The South Coast

The region that stretches from the outskirts of Reykjavík along the southern coastline towards Vík and further east is one of the most visited regions in Iceland due to its concentration of natural wonders, historical sites, and cultural landmarks.

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Explore The South Coast

Visiting the South Coast of Iceland is an unforgettable experience, offering a glimpse into the island’s dramatic natural beauty and geological marvels from majestic waterfalls and black sand beaches to glaciers and volcanic landscapes.
Due to its proximity to Reykjavik and the most accessible part of the Ring Road (Route 1) to most attractions, the South Coast is extremely popular with visitors and can get very crowded. Booking in advance is advisable during peak tourist season.
Winter provides fewer crowds, the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights, and unique icy landscapes, though some attractions might be less accessible due to snow or ice.
Also, even so the south can have milder weather than other parts of Iceland always be prepare for rain, wind, and cold snaps.

The South Coast

“Ox Foot Waterfall,” is a relatively lesser-known waterfall in Iceland, located near the town of Vík in the southern part of the country. It’s a moderately low volume waterfall, cascading down a narrow chasm with high cliffs, dropping about 45 meters in several distinct steps.

Laufskálavarða translates to “Laufskáli Cairns,” referring to a farmstead named Laufskáli, which was destroyed by a volcanic eruption from Katla in 894 AD. These stone piles were traditionally built by travelers crossing the Mýrdalssandur desert for the first time. The act of building a cairn here was believed to bring good luck for the journey.

The southernmost village is Vik, known for its picturesque setting and the iconic Reyniskirkja church. It is serving as a tourist hub with many accommodation options, a small shopping center and many restaurants. It is a great base for exploring the surrounding areas.

Near Vík, known for its black sand, basalt columns, and the mystical sea stacks called Reynisdrangar. Be cautious of “sneaker waves” here.

The cave is situated at the eastern end of Reynisfjara black sand beach, which is accessible directly from the Ring Road (Route 1). It is a basalt column cave, formed by the cooling of lava flows into hexagonal shapes, which are then eroded over time by the sea to create the cave’s structure. It’s a relatively shallow cave but notable for its dramatic entrance lined with hexagonal basalt columns, reminiscent of other famous basalt formations in Iceland like those at Svartifoss.

A promontory with a natural arch, offering panoramic views of the coast, ideal for bird watching, especially puffins in summer. Dyrhólaey is located near the town of Vík, accessible via the Ring Road (Route 1). From Route 1, take a turnoff towards Dyrhólaey, which leads to a parking area at the base of the cliff. There’s a road up to the top, but during nesting season (usually from late April to mid-June), access to the top might be restricted to protect nesting seabirds. The most iconic feature of Dyrhólaey is its large natural arch, through which small boats can pass at high tide. The name “Dyrhólaey” translates roughly to “Door Hill Island,” referring to this arch.

Mýrdalsjökull is accessible from the Ring Road (Route 1), but direct exploration requires venturing off the main roads. Several outlets of the glacier, like Sólheimajökull, are more easily accessible for tourists. Mýrdalsjökull covers an area of about 590 km². It’s an ice cap that sits atop the Katla volcano, which influences the glacier’s behavior and appearance.

An outlet glacier of Mýrdalsjökull. A popular spot for guided glacier hikes, where you can walk on the ice with crampons, exploring crevasses and ice formations. Some tours also offer ice climbing experiences on the glacier’s outlets.

Skógar is a small village on Iceland’s South Coast, renowned for its natural attractions, particularly Skógafoss waterfall, but also for its museum and the surrounding hiking opportunities. Skógar Museum (Skógasafn) showcases history with artifacts from daily life, fishing, farming, and more. An open-air museum with reconstructed turf houses and other traditional buildings, offering insight into historical Icelandic living conditions.

Skógafoss drops 60 meters (197 feet) and spans 25 meters (82 feet) wide, making it one of the largest waterfalls in Iceland by volume. The waterfall originates from the river Skógá, which flows from the Eyjafjallajökull glacier. A staircase next to waterfall leads to the top for spectacular views. The hike beyond the top leads to more waterfalls. It typically takes around 45 minutes to an hour to reach the falls, depending on your pace.
Legend of Þrasi’s Gold – Þrasi Þórólfsson was a settler who lived near Skógafoss. Before his death, he hid a chest full of gold and treasures behind the waterfall. He buried the chest in a cave behind the falls, but according to the legend, he didn’t share the exact location with anyone. It is said that one can still see the glint of gold behind the waterfall on sunny days, but no one has successfully claimed the treasure since Þrasi’s sons.

Fosstorfufoss is accessible by hiking upstream from Skógafoss. After climbing the staircase to the top of Skógafoss, you continue along the path that follows the Skógá river. Fosstorfufoss has a drop of about 10 meters (33 feet), making it less imposing than Skógafoss but still picturesque.

Turf houses have been part of Icelandic architecture since the Viking Age, with their use continuing well into the 20th century. Turf houses typically had low, rounded walls with turf roofs, blending into the landscape. They were practical solutions to the challenges of Iceland’s harsh climate and limited resources.

Eyjafjallajökull covers about 100 km², with the glacier’s highest point reaching 1,666 meters (5,466 feet). Is famous for its 2010 eruption that caused widespread disruption to air travel in Europe due to the ash cloud. It was preceded by an eruption under the glacier’s ice cap, leading to jökulhlaups (floods caused by melting ice). Many guided tours are available from Reykjavík or nearby towns, offering glacier hikes, ice cave explorations (in winter), and volcano tours.

Sometimes referred to as Árjánurfoss, plunges about 41 meters (135 feet), though its width is relatively narrow, offering a concentrated stream of water. The waterfall is set within a mossy, basalt gorge, providing a picturesque setting. The spray from the fall adds to the atmosphere, especially on windy days.

Famous for the path that goes behind the waterfall, allowing a unique 360-degree view from behind the falling water, though it is quite wet and slippery. The waterfall drops 60 meters (197 feet), creating a spectacular sight. It’s particularly magical at sunset or sunrise. Very crowded.

Gljúfrabúi, also known as Gljúfrafoss or Gljúfrarfoss, is an enchanting waterfall in South Iceland, known for its hidden and somewhat mystical nature. A narrow path leads into the gorge where Gljúfrabúi is hidden. You’ll cross a small stream and might need to step on stones or through shallow water to proceed. The waterfall drops about 40 meters (131 feet) into a cave-like setting, making it partially hidden from view until you’re quite close. Very crowded.

Oddakirkja is situated near the village of Hvolsvöllur, off the Ring Road (Route 1). Oddakirkja has been a church site since the early days of Christianity in Iceland, with the current structure built in 1924. The church is constructed in a traditional Icelandic style with a white exterior, featuring a simple yet elegant design. It’s one of the last wooden churches built in Iceland before concrete became the predominant material.

Urriðafoss is renowned for being one of the country’s most voluminous waterfalls, despite its relatively low height. With an average flow of 360 m³/s, it’s the most voluminous waterfall in Iceland. The Þjórsá River, where Urriðafoss resides, is the longest in the country, contributing to the waterfall’s impressive water flow.

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Other Regions of Iceland
Reykjanes Peninsula
Golden Circle
Snaefellsnes
Westfjords
NorthWest
North
East&SouthEast
Heimaey Island
Other Regions of Iceland
Reykjanes Peninsula
Golden Circle
Snaefellsnes
Westfjords
NorthWest
North
East&SouthEast
Heimaey Island
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