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
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

13 Best Things to Do in South Coast

1

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Explore Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

Walk behind this stunning waterfall for a unique view.

No booking required
2

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit Skógafoss Waterfall

Admire the thundering cascade and hike nearby trails.

No booking required
3

Est. 3 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Hike in Þingvellir National Park

Explore the geology and history of this UNESCO site.

No booking required
4

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Explore Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

Marvel at unique black sands and basalt columns.

No booking required
5

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Adults only

Visit the Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck

Hike to a famous abandoned plane on the beach.

No booking required
6

Est. 2.5 hrs

Year round

Adults only

See the Glacier at Sólheimajökull

Get up close to an impressive glacier tongue.

No booking required
7

Est. 4 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit Vatnajökull National Park

Explore Europe's largest glacier and stunning landscapes.

No booking required
8

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Discover Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon

Walk along paths with breathtaking canyon views.

No booking required
9

Est. 3 hrs

Seasonal

Adults only

Experience the Blue Ice Cave Tours

Explore stunning ice caves in Vatnajökull glacier.

Booking required
10

Est. < 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit Vik's Church

Admire the architecture and views of Vik village.

No booking required
11

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Taste local cuisine in Vik

Enjoy Icelandic dishes at local restaurants.

No booking required
12

Est. 1 hr

Seasonal

Family-friendly

Explore Dyrhólaey Peninsula

Witness stunning views and puffin nesting sites.

No booking required
13

Est. 3 hrs

Seasonal

Family-friendly

Go Whale Watching from Reykjavik

Experience the thrill of spotting majestic whales.

Booking required

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)