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:

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Don’t miss interactive exhibitions and indoor lava shows that bring Iceland’s geology to life — especially in the Vík and Katla region.

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.

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.

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.

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