The south coast of Iceland is world-famous for its incredible scenery
The list of attractions is familiar to all of you Iceland enthusiasts. But if you are new to Iceland, I think the South Coast is a great way to get to know the country. I have created this free Iceland south coast plan for you with suggestions for tours and activities. By subscribing to my newsletter here below👇🏼, you can save on renting a car or camper van rental. Since the demand for hotel rooms and other forms of accommodation is heavy, I recommend booking early.
Subscribe to my newsletter for exclusive discount codes that will give you savings on 150 Iceland tours and travel services.
Subscribe to the Stuck in Iceland newsletterReceive exclusive promo codes for tours, car rental, camper van rental, and outdoor clothing rental. Get occasional updates about new content. I will never give your data to a third party without consent.
Thank you
Jon Heidar, Editor of Stuck in Iceland Travel Magazine
Map of the South Coast of Iceland road plan
Part 1 of the free-to-use Iceland south coast road trip plan – Start at Keflavik International Airport and head to Reykjavik
Most people pick up their rented car at Keflavik airport and then drive to Reykjavik. Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital, is home to the world’s oldest parliament and offers beautiful views of mountains and the ocean. Reykjavik and its satellite towns are essentially Iceland; after all, 2/3 of the country’s population lives there. Don’t miss the main street, Laugavegur, known for its shops and cafes. I would also take care not to miss the adjacent Skólavörðustígur road, which also has a lot of great design shops. If you are into architecture and culture, you want to check out the impressive Harpa concert and conference center downtown.
You will be spoilt for choice of tours, restaurants and cafés. One recent feature of Reykjavik is its bustling food halls. Check out the food halls at Hlemmur and the more upmarket Hafnartorg Gallery.
Check out my section on Reykjavik; Reykjavik is a family-friendly city with many great places and activities.
Quick tips for things to do in Reykjavik
- See the unique Lava Show where natural lava flows indoors
- Stroll in central Reykjavik; make sure you check out Skólavörðustígur, the
- Take a romantic walk at Grótta on the seaside
- Have a drink and a meal at Hlemmur Food Hall or the Hafnartorg Gallery
- Have a gelato at Valdís
- Have the best pastry in Iceland at Brauð & Co
- Soak in the Sky Lagoon
- See Iceland from above at Flyover Iceland
- Take a walk in Grotta on the western edge of Reykjavik
- Go whale watching with Elding
- Check out Elliðaárdalur valley
- Go and see the Whales of Iceland exhibition
- Check out the Thrihnjukagigur magma chamber
- Go whale watching with Elding
- Visit the exhibitions at Perlan
- Check out the great selection of walking tours with Your Friend in Reykjavik
- Visit a geothermally heated swimming pool
There is also a great selection of Reykjavik tours.
Part 2 of your south coast road trip – Head towards the village of Vík
Drive towards the village of Vík. This is a day for beautiful waterfalls, the famous black beach, and the Dyrholaey promontory. Check out the waterfalls Seljalandsfoss, its hidden neighbors Gljúfrabúi, Kvernufoss, and of course, the well-known Skogafoss.
After that, it is Reynisfjara, AKA the black beach with the Reynisdrangar sea stacks. You get a lovely view of both from the Dyrholey promontory. Remember to be careful when you are on the beach and the promontory. I would check out my partners at Katlatrack, who run many tours near Vík. You should also stop at the Icelandic Lava Show and see the only exhibition that features flowing lava indoors.
Finally, you can join my partners, True Adventure, who have a Zipline and offer paragliding tours in Vík.
There are many tours available for the south of Iceland.
Part 3 – Head to towards Klaustur (Kirkjubæjarklaustur) village
When you are done exploring Vík, you can head up to the fantastic canyon of Fjaðrargljufur (try to say that after a couple of pints!).
It will take you an hour to drive there. This incredible canyon is probably one of the most photogenic places in Iceland. Just be careful on the edge, as in some places canyon is more than a hundred meters deep. Fjaðrargljufur Canyon is close to the village of Kirkjubaejarklaustur. The scenery there is just beautiful. If you stay there overnight, I suggest you check out the steep rocky hill of Systrastapi and the Systrafoss waterfall. Both of these are connected to the medieval convent which Kirkjubæjarklaustur is named after.
Part 4 – Head to the town of Höfn via the Glacier Lagoon and the Diamond Beach
Since you have come this far, you must check out the Skaftafell national park. Hike to the beautiful Svartifoss waterfall and admire the majesty of Vatnajokull glacier and its highest peak ´Hvannadalshnjukur.´
On your way, you can stop at the beautiful Fjallsárlón glacial lagoon. A boat ride on the lagoon is great fun. I also recommend two great hotels to those who like class and comfort. These are the Vatnajokull Fosshotel and the Fosshotel Glacier Hotel. And there is another lagoon not far away. This is the world-famous glacial lagoon called Jökulsárlón. I recommend going on a boat trip on the water so you can get a close look at those majestic icebergs floating on the water.
You will hear the rumble of giant icebergs breaking off the main crawling glacier in this distance. Don´t forget to cross the highway and go to the legendary ´Diamond Beach.´
Visit the town of Höfn. It has a surprising number of great restaurants. Don´t leave town without tasting the L’angoustine!
Important! Stay safe when driving in Iceland!
Icelandic roads are narrower than roads in Europe so keep your speed down and your eyes open.
NEVER, EVER STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD TO PHOTOGRAPH SOMETHING.
If you are renting a car for use in winter please consider renting a 4×4 vehicle. When driving in Iceland in winter the car and yourself must be ready to handle slippery roads, snow, darkness, low (or zero) visibility heavy rain, gale-force winds, and frost.
Always follow the weather forecast and be mindful of road conditions. Go on the site www.sitetravel.is, study and follow the advice given there.