planetbreezy

Tell me your feedback! Feedback:

South Coast

Iceland, Europe

The South Coast of Iceland is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, featuring dramatic waterfalls like Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss, black sand beaches at Vik, and the stunning Reynisfjara sea stacks. The region offers unique experiences such as glacier hiking on Sólheimajökull and exploring the otherworldly terrain of Vatnajökull National Park. This area is appealing for its diverse natural beauty, making it perfect for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike, and it's easily accessible from Reykjavik.

Quick facts

Target stay

3-5 days

Type

Region

Vibe

Active

Airport

Akureyri

Known for

Beach

Hiking

Leisure

Wildlife

Best time to visit

13 Best Things to Do in South Coast

1. Explore Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

Walk behind this stunning waterfall for a unique view.

Available all year

Family-friendly

No booking required

1 hr

2. Visit Skógafoss Waterfall

Admire the thundering cascade and hike nearby trails.

Available all year

Family-friendly

No booking required

1.5 hrs

3. Hike in Þingvellir National Park

Explore the geology and history of this UNESCO site.

Available all year

Family-friendly

No booking required

3 hrs

4. Explore Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

Marvel at unique black sands and basalt columns.

Available all year

Family-friendly

No booking required

1 hr

5. Visit the Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck

Hike to a famous abandoned plane on the beach.

Available all year

Adults only

No booking required

2 hrs

6. See the Glacier at Sólheimajökull

Get up close to an impressive glacier tongue.

Available all year

Adults only

No booking required

2.5 hrs

7. Visit Vatnajökull National Park

Explore Europe's largest glacier and stunning landscapes.

Available all year

Family-friendly

No booking required

4 hrs

8. Discover Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon

Walk along paths with breathtaking canyon views.

Available all year

Family-friendly

No booking required

1.5 hrs

9. Experience the Blue Ice Cave Tours

Explore stunning ice caves in Vatnajökull glacier.

Seasonal

Adults only

Booking required

3 hrs

10. Visit Vik's Church

Admire the architecture and views of Vik village.

Available all year

Family-friendly

No booking required

< 1 hr

11. Taste local cuisine in Vik

Enjoy Icelandic dishes at local restaurants.

Available all year

Family-friendly

No booking required

1 hr

12. Explore Dyrhólaey Peninsula

Witness stunning views and puffin nesting sites.

Seasonal

Family-friendly

No booking required

1 hr

13. Go Whale Watching from Reykjavik

Experience the thrill of spotting majestic whales.

Seasonal

Family-friendly

Booking required

3 hrs

Need to know, before you go

Country info

Tipping

Included in bill

Tapwater

Not safe to drink

Safety

1 2 3 4 5

Very High

LGBTQ+ safety score

10 (#8 globally)

Cost

Very Expensive

Currency

Iceland Krona

Majority religion

Christian

Language

Icelandic

(80%+ speak English)

Best dishes to try

Hákarl

Fermented shark, a traditional dish. (National dish)

Skyr

V

Icelandic yogurt, thick and creamy.

Kjötsúpa

Hearty lamb soup with vegetables.

Pylsur

Icelandic hot dog, served with various toppings.

Rúgbrauð

VE

Dark rye bread, often served with butter.

Phrases to learn

English

Icelandic

Hello

Halló

(Ha-loh)

Yes/No

Ja / Nei

(Yow / Nay)

Thank you

Takk

(Tack)

Excuse me

Afsakið

(Af-sah-kith)

How much?

Hversu mikið?

(Kwer-soo mee-kith)