All About Iceland’s South Coast
South Iceland offers you a memorable adventure into a spectacular natural environment, where you can enjoy a day trip like no other! You’ll enjoy lush landscapes lined with magical waterfalls, glittering glaciers, fizzing geothermal areas, towering volcanoes, and endless black sand beaches. With so many natural marvels to see, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Here’s your complete guide to the sights and sounds of South Iceland!
15 Fabulous Things You Can See In South Iceland!
South Iceland offers you a non-stop picture parade of magnificent must-see landscapes. Your time here will be packed with unforgettable highlights like the world-famous Golden Circle, dramatic black sand beaches, towering waterfalls and so much more. Here are the highlights to look out for!
Waterfalls - with massive glaciers come meltwater and gorgeous waterfalls
● Skógafoss - Pronounced "skoa-foss", this impressive 60-meter waterfall faces directly south, which means there’s a great chance to see rainbows reaching into the sky on sunny days. Climb the steps to the top for amazing views!
● Seljalandsfoss - here you’ll see a calmer cascade, compared to other Icelandic waterfalls, but Seljalandsfoss has a very special feature! You can walk all the way around the waterfall to see it from behind!
● Gljúfrabúi Waterfall - This waterfall near Seljalandsfoss is often overlooked because it’s partially concealed. Follow the stepping stones in the stream a short walk away from Seljalandsfoss, through a small canyon to discover this stunning hidden gem.
● Svartifoss - Named for the dark basalt columns surrounding it, Svartifoss (the Black Waterfall) is one of the highlights of a visit to Skaftafell National Park.
The Golden Circle
If you want to get the most out of a short stay in Iceland, following the route known as the Golden Circle in South Iceland is the way to go. The Golden Circle includes these main sites:
Thingvellir National Park (Þingvellir) - an astonishing rift valley where the Mid-Atlantic Ridge splits Iceland in two, this marvelous National Park was the birthplace of Iceland’s first parliament in Viking times. Now it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Geysir Geothermal Area - home of Geysir, the gorgeous gusher that all geysers are named after. Watch as fountains of superheated water shoot into the sky every few minutes!
Gullfoss - a majestic two-tiered waterfall, where glacial meltwater from Langjökull thunders over thirty meters and crashes down into a deep canyon. Feel the ground tremble under your feet and watch for rainbows!
You will also have a chance to see:
Faxi Waterfall – a lovely waterfall with a picnic area and a salmon ladder
Kerið - a three-thousand-year-old volcanic crater filled with bright blue waters contrasting beautifully with the dark red volcanic rocks and deep green mosses.
Skálholt Cathedral & Museum - take a look at this significant cultural, educational and religious epicenter.
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach - enjoy a memorable stroll on this world-famous beach, where you’ll find towering basalt formations and powerful Atlantic waves pounding the shores. Look for the craggy rock formations just offshore - they’re said to be petrified trolls!
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is where the glacier Breiðamerkurjökull (part of the Vatnajökull National Park) meets the ocean. Giant pieces of ice calve from the glacier and fall into the lagoon and float serenely out to sea. Nearby lies Diamond Beach, where glittering fragments of icebergs are carved into stunning shapes by the wind and waves.
Skaftafell National Park
Part of Vatnajökull National Park, Skaftafell offers a range of easy-to-challenging hiking trails, including the path to the Svartifoss waterfall and viewpoints over glaciers. It features a large campground that is open all year round.
Glaciers
Sólheimajökull and Mýrdalsjökull are two of the most accessible glaciers in Iceland, making them popular destinations in South Iceland. Vatnajökull is the largest glacier in Europe, and it covers a tenth of Iceland! One of its offshoots, Skaftafellsjökull is easily accessible from Skaftafell National Park.
What to Do Around the South Coast
In between seeing all the natural wonders of South Iceland, there are several other activities you could enjoy as well.
For Kids & Families
Slakki Petting Zoo – fun for the whole family in Selfoss
Sólheimar Eco-Village - a unique society which invites visitors to have a peek into environmentally-friendly communal living
Friðheimar Greenhouses - where you can taste fresh tomato soup made from their very own tomatoes in a greenhouse setting, surrounded by tomato vines
Lava Show in Vík - see an unforgettable show featuring real flowing lava. Real. Flowing. Lava!
For Culture Vultures
Reykjavik museums -
there’s a museum for just about everything in Reykjavík so you can learn just about everything about all things Icelandic
Taste the traditional local fare at the many splendid restaurants in Reykjavík and all across South Iceland
For Spa Junkies & Couples
Secret Lagoon - The Secret Lagoon, or Gamla Laugin as it’s known by the locals, offers you a unique and authentic experience of Icelandic open-air geothermal bathing. Even though it’s an outdoor natural pool, there are top-notch locker rooms, showers, and changing facilities plus a bar and dining area.
Blue Lagoon - Taking a dip in a geothermal pool is Iceland’s national pastime, and the Blue Lagoon is the most famous spa of them all! Soothe your body and soul in the warming waters, slap on a silica mud mask and relax with an in-water massage. The Blue Lagoon is an unforgettable experience not to be missed!
Laugarvatn Fontana Spa - For almost a century, the locals of Laugarvatn have been enjoying the healing powers of the lakeside geothermal area. Laugarvatn Fontana wellness center is built over this area and features geothermal steam rooms, hot pools, and outdoor mineral baths, and a fantastic view of the lake.
For Adventurers
Gjabakkahellir Cave - explore this fascinating cave in Thingvellir National Park.
Hvítá River – enjoy a variety of activities on this gorgeous glacial river, including white water rafting
Silfra Fissure - go snorkeling between two continents and enjoy the stunning sights of Silfra’s amazingly clear water
What to Eat
South Iceland offers you many delicious food options. Most restaurants make a point of using local ingredients ensuring visitors get a real taste of Iceland with every bite.
● Did you know that Icelanders use greenhouses to grow much of their produce? Stop by Friðheimar Greenhouses and try out their famous tomato soup made from their very own Iceland-grown tomatoes.
● Gullfoss Café is a great place to refuel after walking up, down, and around Gullfoss.
● Héraðsskólinn Restaurant and Bistro will have something tasty for everyone, from pizzas and bruschetta to falafel and vegan chickpea salad.
● Get a bite to eat after your spa day at Laugarvatn Fontana Kitchen & Café, where you can enjoy a hearty lunch or a dinner buffet.
● Minilik Ethiopian Restaurant Ethiopian food in Iceland? Yes, this is your chance to try delicious Ethiopian food in Iceland, washed down with the best cup of Ethiopian coffee around.
● Restaurant Mika offers locally sourced dishes that not only look good but also taste good, plus they have handmade chocolates.
● Þrastarlundur is perfectly situated in the town of Selfoss with plenty of tasty food options making it a great place to stop for dinner after touring the Golden Circle.
Where to Stay on the South Coast
Small towns dot the southern Icelandic countryside and can be great places where you can stay and take in the local color and flavor of the island.
● Vík
The village of Vík is near the Black Sand Beach at Reynisfjara. In town, you can visit the Lava Show and stay at a well-equipped campground if you like.
● Flúðir
Flúðir is very geothermally active and is home to the largest mushroom farm in Iceland. In Flúðir, you can also go horseback riding, swimming, and visit the local folk museum.
● Hveragerði
Much of Iceland’s tomato and banana produce is grown in the greenhouses of Hveragerði. Make sure to visit the Geothermal Park while you’re in town.
● Selfoss
Route 1 or the Ring Road, which runs around the entire island, passes straight through Selfoss, making the town a convenient base camp for all of your South Iceland excursions.
● Laugarvatn
Laugarvatn Fontana Spa calls this village home. Nearby lakes and rivers are popular for fishing, and the golf course attracts locals and tourists alike.
● Summerhouses
Renting a summerhouse is a great option for those looking for a cozier experience as they explore South Iceland.
Which South Coast Tours to Take
● South Iceland, Waterfalls, and Black Sand Beach Tour is great for families and offers you the most complete experience of South Iceland’s natural wonders.
● South Iceland & Black Sand Beach Private Tour is great for small groups and couples.
● Golden Circle & South Coast Tour will tick the must-see boxes for the culture vultures.
● South Coast & Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Tour is a photographer’s dream with all of the visual diversity of South Iceland and the unforgettable Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach for your subjects.
● South Iceland & Snowmobile Adventure, South Iceland Sightseeing & ATV Adventure, South Iceland, and Glacier Hike Adventure, South Iceland & Paragliding Adventure Tours will work well for adventurers looking to kick their Iceland experience up a notch.