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Things to do in
South Coast, Iceland

Our most recommended things to do in South Coast, Iceland

From Reykjavik: South of Iceland Full-Day Trip

1. From Reykjavik: South of Iceland Full-Day Trip

Spend the day exploring the dramatic landscapes of the south of Iceland along with its coastline on a full-day sightseeing tour from Reykjavik. Along the way, discover a variety of rivers, waterfalls, mountains, and glaciers. Following a pickup from listed hotels or guesthouses by bus in central Reykjavík, travel to the gorgeous waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss. At the waterfall at Seljalandsfoss, walk behind the cascades and feel the spray on your face. Continue to Skógafoss to marvel at the 60-meter drop. Pass the black sand beaches of the southern coast and enjoy the power of the sea. Visit the glacier snout of Sólheimajökull to see an outlet glacier of Mýrdalsjökull. Admire the ever-changing feat of nature up-close. Then, look at the basalt sea stacks at Reynisfjara, Iceland’s southernmost village just south of the Mýrdalsjökull glacier, before returning to Reykjavik.

Reykjavik: Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Full-Day Guided Trip

2. Reykjavik: Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Full-Day Guided Trip

Explore the dramatic landscapes of the south of Iceland on a full-day sightseeing tour by bus. Go to the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon outlet of the largest glacier in Europe, leaning about its history and formation from your local guide. Following a pickup from your hotel in Reykjavik, transfer to the southern coast and the dramatic Glacier Lagoon. Enjoy plenty of time to see the floating icebergs and enjoy the stunning scenery. During the season, make sure to reserve your ticket to the boat cruise on the Jökulsárlón and experience the unique Glacier Lagoon spectacle up close. When you prebook, your place is guaranteed. Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is Iceland’s largest and deepest glacier lagoon. It branches from Breidamerkurjokull, an outlet glacier of Vatnajokull, Europe’s largest glacier. Return to Reykjavik, stopping at the gorgeous waterfall Seljalandsfoss. You will visit the Diamond beach with black sand, and there will be an additional stop in Iceland's southernmost village at Vík for dinner.

Iceland: Full-Day South Coast, Black Beach & Waterfalls Tour

3. Iceland: Full-Day South Coast, Black Beach & Waterfalls Tour

Travel through the farming regions of southern Iceland and experience the Land of Fire and Ice on this full-day bus tour from Reykjavík, with a tour guide and optional hotel transfers. Encounter the Reynisfjara black sand beach, Eyjafjallajökull volcano, thundering waterfalls, and majestic glaciers. Choose from a private tour option with convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, a group tour with hotel pickup and drop-off, or a group tour from a centrally-located meeting point. Relax on the drive through the rugged countryside of the south. Admire stunning natural landscapes that have been shaped over the centuries by the combined activity of glaciers and volcanoes. Marvel at the rainbows which hover over Skógafoss waterfall. Take a walk on the black sand Reynisfjara beach while observing its surrounding basalt columns. Learn about the Icelandic legend regarding the columns and let yourself wonder if they are actually mischievous trolls who were turned into rock by the rising sun. See dramatic cliffs and caves and walk behind the Seljalandsfoss waterfalls. Return to Reykjavík at the end of your tour. 

From Reykjavik: Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach

4. From Reykjavik: Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach

Embark on a guided tour from Reykjavik to the Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon. Witness the mighty Hvannadalshnjúkur mountain and black sand desert that sprawls between Skaftafell National Park and the lagoon.  Stop at Seljalandsfoss waterfall, where you can walk behind the cascades to reach the other side. Continue to the majestic Skógafoss waterfall and admire the impressive 60-meter drop. Continue to Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon and stroll along the shores of the lake. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of the area as 1,000- to 1,500-year-old ice breaks away from the Vatnajökull glacier and floats silently on the water. Recognize locations from some of the many movies that have been filmed in the area, such as Batman Begins and Tomb Raider. Stop at the spectacular Diamond Beach and admire the strand of black sand speckled with clumps of ice, giving an appearance of shimmering diamonds. In the warmer months, enjoy an added boat ride around the lagoon and witness the floating icebergs up-close.

South Coast Classic: Full-Day Tour from Reykjavik

5. South Coast Classic: Full-Day Tour from Reykjavik

On this full-day tour, you’ll follow the coastline from Reykjavík into the volcanic and glaciated wonderland that is Iceland's south coast. Walk behind the thundering veil of spray at the Seljalandsfoss waterfall and take in the incredible views from the top of the Skógafoss waterfall. Your tour begins with a drive through lava fields, passing by the active Hengill volcano, and then down to rich coastal farmlands. On clear days you’ll be able to see the Hekla volcano, and in the distance the glacier-capped Eyjafjallajökull volcano rises majestically above the coastal mountains. Just a few kilometers off the coastline and easily visible are the volcanic Westman Islands, an archipelago of around 15 small islands, only one of which is inhabited. Stop at the Sólheimajökull glacier, which is every photographer’s dream. Next on the itinerary is the Reynisfjara black sand beach. See the powerful Atlantic waves crashing on the black sands, the jagged basalt sea stacks and the huge basalt-column cave. Next you’ll head to the coastal village of Vik, the southernmost village in Iceland, located on the island’s main ring road. Despite its small size (291 inhabitants), it is the largest settlement for 70 kilometers. On your way back to Reykjavík, you’ll stop by the powerful Skógafoss waterfall for a short walk up a flight of steps to admire one of Iceland´s most scenic views. The view takes in glaciers, volcanoes and black sandy beaches. The last stop is at the 60-meter-high Seljalandsfoss waterfall, best known for the hidden pathway behind and around it.

Sólheimajökull: Guided Glacier Hike

6. Sólheimajökull: Guided Glacier Hike

Explore the south coast of Iceland, and walk on one of Iceland’s last remaining glaciers on this guided glacier hiking tour of Sólheimajökull. Put on your crampons and discover crevasses, shafts, and ridges as you learn about the formation and history of this frozen wonderland. Discover one of Iceland's best attractions just a 2-hour drive from Reykjavík. Get a meet and greet from your specialist guide, and then head to the roots of the glacier on arrival. Put on the provided equipment needed to walk across the ice, including helmets, crampons, and ice axes. Spend about 1 hour walking on the stunning outlet glacier of the mighty Mýrdalsjökull to see a lot of different natural formations, including ice cave tunnels and a glacier lagoon. Get detailed explanations about this miracle of nature before the 40-minute hike back to the parking lot.

RVK: Glacier Hike, South Coast Waterfalls & Black Sand Beach

7. RVK: Glacier Hike, South Coast Waterfalls & Black Sand Beach

Experience the magic of Iceland's south coast in a single day on this incredible adventure from Reykjavik. Get up close and personal with a glacier, explore iconic spots, and discover the natural wonders that define this breathtaking region. Marvel at the mesmerizing Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls, where you can even walk behind the cascading waters at Seljalandsfoss – a truly unique experience. Dive into the stories and legends that envelop the mighty Skogafoss waterfall, adding an extra layer of intrigue to your journey. Embrace the Insta-famous Reynisfjara black-sand beach, where you'll enjoy a leisurely stroll along the striking black sands while gazing at the magnificent rock formations that stretch out into the sea. The main adventure awaits at the Sólheimajökull glacier, where you'll gear up with harness, crampons, an ice pick, and a helmet. Embark on a short hike to the glacier's base, then ascend onto the ice for an exhilarating glacier hike filled with twists, turns, and panoramic vistas that will take your breath away. Throughout the day, soak in the picturesque scenery as you travel along the southern coast of Iceland, treating your eyes to rugged landscapes and dramatic cliffs that make this country truly one-of-a-kind. When the adventure concludes, you'll head back to Reykjavik with memories that will last a lifetime. So, don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to experience the beauty and thrill of Iceland's south coast in a single unforgettable day!

Reykjavik: South Coast, Diamond Beach, and Jökulsárlón Tour

8. Reykjavik: South Coast, Diamond Beach, and Jökulsárlón Tour

Follow the south coast of Iceland to the glacial lagoon, Jökulsárlón, on a full-day tour from Reykjavik. Visit the Seljalandsfoss waterfall and learn about the incredible landscapes from your guide. Stay connected with free WIFI aboard the climate-controlled bus. Depart from Reykjavik in an air-conditioned bus and pass charming villages as well as Skaftafell National Park on your way to the Seljalandsfoss and Skógarfoss waterfalls. Look out for Iceland’s biggest volcano, Öræfajökull glacier. After arriving at the lagoon, enjoy some time to view this stunning area. Take a walk along the shore and admire the icebergs. During the summer season, amphibian boat tours on the lagoon are available at an extra cost (payable onsite). Jökulsárlón started to form in the early nineteen twenties and is getting bigger every year. See blocks of ice that have broken off Europe’s biggest glacier, Vatnajökull, as they sail slowly towards the ocean. The tour returns to Reykjavik in the evening.

Mýrdalsjökull: South Coast ATV Quad Bike Safari

9. Mýrdalsjökull: South Coast ATV Quad Bike Safari

Discover the southern coast of Iceland on a thrilling quad-bike adventure. Discover the wonderful landscapes near the Mýrdalsjökull Glacier, traversing the black sands of Sólheimasandur. Start with a short safety briefing on how to operate the ATVs. When everyone is ready, set off on your adventure and ride the majestic black sand plains of Sólheimasandur. Cross this desert-like landscape and stop by the famous DC3 plane that crashed on the sands in 1973. Head to the spectacular coastline to experience fantastic views of the surrounding area. From the beach, admire the sight of the Dyrhólaey peninsula, the southernmost tip of Iceland. Looking inland, you can see the marvelous Mýrdalsjökull glacier in the distance. Heading back over the sands and following the Jökulsá River, your adventure will conclude as you cross a river to enter a stunning mountain valley.

South Coast & Katla Ice Cave From Reykjavik and Vik

10. South Coast & Katla Ice Cave From Reykjavik and Vik

Embark on an extraordinary expedition through Iceland's picturesque south coast with our exclusive Katla Ice Cave tour, a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that promises to leave you spellbound. Departing from Reykjavik, this day trip offers an immersive experience in the heart of nature's grandeur. Prepare to be captivated by the awe-inspiring Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls. Seljalandsfoss beckons you to venture behind its cascading waters, offering a unique and surreal encounter with nature. Skogafoss, steeped in ancient folklore, adds a touch of mystique to your journey, its powerful cascades weaving enchanting tales. Explore the world-renowned Reynisfjara black-sand beach, where the striking contrast between the ebony sands and the vast blue sea creates a scene of unparalleled beauty. Stroll leisurely along the shore, marveling at the magnificent rock formations and the rhythmic dance of the waves. The pinnacle of your adventure awaits at the Katla Ice Cave, nestled at the foot of the mighty Katla glacier. Equipped with crampons and helmets, venture deep into the glacier's heart to discover the mesmerizing Ice Caves. These natural wonders, sculpted by time, exhibit a captivating fusion of blue and black ice, forming a breathtaking labyrinth beneath the glacier. Throughout the day, feast your eyes on the breathtaking landscapes as you traverse Iceland's southern coast. Marvel at rugged cliffs, dramatic seascapes, and untouched wilderness, immersing yourself in the raw beauty that defines this extraordinary country. As your remarkable journey comes to an end, you'll return to Reykjavik with cherished memories etched into your soul. This unforgettable day promises an adventure you'll treasure forever, an opportunity to savor the beauty and excitement of Iceland's south coast in a single day. Don't miss this chance to immerse yourself in the wonders of the Katla Ice Cave and experience the unparalleled charm of Iceland's natural wonders. Book your adventure now and embark on a journey that will stay with you for a lifetime.

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What people are saying about South Coast, Iceland

Overall rating

4.7
(9,998 reviews)

We had a great time on snowmobiles. The views were amazing and our guide provided great information on the geology and points of interest in the area. The van ride up the mountain was a bit rough, but that was due to the road. Overall would recommend taking the tour.

This trip is amazing! Perfect for anyone even kids, tour guide was super fun gave some very interesting information. You get more than enough time to view all the beautiful places on this tour. The guide was so helpful and the tour itself is worth EVERY penny.

A fantastically pleasant trip. Dave is a great humorous guide. And the driver of the bus is incredibly welcoming and also wants to tell what he knows about Iceland. A long but lovely day

Our guide Jay was amazing. He took every precaution to make our journey safe and fun. Even though it was light rain the whole time it was a beautiful activity.

Glad we downloaded this app on our drive to south coast and Jokulrason glacier. It included several spots as well as information animals and the landscapes.