South Coast Travel Guide

The South Coast of Iceland packs waterfalls, black sand beaches, and glaciers into one drive along Route 1. This guide covers the route stop by stop, with driving distances, itineraries for one to three days, and the self-drive advice you need in any season.

Iceland's South Coast, sometimes called the south shore, follows Route 1 past most of the top sights in South Iceland, from Seljalandsfoss to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. It is an easy first road trip in Iceland, since you can rent a car and drive it yourself, or join one of the guided South Coast tours that run all year.

The route is also the best place in Iceland to see glacial landscapes from the road. A study of glacier melting rates in Iceland traces 135 years of change, which adds context to the glaciers, icebergs, and glacier-fed scenery you pass along the way.

The wider region’s popularity is reflected in the 2026 survey on the top experiences in Iceland recommended by tourism professionals. South Iceland ranked first for providing the best overall visitor experience, receiving more support than all other regions combined.

Key Takeaways

• The South Coast follows Route 1 for about 285 miles (458 km) from Reykjavik to Hofn, with the main sights on or just off the road.

• One day reaches Vik, two days reach Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, and three days reach Hofn and the quieter Southeast.

• Self-drivers and guided tours use the same road, and both run year-round.

• The South Coast is the wettest region in Iceland, according to our study of the rainiest month in Iceland, so pack waterproof layers in any month.

• July is the best month for weather on the South Coast, according to our 26-year weather study, as the wind here eases later in summer than in the rest of Iceland.

• The South Coast is the windiest region on the mainland, according to our study of the windiest month in Iceland, so allow extra driving time on gusty days.

• Winter driving is possible but slower, with short daylight and occasional road closures, so check road conditions before every departure.

Weather forecast & road conditions in IcelandCheck live weather, warnings, road closures and road cameras before you drive→

What Is the South Coast of Iceland?

The South Coast of Iceland is the stretch of Route 1 that runs along the island's southern shore between Hveragerdi and Hofn. Travelers usually count the drive from Reykjavik, which adds the first 28 miles (45 km) over the Hellisheidi Plateau.

The road hugs the lowlands between the glaciers and the sea for the whole way, so the scenery changes every few minutes. The western half holds the famous waterfalls, the black sand beaches, and the village of Vik. The eastern half crosses lava fields and glacial outwash plains before reaching Skaftafell, Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, and the fishing town of Hofn.

The South Coast is a route rather than a region, and the two names are often mixed up. South Iceland is the whole southern quarter of the country, including the Golden Circle, Landmannalaugar, and Thorsmork inland. This guide covers the coastal road; the attractions themselves are covered in depth in our guide to the top attractions in South Iceland.

South Coast Route and Driving Distances

The driving distances below follow Route 1, the Ring Road, for about 285 miles (458 km) from Reykjavik to Hofn, with each stop in driving order. The map shows the ten main attractions, and the table adds the towns between them.

The table gives the distance from the previous stop and the running drive time from the capital. The times assume summer conditions, dry roads, the speed limit, and no stops, so treat them as the minimum.

Allow more time than the table shows in every season. Each waterfall stop takes 30 to 45 minutes, and Reynisfjara and Jokulsarlon take an hour or more. Strong wind slows the whole drive on any day, since the South Coast is the windiest region on the mainland according to our 26-year wind study.

Winter changes the figures further. From November to March, snow, ice, and short daylight can add an hour or more to the drive to Vik.

Rain adds to the delays as well. Our rainfall study found that Vik gets its heaviest rain from December to March, so expect spray on the windscreen and slower traffic through the village.

In winter, the far end of the route at Jokulsarlon can take two hours longer, and storms sometimes close sections of Route 1 for a day. Plan to drive in daylight, and build a spare half-day into any winter itinerary that goes east of Vik.

South Coast Stops in Driving Order

The stops below follow the table from west to east.

Seljalandsfoss and Gljufrabui

Seljalandsfoss is one of South Iceland's most photographed waterfalls, known for the path that leads behind the falling water. A short walk north, the lesser-known Gljufrabui Waterfall hides inside a moss-covered cleft in the cliff.

Skogafoss

Just beyond Seljalandsfoss, Skogafoss Waterfall is one of Iceland's largest and most powerful waterfalls. The staircase beside it leads to panoramic views of the coast and to the trail that climbs toward Thorsmork Valley and the Highlands.

Solheimajokull

Solheimajokull is a glacier tongue that flows down from Myrdalsjokull Glacier and the main base for glacier hiking tours on the South Coast. A short gravel road leads from Route 1 to the parking area, and the Solheimasandur DC3 Plane Wreck lies on the black sands a few minutes further east.

Dyrholaey

The Dyrholaey Peninsula is a former island with a rock arch, a lighthouse, and views along the whole coast. Puffins nest on its cliffs in summer, and the Nature Conservation Agency closes the peninsula overnight from May 1 to June 25 to protect them.

Reynisfjara

Reynisfjara is Iceland's most famous black sand beach, with basalt columns along the cliff and the Reynisdrangar Sea Stacks rising just offshore. Stay well back from the water, since sneaker waves here reach far up the beach without warning.

Vik i Myrdal

The village of Vik is the natural place to rest, refuel, and eat on the western South Coast, and its red-roofed church on the hill gives the best view of the sea stacks. For ideas, see the top things to do in Vik.

Fjadrargljufur and Kirkjubaejarklaustur

Carved by glacial meltwater over thousands of years, Fjadrargljufur is a deep canyon with mossy walls and a walking path along its rim. It lies a few minutes west of Kirkjubaejarklaustur, the only village between Vik and Hofn and the last fuel stop before Skaftafell.

Skaftafell

Inside Vatnajokull National Park, Skaftafell Nature Reserve has a network of trails through birch woods to glacier viewpoints and to Svartifoss, the waterfall framed by basalt columns. The visitor center is the base for glacier hikes in the park.

Jokulsarlon and Diamond Beach

At Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, icebergs break off Breidamerkurjokull Glacier and drift across the lagoon toward the sea. Just across the road, Diamond Beach is where the same ice washes up on black sand. A Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon boat tour runs in summer, and ice cave tours depart from here in winter.

Vestrahorn and Hofn

Vestrahorn Mountain rises from the black sand of the Stokksnes Peninsula, and its reflection in the wet sand draws photographers at sunrise and sunset. The fishing town of Hofn, 15 minutes away, marks the end of the South Coast and is known for its langoustine.

South Coast Itinerary for 1, 2, or 3 Days

How far east you drive decides how many days the South Coast takes. Vik makes a long day trip from Reykjavik, Jokulsarlon needs a night on the road, and Hofn turns the route into a three-day journey with time for the quieter stops.

All three plans below start with the same first day along the western sights. Each extra day carries you further east, so you can stop reading at the plan that fits your trip. The plans are written for self-drivers, and the same days can be booked as guided South Coast tours from Reykjavik.

Families can follow the same plans. Parents who were happy with their trip kept driving days short and stayed in one or two bases, according to our study of how good Iceland is for kids, which the Vik and Hofn plans below already do. The same study found that Jokulsarlon rated above average with families, so the two-day plan is the one to pick with children.

One-Day South Coast Itinerary: Reykjavik to Vik and Back

• Where to stay: Choose from Reykjavik hotels before and after the drive

• Places to visit: Seljalandsfoss, Gljufrabui, Skogafoss, Dyrholaey, Reynisfjara, Vik

A one-day South Coast drive covers the western sights and turns around at Vik, about 116 miles (187 km) from Reykjavik. Leave the capital by 8:00 AM to fit everything in before dark, especially between October and March. The round trip runs close to six hours of driving, so the day is full but comfortable.

Seljalandsfoss comes first, about an hour and three quarters from Reykjavik. Walk the loop behind the falls, then follow the path north to Gljufrabui, the hidden waterfall inside a cleft in the cliff. Skogafoss follows 25 minutes later, and the staircase beside it leads to a viewpoint over the coast.

After lunch in Skogar or at one of the best restaurants in Vik, spend the afternoon between Dyrholaey and Reynisfjara. The arch and puffin cliffs at Dyrholaey sit minutes from the basalt columns and sea stacks at Reynisfjara, so the two stops pair well. Keep well back from the waves at Reynisfjara, then drive the last 10 minutes into one of the best cafes in Vik for coffee before heading home.

Two-Day South Coast Itinerary: Reykjavik to Jokulsarlon

• Where to stay: Choose from hotels in Vik on night one, or accommodations in Kirkjubaejarklaustur to shorten day two

• Places to visit: Day one as above, plus Solheimajokull; day two Fjadrargljufur, Kirkjubaejarklaustur, Skaftafell, Jokulsarlon, Diamond Beach

A two-day trip reaches Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach, the sights most travelers come to the South Coast for. Day one follows the one-day plan at a slower pace, with a glacier hike at Solheimajokull added if you book ahead, and ends with a night in Vik or nearby.

Day two starts early for the long drive east. Fjadrargljufur Canyon appears about 55 minutes past Vik, and a stop at Kirkjubaejarklaustur covers fuel and a bakery before the lava field of Eldhraun. Skaftafell comes next, where a 90-minute hike leads to Svartifoss.

Jokulsarlon lies another 40 minutes on. Walk the lagoon shore, cross the road to Diamond Beach, and in summer add a boat tour among the icebergs. The drive back to Reykjavik takes four and a half hours without stops, so leave the lagoon by mid-afternoon or add a third day.

Three-Day South Coast Itinerary: Reykjavik to Hofn

• Where to stay: Stay in Vik on night one, then choose from hotels near Jokulsarlon or Hofn on night two

• Places to visit: Days one and two as above; day three Fjallsarlon, Heinabergslon, Vestrahorn, Hofn

A three-day itinerary removes the long return drive from day two and adds the quiet corners of the Southeast. Days one and two run as above, but the second night is spent at Jokulsarlon or in Hofn rather than back on the road.

Day three belongs to the glacier country around Hofn. Start with Fjallsarlon, the smaller lagoon 15 minutes west of Jokulsarlon, where the glacier face stands close to the shore. Heinabergslon, 30 minutes east, offers icebergs with almost no other visitors, and Vestrahorn at Stokksnes rewards a stop at any hour for its reflections in the wet sand.

From Hofn, the return to Reykjavik takes five and a half hours of driving. Travelers continuing around the Ring Road head north into the Eastfjords instead, which turns the South Coast into the first chapter of a full circle of Iceland.

Combining the Golden Circle and the South Coast

The Golden Circle lies inland and northeast of the South Coast road, so the two routes do not overlap. The simplest way to combine them is to drive the Golden Circle as its own day from Reykjavik, then start the South Coast the next morning.

Travelers short on time can join the roads at Selfoss, driving Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss Waterfall in the morning and reaching Seljalandsfoss by mid-afternoon. This route works in summer when daylight runs late.

Best Places To Stay on the South Coast

The itineraries above put night one in Vik and night two at Jokulsarlon or Hofn, and the hotels below are the ones we highlight at each stop. Each line names the need it serves best.

• On a budget: Hotel Skogafoss, a two-star hotel steps from the waterfall, halfway between Reykjavik and Vik.

• With children: Black Beach Suites near Vik, with a kitchenette in every suite, or Hali Country Hotel, with rooms and apartments 15 minutes east of Jokulsarlon.

• For a hot tub after the drive: Hotel Katla in Vik, with a geothermal hot tub and sauna, or Hotel Laekur, a countryside stop near Hella with outdoor tubs.

• For glacier views: Hotel Jokulsarlon, a four-star hotel between the lagoon and Hofn, or Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon, its four-star neighbor on the Ring Road west of the lagoon.

• For a spa on the first night: Hotel South Coast in Selfoss, a four-star hotel with spa facilities 45 minutes from Reykjavik.

Rooms between Vik and Hofn sell out months ahead in summer, so book the best hotels on the South Coast as soon as your dates are fixed.

Self-Drive Logistics on the South Coast

Driving the South Coast is simple in good conditions, since Route 1 is paved and signposted the whole way. The points below cover what changes between the western half, where towns sit close together as far as Hvolsvollur, and the eastern half, where towns are an hour or more apart.

Fuel, Parking Fees, and Services on the South Coast

Gas stations that serve the western half of the route sit at Hveragerdi, Selfoss, Hella, Hvolsvollur, and Vik, with a long gap between Hvolsvollur and Vik. East of Vik, fill up at Kirkjubaejarklaustur.

The next stations are a Shell station beside Skaftafell with daytime hours, a 24-hour self-service N1 station at Fagurholsmyri, and then Hofn. A full tank in Vik covers the whole eastern half and back.

Most attractions are free to enter but charge for parking. Seljalandsfoss, Skogafoss, Dyrholaey, Reynisfjara, Skaftafell, Jokulsarlon, and Diamond Beach all use number-plate cameras, and you pay online or at a machine on the day. Expect 750 ISK to 1,110 ISK per car at each stop, and 1,200 ISK per person at Vestrahorn, which is private land.

Supermarkets, cafes, and restaurants cluster in Selfoss, Hvolsvollur, Vik, Kirkjubaejarklaustur, and Hofn. The best restaurants in Selfoss make it the natural lunch stop on the way out of Reykjavik.

Between Kirkjubaejarklaustur and Hofn, the cafes at Skaftafell, Fjallsarlon, and Jokulsarlon are the only places to eat, and they keep daytime hours, so plan dinner for Hofn or Vik.

South Coast Road Conditions and Weather Checks

Check the weather and road conditions in Iceland before every departure. Wind is the main hazard on this road, more than rain or snow.

Hold the car door with both hands when parking in strong wind, and slow down on the open sand plains east of Vik, where gusts hit cars side on. East of Vik, slow for the single-lane bridges over the glacial rivers, where the car closest to the bridge goes first.

Safetravel.is posts alerts for the whole country and lets you leave a travel plan. The emergency number is 112.

Driving the South Coast in Winter

Route 1 along the South Coast stays open through winter and is cleared after snowfall, but conditions change fast. Daylight shrinks to four to five hours in December, so plan to reach Vik or Jokulsarlon in the light.

Rental cars come fitted with winter tires from November to mid-April, and a 4x4 adds confidence on icy stretches without being essential on Route 1. Keep sunglasses in the car, since the low winter sun can blind you on the straight sections.

Travelers unused to winter driving are better served by guided South Coast tours, which handle the roads and the weather calls.

South Coast Self-Drive Tours and Rental Cars

A rental car gives you the most flexibility on the South Coast, and a two-wheel-drive car is enough for Route 1 in summer. For a planned trip with accommodation booked, these self-drive tours in Iceland cover the route at different lengths.

• 6-Day Northern Lights Self-Drive Tour in the South Coast of Iceland With Ice Caving: Runs from October to April, with five nights booked from Reykjavik to the Southeast and a rental car with unlimited mileage. Ice caving, glacier hikes, and Blue Lagoon tickets can be added when you book.

• 1-week Summer Self-Drive Tour of the Ring Road of Iceland & Golden Circle: Runs from April to October and circles the whole country in eight days, with seven nights booked along the way. The South Coast takes up the first two driving days, and the itinerary can be adjusted with a personal travel agent.

• 5-Day Self-Drive Tour of South Iceland With the Golden Circle and Blue Lagoon: Available from April to October, with four nights booked and the route ending at Jokulsarlon before turning back. It suits travelers with a week or less who want the Golden Circle and the South Coast without the full Ring Road.

Geography, Nature, and Wildlife of the South Coast

The South Coast is one of the most geologically varied regions in Iceland, shaped by volcanoes, glaciers, and the Atlantic. Along Route 1, the road crosses marshland, black sand plains, vast lava fields, and the foot of towering sea cliffs within a single day's drive. Knowing what formed each stretch makes the drive far more rewarding.

Volcanoes and Glaciers of the South Coast

Much of the South Coast sits on lava. The Eldhraun Lava Field east of Kirkjubaejarklaustur is one of the largest lava flows in recorded history, laid down in the 1783 to 1784 eruption of Lakagigar and now covered in thick moss. Unlike the deep fjords of the Westfjords and East Iceland, the south shore is low and flat, since the lava rock shields the lowlands from the waves.

The glaciers above the road feed everything below it. Vatnajokull, Europe's largest ice cap, and Myrdalsjokull, which hides the Katla Volcano beneath its ice, supply the waterfalls, the glacial rivers, and the black sand plains the road crosses. Both have been retreating for more than a century, which is why Jokulsarlon keeps growing and why the glacier tongues at Solheimajokull and Skaftafell now end further from the road than they did a generation ago.

Weather on the South Coast

The South Coast has the wettest and windiest weather on the Icelandic mainland, and the driving times above show what that means on the road. The reward comes in summer. July is the best month for weather on the South Coast, according to our weather study, because the wind here eases later in summer than in the rest of Iceland.

Summer also brings the fewest downpours, though waterproof layers belong in the car in every month. Outside July, a calm day in May or September is worth more than a date on the calendar.

Hot Springs and Pools on the South Coast

Geothermal water runs under the whole South Coast, and four bathing spots sit right on the route. From west to east:

• Reykjadalur (Valley of Steam): A warm river near Hveragerdi, reached by a 2-mile (3 km) hike, where bathers pick their spot by temperature.

• Reykjabod Hot Springs: A geothermal lagoon and bathhouse at the mouth of the Reykjadalur Valley, opened in 2026.

• Seljavallalaug: A free outdoor pool from 1923 in a mountain valley near Skogar, fed by a lukewarm spring.

• Hoffell: A farm near Hofn with geothermal hot tubs facing the glaciers, open daily from 10:00 AM to 8:45 PM.

Every town on the route also has a geothermally heated public pool with hot tubs, and these swimming pools outside Reykjavik cost a fraction of a lagoon ticket. Reykjabod is the one stop that needs booking. Reserve admission to Reykjabod Hot Springs before you set off, since summer time slots sell out.

Wildlife Along the South Coast

The South Iceland coastline attracts diverse wildlife, making it a fantastic destination for birdwatchers and nature lovers. The towering cliffs of Dyrholaey and Reynisdrangar serve as nesting grounds for seabirds, including Arctic terns and the North Atlantic puffin, which can be spotted from May to August.

Harbor seals live in Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon all year and rest on the floating ice, with more of them arriving in winter to feed on the fish. Keep your distance from May to August, when the pups are born and the adults molt, or shedding their old fur.

Offshore, the waters are home to dolphins and several whale species, so keep an eye on the ocean for a humpback breaching in the distance.

Icelandic horses are often seen in roadside paddocks, though sightings vary by season. Our study of where to see horses in Iceland estimates that South Iceland has around 26,000 horses, more than any other region.

Guided Tours of the South Coast

Guided tours cover the same road as the self-drive plans above and suit travelers who would rather watch the scenery than the traffic.

Day Tours from Reykjavik

These tours start and end in Reykjavik and run all year.

• South Coast of Iceland Tour From Reykjavik: A 10-hour minibus tour for no more than 19 passengers, with hotel pickup in Reykjavik and stops at Seljalandsfoss, Skogafoss, and Reynisfjara. It runs every day of the year.

• South Coast Tour From Reykjavik to Solheimajokull Glacier: A slower paced tour, with lunch in Vik and a stop at the Solheimajokull glacier tongue. It suits travelers who want time at each sight rather than extra stops.

• Raufarholshellir Lava Tunnel Tour From Reykjavik: A guided walk through a 1,360-meter (4,460-foot) lava tube 30 minutes from the capital, on footbridges with helmets and headlamps provided. Children from age three can join, and the tunnel holds ice formations in winter.

Multi-Day Tours That Include the South Coast

Experience the South Coast as part of a complete Iceland adventure on multi-day guided Ring Road tours. These trips include expert guides, organized transportation, and comfortable accommodations for a seamless, stress-free journey through South Iceland highlights, as well as the country’s remote fjords, volcanic landscapes, and charming coastal towns.

• 2-Day South Coast Winter Trip to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon Crystal Ice Cave: Runs from October to April and pairs a glacier hike with a natural ice cave in Vatnajokull on day two, after the waterfalls and Reynisfjara on day one. One night in countryside lodging between Vik and Hofn is included.

• 6-Day Guided Adventure Trip Around Iceland’s Full Ring Road: A fast-paced guided circuit, with five hotel nights and the South Coast, Jokulsarlon, the Eastfjords, and the Diamond Circle in six days. It runs all year, and an ice cave tour can be added in any season.

• 7-Day Tour Around Iceland's Ring Road & Snaefellsnes Peninsula: A six-day circuit plus a seventh day on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, with six hotel nights and breakfast each morning. It runs all year with departures from Reykjavik at 9:00 AM.

• 8-Day Guided Tour of the Complete Ring Road of Iceland & Snaefellsnes Peninsula: A relaxed option, with seven hotel nights and two days on Snaefellsnes instead of one. It reaches Borgarfjordur Eystri in the Eastfjords.

South Coast Tours and Activities

Enhance your trip with unique activities that bring you closer to Iceland’s natural beauty. From glacier hikes to lava tunnels and horseback riding on black sand beaches, these South Coast experiences offer a thrilling way to connect with Iceland’s dramatic landscape.

• Crystal Blue Ice Cave Tour in Vatnajokull Glacier: A 3-hour tour from the Jokulsarlon, with a super jeep ride to the Crystal Ice Cave at the edge of Breidamerkurjokull. It runs from October to April, and the minimum age is eight.

• Horse Riding Tour on the Black Sand Beach From Vik: An hour in the saddle on Vikurfjara, the beach beside Reynisfjara, with no riding experience needed. It starts in Vik and runs all year for riders aged ten and over.

• Katla Ice Cave Tour: A 3-hour super jeep tour from Vik to the ice cave under Myrdalsjokull Glacier, one of the few in Iceland open all year. Children from age six can join, and the tour fits a one-day South Coast trip.

• Skaftafell Glacier Hiking Tour: A 3.5-hour beginner’s hike with about 90 minutes on an outlet glacier of Vatnajokull. It is the cheapest glacier hike in Iceland, according to our study of the best value glacier hikes, and runs all year.

Get Ready To Explore Iceland’s South Coast

The South Coast of Iceland puts waterfalls, glaciers, and black sand beaches on one road, and the road stays open in every season. Drive it yourself or join a guided tour, and give it the two or three days it deserves. Book your rental car and your accommodation on the South Coast early, since rooms between Vik and Hofn fill fast in summer.