South Coast of Iceland: 31 Finest Issues to do and See in 2023

Iceland is not any secret vacation spot. From its scrumptious meals, issues to do, and unbelievable locations to go to, it famously makes for an action-packed vacation. One in every of these great locations to go to is the southern coast. The south coast of Iceland is densely filled with a few of the nation’s greatest sights. There are such a lot of issues to do and see on the south coast of Iceland that it is likely one of the most well-known street journey routes.

31 Finest Issues To Do and See on Iceland’s South Coast

Visiting the south coast of Iceland, you might mix glacier mountain climbing, bathing in scorching springs, strolling black sand seashores, and exploring ice caves in simply sooner or later. The fast succession of attraction after attraction makes southern Iceland some of the in style vacationer locations. This information will cowl the perfect issues to do and see on Iceland’s south coast. Excited? Try to be.

When you solely have a small period of time in Iceland we do suggest leaping on a tour to see probably the most quantity of highlights within the shortest timeframe. The South of Iceland Full Day Journey from Reyjavik is an ideal method to do exactly that.

1. Foss a Síðu

Foss a Síðu is likely one of the most stunning waterfalls in south Iceland. The waterfall sits on non-public property simply off the roadside and is definitely acknowledged by its single drop straight off dramatic inexperienced cliffs. There’s a tiny city by its base, and you may stroll only a few minutes alongside a gravel street to get nearer to the falls.

It’s best to go to Foss a Síðu throughout spring or summer time when visibility is excessive sufficient to benefit from the view from a distance. The waterfall is free to see, and it’s simple to park off the roadside, as there are a lot of small roads resulting in the city and native residences. Hamrafoss Cafe is usually open on a seasonal foundation simply reverse Foss a Síðu. The small cafe has gorgeous views of the falls, heat drinks, and bathroom services.

2. Skogar Museum

Skogar Museum is likely one of the prettiest historic sights in south Iceland. The open-air museum is cut up into three sections, the mannequin turf village, the Folks Museum, and the Museum of Transport. The mannequin village is the picture-perfect postcard picture of Skogar. You’ll spot conventional Icelandic housing with placing inexperienced roofs. It’s a good spot to immerse your self in early Icelandic residing and historical past. The Folks Museum is rather more informative, with reveals on ‘fishing, agriculture, farming, and pure historical past’, and the Museum of Transport educates guests on the event of Iceland – notably within the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.

Skogar Museum is open 364 days a 12 months between 10 am and 5 pm, though these opening instances differ relying on sunlight hours every season. It’s possible you’ll discover it extra fulfilling in heat climate, however it’s appropriate to go to all 12 months spherical. It prices $16 per grownup and has parking conveniently on-site. Skogar Museum has rest room services, a restaurant, and a memento store.

3. Raufarholshellir

Raufarholshellir is a lava tunnel cave situated at first of Iceland’s south coast. Guests can take guided excursions by means of the tunnel – admiring the lava rock, stalactites, and pure ice sculptures. Raufarholshellir is an enchanting pure attraction for these keen on geology and volcanic exercise. In addition to, who else can say that they’ve walked by means of a lava tunnel? Raufarholshellir was shaped within the Leitahraun eruption round 5,200 years in the past, and you may select both a 60-minute or 3-4 hour tour by means of the tunnel. This scenic attraction is certainly one on your bucket record when visiting the south coast of Iceland.

Raufarholshellir is open daily between 10 am and 5 pm. Grownup tickets value $52 for the usual and $147 for the extra prolonged tour. Raufarholshellir does have parking obtainable, but it surely additionally gives shuttle companies from Reykjavik as a day journey. You possibly can go to any time of 12 months, and as an indoor attraction, it’s a good choice on a wet day. Winter at Raufarholshellir is made further particular by the ice sculptures, too, so don’t draw back from visiting at any time of 12 months.

4. Take a puffin watching tour

Iceland’s south coast is an absolute haven for tiny puffins. There are quite a few viewpoints the place you possibly can spot them independently alongside the coast. Alternatively, you possibly can e book a tour to let an skilled assist you to spot the little celebrities. This tour is a well-liked choice situated simply exterior Reykjavik. It takes you on a novel journey in search of puffins, in a RIB craft which lets you get on the market quick and get an up-close take a look at these wonderful birds. The tour has a fantastic success fee and gives gorgeous views of the Icelandic panorama as you go.

Iceland has a strict puffin season; if you wish to see them, you’ll have to go to between Could and August. You may get fortunate and spot just a few stragglers simply exterior of this era, however as a complete, these months are probably the most dependable for sightings. This tour operates throughout the puffin season and prices $75 per grownup. You’ll discover parking and fundamental services on-site.

5. Seljavallalaug Geothermal Pool

You possibly can go to touristy geothermal swimming pools just like the Blue Lagoon (extra on that later). However what about some extra rural, lesser-visited scorching springs? Seljavallalaug Geothermal Pool is a extra pure scorching spring situated only a brief stroll from a small automobile park. Enable round twenty minutes to stroll to the springs, the place you’ll discover fundamental services, together with altering rooms. The pool is a bit tough and prepared – don’t be shocked by the odd algae progress right here and there. The pure environment is well worth the journey. Seljavallalaug can be thought-about one of many oldest swimming swimming pools in Iceland.

Seljavallalaug Geothermal Pool is greatest visited in summer time when it’s hotter. It’s technically an all-year-round vacation spot, although. Simply be ready to be chillier in winter and autumn, because the water’s thermal warmth is misplaced faster. And the perfect information is that Seljavallalaug Geothermal Pool is totally free.

6. Fagrifoss

Fagrifoss is likely one of the most stunning however distant waterfalls in Iceland. Prepared for an journey? You’ll want a 4WD car and a real spirit of grit. Fagrifoss is reached by way of a tough observe and adrenaline-inducing river crossing. The splendor of the thundering white waterfall in opposition to the inexperienced moss and black basalt rock is nicely price it, and reaching Fagrifoss is simply a part of the enchantment. The waterfall is 80 meters excessive, and your 4WD journey solely will increase the extraordinary environment.

It’s best to go to Fagrifoss throughout summer time or when there was much less rainfall. The river crossings are closed after heavy rain, so keep away from touring to Fagrifoss throughout this time. The waterfall is free to go to, so that you gained’t lose something should you discover the rivers uncrossable.

7. Fagradalsfjall Volcano

Fagradalsfjall Volcano is Iceland’s newest volcanic eruption. The volcano is situated in southern Iceland and shortly turned one of many island’s most well-known volcanic eruptions. The slow-moving lava was predictable sufficient for guests to hike and stand subsequent to for photos. If you wish to go to a real-life, lively volcano, go to Fagradalsfjall in southern Iceland. You possibly can park on the roadside and sort out one of many mountain climbing trails independently, however we suggest taking a guided hike to remain protected.

Guides are native specialists and might observe essential components like gasoline dangers. Plus, even a brief stroll in Iceland typically includes harsh situations and unmarked terrain. You possibly can e book your guided hike right here, and lots of excursions supply transfers from Reykjavik as a day journey. There are little to no services at Fagradalsfjall, and your solely value would be the value of the tour. It’s price checking the volcano’s exercise standing so you realize what to anticipate and plan to hike in spring or summer time for optimum visibility.

8. Dverghamrar

Dverghamrar is small however awe-inspiring. The tiny canyon is lined with basalt columns in hexagonal shapes and is situated simply off of the Ring Highway, virtually reverse Foss a Síðu. It’s a dreamy location for a fast photoshoot and perfect if you’d like a fast ten-minute cease off on a south coast street journey. A tiny strolling path cuts by means of Dverghamrar and loops again to a bit automobile park. Take your time strolling by means of, studying the informative indicators, and pausing for photos.

Dverghamrar is free to go to and appropriate at any time of 12 months – take into account that the strolling path will get icy and slippery. There aren’t any services on the canyon itself, though Hamrafoss Cafe is price visiting for bogs and refreshments whether it is open. It’s lower than a ten-minute stroll from the Dverghamrar automobile park.

9. Gljufrabui

Gljufrabui is a secret waterfall hidden in a slender canyon subsequent to Seljalandsfoss Waterfall. Gljufrabui is only a brief stroll to the left of its neighboring main waterfall, and also you’ll have to hopscotch throughout a sequence of pure stepping stones to succeed in it, so deliver some waterproof boots and trousers. The canyon is gorgeous, with towering moss-covered partitions of vibrant inexperienced, and it appears like navigating a slot canyon.

Gljufrabui is free to go to and has parking obtainable close to the trailhead. It does get a bit busy (the perfect secrets and techniques are inconceivable to maintain, in spite of everything) so go to out of peak season and hours if you’d like it to your self or embrace the crowds.

10. Go to an Ice Cave

Pure ice caves are nothing wanting magical, and the south coast of Iceland has lots. The caves are shaped as meltwater strikes by means of glacial ice, with glacial rivers hollowing out the ice to create caverns and exquisite tunnels. The perfect time to go to the caves is between winter and spring when temperatures are colder, and the caves are extra intact.

Whereas it’s technically attainable to go to ice caves alone, we don’t suggest it. Ebook a guided tour the place specialists lead you to the most recent and most spectacular ice caves. You’ll be given crampons and a tough hat for security, and also you’ll profit from skilled help and data of the land. Excursions normally contain a brief glacier hike to succeed in the ice caves, which is an journey in itself. You possibly can e book visits to ice caves on many of the glaciers on the south coast, together with Katla Glacier, which is accessible from Vik.

11. Horseback Using

Horseback using is a bucket record factor to do south coast of Iceland, particularly contemplating all the attractive black sand seashores. Icelandic horses are tiny, fluffy creatures with stoic personalities and stunning energy for his or her small dimension. Icelandic horses are additionally famed for his or her distinctive fifth gait. Not solely can they stroll, trot, canter, and gallop, however they will additionally tolt. A tolt is a four-beat gait that appears like a velocity stroll, and it’s the excellent gait for protecting giant distances at a barely quicker tempo than strolling.

Yow will discover horseback using excursions alongside the south coast and ring street. There’s a using middle in Vik, Bakkahestar Horse Using Excursions, and Mr. Iceland Horseback Using Excursions. Look on-line on the completely different choices and coincide your trip with good climate for the perfect expertise.

12. Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Fjallsárlón lagoon is likely one of the prettiest glacier lagoons in Iceland, and this glacier lake is nicely price visiting if you go to the south coast. Neglect being in Iceland; Fjallsárlón lagoon feels such as you’ve been transported to Antarctica. The lake is situated proper on the tongue of the glacier, and Fjallsárlón is considered one of Iceland’s most spectacular outlet glaciers. Standing on the lake’s shores, you’ll look straight up on the glacier tongue, surrounded by icebergs floating within the water.

You possibly can go to and take a brief stroll alongside the lagoon’s shores or take to the waters on an iceberg boat tour. A ship tour is a unbelievable method to get near a few of the most dramatic icebergs, and costs begin at $65 per grownup. In any other case, having fun with Fjallsárlón glacier lagoon from the shores is totally free. You’ll discover bathrooms and parking obtainable.

13. Westman Islands

Visiting Westman Islands is not any imply feat. The tiny islands are situated off the south coast of Iceland and are solely accessible by ferry. The ferry trip is dramatic mid-winter, and also you’ll have icebergs galore to identify alongside the best way. The islands are volcanic, with jagged rock formations and rugged pure magnificence. The Westman Islands are famed for fowl and whale watching – so preserve your eyes peeled and produce a very good pair of binoculars.

The perfect time to go to the Westman Islands is in summer time or spring when puffins and whales are extra generally sighted. Throughout this era, the ferry crossing shall be a lot smoother as nicely. You possibly can go away your automobile and take the ferry as a foot passenger or deliver the automobile with you to maximise what you see throughout your journey. Tickets value $14 per grownup a technique and between $21 to $28 should you deliver a automobile (relying on dimension). You can see fundamental services like cafes and bathrooms if you arrive.

14. Geysir Geothermal Space

The Geysir Geothermal Space is likely one of the most concentrated small areas of geysers and scorching springs in Iceland. Whereas not technically on the Ring Highway loop, Geysir is simply a two-hour detour – which is sweet for Iceland. It’s a in style day journey from Reykjavik, and in case you are finishing the south coast over a number of days, it’s a worthwhile addition to your itinerary.

Essentially the most well-known geyser in Geysir is Stokkur, which explodes each ten minutes at heights of as much as twenty meters. There’s additionally a spread of effervescent springs and brightly coloured sulfurous waters dotted across the space. The Geysir Geothermal Space appears like it’s on one other planet or not less than such as you’ve been despatched again to prehistoric instances. You’ll discover parking reverse the location with a customer middle providing refreshments and bathroom services. The world is unbelievable at any time of 12 months, though it will likely be simpler to succeed in in hotter months.

15. Svínafellsjökull Glacier

Svínafellsjökull Glacier is one other gorgeous glacier situated alongside Iceland’s south coast. There’s a stunning viewpoint only a brief drive down a aspect street off the Ring Highway. You park within the free automobile park after which stroll the rest of the route. Strolling across the glacier lagoon on the base of Svínafellsjökull Glacier is a serene mountain climbing path, and also you’ll have gorgeous views of icebergs and the glacier itself.

Svínafellsjökull Glacier has free bathrooms, parking, and eating places close by. It is likely one of the best glacier detours alongside the Ring Highway and is conveniently situated proper subsequent to Skaftafell, a major vacationer vacation spot on Iceland’s south coast. When you don’t wish to go glacier mountain climbing however nonetheless wish to stand up near a glacier, then Svínafellsjökull Glacier is for you.

16. Kvernufoss Waterfall

Kvernufoss Waterfall is that waterfall. The highly effective single-drop waterfall drops off moss-covered cliff faces, partially obscured by the curved cliff face. Guests take a brief stroll to Kvernufoss Waterfall, strolling alongside the river on a graveled strolling path for about ten minutes earlier than reaching the bottom. Kvernufoss Waterfall was as soon as comparatively under-appreciated, however it’s now turning into considered one of Iceland’s hottest waterfalls to go to. And, situated proper subsequent to the Skogar Museum, it’s simply added to even the busiest itineraries.

There are parking, rest room, and refreshment services close to the Kvernufoss Waterfall trailhead. It’s free to enter, though it’s best to deal with your self to a scorching drink from Cafe Skogar when you’ve visited. Kvernufoss Waterfall is prettiest after heavy rainfall, which is one thing to contemplate when planning a go to.

17. Solheimasandur Aircraft Wreck

Solheimasandur Aircraft Wreck is an enchanting spot on the south coast of Iceland. The aircraft wreck has been there for over 50 years, and whereas a tragic scene, it has additionally change into a beloved south coast attraction. You possibly can enter the aircraft itself and, if you’ve explored, can stroll a bit additional to benefit from the black sand seashore that it’s located simply earlier than.

Visiting Solheimasandur Aircraft Wreck is free except you select a guided tour (Normally by ATV). Reaching the aircraft wreck requires a 45-minute stroll every approach, ranging from the Solheimasandur Aircraft Wreck automobile park off the Ring Highway. Due to the prolonged stroll, we suggest visiting Solheimasandur Aircraft Wreck throughout spring or summer time, when the climate is milder and mountain climbing is extra fulfilling. Alternatively, buy shuttle bus tickets to save lots of time, heat, and power.

18. Fjaðrárgljúfur

Fjaðrárgljúfur is a ravishing, two million-year-old canyon on the south coast. At round 2km in size, it’s a pretty outside attraction to spend just a few hours exploring. Fjaðrá river runs by means of the canyon’s middle, with attribute snakes and curves. Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon is so magnificent that it has been utilized in movies and music movies – from Sport of Thrones to Justin Bieber’s “I’ll Present You”.

You’ll discover bathrooms and parking obtainable, however in any other case restricted services. It’s price checking that Fjaðrárgljúfur is open earlier than visiting as nicely, as it’s regularly closed to permit nature to recuperate from the hoards of vacationers. Visiting is free, so add it to your record of budget-friendly sights on Iceland’s south coast.

19. Skogafoss Waterfall

The mighty Skógafoss waterfall is likely one of the most well-known waterfalls in Iceland. Guests park in a small automobile park off the Ring Highway and hike a brief distance alongside a well-laid path to succeed in the bottom of the falls. If you’d like, problem your self to a further 370 steps to succeed in the highest of the falls, the place you possibly can peer down on the waterfall beneath. Skogafoss is the final word image of mighty nature, and it’s a nice pure attraction on Iceland’s south coast.

Skogafoss waterfall is free to go to and gives parking. It is usually situated subsequent to the Skogar Museum and a set of different waterfalls, so it’s excellent for combining with different sights. It stays open all 12 months spherical, though it’s best to take care in moist and slippery climate.

20. Reynisfjara Seashore

The south coast of Iceland is famed for its black sand seashores, and Reynisfjara Seashore proves why. The seashore is characterised by its jagged basalt columns set into a large cliff face. The mix of jet-black basalt columns and the black sand is gorgeous, and you may stroll additional down the seashore to go to Halsanefshellir Cave, which is shaped primarily by basalt columns.

Reynisfjara Black Sand Seashore is definitely accessed by turning off the Ring Highway and driving down the 215 street for simply over 5 minutes. Parking on the finish of the street, you then stroll straight onto the seashore. Reynisfjara Black Sand Seashore is free for individuals to go to, which is a superb bonus. You possibly can go to any time of 12 months; be aware of freak waves in unhealthy climate.

21. Blue Lagoon

Who hasn’t heard of the Blue Lagoon? (We wrote a complete publish on how one can go to the Blue Lagoon right here)Even should you suppose you haven’t, you’ve most likely seen it on Instagram or in advertising and marketing campaigns. It’s the most well-known geothermal lagoon in Iceland and is a well-liked day journey from Reykjavik. Situated on the far west fringe of the south coast, it’s a nice attraction for anybody with restricted time in Iceland. The new spring is heated by byproducts from the close by geothermal energy station and is a placing milk-blue colour.

You possibly can spend hours wading by means of the completely different pool sections, and there’s a mix of pure volcanic rocks and artifical extras like a sauna, steam room, and cave part. Visitors additionally get a complimentary face masks and an alcoholic or tender drink of their selection. There are services galore – together with bathrooms, altering rooms, showers, eating places, cafes, and luxurious lodging. Opening instances vary from round 8 am till 9 pm, relying on the season, and normal grownup tickets value $60.

22. Go Ice Climbing on a Glacier

Fancy one thing more difficult than a typical glacier hike? How about mountaineering? Mountain climbing is a wonderful exercise on the south coast of Iceland, particularly on outlet glaciers like Sólheimajökull Glacier. For security causes, the one method to go mountaineering is to e book a guided tour – however this has its advantages. You’ll be supplied with all of the climbing gear and security gear and led by skilled instructors to sort out sections of the glaciers for final views.

Mountain climbing is hard, however you possibly can partake as a newbie or superior ice climber. It’s costlier than glacier mountain climbing due to the extra superior nature of the expertise. You possibly can take a look at guided ice-climbing excursions like this on-line. Mountain climbing is an all-year-round exercise.

23. Múlagljúfur Canyon

Múlagljúfur Canyon is likely one of the lesser visited canyons on the south coast – however who is aware of why as a result of it’s beautiful. To succeed in the canyon, take a detour off the Ring Highway down a gravel street for roughly ten minutes. You then attain a small automobile park the place there’s a tiny trailhead. You hike for round thirty minutes earlier than you attain a surprising viewpoint over the canyon. Get able to channel your interior Jurassic Park as a result of the inexperienced moss and film-worthy canyon cliffs have an actual prehistoric environment.

Múlagljúfur Canyon is free to go to and open all 12 months spherical. It’s most likely greatest to go to in spring or summer time when mountain climbing is safer and extra fulfilling, however dry climate and good visibility are probably the most essential components. There aren’t any services at Múlagljúfur Canyon, so be ready to tough it a bit.

24. Skaftafell Nature Reserve

Skaftafell is an unlimited reserve, stuffed with every little thing from glaciers to volcanoes and extra mountain climbing trails than you realize what to do with. The oldest rocks within the park are round 5 million years outdated, and nature is classy. Skaftafell is ideal for outside attraction seekers in spring and summer time. You too can go to the customer middle and its cafe all 12 months spherical. The customer middle is nice for further ideas and recommendation on what to see and do contained in the park. It’s a various show of Icelandic nature, and you might be admiring ice caves one second and waterfalls the subsequent. Maintain your eyes out for any guided excursions and excursions within the reserve.

The park is free to go to and has ample parking. There are additionally fundamental services like bathrooms and refreshments on the Skaftafell cafe. Whereas appropriate all 12 months spherical, Skaftafell is extra of a spring and summer time vacation spot when its mountain climbing trails open.

25. Sólheimajökull Glacier

We’ve talked about glacier mountain climbing, however the place greatest to do it? We vote for Sólheimajökull Glacier. This glacier is understood for its placing blue ice and mottled black and white ash-covered sections, and you may simply e book one of many Sólheimajökull Glacier hikes. Donning a pair of crampons and a tough hat is an thrilling method to expertise considered one of Iceland’s most stunning pure sights.

Sólheimajökull Glacier will not be removed from Vik, and you may e book many glacier mountain climbing excursions in Vik itself, getting transfers to the glacier base. Glacier mountain climbing is an appropriate exercise all 12 months spherical (though extra nice in hotter, drier climate), and most tour operators have fundamental services like bathrooms and parking on web site.

26. Svartifoss Waterfall

Svartifoss is a ravishing waterfall set in a wall of basalt columns, giving it a novel 3D impact. Basalt columns are photogenic however matched with a surprising 20-meter waterfall, and the result’s mesmerizing. To succeed in the waterfall, you hike for roughly 40 minutes every approach. The trailhead is correct subsequent to Skaftafell Customer Middle and a parking lot. It’s a nice free factor to do on Iceland’s south coast – particularly should you love waterfalls.

Whereas visiting, it’s best to mix Svartifoss Waterfall with Skaftafell Glacier, Hundafoss, and maybe a puffin tour. The path itself lacks services. Nevertheless, the customer middle has bathrooms and refreshments, which is handy. Svartifoss Waterfall is most suited to spring and summer time mountain climbing when the path is obvious and simpler.

27. Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

Be ready to see quite a lot of waterfalls alongside the south coast of Iceland, however Seljalandsfoss is likely one of the greatest. Seljalandsfoss Waterfall is greatest recognized for its part behind the falls, the place you possibly can stand behind the waterfall – getting a bit moist from the spray however getting a novel perspective of the water’s energy. It’s simply accessed only a brief stroll from a parking lot off the Ring Highway.

Seljalandsfoss is free to enter and has paid parking obtainable for these driving. It’s best to go to on a non-windy day to go behind the falls with out getting as moist. Since it’s a very fashionable waterfall, attempt to go to throughout the shoulder seasons like September and October to keep away from the lots of crowds.

28. Vatnajökull Nationwide Park

Vatnajökull Nationwide Park is house to the large Vatnajökull Glacier and a few of the greatest outside adventures on the Icelandic South Coast. Its glacier is the biggest in Europe, and the park is 5,460 sq. miles. Solely formally named a nationwide park in 2008, Vatnajökull Nationwide Park marked a brand new daybreak of preservation in Iceland. Fascinatingly, Vatnajökull Nationwide Park covers roughly 80% of Iceland’s landmass. It contains many sights already on this information – like Skaftafell Nature Reserve. Nevertheless, it’s such a giant a part of the south coast’s tourism scene that we needed to give it its personal slot.

Vatnajökull Nationwide Park is free to enter, however it is usually greatest explored on guided excursions if you wish to partake in excursions actions like glacier mountain climbing. The Vatnajökull Nationwide Park has many services and customer facilities, however some areas are fully distant with no everlasting human constructions. Equally, some areas have parking, whereas others aren’t even accessible by street. Analysis particular locations in Vatnajökull Nationwide Park fastidiously and enquire forward in case you are uncertain when reserving a tour.

29. Diamond Seashore

A visit to the south coast of Iceland is simply full should you go to Diamond seashore. Diamond Seashore will get its identify from the washed-up icebergs on its shores, and the icebergs have a vibrant, diamond-like glint that has made the seashore in style amongst photographers and vacationers alike. The seashore has black sand, heightening the distinction and making the aesthetic much more stunning.

Diamond Seashore is totally free to go to and gives free parking. It is usually situated proper subsequent to the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, so it’s nicely mixed with a go to to the lagoon or boat trip to identify icebergs. Whereas Diamond Seashore is appropriate to go to all 12 months spherical, be aware of freak waves, particularly in unhealthy climate.

30. Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is a surprising pure attraction on Iceland’s south coast. The glacial lake lies within the wake of Jökulsárlón Glacier, adorned with glistening iceberg sand and the odd seal sunbathing. You possibly can go to a number of viewpoints across the lake’s edge or take to the waters with a zodiac boat tour. This can be a unbelievable method to get near icebergs and wildlife.

Visiting the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is free, and zodiac excursions value $97. It contains simply over an hour within the water, and also you’ll have a small group expertise the place you possibly can ask your information a lot of questions and get virtually one-to-one consideration. Getting near the icebergs is mesmerizing, so keep in mind to deliver a digicam. you too can e book a Full Day journey from Reyjavik when you’ve got restricted time.

31. Black Sand Seashore at Vik

Simply across the different aspect of the headland from Reynisfjara, Vik’s black sand seashore has a unique environment. You possibly can watch horses race down the coast from the close by horseback using middle, stroll with different vacationers and native households, and admire distant rock formations offshore. There’s extra of a neighborhood really feel.

Vik is such a central level on the south coast of Iceland. If you wish to e book last-minute excursions, visiting the black sand seashore is a good way to fill in time whereas ready in Vik. The seashore is free to enter, has parking, and is appropriate regardless of the season. Simply be cautious of these freak waves we’ve talked about in awful climate.

South Coast of Iceland FAQs

Now that we’ve lined all the perfect issues to do and see on Iceland’s south coast let’s take a look at some important data. These are the commonest south coast of Iceland FAQs.

How you can get to the South Coast of Iceland

Attending to the south coast of Iceland is surprisingly simple – so long as you could have a driving license and lease a automobile. First, you fly into Keflavik Worldwide Airport. The airport has direct connections to lots of of locations, so reaching Iceland by aircraft is an easy first step. Then, rent a automobile on the airport and drive an hour to Selfoss to hitch Route 1 – aka the Ring Highway that circles the entire of Iceland and is the primary street that cuts by means of southern Iceland.

When you don’t drive, that is the place issues get a bit trickier. You’ll must catch the Flybus into Reykjavik, catch a number of buses to succeed in Selfoss, or buy a shuttle ticket. Enable as much as three hours in case you are attending to the south coast of Iceland this fashion. It’s attainable and can want a bit of additional planning.

Getting across the South Coast of Iceland

Driving is probably the most fulfilling method to get across the south coast of Iceland. The ring street is simple to drive, and even off-the-beaten-track sights that require detours nonetheless have comparatively simple gravel roads. Simply be aware of icy street situations within the winter months. It is usually price downloading offline maps along with your Google Maps account to keep away from getting misplaced in areas with restricted or no sign. Don’t depend on with the ability to use information.

When you can’t drive, you should use public buses. There’s additionally a hop-on, hop-off bus service that departs from Harpa Live performance Corridor in Reykjavik and stops at a few of the main locations alongside the south coast of Iceland. These stops embody Selfoss, Hella, Seljalandsfoss, and Vik. Whereas you should have a lot much less freedom to determine when, the place, and the way lengthy to cease, getting across the south coast of Iceland by bus is possible. It’s perfect for many who can’t drive, wish to lower your expenses, and are joyful to stay to the primary sights.

Finest time to go to the South Coast of Iceland

The winter months could also be greatest for experiencing the northern lights and magical darkish nights, however the perfect time to go to the south coast is throughout the summer time months. Summer time in Iceland lasts from June to August (though September is an effective shoulder month different), and you may expertise the midnight solar throughout this time.

In summer time, you could have extra sunlight hours, higher driving situations, and extra vacationer companies working – just like the hop-on-hop-off shuttle bus. It’s extra sensible and fulfilling when visiting the south coast of Iceland.

To Conclude

The Icelandic south coast is a ravishing area of Iceland. The lots of of issues to see and do make it the proper place to benefit from the ‘land of fireplace and ice’. Whether or not you stroll mountain climbing trails previous ice caps and glacial rivers, calm down on a black sand seashore, sightsee Iceland’s tallest waterfalls, or enterprise to a aircraft wreck, you’ll keep entertained. Iceland’s south coast has recollections to final a lifetime. We hope you get pleasure from each minute of it.

While you’ve explored the south coast of Iceland, why not problem your self to go additional? You may full the famed Golden Circle street journey and even embark on the final Ring Highway route. Iceland is filled with fascinating details, locations, and issues to do – the southern coast is just the start.