South Coast Iceland is an area of extreme contrast, with the biggest waterfalls, big glaciers, black sand beach and volcanic scenery combine to make one of the most stunning areas in the world. It is a picturesque and charming area on the southern coast of Iceland that has something different to offer the visitors – nature, adventure, and culture.
If you’re exploring Seljalandsfoss Singing Falls or the Vatnajökull Glacier covering the mountain or one of the many wonderful hidden secrets like the Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck, you will be enchanted with all that this place has to offer.
Whether it’s all the action, Viking walking on glaciers, the gorgeous ice caves, and/or the ice cream road trip or the blissfully relaxed days at the surreal black sand beaches, it’s a trip out of this world in South Coast Iceland. You will find your best bet to explore nature and adventure, even if you choose what you prefer, read on and find out about the best attractions of the region.
Top Attractions in South Coast Iceland
1. Brown Trout Falls
This is one of Iceland’s, smaller know, natural wonders for those wishing to avoid the busier sightseeing venues this time. Brown Trout Falls, another lesser-known natural attraction of South Iceland, is a soothing place to escape the more touristy spots. The waterfall is surrounded by rugged landscapes and untouched beauty, displaying the raw beauty that makes Iceland an incredibly special place.
Interestingly, it is not well known because of possible plans to develop the area for hydroelectric projects. If you’re a traveler who cherishes the concept of a hidden treasure and authentic experience, be sure to visit the Falls of Brown Trout. If you are planning to visit Iceland, make sure you don’t delay your visit too long to see this amazing sight.
2. Kvernufoss (Secret Waterfall)
In Iceland, waterfalls are plentiful given the country’s geological features, which are mostly rocky surfaces and volcanic topography, and all of the country’s alpine glaciers. During the visit we were able to see an amazing number of waterfalls. Gullfoss was my favorite when the falls were large and powerful, and had a lot of power.
Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss are both fantastic waterfalls if you have time to go to the extremes of long uninterrupted falls over very large cliffs. None of those, however, are tourist-friendly popular destinations and therefore very crowded. If you really want to see something spectacular, then a small, unobtrusive waterfall, Kvernufoss, won’t let you down.
3. Gljúfrafoss
Just steps away from the iconic Seljalandsfoss waterfall off of the Ring Road, Gljúfrafoss is a lesser-known but no less impressive waterfall in Southern Iceland. Yes, Seljalandsfoss can certainly be seen from Gljúfrafoss, as they both have the same parking lot! The place of the Gljúfafoss is behind a big granite crack in a rock and to arrive at Gljúfafoss one has to walk through a small hole in the granite.
Inside the cave, you’ll find water dripping into the catch basin, which is also covered in moss, and the rock walls of the cave. It’s not quite as popular and you are likely the only guests using the cave. For a sky high shot of this boulder that would have been in place back in the day and some fresh glacial feel all over you, climb up to the top of the boulder.
4. Reykjavík, Downtown Tour
Welcome to Iceland, a country of volcanoes, arctic scenery and amazing Viking history. Upon arrival, pick up your rental car and after a picturesque 45 minute drive, you will reach Reykjavík, Iceland’s lively capital city.
A modern city combining rich history with contemporary culture and ever colourful city streets, lively cafés and world-class attractions. For an excellent start to a tour of Icelandic culture, explore some of Iceland’s great museums and exhibitions in the settlement, the northern lights center, the national museum, the maritime museum, the saga museum and the whales of Iceland.
5. Vatnajökull National Park
Continue passing more of the south coast Iceland and arrive at Vatnajökull National Park. Large natural resource area, with 14% of the territory of the country! You’ll find volcanoes, waterfalls and glaciers, ice caves and rivers in the protected reserve. Indeed, here you can find Europe’s biggest glacier, Vatnajökull. One of them is a Zodiac boat tour around the ice-covered Fjallsárlón lagoon.
The glaciers below Vatnajökull will have icebergs floating on the rivers within their boundaries. Alternatively a kayak cruise can be taken for another view of the glacier. To paddle across the Heinabergslón lagoon and then enter the glacier itself.
6. Diamond Beach
Located on the South Coast Iceland, Diamond Beach is one of the most breathtaking places in Iceland. This is the only black sand beach endowed with beautiful ice nuggets like diamonds shimmering in the sun from the Vatnajökull glacier. Great contrast between the dark rocks (volcanic sand) and the good reflection (good ice) that makes an unforgettable landscape.
The shoreline is constantly shifting with activities such as tide and weather changes, glacier melt adjustments etc., and each visit is different. These are the best hours of the day to photograph for the most wondrous ice when the sun comes up and sets – as you will see, the ice will change colour during this period, becoming most golden in the sunrise and sunset hours.
7. Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
One of Iceland’s geographical wonders is the Black Sand Beach which has been created by volcanic lava cooling and disintegrating into fine black sand and pebbles over time. Its National Monument area is graced with a dramatic coastline, but be careful to avoid strong “sneaker waves” that can suddenly appear. The South Coast iceland is home to this beautiful beach, featuring enormous basalt column formations and unique volcanic sea stacks that rise from the ocean.
8. Solheimajökull Glacier
Solheimajökull is one of the easiest glaciers to visit in South Coast Iceland, and is a great place to see the power and beauty of the icy wild landscape first hand. This is an easy trek that will take you to the edge of the glacier and view the amazing blue ice formations, deep crevasses and rough terrain.
One attraction of the glacier is the opportunity to be near enough to touch it, and to see its vast proportions in person. An even more unforgettable experience is offered with guided glacier hikes, which are designed to give you the chance to explore this amazing natural wonder safely.
9. Vik
On the southern tip of Iceland Vik is surrounded by the ocean and a so beautiful town too. It is located within the dramatic landscape and is great for discovering many of the best sites around the South Coast Iceland. The addition is an incredible Vík Church (Víkurkirkja) located on a hill with stunning sea and scenic views of the surrounding hills. Further east, services and amenities start to become scarce, so Vik is an ideal place to refuel, purchase food and supplies for traveling.
10. Mýrdalsjökull Glacier & Snowmobiling
Mýrdalsjökull Glacier covers an area of some 600 km² and is the 4th largest glacier of Iceland, above the active Katla volcano. This vast glacier promises stunning scenery of the Icelandic South Coast, and is a favorite among adventurers.
Visits are not recommended as it is very rugged and possibly dangerous in the glaciers. Instead, visitors will go on guided snowmobile tours to get up close and personal with the glacier, finding out what makes this mountainous natural wonder unique and learning a lot about its many facets from a volcanic point of view.
11. Borgarnes & Snæfellsnes, Hike Glymur Falls
From Reykjavík, the tour goes to Borgarnes a pretty town in Belfjord and a visit to the interesting Settlement Center to be taken to Borgarnes. Take the stunning road trip along to the pretty “Iceland in miniature” peninsula of Snæfellsnes.
Discover the spectacular (and the 2nd-highest) falls of Glymur, with viewpoints and amazing canyons littered throughout. In the evening gather the highlights of the mountain – Mount Kirkjufell, Kirkjufellsfoss, the ocean cliffs at Hellnar and Arnarstapi, the unique lava ridges of Berserkjahraun and Budahraun and enjoy a gallon in Hellnar town.
12. Svartifoss
Located in the breathtaking Skaftafell Nature Reserve in South Iceland, Svartifoss is one of the most amazing and interesting waterfalls in Iceland. A truly dramatic set volcanic rocks in hexagonal columns, the “Black Falls” surrounds it. The path to the waterfall is only 2 miles round trip and passes through amazing scenery, and along the path is a view of the Atlantic Ocean. Geological beauty, combined with tranquil surroundings, makes Svartifoss a must-visit for nature lovers and photographers everywhere.
13. Lómagnúpur
Lômagnúpur is among the impressive mountains of the South Coast, which stretch between Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Vik. It is nearly 700 metres high above the ground and has high elevation, steep sides and overlooks the Ring Road. The trail itself is a little dirt path with a convenient site for viewing and parking – for a picnic or photos.
The small, shallow pond nearby is often very reflective, and areas of scattered boulders throughout the base give the visitor an insight into how grand and fabulous the mountain is to its far-flung fingers, and how the incredible forces of nature had shaped this amazing landmark.
14. Dyrhólaey promontory
Enjoying a stop at the fabulous clifftop of Dyrhólaey at the Reykjanes peninsula in the South coast Iceland on the way to Reynisfjara. The black sand beach is guarded by the 120-metre (394-foot) long Dyrhólaey, with a huge natural rock arch formed by waves of the Atlantic Ocean over the years. Summer drives up the road offer up excellent views of the coast, and opportunities to view puffins on summer drives. Just remember – Do not open May-June in these areas as they are very important bird nesting areas.
15. Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
The Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon is also one of Iceland’s most beautiful natural wonders, located near Kirkjubæjarklaustur on the Ring Road. This canyon is renowned for its serpentine curve and is a habitat of green cliffs during the summer and winter frosts! It was created by the glacial river Fjaðrá in the past Ice Age and is a testament to the country’s dramatic geological history. The 2-kilometer hike at the edge of the canyon is well-marked and offers great views with a lovely waterfall along the way to enjoy your pictures.
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