Iceland’s South Coast has a stunning concentration of natural features. From Reykjavik heading east, the landscape shifts continually through waterfalls, glaciers, black sand beaches, and volcanic terrain. This guide covers everything along Route 1 from Reykjavik to Jökulsárlón.
Route Overview
Reykjavik to Vík: ~180 km (2.5 hours direct) Reykjavik to Jökulsárlón: ~370 km (4.5 hours direct)
While technically drivable in a day, we recommend at least 2 days to properly experience the South Coast. Three days allows for glacier activities and deeper exploration.
Major Attractions
Seljalandsfoss
Distance from Reykjavik: 120 km Time Needed: 30-60 minutes
This 60-meter waterfall is known for the path that leads behind it. You can walk around the full cascade. The view is magical at sunset when light filters through the falling water.
Tips:
- Waterproof jacket essential (you will get wet)
- Path can be slippery, wear good shoes
- Closed in winter when path freezes
- Visit neighboring Gljúfrabúi (hidden in canyon 500m south)
Skógafoss
Distance from Reykjavik: 150 km Time Needed: 30-60 minutes
One of Iceland’s largest waterfalls at 60 meters tall and 25 meters wide. The sheer power creates constant mist that produces rainbows on sunny days, sometimes double rainbows appear.
Climb the 527 steps to the top for views along the coast and access to the Fimmvörðuháls hiking trail toward Þórsmörk.
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
Distance from Reykjavik: 180 km Time Needed: 45-90 minutes
Reynisfjara features jet-black sand, basalt columns (Hálsanefshellir cave), and the Reynisdrangar sea stacks rising from the ocean. It is considered one of the more striking non-tropical beaches.
Critical Safety Warning: The sneaker waves here are extremely dangerous. Multiple tourists have died being swept out to sea. Never turn your back on the ocean and stay well away from the water line.
Dyrhólaey
Distance from Reykjavik: 175 km Time Needed: 30-60 minutes
A massive stone arch jutting into the ocean, offering panoramic views of the South Coast in both directions. In summer, puffins nest in the cliffs here. The lighthouse at the top is the southernmost point of mainland Iceland.
Vík
A charming village of 300 people serving as the unofficial capital of the South Coast. Vík offers:
- Restaurants and cafés
- Grocery stores and gas station
- Accommodation options
- Beach access with Reynisdrangar views
- The famous Vík church on the hill
Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
Distance from Reykjavik: 270 km Time Needed: 30-60 minutes
This 100-meter-deep, 2-kilometer-long canyon has walls carved by glacial rivers over millions of years. A walking path along the rim offers good viewpoints. The canyon gained Instagram fame and now requires careful visitor management.
Skaftafell (Vatnajökull National Park)
Distance from Reykjavik: 330 km Time Needed: 2-4 hours
Once a separate national park, Skaftafell is now part of Vatnajökull National Park. The area offers excellent hiking and access to glacier activities.
Key Attractions:
- Svartifoss – Waterfall framed by basalt columns (1.5 km hike)
- Glacier views – Skaftafellsjökull and Morsárjökull tongues
- Hiking trails – From easy walks to challenging day hikes
- Glacier tours – Guided walks on Svínafellsjökull and Falljökull
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Distance from Reykjavik: 370 km Time Needed: 1-2 hours
One of Iceland’s more unusual sights. Icebergs calving from Breiðamerkurjökull glacier drift through this deep lagoon toward the ocean. Seals often rest on the ice. Boat tours bring you among the icebergs for close encounters.
Options:
- Amphibian boat tour – Large vehicles for bigger groups
- Zodiac tour – Smaller boats, closer to ice
- Kayak tour – Most intimate experience
Diamond Beach
Distance from Reykjavik: 370 km Time Needed: 30-60 minutes
Just across the road from Jökulsárlón, this black sand beach is where icebergs wash ashore after drifting from the lagoon. The clear ice against volcanic black sand makes for good photography, especially at sunrise and sunset.
Hidden Gems
Kvernufoss
A hidden waterfall just minutes from Skógafoss, far less crowded. A short walk through a canyon leads to this 30-meter cascade, and you can walk behind it.
Sólheimajökull Glacier
One of the most accessible glaciers for walking tours. Guided hikes range from 2-hour introductions to full-day ice climbing adventures.
Þakgil Valley
A hidden canyon reached via a winding gravel road. Dramatic cliffs, small caves, and a campsite make this a special detour. 4x4 recommended.
Hjörleifshöfði
A dramatic promontory rising from the black sand plains, with a hidden cave and summit hike offering vast views. Associated with Iceland’s first settler, Ingólfur Arnarson’s foster brother.
Itinerary Options
Day Trip from Reykjavik (10-12 hours)
Focus: Waterfalls and Vík
- Seljalandsfoss (30 min)
- Skógafoss (45 min)
- Lunch in Vík (45 min)
- Reynisfjara Beach (45 min)
- Return via Dyrhólaey
Glacier lagoons require overnighting, too much driving for a day trip.
Two Days
Day 1: Reykjavik → Waterfalls → Vík area
- All day-trip stops with more time
- Add glacier hike at Sólheimajökull
- Overnight Vík or Kirkjubæjarklaustur
Day 2: Vík area → Jökulsárlón → Return
- Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon
- Skaftafell (Svartifoss hike)
- Jökulsárlón and Diamond Beach
- Return to Reykjavik (long evening)
Three Days
Add glacier lagoon boat tour, extended Skaftafell hiking, and relaxed pace throughout. Possible to continue to East Iceland or return via highlands (summer, 4x4).
Seasonal Considerations
Summer (June-August)
- Longest days for maximum sightseeing
- Puffins at Dyrhólaey
- All activities available
- Most crowded
Fall (September-October)
- Northern Lights possible
- Fewer tourists
- Weather more variable
- Beautiful autumn light
Winter (November-February)
- Ice caves accessible (Skaftafell area)
- Northern Lights
- Short daylight hours
- Some paths closed
Spring (March-May)
- Puffins returning
- Days lengthening
- Variable conditions
- Good shoulder season
Practical Tips
Fuel
Gas stations at: Selfoss, Hvolsvöllur, Vík, Kirkjubæjarklaustur, Höfn. Don’t pass a station on empty.
Food
- Pack lunch for flexibility
- Hot dogs at N1 stations
- Restaurants in Vík and Höfn
- Supermarket in Vík
Weather
Conditions change rapidly. Pack layers and waterproof outer layers regardless of forecast.
Road Conditions
Check road.is before departing. Winter storms can close Route 1.
Tour Costs and Booking
Glacier and adventure activities along the South Coast (approximate, 2025):
| Activity | Duration | Price Range | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sólheimajökull glacier walk | 2-3 hours | ISK 15,000-20,000 (~$105-140) | 1-3 days ahead |
| Glacier ice climbing | 4-5 hours | ISK 25,000-35,000 (~$175-245) | 3-7 days ahead |
| Jökulsárlón amphibian boat | 40 min | ISK 7,500-9,000 (~$52-63) | Same day possible |
| Jökulsárlón zodiac tour | 1 hour | ISK 12,000-15,000 (~$84-105) | 1-3 days ahead |
| Ice cave tour (Nov-Mar) | 3-4 hours | ISK 25,000-35,000 (~$175-245) | 1-2 weeks ahead |
| Katla ice cave | 3-4 hours | ISK 25,000-30,000 (~$175-210) | 1-3 days ahead |
Accessibility
Seljalandsfoss:
- Parking area accessible
- Path behind waterfall NOT accessible (steep, wet, slippery)
- Waterfall viewable from parking area without walking behind
Skógafoss:
- Base area flat and accessible; excellent views from ground level
- 527 stairs to top NOT accessible
- Parking and facilities accessible
Reynisfjara Beach:
- Paved parking lot with accessible restrooms
- Beach is sand/pebbles, difficult for wheelchairs
- Basalt cave viewable from accessible distance
- Restaurant at parking is accessible
Dyrhólaey:
- Lower area (arch) has accessible parking and views
- Upper lighthouse area requires walking on uneven ground
Skaftafell:
- Visitor center fully accessible with accessible restrooms
- Svartifoss trail NOT accessible (45-min hike, steps)
- Glacier viewpoints near visitor center are accessible
Jökulsárlón:
- Parking lot paved and accessible
- Lagoon viewable from roadside without walking
- Amphibian boats have limited accessibility; zodiac tours not accessible
- Café accessible
Diamond Beach:
- Parking accessible on both sides of road
- Beach is sand, challenging for wheelchairs
- Views possible from roadside
Photography Tips
Seljalandsfoss:
- Behind the falls: Late afternoon sun shines through the water curtain
- Settings: Fast shutter (1/500+) freezes droplets; slow shutter (1/4 sec) smooths the falls
- Tip: Get low and include the cave entrance for dramatic framing
Skógafoss:
- Rainbow timing: Mid-morning to early afternoon (10 AM - 2 PM) with sun behind you
- From top: Evening light illuminates the coastline stretching to Reynisfjara
- Double rainbows: More common on bright sunny days with heavy mist
Reynisfjara:
- Basalt cave (Hálsanefshellir): Overcast light avoids harsh shadows
- Sea stacks: Sunset and blue hour create dramatic silhouettes
- Waves: Slow shutter (1-4 sec) creates misty wave effects around stacks
- Safety: NEVER turn your back on the ocean for a shot
Jökulsárlón:
- Sunrise/sunset: Best light for iceberg photography
- Telephoto lens: Isolates individual icebergs
- Seals: Often visible on ice; 200mm+ lens helpful
- Reflections: Calm mornings offer mirror-like water
Diamond Beach:
- Low tide: More ice on black sand
- Backlit ice: Sunrise through ice creates glowing effects
- Long exposure: 1-4 seconds captures waves washing around ice
- Get low: Eye-level perspective emphasizes ice size
Planning to visit the South Coast? Contact us to arrange your trip, from day visits to multi-day tours with private guides.
