South Coast
Go for waterfalls you can walk behind, a black sand beach near Vík, and glacier ice floating in Jökulsárlón lagoon.
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Iceland's south coast is the stretch of Route 1, the Ring Road, that runs east from Reykjavík along the island's southern edge. It passes well-known waterfalls, including Seljalandsfoss, where a path leads behind the falling water, and Skógafoss, a wide fall that often sends spray across the walkway. Farther east, Reynisfjara black sand beach sits near Vík, and the road continues to Jökulsárlón, a glacier lagoon where ice drifts toward the sea.
Reykjavík to Jökulsárlón is roughly 370 km, about five hours of driving without stops, so plan two to three nights if you want to stop at the falls and the beach. Summer has long daylight, but the weather changes fast here, and strong wind can disrupt driving and beach visits. Sneaker waves at Reynisfjara can reach far up the sand, so stay well back from the water. Drive by daylight, check road conditions before you leave, and expect slow traffic at the busiest stops.
South Coast in five
- Stay well back from the waves at ReynisfjaraSneaker waves run far up the beach without warning and have swept visitors into the sea. Keep well back and never turn your back on the water.
- Allow 5 hours to JökulsárlónThe glacier lagoon is about 370 km from Reykjavík. As a day trip it is rushed; stay a night near Vík or Höfn instead.
- Walk on glaciers only with a guideSólheimajökull and other glacier tongues have crevasses and meltwater channels. Book a guided walk with crampons; do not step onto the ice alone.
- Expect to pay for parkingSeljalandsfoss charges for parking, and other busy stops along Route 1 do too. Keep a card handy.
- Watch the wind warningsGusts around Vík and under the glaciers can rip car doors. Check vedur.is for yellow and orange warnings and hold doors with both hands.
Things to do in South Coast
See all attractions in South Coast
Need to know
- Airport
- Keflavík (KEF), about 2–2.5 hours to Seljalandsfoss
- Getting there
- Route 1 east from Reykjavík, about 2 hours to Seljalandsfoss
- Getting around
- Rental car or tour; buses are few and slow
- Best base
- Vík or Hella for the falls, Höfn for the lagoon
- Time needed
- 2–3 days to reach Jökulsárlón
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryStorms, short days
- FebruaryIce caves, lights
- MarchIce, longer days
- AprilCool, quiet
- MayGreen, quiet
- JuneLong light
- JulyWarmest, busy
- AugustBusy
- SeptemberLights return
- OctoberWet, windy
- NovemberStorms
- DecemberDarkest
Right now in South Coast
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
9
- Feels like
- 3°
- Humidity
- 94%
- Wind
- 35 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 100%
South Coast
10:42 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today9°8°100%Monday: Drizzle. High 9°, Low 8°. Chance of rain 100%.
- Tue9°6°100%Tuesday: Rain. High 9°, Low 6°. Chance of rain 100%.
- Wed8°4°25%Wednesday: Drizzle. High 8°, Low 4°. Chance of rain 25%.
- Thu9°5°91%Thursday: Rain. High 9°, Low 5°. Chance of rain 91%.
- Fri8°7°51%Friday: Rain. High 8°, Low 7°. Chance of rain 51%.
- Sat8°6°79%Saturday: Drizzle. High 8°, Low 6°. Chance of rain 79%.
- Sun8°3°85%Sunday: Rain. High 8°, Low 3°. Chance of rain 85%.
Updated 09:45 PM local time · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 121.8 ISK
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Every year
- AugReykjavík PrideReykjavík, a day trip
Day trips by train
- Heimaey35-minute ferry from LandeyjahöfnPuffins, the 1973 eruption story and a harbor town off the coast.Read the guide
- Southeast Icelandeast of Vík on Route 1Skaftafell, Jökulsárlón and Höfn, the glacier side of the same road.Read the guide
- Golden Circlea separate day north of Route 1Þingvellir, Geysir and Gullfoss, usually from Reykjavík.Read the guide
Before you go to South Coast
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Rules for South Coast, checked
- Iceland is in the Schengen Area. Check entry requirements on the Directorate of Immigration site (utl.is) before you fly.Source
- Driving off marked roads is banned, and F-roads need a 4x4. Check road status on road.is before you set out.Source
- Stay on marked paths. Moss is fragile and can take decades to recover after it is trampled.
- Strong gusts can tear car doors out of your hands on this coast. Check the forecast on vedur.is and hold the door with both hands.Source
Plan around South Coast
Regions, driving, weather and money
Read the guideReykjavíkBase city, 2 hours to Seljalandsfoss
Read the guideGolden CircleThe shorter loop north of Route 1
Read the guideBest time to visit IcelandDaylight, aurora and road conditions by month
Read the guideInsurance for IcelandCover for storms and rental car damage
Read the guideDriving and transportRental cars, tours and buses
Read the guideSouth Coast FAQ
Can you do the south coast as a day trip from Reykjavík?
To Vík and back, yes, in a long day of about 6 hours' driving. Jökulsárlón is too far for a comfortable day; stay one or two nights.
Is Reynisfjara dangerous?
Yes. Sneaker waves arrive without warning and the currents are strong. Stay well up the beach, away from the water's edge, and follow the warning signs.
When are the ice caves open?
Natural ice caves in Vatnajökull are usually visited from about November to March, only with guides, and they change every season.
How many days do you need on the Iceland south coast?
Two nights is a good minimum: one near Vík for the falls and the black beach, one near Höfn or Skaftafell for Jökulsárlón and glacier walks. A single long day only reaches Vík comfortably.
Do I need a 4x4 on the south coast?
Not on Route 1, which is paved year-round, though ice can close it briefly in winter. A 4x4 is only needed for F-roads into the highlands, which are closed in winter and illegal to drive in a normal car.