The South Coast of Iceland: 28 Best Things to Do

Where Exactly is the South Coast of Iceland?

Iceland’s South Coast is the stretch of coastline running from just outside Reykjavik to the town of Höfn, covering around 370 kilometers (230 miles) of the Ring Road. It’s one of the easiest and most scenic parts of the country to explore, with lots of places to stop in short distances, public amenities at many stops, and plenty of accommodation options. The South Coast feels like a greatest-hits tour of Iceland’s wild beauty.

28 Amazing Things to Do and See on Iceland’s South Coast

3. Skógafoss Waterfall

Skogafoss is one of the largest waterfalls in Iceland, with a 25-meter wide curtain of water thundering down into a small pool below. It’s directly off Ring Road with a large free parking lot and on-site toilets.

You can walk right up to the base of Skogafoss and stand in the mist. There is also a staircase with 400 steps to see the waterfall from the top.You’ll see the flowing stream that feeds the falls surrounded by the mossy green landscape.

In addition to the actual waterfall, most people don’t realize there is a hiking trail leading further upstream. It is referred to as the Skogafoss Waterfall Trail or Waterfall Way. The entire hike is 8 km each way, but you can choose to hike as far as you’d like and then turn around. You’ll come across numerous small waterfalls, as well as green mountains, large canyons, and views of the coast.

Pro Tip: Skogafoss is crazy busy. If you can, get there early in the morning before the crowds. We got there at 6 am and there was only one other group taking photos. It started getting busier and busier from that point forward.

5. Skaftafell Nature Reserve (Svartifoss Waterfall and Svínafellsjökull)

Located in Vatnajökull National Park, Skaftafell is home to two incredible natural attractions. First, Svartifoss, a waterfall that drops over hexagonal basalt columns. Second, Svínafellsjökull, a massive glacier with hiking options to see it from different vantage points.

If you want to do both, you can hike the S6 trail. It is 7.1 km and loops to Svartifoss first and then up to a high ridge with views of the glacier from above. S1 is a shorter 4 km round-trip hike that takes you to see the glacier from the ground level. It’s good if you have time constraints, and it would also be a great option for those seeking a very easy flat trail.

8. Glacier Hikes at Vatnajökull from Falljökull

Falljokull is a branch of the larger Vatnajökull glacier and has some great hiking. It is just south of Skaftafell and has steep crevasses that rise up a mountain slope. Falljökull feels like a remote and raw part of Iceland and can only be accessed with guides. You can join a tour to hike out onto the glacier with crampons, helmets, and ice axes.

Expect to see surreal ice formations, deep blue crevasses, and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

10. Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Fjallsárlón is a smaller, quieter glacier lagoon just 10 minutes west of Jökulsárlón. The lagoon sits at the base of Fjallsjökull, a tongue of the massive Vatnajökull glacier. The glacier feels closer here, and you can hear the creaking and cracking of the ice. It has dramatic cliffs in the background.

Boat tours run from a small dock during summer and take you right up to the glacier face. There’s also a simple café and toilet on site.

11. Ice Cave Tours

There are two spots on Iceland’s South Coast where you can hike inside a glacier’s ice cave. The Katla Ice Cave is open to tour year-round and can be done as a day trip from Reykjavik. Inside the cave, you can see the different layers of ice and ash formed over thousands of years.

The other ice cave is often called the crystal blue cave because it glows bright blue. It is in Vatnajokull and is only accessible in winter from mid-November to mid-March. These tours depart from either Vik or a meeting spot at Jökulsárlón lagoon.

To explore ice caves in Iceland, you need to book a tour. They include all needed equipment like crampons and helmets, plus a local guide filled with insight. Tours sell out fast, so it’s smart to book in advance if you’re traveling in winter.

13. Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

Black sand beaches are an iconic part of Iceland’s charm and Reynisfjara is the best one. It has large grey basalt columns on the beach’s sand that you can climb on for pictures. There are jagged black sea stacks rising out of the ocean which also make for great photos. If the tide is low, you can continue around the corner of the columns to see more of the beach with jagged cliffs high above.

Keep an eye out for “sneaker waves” which surge far up onto the beach without warning.

14. Dyrhólaey Viewpoint

Dyrhólaey is a small peninsula near Vík with dramatic coastal cliffs and an enormous sea arch. From the upper viewpoint, you get views of black sand beaches on one side and the Reynisdrangar sea stacks on the other. You can actually walk out onto the sea arch.

This is also one of the best places to see puffins in summer (May to early August). The upper section is closed to the public for May and June for nesting season.

15. Vík í Mýrdal

Vík is a beautiful little town tucked between sea cliffs, the ocean, and green-covered mountains. It is home to the famous red-roofed Vík Church, which has stunning views over the coast and the purple lupine fields (if you’re visiting in summer).

There are also great places to eat and stock up on gear here, like Lava Bakery for a pastry stop and IceWear for outerwear.

16. Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon

Fjaðrárgljúfur is 3.5 hours down the south coast from Reykjavik. It is known for its narrow canyon with jagged cliffs covered in a lush green moss. It looks straight out of a fairy tale. There are hiking paths for you to walk along the top of the canyon, with multiple lookout platforms. The trail is only 2 km round trip but you may spend over an hour here, slowly taking in the views.

Heads-up: The canyon is closed during the spring thaw (March–June) to protect the delicate moss.

17. Kirkjugólf (“Church Floor”)

Kirkjugólf is a quick stop off the main highway, just outside the town of Kirkjubæjarklaustur. It gets its nickname “church floor” because the natural basalt column formation has eroded to look like a man made tiled surface.

There’s a small parking lot with a short, flat walking path (less than 5 minutes) that leads to the site. It’s a quick and easy stop if you’re passing through the area, with some picnic tables nearby if you want a break.

18. Vestrahorn

Technically just east of the South Coast boundary, Vestrahorn Mountain is still worth mentioning. The Vestrahorn Mountain peaks are jagged and rise dramatically over black sand dunes on a beach. The drive into the peninsula from Ring Road is also one of the most scenic routes in the country, with sandy mountainsides rising steeply into the sky right from the edge of the road.

There is a small cafe and souvenir shop at the end of the road. Here you’ll have to pay an entrance fee to access the beach with the best views of the mountain peaks. There is also a small lighthouse on the edge of the peninsula.

Tip: Visibility matters here. If it’s foggy, you won’t see much of the mountain. If it’s clear? You’ll get photos that look straight off a postcard.

19. The Lava Show

If you want to see real lava while in Iceland, one of the ways to do it is at the Lava Show. The Lava Show offers tourists the opportunity to see real molten lava up close. They have two locations – Reykjavik and Vik. The show is the only place in the world that recreates volcanic eruptions by superheating real dried lava. They pour it in the room just metres from the audience.

The demonstration also includes an educational talk about Iceland’s volcanic history, eruptions, and geology. The show lasts 45–50 minutes.

Hot Springs and Tubs on Iceland’s South Coast

20. Seljavallalaug Pool

Seljavallalaug is a semi-hidden geothermal pool built into the side of a mountain in a narrow valley. It’s a short 20-minute hike to get there, and while the pool is old and rustic (it was built in 1923), the surrounding landscape is surreal. You’ll get to swim in the luke-warm water while looking at jagged green cliffs and wildflowers.

It’s not the hottest hot spring you’ll find in Iceland, but floating here surrounded by nature was one of my favourite experiences of my entire road trip.

22. Reykjadalur Hot Spring River

Only 45 minutes from Reykjavik, Reykjadalur is a stream of hot springs in a valley. The name “Reykjadalur” actually means “Steam Valley.” You have to hike 3 km (about 45 minutes to an hour) to get to the start of the warm river, but it is really scenic.

The water temperature changes and gets cooler the further downriver you walk. There is a wooden boardwalk along the most popular spot of hot springs, but no facilities like bathrooms or changerooms.

23. Hrunalaug Hot Spring

Hrunalaug is a small detour inland from the south coast but worth it for the stunning nature of this hot spring. Hrunalaug’s pool is surrounded by large black rocks and overlooks a moss-covered valley. Right next to it sits a turf-roofed shelter.

The hot spring is a short walk from the parking lot and donations are encouraged to maintain the area. Try to get there early in the morning, because it can get crowded due to its Instagram-famous look. There are no changing rooms, and the path can get muddy, so make sure you’re prepared.

24. Secret Lagoon (Gamla Laugin)

The Secret Lagoon is close to Hrunalaug, in Flúðir. It was Iceland’s oldest swimming pool and was turned into a more tourist-friendly hot spring. They have amenities like changing rooms, showers, and a cafe.

It’s a good alternative to the Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon if you want the geothermal bathing experience without the steep prices or crowds. You’ll need to book in advance during summer, but it’s a relaxing stop with bubbling geothermal activity surrounding the pool.

25. Horseback Riding Tours

Horseback riding in Iceland is unique because of the Icelandic horses themselves. Known for their small size, unique gait (the tölt), and friendly nature, these horses are only found in Iceland. They were specially bred to survive the harsh conditions in Iceland and are often fuzzy, especially in winter.

One of the best spots to do a horseback riding excursion is near Vik. The routes will take you on the black sand beaches along the coast where you’ll see black basalt cliffs. Rides range from short 1-hour experiences to multi-hour excursions, and no prior riding experience is necessary.

26. Þakgil Canyon

Þakgil (pronounced “Thak-gil”) is a canyon 30 minutes from Vík. It has a lush green landscape and is surrounded by jagged cliffs. The road to get there is gravel and can be rough, but it’s usually accessible with a 2WD in summer. It’s better to avoid it if you have a smaller car. The drive itself is absolutely stunning though, with wide views of rugged remote Iceland.

There’s a remote campground at the end with tent spots, cabins, and a communal cave for cooking. Three main hiking trails leave from the campsite and several smaller side trails. They are pretty challenging trails, lasting at least 4 hours, but are the most rewarding! Thakil is worth visiting even just to wander some of the side trails and take in the camping area. It’s a great detour if you want to escape the crowds and enjoy a peaceful mountain setting. 

27. Hjörleifshöfði Cape and Cave

Just west of Vík, Hjörleifshöfði is a massive, standalone cliff rising out of black sand. You can drive a gravel road around its base, where you’ll also find Hjörleifshöfði Cave. It is often called “Yoda Cave” because its opening is shaped exactly like Yoda!

There are a couple trails to the top of the cape, with the easiest one taking 7 km (4.3 miles) roundtrip. You’ll have views over the surrounding black sand beaches and even Katla Volcano covered over by Myrdalsjokull Glacier.

28. Laufskálavarða Lava Rock Cairns

Laufskálavarða is a lava ridge field dotted with hundreds of small stone “cairns.” Cairns are basically little stone stacks you see on beaches and trails. There is local folklore that says travelers built them for good luck before crossing the wild Mýrdalssandur desert.

It’s not a major stop, but it is an interesting roadside pull-off. You can even add your own stone. There is a small parking area and some info signs explaining the history. 

Final Thoughts on Iceland’s Best South Coast Attractions

If you want to see a little bit of everything, Iceland’s South Coast is the place to do it. In just a few days, you can stand below Gljúfrabúi waterfall, hike to viewpoints over Iceland’s fourth largest glacier, see real molten lava at a Lava Show in Reykjavik or Vik, and soak in hidden hot tubs tucked into wild, green valleys near Hofn.

The South Coast is incredibly easy to explore, with many of the best attractions located right off the Ring Road.