South Coast Route
Dramatic coastline with waterfalls, glaciers, and black beaches.
~400 km one way
2-3 days
Easy
Year-round
About This Route
The South Coast of Iceland is arguably the most scenic stretch of road in the country. Starting from Reykjavik and extending to the glacier lagoon at Jökulsárlón, this route passes some of Iceland's most iconic landscapes.
Powerful waterfalls like Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, the haunting black sand beach at Reynisfjara, the vast Vatnajökull glacier, and the otherworldly Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon all lie along this route. In winter, the area also offers access to natural ice caves within the glaciers.
While technically possible as a very long day trip, we recommend 2-3 days to properly explore and appreciate the South Coast.
Key Stops
Seljalandsfoss
Walk behind the waterfall
waterfallGljúfrabúi
Hidden waterfall nearby
waterfallSkógafoss
60m powerful waterfall
waterfallReynisfjara
Dramatic black sand beach
beachVík
Southernmost village
townFjaðrárgljúfur
Beautiful canyon
canyonSkaftafell
Glacier hiking base
parkJökulsárlón
Glacier lagoon with icebergs
glacierDiamond Beach
Ice on black sand
beachTips for This Route
- Never turn your back to the waves at Reynisfjara
- Bring waterproof gear for waterfalls
- Book glacier hikes in advance
- Ice caves available November-March only
- Allow time for Diamond Beach at sunrise/sunset
- Consider staying in Vík or Höfn
Route Highlights
Plan Your Journey
Use our tools to plan your itinerary and estimate costs for this route.