the park. It is surrounded by dark lava columns, which gave rise to its name. There is a park entry fee to be paid and the waterfall is 1.5 km uphill from the visitor centre. Along the way to Svartifoss, you will discover other waterfalls in the gorge.

• Svínafellsjökull Glacier, is an outlet glacier of Vatnajökull, the largest ice cap in Europe. It is one of the country’s most popular places for glacier hiking due to its incredible formations and excellent views. It is part of the Vatnajökull National Park and an entry fee is payable.

• Múlagljúfur Canyon, this will be a hike in Iceland you will never forget. It is off the ring road along a gravel road and then a 2.5 km hike to the upmost beautiful canyon in Iceland.

Where to stay on the South Coast of Iceland

There is plenty of accommodation along the Icelandic south coast. For us, it was important to have cabins where we could see the potential Aurora Borealis without hopping in the car. Because I did not see me waking up the kids, dressing them and going out on a drive in the middle of the night.

And it turned out perfectly for us. We saw the Northern Lights 6 times on a 10-day trip. I call this pretty lucky. And each time right from the accommodation we had booked in Iceland.

• Hotel Berg near the Airport
• Au44 Cottages – Arngrimslundur near Fludir – (Golden Circle)
• Black beach Suites – Near Vik
• Adventure Hotel Hof – in Hof
• Aurora Cabins – Höfn

Activities along the Icelandic South Coast

Apart from all the beautiful sightseeing stops listed above, you could get a bit more adventurous and participate in some of the offered activities. During our trip we did not part take on any guided tours as we felt the kids were still a bit too young to keep the concentration going for a while.

But if this interests you, you have the option of;

• Horse back riding along the Black Sand Beach. There are plenty of opportunities to see Icelandic Horses along the south coast. If you want more than just seeing them, check this out.
• Glacier Hiking, one of the most popular activities along the south coast. It is one of the easiest places to get to and on a glacier. This is why these tours are so popular.

Pretty much all of these hikes go to one of the enormous Vatnajökull Glacier tongues. The scenery and prices do not vary much between the different places. The most popular places to go glacier hiking in Iceland are Sólheimajökull Glacier and Svinafellsjökull Glacier. These hikes are fairly easy as there isn’t much incline and plenty of stops are made to enjoy the view and learn about these wonderful natural wonders.

If you are thinking of doing a glacier hike in Iceland with your family you need to know that the kids need to be 8 years old. Other than that, it is a hiking experience pretty much for everyone with regular physical health.

Guided Tours in Iceland

If you like the idea of visiting the south coast in Iceland but maybe you don’t want to drive it or you are visiting alone and would prefer to go on a tour, then check out the suggestions below.

Travel Itineraries from around the World

• • • One day Westman Island Itinerary
    • 10-Day Itinerary in Iceland – Golden Circle & South Coast
    • Gold Circle Iceland – 2 Day Itinerary – The Extended Version
    • Canada – Road Trip To Tofino
    • South Africa – 20 Day Road Trip along the Garden Route – With Kids
    • France – Corsica Road trip Itinerary
    • Switzerland – Epic Road Trip Through Switzerland

I hope that the information provided here will prove itself useful when you are planning a Trip to the South Coast of Iceland.
If I have left anything out or you have a question, please ask your questions in the comments below so that other readers can join in the conversation and benefit from your queries also.

Thank you & Never Forget to Explore

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