Iceland South Coast Road Trip Guide: Waterfalls, Black Beaches & Glacier Lagoons
The South Coast of Iceland is the country’s most visited and most dramatic stretch of road. Starting in Reykjavík and running east along the Ring Road to the town of Höfn, this route packs an extraordinary amount of scenery into a relatively short drive — towering waterfalls, volcanic black sand beaches, active glacier tongues, a canyon that looks like it belongs in another world, and the otherworldly Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.
I’m Jón Heiðar, editor of Stuck in Iceland Travel Magazine. I’ve been covering travel to Iceland since 2012, and this free South Coast road trip guide is built on years of firsthand knowledge and interviews with local guides and operators. It covers the key stops from Reykjavík to Höfn in a logical driving order, with recommendations for tours, activities, and places to eat — and exclusive discount codes for car rentals, camper vans, and tours available to my newsletter subscribers at no cost.
Whether you have two days or five, the South Coast belongs on your Iceland itinerary. This guide will make sure you don’t miss a thing.
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Last updated: March 2026
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, 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, you can save on renting a car or camper van rental; the codes you will receive will give you discounts on many tours and travel services. Since the demand for hotel rooms and other forms of accommodation is heavy, I recommend booking early. See my curated list of curated tours.
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 has many 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. Pro tip: rent outdoor clothes with Iceland Cover to save money and reduce your luggage.
Quick tips for things to do in Reykjavik
Sign up for the free and exclusive Stuck in Iceland newsletter to save on the following activities in Reykjavik with my great travel partners:
Partners for indoor activities in Reykjavik
- See the unique Lava Show where natural lava flows indoors
- Visit Litli Barinn for relaxation, drinks, and good food
- See Iceland from above at Flyover Iceland
- See the Whales of Iceland exhibition
- The LavaTunnel is amazing and only a short drive from Reykjavik
- Soak in the Hvammsvík Hot Springs
- Visit Aurora Reykjavik to learn all there is to learn about the northern lights
Partners for outdoor activities in Reykjavik
- Go whale watching with Elding
- Rent outdoor clothing with Iceland Cover
- Go whale watching with Special Tours
- Have an adrenaline-filled excursion with Safari Quads
- The Reykjavik Food Walk is the best way to get an introduction to Icelandic cuisine
- Walking tours with Your Friend in Reykjavik
- Mega Zipline is a short drive from Reykjavik
- Hvammsvík Hot Springs, a short drive from Reykjavik
- Join The VIP CityWalk with City Walk Reykjavik
Even more activities in Reykjavik!
- Stroll in central Reykjavik; make sure you check out Skólavörðustígur
- 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
- Take a walk in Grotta on the western edge of Reykjavik
- Check out Elliðaárdalur valley
- 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 to see the only experience featuring 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 in the south of Iceland.
Part 3 – Head 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 the 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 – Travel 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 taking a boat trip 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! Yet another incredible place is the legendary canyon Múlagljúfur.
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 use, please consider a 4×4 vehicle. When driving in Iceland in winter, you and your car 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 to the site www.safetravel.is, study and follow the advice given there.
Articles about the South Coast of Iceland
- All
- Extreme Sports in Iceland
- Family Friendly Iceland
- Glaciers in Iceland
- Hiking in Iceland
- History and Culture
- Iceland activities and travel tips
- Iceland focused interviews
- Iceland on a budget
- Icelandic Highlands
- Icelandic Volcanoes
- Icelandic Waterfalls
- Northern Lights
- Reykjavik
- Road Trips in Iceland
- South Coast of Iceland
- The Golden Circle
- Tour Deals in Iceland
- Whale and Puffin Watching in Iceland
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