Iceland’s Epic South Coast: Top Things to Do and See
The South Coast of Iceland is one of those rare places where nature seems to have overachieved. It’s a wildly scenic, occasionally absurd stretch of land where waterfalls tumble off cliffs like they forgot to stop, beaches are made of volcanic ash as black as a tax auditor’s soul, and glaciers lounge casually beside lava fields like it’s the most normal thing in the world. From Reykjavík to the edge of Vatnajökull, the road winds past sights that feel both prehistoric and slightly theatrical—towering sea stacks, sulking volcanoes, and landscapes so cinematic you’ll half-expect a dragon to appear (and honestly, no one would be surprised).
Expect sudden weather changes, long distances disguised as short ones, and sheep with a death wish. But also: wonder, awe, and a very real chance of saying “wow” out loud more than you’re comfortable with.
Top Rated Activities
The South Coast isn’t just a scenic drive—it’s an adventure playground for every season. From glacier hikes to iceberg kayaking, here are the top activities and where to do them:
Glacier Hikes & Ice Climbing
Available year-round, glacier hikes are most popular at Sólheimajökull, a short drive from Skógafoss, Falljökull in the Skaftafell region and Breiðamerkurjökull near Jökulsárlón. Tours range from beginner-friendly to full-day treks with ice climbing.
South Coast Hiking Tours
Explore the ever-changing ice formations of Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier, on a guided walk. This tour gives you a close look at a landscape shaped by ice, where conditions shift from season to season. Depending on the time of year, you may walk into crevasses,or see ice features from above as the surface changes in summer. Your guide may also point out interesting details like glacier-shaped formations or patches of “glacier mice,” small moss balls found on the ice.
This 3-hour tour focuses on an easy, guided hike onto the Sólheimajökull glacier, an outlet of the mighty Mýrdalsjökull ice cap. Highlights include traversing scenic crevasses and viewing vast ice formations, volcanic remains, and glacial tunnels (moulins). Participants receive comprehensive safety gear (crampons, ice axe) and guidance from a certified expert, allowing for an intimate, safe, and visually rewarding experience on one of Iceland's most panoramic glaciers.
Embark on a longer and more in-depth glacier hike on Falljökull, an outlet of Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier. This extended tour takes you higher onto the ice, where you can explore more remote terrain and enjoy wide panoramic views over Skaftafell National Park.
Join a thrilling 3-hour guided glacier hike on Breiðamerkurjökull, part of Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier. Ride a powerful Super Jeep across rugged terrain, walk on ancient blue ice, and explore fascinating glacial features such as moulins, crevasses, and deep ice canyons. Perfect for adventure seekers of all levels, this tour combines excitement, education, and unforgettable scenery.
Top Rated Ice Cave Tours
There are two main types of natural ice cave experiences. The Katla ice cave, located near Vík under the Mýrdalsjökull glacier, is open all year and features black volcanic ice tunnels with otherworldly textures. Seasonal blue ice caves—the ones that look like frozen sapphires—are found in Breiðamerkurjökull, an outlet of Vatnajökull, and are open from October to late April. These require a 4x4 journey and a professionally guided tour—definitely not a DIY situation.
South Coast Ice Cave Tours
Are you ready to turn into an adventurous "Ice-cave Explorer Troll" 🧌 ? Come join our Tröll Expeditions team on an extraordinary journey to the majestic Katla Ice Cave. This unique experience is perfect for those who are seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure away from the crowds and looking forward to being lost in the wild, breathtaking landscapes of Icelandic nature. Our experienced glacier guides will lead you through the mysterious wilderness in a Super-jeep from Vik, sharing fascinating tales about the area, interesting facts related to the Katla volcano, and geological insights along the way. Safety is always our priority: our guides will provide you with helmets, headlamps, and crampons to ensure a smooth journey. Witness the awe-inspiring combination of fire and ice as you explore the volcanic glacier outlets of Mýrdalsjökull glacier, a remote location inaccessible to most. With panoramic views, stunning ice formations and tunnels, and the chance to see real Game of Thrones Dragon-Glass, this tour is one of Iceland's best-kept secrets.
Prepare for an epic journey through Iceland's breathtaking landscapes! You will ride in a powerful 4x4 Super Jeep, conquering pristine wilderness, venture into the heart of a glacier, and explore the stunning Blue Ice Cave, renowned as the "Crystal Palace." Before your eyes, shimmering shades of blue ice, millennia-old crystalline domes, and ever-changing glacial crevasses and tunnels will create a once-in-a-lifetime moment frozen in time.
This 12-hour day tour combines the major attractions of the South Coast with an adventurous excursion to the Katla Ice Cave. Highlights include visiting the iconic waterfalls Seljalandsfoss (walk-behind) and Skógafoss, exploring the famous Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach (basalt columns), and an included journey via Super Jeep to the Katla Ice Cave. This unique activity allows travelers to witness the stunning blue ice and volcanic ash layers inside a naturally formed glacier tunnel, offering an efficient blend of sightseeing and high-adventure activity.
Join an unforgettable adventure on Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier, located in the beautiful Skaftafell area. The highlight of this tour is the chance to step inside a naturally formed blue ice cave, an experience very few people ever get to have.
Otherworldly Glacier Kayaking & Boat Tours
In summer, kayak tours and amphibian boat rides run on Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where you can float among icebergs the size of small cottages. For a quieter experience, Fjallsárlón lagoon next door offers a less crowded but equally surreal option for boat tours. Heinabergslón Glacier Lagoon is the perfect option for a off-the-beaten-path kayaking experience.
South Coast Kayaking & Boat Tours
This tour offers a unique kayaking adventure on the pristine waters of the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon in Vatnajökull National Park. Highlights include gliding safely past floating icebergs with panoramic views of surrounding majestic glaciers and rugged mountains. The adventure uses highly stable, beginner-friendly SIT-ON-TOP kayaks and emphasizes eco-conscious travel within this breathtaking natural environment.
This tour offers an ultimate kayaking adventure on the pristine waters of the Heinaberg Glacier Lagoon within Vatnajökull National Park. Highlights include gliding silently past awe-inspiring icebergs and exploring a serene, mirror-like lagoon surrounded by towering glacier walls and dramatic mountain panoramas. This experience provides an intimate, eco-friendly way to explore one of Iceland’s most remote and majestic natural wonders.
This full-day combo package offers two essential glacier experiences in Southeast Iceland for maximum adventure. Highlights include a guided kayaking adventure among the icebergs of Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and an exhilarating glacier hike on a Vatnajökull outlet glacier in Skaftafell Nature Reserve. This tour efficiently pairs two distinct, guided activities—on water and on ice—in one day. All necessary safety gear and instructions for both the kayaking and glacier trekking are provided by certified guides.
Experience an exciting activity in Iceland this summer with a boat tour around the renowned Jökulsárlón, also known as the Glacier Lagoon.
Horseback Riding Tours
Available all year, horseback riding tours are offered near Vík, Skógar, and Hvolsvöllur. Icelandic horses are famously friendly and have a special gait, the tölt, which is so smooth it feels like gliding across the countryside on a very warm, slightly hairy hovercraft.
Each activity is led by expert guides, includes all necessary gear, and comes with a near-guarantee of jaw-dropping scenery
South Coast Horseback Riding Tours
Elves are important creatures in Iceland. They get to decide where roads can go, and houses can be built. On this tour we see some places populated by these special creatures, the “hidden people”, but as they are hidden, we will not actually meet them! So, depending on where the horses felt their presence last time, you will ride on one of two paths.
On this tour, we will take a journey through meadows, lava fields, and a small river, admiring the volcanic mountains and farmland. Along the way, we will get a glimpse into the evolution of agriculture by visiting various farms. On top of that, we will be able to experience the unique gait of the Icelandic horse, the "tölt," on the lovely riding trails. We invite you to have coffee and home-baked cake to finish the tour.
Snowmobiling Adventures
Year-round thrill rides on Mýrdalsjökull glacier, often departing from the base near Sólheimasandur. After a quick super jeep transfer up the mountain, you’ll gear up, rev the throttle, and zoom across ice fields with views that look like you’ve driven off the edge of Earth. No prior experience needed—just a sense of adventure and a decent grip on the handlebars.
South Coast Snowmobile Tours
Explore Icelandic highlands in the most exciting way possible – first with a monster truck and then with a snowmobile!
Experience the thrill of wilderness snowmobiling on Langjökull, Europe's second-largest glacier, with our powerful Yamaha Vipers. This tour is designed for a more thrilling and adrenaline-filled experience, with double the horsepower of our regular tours. We limit our groups to small sizes for a more personal experience.
Experience two of Iceland’s most popular activities on this day trip from Reykjavík. The tour features a high-speed snowmobile ride across the vast snowfields of Langjökull, Europe’s second-largest glacier, offering a unique look at the Arctic wilderness. Afterward, you will visit the Secret Lagoon in Flúðir, a historic natural hot spring where you can soak in 38-40°C (100-104°F) geothermal water. The trip also includes a visit to the Geysir Hot Spring Area, home to boiling mud pools and active geyser
Explore Iceland’s most famous landmarks on a 100-minute Super Jeep adventure. Key highlights include standing between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates at Þingvellir National Park, witnessing the frequent eruptions of the Strokkur geyser, and visiting the powerful Gullfoss waterfall. The day concludes with an exhilarating snowmobile ride across the white snowfields of Langjökull, Europe’s second-largest glacier, using specialized mountain vehicles to reach the ice.
Lava & Volcano Shows
Don’t miss interactive exhibitions and indoor lava shows that bring Iceland’s geology to life — especially in the Vík and Katla region.
South Coast Volcano Activities
Experience the powerful forces that shape Iceland with this unique Ice & Fire Combo Tour. Your adventure features a Super-Jeep journey to the stunning, natural Katla Volcano Ice Cave, where you'll explore magnificent formations of ash and ice. Afterward, witness the spectacular, world-renowned LAVA SHOW, the only live demonstration where real, molten lava (heated to 1100∘C) is poured before you. This tour is perfect for anyone eager to explore Iceland's volcanoes and gain a deep, educational understanding of its natural wonders.
Join us on an exhilarating and educational experience to the Icelandic Lava Show.
Top Rated South Coast Attractions
The South Coast is basically Iceland showing off. It’s a greatest-hits lineup of waterfalls, beaches, glaciers, and scenery so dramatic it looks Photoshopped—even when it’s not. Here are the must-see stops:
Seljalandsfoss
A graceful waterfall you can walk behind (yes, really). Bring a rain jacket unless you enjoy being unexpectedly soaked. Just down the path is Gljúfrabúi, a smaller waterfall hidden inside a mossy canyon—equal parts magical and slippery.

Skógafoss
One of Iceland’s biggest and loudest waterfalls. If you climb the 370 steps to the top, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views and very tired legs. Bonus: legend says there’s Viking treasure behind the falls. Good luck with that.

Sólheimajökull Glacier
Easily accessible from Route 1, this glacier tongue is where many guided hikes and ice adventures begin. It’s your best bet for an up-close look at Iceland’s rapidly retreating ice—ideal for both climate contemplation and dramatic selfies.

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
Near Vík, this otherworldly beach is famous for its black sand, moody basalt columns, and waves that could probably bench press a car. Stay well back from the water—sneaker waves here are no joke.
Katla Geopark & Ice Cave
Near Vík and beneath the Mýrdalsjökull glacier lies the ever-watchful Katla volcano. Tours take you into the Katla ice cave, an eerie world of black volcanic ice and ash layers, open year-round. Facing it is Hafursey mountain, a landscape so otherworldly it was used as a film location for Star Wars Rogue One.

Dyrhólaey Cliffside
A cliffside promontory with puffins (in summer), sea arches, and views so good they make your camera weep. You can spot both Mýrdalsjökull glacier and the endless black coastline from the top.

Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
A winding green canyon that looks like it was designed by elves with a flair for drama. Located just off Route 1 near Kirkjubæjarklaustur, and suspiciously photogenic from every angle.
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
A surreal lake filled with floating icebergs that have broken off Vatnajökull glacier. You might see seals lounging on the ice like they own the place. Right across the road is Diamond Beach, where chunks of glacier wash up on black sand like forgotten jewelry.

Minibus Tours & Multi-Day Trips from Reykjavík
If you'd rather leave the driving (and snowstorm navigation during the winter season) to someone else, minibus tours from Reykjavík are a comfy, compact way to explore the South Coast. These small-group tours offer more legroom, fewer mic drops from the guide, and a chance to see Iceland’s hits without having to decode road signs.
This 12-hour day trip from Reykjavík provides a focused itinerary covering geological and natural landmarks along the South Coast. Key attractions include a walk-behind experience at Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, the majestic Skógafoss Waterfall (where you can climb to the top), a hike on the Sólheimajökull Glacier (with all necessary safety equipment provided), and a visit to the volcanic Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, home to basalt columns and Atlantic waves.
This 12-hour day tour combines the major attractions of the South Coast with an adventurous excursion to the Katla Ice Cave. Highlights include visiting the iconic waterfalls Seljalandsfoss (walk-behind) and Skógafoss, exploring the famous Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach (basalt columns), and an included journey via Super Jeep to the Katla Ice Cave. This unique activity allows travelers to witness the stunning blue ice and volcanic ash layers inside a naturally formed glacier tunnel, offering an efficient blend of sightseeing and high-adventure activity.
Join us for a two-day adventure to Iceland’s spectacular South Coast. The journey's highlights include visits to the iconic Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, a guided glacier hike on ancient ice, and the opportunity to enter a natural blue ice cave (Oct-Mar). You will explore the surreal beauty of Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and the nearby Diamond Beach, followed by a stop at the famous Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach. In the evenings, you’ll have a prime chance to spot the Northern Lights thanks to a remote countryside hotel stay.
During this unforgettable 2-day tour, we will take you to the hidden gems of the most visited place in Iceland – the South Coast. Get ready to climb on one of Europe’s largest glaciers, catch a boat to gigantic icebergs, and explore the most beautiful places in the South of Iceland. Along the shore, you’ll also get the chance to stop by some majestic waterfalls, the beautiful Black Sand Beach, and learn everything you need to know about Iceland.
This three-day guided minibus tour focuses on exploring Iceland’s key geological attractions and glacier activities, offering a comprehensive winter experience of the Golden Circle and South Coast. The tour operates from Reykjavík and includes two nights' accommodation. This is the only 3 day minibus tour in Iceland with two glacier activities are included, a glacier hike and an ice cave visit.
Join us for a 3 days excursion to see the famous Golden Circle and the South Coast. Experience the beauty of our glacier lagoon Jökulsárlón, hike on Europe's largest glacier and powerful waterfalls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Planning a South Coast trip? Here’s what most travelers want to know before they go. From road conditions to seasonal activities, these answers will help you prep like a pro.
Frequently Asked Questions
Summer offers midnight sun and easier access; winter offers ice caves and Northern Lights.
- Kayaking on glacier lagoons like Heinabergslón or Jökulsárlón — peaceful, surreal, and way less crowded than you’d expect.
- Puffin watching at Dyrhólaey — best between May and August. Bring binoculars.
- Hiking to Reykjadalur (the hot spring river) — a solid 45-60 min hike, but worth every step.
- Camping near Skaftafell or Vík — long daylight hours + epic backdrops.
- Midnight photography — the golden light lasts for hours. Perfect for waterfall and glacier shots.
- Ice cave tours — hands-down the highlight. Breiðamerkurjökull’s Crystal Cave is the one everyone wants.
- Snowmobiling on Mýrdalsjökull — insane views + adrenaline.
- Northern lights hunting — best done with a local guide who knows the skies and the quietest spots.
- Frozen waterfall viewing — Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss turn into icy fortresses.
- Glacier hikes with crampons — surprisingly doable even in winter with the right gear and guide.
If you’re confident driving in Icelandic conditions (especially in winter), self-drive gives you full control. Otherwise, go for a guided minibus tour — they hit all the highlights without the stress. Great option for 1–5 day itineraries.
Reykjavík to Höfn (the full stretch) takes about 6–7 hours one way — without stops. Realistically, to do it justice, plan at least 2–3 days. There’s just too much to rush.
- Selfoss – Try Kaffi Krús for homemade food
- Hvolsvöllur – Valhalla Restaurant has hearty meals
- Vík – The Soup Company or Smidjan Brugghús for craft beer and burgers
- Kirkjubæjarklaustur – Systrakaffi is reliable
- Höfn – Known for langoustine, Pakkhús is the classic pick
The sea? Not recommended unless you're into cold shock therapy. But there are plenty of geothermal spots. Reykjadalur (hot river hike) is a favorite. You’ll also find hidden pools and secret spots if you know where to look
Short answer: yes. Different seasons, different light, different moods. First trip might hit the main attractions — second time around, you dig deeper: hidden canyons, backroads, less-visited glaciers, and photo spots you missed before.
Got More Questions?
Our team of Iceland experts is just a message away. Whether you’re curious about tour details, weather prep, or which adventure suits you best, we’re here to help. Chat with us or Contact our support team and let’s plan your perfect Iceland experience.
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