This post was originally published on A Globe Well Travelled in 2016. The content has been revised and updated with fresh information.
Reykjavik is a great little city, but you can’t come to Iceland without exploring some of the countryside.
On my trip, I based myself in Reykjavik and took two road trips out of the city — one around the Golden Circle, and one along Iceland’s South Coast. While both were incredible, the South Coast ended up being my favourite.
This stretch of coastline is packed with some of Iceland’s most iconic scenery. You’ll find powerful waterfalls, black sand beaches, dramatic cliffs, and wide open landscapes that feel completely otherworldly.
If you’re planning a trip to Iceland and want to see some of the country’s most impressive natural sights, setting aside a day for this Iceland South Coast itinerary is absolutely worth it.
Quick summary:
This Iceland South Coast itinerary covers a full-day road trip from Reykjavik, including waterfalls, a black sand beach, a plane wreck and scenic coastal viewpoints — plus practical tips to help you plan your route and make the most of your time.
Recommended tours:
🚍 South Coast Day Tour from Reykjavik – Ideal if you want to see the highlights without renting a car.
🚌 Solheimasandur Plane Wreck Shuttle – Skip the long walk with a quick shuttle transfer.
🧊 Guided Glacier Hike on Sólheimajökull – Explore a real glacier with an expert guide.
Is the Iceland South Coast worth visiting?
Short answer: absolutely — especially if it’s your first time in Iceland.
Of the two day trips I did from Reykjavik, the South Coast stood out the most. The landscapes feel bigger, more dramatic, and more varied than the Golden Circle. You’re constantly pulling over for another waterfall, another viewpoint, or another stretch of coastline that looks completely different from the last.
If you only have time for one road trip outside Reykjavik, this is the one I’d prioritise.
Can you do the Iceland South Coast in one day?
Yes — but it will be a full day.
It takes around 2 hours and 15 minutes to drive from Reykjavik to Vik without stops, but realistically you’ll be stopping constantly. Between waterfalls, viewpoints and photo stops, this easily turns into a 10–12 hour day.
I didn’t follow a strict order for this itinerary. Instead, I stopped at a few places on the way to Vik, had lunch in town, and then visited a few more spots on the way back — which worked really well.
Self-drive vs tour: which is better?
We rented a car for this Iceland road trip, as driving gave us the most flexibility. Renting a car allowed us to move at our own pace, spend longer at places we loved, and skip anything that didn’t interest us as much. The roads are generally easy to navigate, and the route is very straightforward. Consider renting a car through a reputable Iceland car rental service for your journey – it’s easy to collect a car from Keflavik Airport to use for your trip.
Iceland South Coast day tour
That said, if you’re short on time or not confident driving in Icelandic conditions, a guided South Coast day tour is a great alternative. It takes the stress out of planning and still covers all the major highlights.
🚍 This South Coast Full Day Tour from Reykjavik is a good choice if you are short on time and want to access all of the best Iceland attractions on the south coast without navigating the roads on your own.
Iceland South Coast itinerary stops:
- Seljalandsfoss (waterfall)
- Seljavallalaug Zwembad (thermal pool)
- Skógafoss (waterfall)
- Solheimasandur (plane wreck)
- Dyrhólaey (vista point)
- Reynisfjara (black sand beach)
- Vik (coastal town)
This was the route I followed on my South Coast road trip. You don’t have to stick to this exact order, but these are some of the best stops to include in your day.
Things to do on Iceland’s South Coast:
Seljalandsfoss waterfall
This was one of the first major stops on the drive, and it’s hard to miss. We spotted the waterfall from the road long before we arrived at the parking lot.
What makes Seljalandsfoss special is that you can actually walk behind the falls. It’s a short, easy path, but you will get wet from the spray — I’d definitely recommend bringing a spray jacket.
It doesn’t take long to explore here (around 20–30 minutes), but it’s one of those places that really sticks with you.
Seljavallalaug Zwembad thermal pool
We unfortunately didn’t have time to include Seljavallalaug in our itinerary, but this swimming pool is one of the oldest swimming pools in Iceland (built in 1923). Tucked into a valley surrounded by mountains, it’s more of a hidden gem compared to the more crowded tourist spots.
It’s free to visit, but getting there requires a short walk (around 15–20 minutes each way). Apparently there aren’t any proper facilities here — no showers or change rooms — but that secluded setting is what makes it special.
Skógafoss waterfall
Skógafoss is easily one of the most impressive waterfalls in Iceland. The sheer scale of it is what stands out — the water crashes down with so much force that there’s a constant mist rising from the base. On a sunny day, you can apparently see rainbows forming in the spray.
You can view it from the base, or climb the stairs up to the top for a completely different perspective, which is what we did. If you’ve got the time (and the energy), I would definitely recommend doing both as the elevated views are just as amazing.
Solheimasandur plane wreck
This was probably one of the most unique stops on the South Coast of Iceland.
The remains of a US military plane that crashed in 1973 sit out on a vast black sand plain, creating a really eerie but photogenic scene. It’s become a popular spot, especially for photography.
Getting to Sólheimasandur is the tricky part. When I visited, there was no signage — just a gravel parking area on the side of the road. From there, it was about a 40-minute walk each way across a completely flat, very monotonous landscape.
I’ll be honest — the walk felt long and a bit boring, but these days, there’s a much easier option. A shuttle bus now runs from the parking area out to the plane wreck, which saves a lot of time and makes the visit far more enjoyable.
🚌 If you’d rather skip the long walk, you can book the Solheimasandur plane wreck shuttle here — it’s a quick and convenient way to reach the site without the hike.
Dyrhólaey vista point
Dyrhólaey offers some of the best coastal views along the South Coast. From the top of the headland, you can see sweeping views of the black sand beaches, cliffs, and the ocean stretching out into the distance. There’s also a large rock arch just offshore, which is where the area gets its name.
If you’re visiting in summer, you may also be lucky enough to spot puffins nesting along the cliffs!
Reynisfjara black sand beach
This is one of the most famous black sand beaches in Iceland. The contrast between the dark sand, crashing waves, and towering basalt columns creates a really dramatic landscape.
We spent about 30-45 minutes here walking along the beach, exploring the caves, and climbing over rocks for some fun photos.
Be sure to keep an eye on the ocean here — the waves are unpredictable and strong, which can be dangerous if you’re standing close to the shore.
Vik coastal town
Vik is a small coastal town that makes a good stopping point for lunch or a quick break.
It’s known for its picturesque church sitting on a hill overlooking the town, and there are a few cafes and places to grab something to eat. We stopped here partway through the day, stopped in at Halldorskaffi for a bite to eat, then continued on with the rest of the itinerary back to Reykjavik.
If you have more time, Vik can also be a good place to stay overnight instead of rushing back to Reykjavik.
🧊 From Vik, there are more exciting activities that you can do on the south coast. I didn’t have time to try it, but a Guided Hike on Sólheimajökull Glacier from Vik looks absolutely amazing!
Tips for driving Iceland’s South Coast
One of the biggest things I’d recommend is filling up your fuel tank before leaving Reykjavik. Petrol stations become less frequent once you’re out on the road.
It’s also worth starting early. There’s a lot to see along the South Coast, and the day can disappear quickly if you’re stopping often (which you probably will be). We didn’t arrive back in Reykjavik until around 9PM.
Finally, be mindful of the environment. Iceland has become incredibly popular, and with that comes the risk of overtourism. Stick to marked paths and respect the natural surroundings so these places stay just as impressive for future visitors.
FAQ: Iceland South Coast itinerary
How long do you need for the Iceland South Coast?
One full day is enough to see the main highlights as a return trip from Reykjavik, but it is a long day. If you prefer a slower pace, consider staying overnight in Vik.
What is the best time to visit Iceland’s South Coast?
Summer has longer daylight hours and easier driving conditions, while winter can bring snow, ice and more challenging roads — but also fewer crowds and a chance to see the Northern Lights.
Do you need a 4WD for the South Coast?
In summer, a standard car is usually fine for this route. In winter, a 4WD is recommended due to snow and icy conditions.
Can you visit the South Coast without a car?
Yes — guided day tours from Reykjavik are popular with tourists visiting Iceland and cover all the major stops without the need to drive yourself.
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