South Coast of Iceland | Epic Attractions and Things to do
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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

Skaftafell 3 hours Easy Level Glacier Hike
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5.0
location Skaftafell
transportation Meet on location
difficulty Easy to moderate
duration 3 Hours
From
$87
/traveler
Solheimajokull 3h Easy Level Glacier Hike
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5.0
location Sólheimajökull
transportation Meet on location
difficulty Easy to moderate
duration 3 Hours
From
$120
/traveler
Skaftafell 5 hours Adventure Glacier Hike
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5.0
location Skaftafell
transportation Meet on location
difficulty Medium
duration 5 Hours
From
$142
/traveler
Vatnajökull Glacier Hike from Jökulsárlón
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4.9
location Jökulsárlón
duration 3 Hours
transportation Super jeep from Meeting Point
From
$120
/traveler

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

Katla Volcano Ice Cave
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4.9
location Vik
duration 3 Hours
difficulty Easy
season All Year
From
$189
/traveler
Crystal Blue Ice Cave
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5.0
location Jökulsárlón
transportation Super jeep from Meeting Point
difficulty Easy
duration 3 Hours
From
$156
/traveler
Katla Ice Cave Day Tour from Reykjavik
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5.0
location From Reykjavík
duration 12 hours
transportation Minibus tour: Pick up & Drop off included
difficulty Easy to moderate
From
$269
/traveler
Skaftafell Blue Ice Cave & Glacier Hike
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4.9
location Skaftafell
transportation Meet on location
difficulty Medium
duration 4 Hours
From
$133
/traveler

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

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Kayak Tour
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4.9
location Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
duration 1.5 Hours
transportation Meet on location
season Summer
From
$102
/traveler
Heinaberg Glacier Adventure Kayak Tour
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4.9
location Heinaberg Glacier Lagoon
duration 3.5 Hours
transportation From Meeting Point to Location
season Summer
From
$169
/traveler
Jökulsárlón Glacier Kayaking and Skaftafell Glacier Hike Combo Tour
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4.8
location Skaftafell & Jökulsárlón
duration 3 Hours + 1.5 Hours
transportation Not Included
season Summer
From
$225
/traveler
Jökulsárlón Boat Tour
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4.8
location Jökulsárlón
duration 1 Hour
transportation Not Included
season Summer
From
$55
/traveler

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

Horseback Riding With Elves
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4.5
location From Reykjavík
duration 5 Hours
difficulty Easy
season All Year
From
$135
/traveler
The Heritage Horseback Tour
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4.5
location From Reykjavík
duration 4-5 Hours
difficulty Easy
season All Year
From
$130
/traveler

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

Langjökull - Snowmobile Tour
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5.0
location Gullfoss
duration 4 Hours
transportation Super jeep from Meeting Point
season All Year
From
$207
/traveler
Glacier Rush - Snowmobile Tour
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5.0
location Gullfoss
duration 4-5 Hours
transportation
season Winter
From
$355
/traveler
Glacier Snowmobile & Secret Lagoon
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5.0
location From Reykjavík
duration 9-10 Hours
transportation Included
season All Year
From
$350
/traveler
Super jeep & Snowmobile
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5.0
location From Reykjavík
duration 10 hours
transportation Included
season All Year
From
$413
/traveler

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.


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.

A person standing in front of a huge waterfall.

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.

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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.

Group of people doing a Glacier hike.

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.

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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.

Super jeeps parked in front of where the film Star Wars Rogue 1 was filmed.

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.

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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.

Glacial lagoon with floating icebergs creating a reflex in the calm water.


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.

South Coast & Glacier Hike
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5.0
location From Reykjavík
duration 12 hours
transportation Minibus tour: Pick up & Drop off included
difficulty Easy to moderate
From
$179
/traveler
Katla Ice Cave Day Tour from Reykjavik
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5.0
location From Reykjavík
duration 12 hours
transportation Minibus tour: Pick up & Drop off included
difficulty Easy to moderate
From
$269
/traveler
2 Day South Coast
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5.0
transportation Minibus tour: Pick up & Drop off included
hotels Included: 1 Night & Breakfast
season Winter
duration 2 Days
From
$575
/traveler
2 Day South Coast & Glacier Hike
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5.0
transportation Minibus tour: Pick up & Drop off included
hotels Included: 1 Night & Breakfast
season Summer
duration 2 Days
From
$645
/traveler
3 Day South Coast
IconIconIconIconIcon
4.8
transportation Minibus tour: Pick up & Drop off included
hotels Included: 2 Nights & Breakfast
season Winter
duration 3 Days
From
$930
/traveler
3 Day South Coast
IconIconIconIconIcon
5.0
transportation Minibus tour: Pick up & Drop off included
hotels Included: 2 Nights & Breakfast
season Summer
duration 3 Days
From
$998
/traveler

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.

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
  • HvolsvöllurValhalla Restaurant has hearty meals
  • VíkThe Soup Company or Smidjan Brugghús for craft beer and burgers
  • KirkjubæjarklausturSystrakaffi 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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Skaftafell's Wild Beauty: Video Gallery