Iceland South Coast Tours

Skógafoss is one of Iceland’s most visually astounding waterfalls. This remarkable natural attraction has a drop of 60 meters (197 feet) and stretches 25 meters (82 feet) wide, making it one of the biggest in the country. Because of the amount of spray produced from the cascade, visitors can spot at least one rainbow any time the sun is out.

For the best view of Skógafoss, take the steep staircase that leads to the observation deck. Nesting seabirds often line the path to the top.

Seljalandsfoss shares first place as one of the most majestic waterfalls in the country and is one of the most photographed attractions in all of Iceland. Part of the river Seljalandsá, the 60-meter (200-foot) falls originate from beneath the Eyjafjallajökull glacier. The narrow cascade of the falls descends from a tall cliff, once a former coastline. Visitors can walk the path that circles all the way around the cascade and peek beneath the curtain of the waterfall. The sea is also visible from the sight across the lowlands.

Less than a kilometer from Seljalandsfoss lies a hidden gem. Gljúfrabúi (or Canyon Dweller) is a stunning waterfall located at Hamragarðar. The lesser-known falls is the perfect spot for photographers and nature lovers looking for peace.

The 40-meter (131 foot) high Gljúfrabúi hides behind a giant, outward-facing cliff. Because of this sneaky “hiding spot,” this waterfall is often overlooked by the thousands of travelers visiting Seljalandsfoss.

Just an hour’s drive from Reykjavík lives a hot spring oasis. Reykjadalur, the Valley of Steam, is a magnificent geothermal area filled with endless hot springs and a bubbling river.

In summer the surrounding green hills come alive with flora, especially lupins. Chemicals in the soil dye the earth pink, yellow, red and blue and provide a whimsical atmosphere.

Reaching the valley requires a 40-minute hike featuring lovely views along the way. The closest town is Hveragerði. Travelers can find a variety of service stations, an information center, cafes and restaurants.

Dyrhólaey Peninsula is a 120-meter seacliff known for its extraordinary panoramic views of Iceland’s South Coast. Famous for breathtaking vistas and staggering rock formations, this is the perfect spot to take in Iceland’s natural beauty. The main feature of the promenade is its giant rock arch formed by centuries of erosion. Dyrhólaey translates to Door Hill Island, a direct reference to the famous archway.

In addition to landscape views, the peninsula is the perfect spot to watch wildlife. There are a multitude of bird species including the popular Atlantic Puffin.

At the top of Dyrhólaey you’ll notice an old white lighthouse. Built in 1919 and completed in 1927, Dyrhólaeyjarviti was the first lighthouse in the area. The interior has since been renovated and transformed into a charming luxury hotel.

Located on the southernmost part of the mainland, Dyrhólaey is a popular stop for sightseers traveling the Ring Road route.

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach is one of Iceland’s most iconic attractions. The volcanic black shoreline is surrounded by picturesque sea stacks, basalt columns and cliffs. In fact, National Geographic ranked Reynisfjara among the Top 10 Non-Tropical Beaches on the planet.

The nearby cliffs and sea stacks are home to arctic seabirds, including the popular puffin, attractive to wildlife lovers. Reynisfjall is the name of the mountain that towers above the beach. Inside the mountain wall you’ll discover a naturally formed cave, perfect for a picnic shelter! Reynisfjara is approximately two and a half hours from Reykjavik by car. Many South Coast tours include this attraction on their itinerary.

The charming coastal village of Vík is the southernmost town on the Icelandic mainland. The area is surrounded by a variety of scenic landscapes and popular points of interest. As the last stop on travelers’ Iceland South Coast trip, the village is still within reach of natural attractions and activities. The terrific paragliding and zipline spots in the region attract thrill-seekers the world over.

In addition to the nearby natural attractions, Vík is the area’s main service center. Though the village is only home to about 300 residents, it offers multiple restaurants, cafes, shops and gas stations. Tourists staying overnight in Vík might even have a better chance of seeing the Northern Lights!

The impressive Eldhraun lava field (“Fire Lava“) is the largest of its type in the world. It was formed during the biggest eruption in history, which lasted from 1783 to 1784. Today the 565 square kilometers (351 square miles) field is one of South Iceland’s most magnificent attractions.

Thick green moss covers the vast area, with the Ring Road crossing over for spectacular views. Along the way, there are several rest stops where you can pull over and snap some photos. North of nearby Lake Laufbalavatn lies an intricate lava tube system featuring more than 200 caves. Tours offer the chance to explore these geological wonders.

Tucked away in Europe’s largest national park, Vatnajökull is Skaftafell Nature Reserve. The reserve was once its own park but joined with Vatnajökull National Park in 2008. Located just off Ring Road, it has become one of the most popular sightseeing routes on the South Coast.

A hiker’s oasis, the region offers trails through diverse landscapes, including lush forests, towering trees and impressive mountain views. The Skaftafell Visitor’s Center has trail maps, guides and information about the region. Travelers who wish to extend their stay can choose between hotel accommodations or campsites.

Solheimajokull is a glacier between the Katla and Eyjafjallajokull volcanoes. It’s approximately 5 miles (8 kilometers) long and 1.2 miles (2 kilometers) wide and is part of the larger Myrdalsjokull Glacier, which lies just on top of the caldera of the Katla Volcano.

Solheimajokull is easy to access and surrounded by breathtaking, snow-capped mountains making it popular with locals and tourists. We recommend that you hike to the top of the glacier. There you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the South Coast and outstanding photo opportunities.

If you intend to explore Solheimajokull, we highly recommend that you book a guided tour. With a tour guide, you’ll be able to safely traverse across the top of the glacier, try out ice climbing, and explore the existing ice caves. Just like most of the glaciers in Iceland, Solheimajokull is rapidly melting away and experts have warned that it may no longer be accessible even a decade from now.

VATNAJOKULL GLACIER, ICE CAVE, AND NATIONAL PARK

Vatnajokull National Park is one of three national parks in Iceland. It contains the Vatnajokull Glacier, Skaftafell Nature Reserve, and Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. Each of the components of the national park is an attraction in itself. Its unique landscape of it was created by river erosion, glacial movements, and volcanic eruptions.

Vatnajokull Glacier takes up the majority of the national park and is the largest glacier in Europe. It covers approximately 9% of Iceland and hides several volcanoes underneath. Scientists have declared that volcanic eruptions are long overdue. Nevertheless, they do monitor the area carefully and have determined that, for now, it’s still a safe place to hike.

According to the Guinness World Records, the Vatnajokull Glacier has the longest sight line in the world, allowing you to see for a whopping 340 miles (550 kilometers). If you haven’t put the Vatnajokull National Park and Glacier on your bucket list yet, then you should soon! Climate change is already affecting Iceland’s natural treasures, and melting icebergs are causing the land surface to rise as much as 1.4 inches annually. Vatnajokull offers hiking tours, a chance to explore ice caves, and the opportunity to cruise on one of the lagoons that wash its shore of it.

Eyjafjallajokull is one of the very few stratovolcanoes in Iceland. A stratovolcano is described as a volcano whose caldera is hidden under a glacier. Usually, eruptions of this type of volcano are very dangerous, as the world witnessed firsthand with this one’s eruption in 2010.

The explosion disrupted European air travel for a couple of weeks, stranding hundreds of airplanes and passengers. Neighboring towns in Iceland were evacuated due to lava ash floods.  Thanks to its notoriety, Eyjafjallajokull Volcano is still one of the most visited volcanoes in Iceland, and is perfectly safe these days, hosting hundreds of tours to its peak and ice cave.

There are a few ways you can explore the volcano. The most popular way is the Fimmvörðuháls Trail, a circular hike around the volcano. The trail takes around a day to hike and is considered to be fairly easy.

The second way to explore the volcano is to traverse the surrounding glacier. After the eruption, the glacier shrunk significantly and became less popular. However, it remains an astounding place of glorious natural beauty. The hike to the glacier is very difficult and should only be attempted with an experienced guide. You can also try riding on a glacier with a snowmobile on one of our tours.

Vestmannaeyjar is an archipelago of around 30 islands south of the mainland. It has around four thousand inhabitants and became world-famous after a volcanic eruption in 1974. During the eruption, in an attempt to tame the hot-like-hell lava, locals pumped seawater directly onto the lava. The waters helped to cool and redirect the flow, and to save the lives and homes of 5,300 people. As a result, the island is now a popular tourist attraction, with an extended harbor and a runway for planes.

Vestmannaeyjar is also widely visited for its natural beauty and the many adorable puffins who consider the island their home. Over ten millions of puffins come to Iceland to breed each year and most of them choose Vestmannaeyjar.

For a more extensive list of interesting places to see, have a look at our guide to the best places to visit in Iceland.

Svínafellsjökull glacier is renowned for its unusual features and scenic views. The glacier is an outlet glacier of Vatnajökull, the largest ice cap in Europe. It is one of Iceland’s most popular glacier hiking sites due to its raw beauty and formations.

Not just beloved by hikers and photographers, it has also become a popular Hollywood shooting location. Visitors may recognize the rugged landscape from Star Wars, Batman and Game of Thrones.

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is an iconic Iceland attraction. Glittering ice floes floating on the water like giant diamonds. Glacier lagoons are lakes filled with the meltwater from nearby glaciers. At 248 meters (814 feet) deep, Jökulsárlón is the deepest lake in Iceland.

Breiðamerkurjökull Glacier feeds the lagoon and is an outlet of Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest ice cap. Volcanic activity in the area pushed up the glacial sediments under Breiðamerkurjökull, creating a shoreline. Nicknamed “Diamond Beach,” the black sand strip is covered in giant icebergs that have washed ashore.

The icebergs of Jökulsárlón are notable not just for their size but also for their color. While many are solid white, most also glow electric blue with black ash streaks from volcanic eruptions.

The famed lagoon has appeared onscreen in the James Bond films A View to Kill in 1985 and Die Another Day in 2002, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider in 2001, and 2005’s Batman Begins.

Banked on the shore of Sólheimasandur Beach sits the shell of an age-old plane. The DC Plane Wreck is a popular attraction in South Iceland. Visitors come to explore and photograph the giant former plane surrounded by wild landscapes.

The former US Navy aircraft has lain on the beach since 1973. Multiple theories have circulated on what caused the forced landing, but fortunately, no one was hurt. The easiest way to reach the plane is on a horse riding, ATV or walking tour. Discover a piece of aviation history!

The Secret Lagoon in Iceland is a natural hot spring. Located in a geothermally active area close to the small town of Fludir, it’s the oldest public pool in Iceland.

The lagoon is a part of the Golden Circle route and is widely visited by both tourists and locals alike. While similar to the Blue Lagoon, it’s cheaper and more rural, situated in the middle of a moss-covered lava field.

The Secret Lagoon is accessible all year long and the temperature of the water is constant at 100° Fahrenheit (38-40° Celsius). Apart from perfectly warm water, the lagoon has other attractions to offer nearby. Geothermal hot spots and a small geyser surprising visitors every 4 minutes are there to entertain. The pool is surrounded by wooden pathways, which together with the steam rising from the pool create a mystical, picture-worthy scene.

The Secret Lagoon in Iceland is as enjoyable in the winter as it is in the summer. It’s a sublime experience to bathe in hot, geothermal water in the crisp winter air. If you’re really lucky, then the flickering colors of the Northern Lights may dance across the night sky during your visit – an unforgettable experience that you’ll treasure forever.

Fimmvorduhals is a trail between the Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers. It stretches out through the diverse terrain for around 15 miles (25 kilometers), connecting Skogar with the Thorsmork Valley and can only be accessed during summer. The weather on the trail is very unpredictable and anything from summer rain to severe hails is possible. The trail is devoured by local hikers and is a site of pilgrimage for adventure seekers from around the world.

While it is possible to complete the trail in a day, we recommend taking your time and really soaking in the breathtaking scenery. There are two mountain huts on the way to the Thorsmork Valley, where you can stay overnight if you want to spend more than one day in the area. While the trail is only 15 miles (25 kilometers), it’s not recommended for absolute beginners. To get the most out of it you should be in relatively good physical condition.

Hekla is the most active volcano in Iceland and has erupted over 20 times since 874 c.e., with another eruption expected soon. Nonetheless, scientists suggest that the volcano is perfectly safe to explore for now. During the Middle Ages, Icelanders called it the Gateway to Hell, though it’s now often referred to as the Queen of Iceland. The last eruption took place from February 26 to March 8, 2000.

The volcano looks a lot like an overturned boat, with active craters stretching over both sides. At one time, it was covered by birch and willow trees. Due to human interference and volcanic eruptions, the soil around the volcano has transformed into a vast, moss-covered lava field.

Hiking is very popular in the area around the volcano. While you’re able to hike to the summit of the volcano on your own, it’s strongly recommended that you go in the company of an experienced mountaineering guide. Hekla Volcano is rather unpredictable, so the information that our qualified guides are able to provide will make the adventure safe and insightful.

In the southeast of Iceland, Fjadrargljufur Canyon stretches out for about 1.2 miles (2 kilometers) and 330 feet (100 meters) into the ground. At the bottom, the glacier-fed Fjadra River carves out its rugged, steep walls. Fjadrargljufur Canyon is located close to the Ring Road and yet is largely unknown. To get to it, you need to drive east towards Hofn and exit the road near Kirkjubæjarklaustur Village. Then take the mountain road no. F206 and ride for a few more minutes until you reach the parking area.

There are two ways you can hike the canyon: you can take a path at the top that goes along the rim of the ravine, or if you prefer a more extreme hike, walk down to the bottom of the canyon. Regardless of the path you choose, you’ll be rewarded with enchanting views of moss-covered rough stone and a rapidly flowing river. Please note hiking along the bottom of the canyon might require you to wade the river at some points. Also, if you hike from east to west, expect to be surprised by the playful waterfall, cascading down the gorge.

Sólheimajökull is one of the most easily accessible Iceland glaciers on the South Coast. Just 158 kilometers (98 miles) away from Reykjavik, it is a popular place to go glacier hiking. Unlike glaciers surrounded by giant mountains, Sólheimajökull offers clear views for those who reach the top.

Thrill-seekers who want to try ice climbing have their choice of many different ice walls. Tour guides provide all necessary equipment for safe and fun glacier adventures.

Sólheimajökull is an outlet glacier of the giant Mýrdalsjökull ice cap, the fourth largest ice cap in Iceland. The mighty glacier is home to the infamous Katla Volcano.

Explore the hidden treasures beneath the glacier. Deep beneath the ice caps lie the glittering natural ice caves of Iceland. During this unmissable experience, learn the secrets of the caves on an ice caving tour. Your guide will share fascinating facts about the history and formation of the caves.

Step inside and travel back in time through ancient ice. Each cave is unique and changes every year, so you will never see the same one twice. For safety reasons, these tours are only offered during the winter months. This is the perfect seasonal activity that everyone should add to their bucket list.

Explore the magical South Coast landscapes on horseback. The Icelandic horse was first brought to the country during the Viking age. Because of their popularity, laws were put in place to prevent the breed from being mixed with other horses, which means they have remained the same for almost 1000 years!

The most distinctive feature of this breed is their unique gait, called the “tolt.” Channel your inner Viking as you explore the beautiful sights of this region.

Landmannalaugar and Thorsmork are popular hiking regions in the southern part of the Icelandic Highlands. About 55 km (34 mi) apart, these areas have vastly different landscapes. Trekking tours offer the opportunity to trek between the two valleys.

Landmannalaugar is a multicolored, geothermal valley enclosed by rhyolite mountains. During the summer it is one of Iceland’s most popular hiking spots. Landmannalaugar translates to “People’s Pools” as it is filled with natural geothermal baths where hikers can take a dip.

In the center of the area, an inky lava field stretches out over several kilometers. The surrounding mountains feature hues of green, yellow, purple, red, blue, white and black, providing surreal visuals.

Thorsmork is a completely different world from the bare, smoky valley of Landmannalaugar. This lush green valley is rich with birch forests, various mosses and Arctic flowers. The flora and fauna of the area offer the perfect habitat for multiple bird species and Arctic foxes.

Hvannadalshnúkur, or Hvannadalshnjúkur, is the tallest mountain in Iceland. Towering 2,109.6 meters (6952 feet) tall, it is the highest peak of Öræfajökull volcanic glacier inside Vatnajökull National Park. The pyramid-shaped peak is best seen from the southern towns of Höfn and Vík on the Ring Road.

Those brave enough to summit this beast should be warned that it requires a good fitness level. While you don’t need to be an expert, you should only hike the mountain in the company of an experienced mountain guide. The route involves icy grounds, steep inclines and crevasses. Adventurers who do embark on this adventure will be rewarded with outstanding views.

The Golden Circle is the best-known tour route in Iceland. The 300-kilometer (186 miles) tour guides you to three popular natural attractions: Geysir Geothermal Area, Gullfoss Waterfall and Þingvellir National Park. Get a taste of the country’s fascinating landscapes.

The Geysir Geothermal Area is a hot spring oasis in the Haukadalur Valley. It features the famous Great Geysir, the active Strokkur and smaller Smiður and Litlí-Strokkur geysers. The area is decorated with fumaroles, mud pits and hot springs.

A ten-minute drive from Geysir and the furthest point on the Golden Circle is Gullfoss, the “Golden Waterfall.” One of the most marvelous and powerful waterfalls in Iceland, it cascades 32 meters (105 feet) down. This two-tiered waterfall is truly a sight to behold.

The biggest attraction on the Golden Circle is Þingvellir National Park. The park was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its geological and historical importance. It is the birthplace of the Icelandic parliament, founded in 930 CE, the world’s longest ongoing parliament. The park marks the separation between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Visitors can stand between two continents at once!

People come from all over the world to snorkel the waters of Silfra. Located in Þingvellir National Park, this freshwater fissure is one of Iceland’s most beloved natural wonders. This underwater marvel is situated between the North American and Eurasian plates and is the only place in the world you can swim between continents.

In addition to its unique geology, the azure waters of Silfra have visibility of over 100 meters. The water maintains a temperature of two to three degrees celsius, so underwater tours are offered year-round. No wonder snorkeling at Silfra Fissure has been rated one of the Top 5 activities in the world by Trip Advisor!

The Blue Lagoon is easily the most famous geothermal spa in Iceland. People come from all over the world to soak in its steamy neon blue waters. The lagoon is filled with rich minerals, silica mud and green algae, all famous for their healing properties. In fact, the Blue Lagoon is the number one treatment for psoriasis in Iceland and skincare products are made from its contents.

Located on the volcanic Reykjanes Peninsula, southwestern Iceland it is only a 30-minute drive from Reykjavík. Many tours include a trip to the lagoon as an optional extra. Enjoy a soak in these magic waters!

Kayaking across Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is a hands-on adventure across the lake. Paddle through giant, glittering ice floes as you weave across the lake. Your knowledgeable guide will share interesting facts about nature, history and wildlife around the lagoon. Tours are open to both first-time and experienced kayakers.

On your adventure, you’ll witness and explore Vatnajökull National Park, the largest glacier in Europe, from a unique angle. Lucky kayakers might spot seals playing between the icebergs.

Driving through the south of Iceland is easy. Self-drives on Iceland’s South Coast follow the Ring Road, the primary road in the region. Most of the popular attractions are scattered along the road and can be reached on foot. During this unforgettable experience, you’ll witness incredible landscapes, waterfalls and glaciers. No wonder it’s one of the most popular road trips in the world!

There are many perks to self-drive tours, such as the freedom to travel at your own pace, spontaneous pit stops and good value. There are numerous gas stations and villages throughout the Ring Road route, so solo travel in this area is safe and easy. However, there are a few things to keep in mind before you hit the road.

Not all attractions in South Iceland are easy to access and are instead located inland. Thórsmörk and Landmannalaugar are the two most difficult areas in South Iceland to reach. While most attractions can be reached by normal car, these sites require an experienced driver and a 4X4 vehicle with big tires. It is highly recommended that drivers purchase full insurance.

Icelandic roads can be difficult to navigate, with narrow passes, curves and hills. Driving the South of Coast Iceland in winter can be hazardous. Extreme weather conditions turn already tricky roads into a safety hazard, so checking the forecast is a must.

Roads in the highlands are challenging even in summer. In some cases, you will drive on unpaved roads and cross unbridged rivers. River crossings are not insured.

Highland roads are only open to the public during summer (mid-September to mid-June). Beyond that, they are only accessible by Superjeeps. Only drivers with specialized driver's licenses may operate Superjeeps.

If you want to enjoy the scenic attractions of the highlands in the winter join a Thórsmörk or Landmannalaugar tour.

The South Coast of Iceland offers accommodations for all types of travelers. From luxurious hotels to guesthouses to campsites, there is no shortage of options. Adventurers exploring the mountains needn’t worry about finding a place to lay their head. Enjoy a traditional hotel or try traditional mountain huts. Several accommodation options include restaurants with buffets as well as bars. For no-hassle travel, many multi-day and self-drive tours include pre-arranged accommodation.

Here are our top choices for places to stay in South Iceland without compromising on comfort or budget:

Adventure Hotel Geirland offers a comfortable and peaceful stay amidst South Iceland's natural beauty. Located in a scenic area, it provides guests with peaceful mountain views and easy access to local attractions. Adventure Hotel Hof offers 45 rooms in double and triple layouts, ensuring a comfortable stay with shared or private bathrooms. Its location near the breathtaking Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and the scenic Skaftafell area of Vatnajökull National Park makes it perfect for exploring the iconic attractions. Guests can enjoy delicious meals made from local ingredients at the hotel's restaurant. The hotel values guest comfort with daily housekeeping, complimentary parking, and luggage storage.

Adventure Hotel Hof, situated in the Öræfi region, is set against the backdrop of Iceland's glacier-carved landscapes. It has contemporary comforts but with the warmth of Icelandic hospitality. The hotel offers 45 rooms in double and triple options, catering to a restful stay with choices of shared or private bathrooms. It’s conveniently situated near the Ring Road, making it an excellent base for activities such as hiking in Skaftafell or ice cave tours at Vatnajökull National Park. Hotel Hof ensures a pleasant stay with amenities like daily housekeeping, free parking, and luggage storage.

• Hotel Ranga
• Hotel Laki
• Hali Country Hotel
• Frumskogar Guesthouse
• Hot Springs Hotel
• Minniborgir Cottages and Restaurant
• IceBlue Lodge
• Kerlingarfjöll Highland Resort
• Volcano Huts Þórsmörk

Camping is a cheap, fun accommodation option for the rugged adventurer. Skaftafell is arguably the most popular campsite location in South Iceland. Visitors must book in advance. Upon arrival, visitors can find information about the nearby hiking trails at the Skaftafell Visitors Centre. Campsites include bathrooms, showers, running water (hot and cold), cafeterias, outdoor grills and washing machines. Campgrounds are open all year round.

Þakgil is another scenic campground in the region. The grounds are located in a valley 20 km from Vík and are surrounded by mountains. Thanks to the mountain cover, the weather in Þakgil is quite mild. The common dining room on the grounds is housed in a cave. Campers can enjoy a unique and cozy dining experience in front of the fireplace.

Hikers will find several routes with varying levels of difficulty all around the campgrounds, including one to Mýrdalsjökull Glacier.