Attractions in South Coast (waterfalls, glaciers, Vik)
The land of fire and ice: Waterfalls, black sands, and diamond beaches 🧊🌊
Showing 44 attractions · Sorted by importance
Dyrhólaey
📍 Vík í Mýrdal
⛱ BeachA dramatic promontory offering panoramic views of the coast and a massive natural rock arch that kids love spotting from above.
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
📍 Höfn
🌲 NatureA deep lagoon filled with blue icebergs that have calved from the Vatnajökull glacier, often featuring seals swimming between blocks.
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
📍 Vík í Mýrdal
⛱ BeachA world-famous beach with striking basalt columns and black volcanic sand that fascinates visitors of all ages.
Seljalandsfoss
📍 Hvolsvöllur
🌲 NatureA unique waterfall where visitors can walk on a path behind the falling water for a 360-degree view.
Skaftafell (Vatnajökull National Park)
📍 Kirkjubæjarklaustur
🌲 NatureA hiking paradise featuring the Svartifoss waterfall, which is framed by striking hexagonal basalt columns.
Skógafoss
📍 Skógar
🌲 NatureOne of Iceland's biggest waterfalls, featuring a 60-meter drop and a staircase leading to a panoramic observation platform.
Svartifoss
📍 Skaftafell
🏛 LandmarkAn iconic waterfall in Vatnajökull National Park framed by hanging black basalt columns that inspired Icelandic architecture.
The Golden Circle (Gullni hringurinn)
📍 Circular
🚗 Road Trip230km paved loop (1 day) from Reykjavik. This world-famous route explores the southern uplands, featuring Þingvellir National Park's tectonic rift, the Geysir geothermal area with the erupting Strokkur geyser, and the massive Gullfoss waterfall.
The Ring Road (Route 1)
📍 Circular
🚗 Road Trip1,322km paved highway (7-10 days) circling the entire island. The southern segment is world-famous for its access to Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, the village of Vík, Reynisfjara black sand beach, Skaftafell, and the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon.
Diamond Beach
📍 Höfn
⛱ BeachA stunning shoreline where glittering icebergs from the lagoon wash up on black sand, creating a magical playground for photography.
Fimmvörðuháls Trail
📍 Skógar
🥾 Hiking & Cycling25.7km challenging 1-2 day trek from Skógar to Þórsmörk with 1,000m elevation gain. Features 26 waterfalls, volcanic craters, and a mountain pass between two glaciers. Equipment rental: Iceland Camping Equipment (icelandcampingequipment.com). Guided MTB tours (expert only): Icebike Adventures (icebikeadventures.com).
Friðheimar
📍 Reykholt
🐄 FarmA world-renowned tomato farm and horse breeding center where visitors dine in a greenhouse and watch Icelandic horse shows.
Icelandic Lava Show
📍 Vík í Mýrdal
🔬 ScienceAn educational discovery centre where visitors witness molten lava reaching 1100 degrees Celsius being poured over ice in a controlled indoor environment.
LAVA Centre
📍 Hvolsvöllur
🔬 ScienceA state-of-the-art interactive museum dedicated to the tectonic and volcanic forces that created Iceland, featuring real-time seismic monitoring.
Sea Life Trust Beluga Whale Sanctuary
📍 Vestmannaeyjar
🦁 ZooA world-first marine sanctuary and aquarium that provides a home for rescued beluga whales and operates a dedicated rehabilitation center for injured puffins.
Secret Lagoon (Gamla Laugin)
📍 Flúðir
♨ Hot Spring38-40°C naturally heated geothermal pool, the oldest swimming pool in Iceland (built 1891), featuring active steam vents and a small geyser on-site. Includes modern showers and a cafe.
Skaftafell Visitor Centre
📍 Skaftafell
🧗 AdventureThe primary outdoor activity hub for Vatnajökull National Park, offering family-friendly glacier hiking, ice climbing, and trails to the basalt-columned Svartifoss waterfall.
Skógá Trail (Waterfall Way)
📍 Skógar
🥾 Hiking & Cycling16.0km moderate 5-6 hour out-and-back trail with 600m elevation gain. This is the first section of the Fimmvörðuháls trail, following the Skógá River upstream past 26 unique waterfalls. Can be shortened to any distance.
Svartifoss and Sjónarnípa Loop
📍 Skaftafell
🥾 Hiking & Cycling7.4km moderate 3-hour loop with 250m elevation gain. Leads to the famous Svartifoss waterfall framed by hexagonal basalt columns and provides panoramic views of the Skaftafellsjökull glacier tongue. Equipment rental: Icelandic Mountain Guides (mountainguides.is).
The South Coast Route
📍 Selfoss
🚗 Road Trip401km paved route (2-3 days) from Selfoss to Höfn along Route 1. This scenic road trip highlights the spectacular waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, the dramatic basalt sea stacks at Vík, and the iceberg-filled Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon.
Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
📍 Kirkjubæjarklaustur
🌲 NatureA breathtaking ancient canyon about 100 meters deep and 2 kilometers long with sheer walls and a winding river.
Keldur Turf House
📍 Hella
🏰 CastleOne of Iceland's oldest and most significant preserved medieval turf farms, featuring traditional sod architecture and a secret underground tunnel.
Seljavallalaug
📍 Skógar
♨ Hot Spring20-30°C geothermally heated mountain pool, built in 1923 and nestled in a dramatic valley. Fed by a natural hillside spring, it features basic changing facilities and spectacular volcanic views.
Ingólfshöfði Puffin Tour
📍 Hofsnes
🐄 FarmA unique nature excursion involving a tractor-drawn hay cart ride across black sand flats to a remote cape teeming with puffins.
Kristinartindar Peaks Trail
📍 Skaftafell
🥾 Hiking & Cycling17.9km challenging 7-9 hour hike with 1,000m elevation gain. A strenuous climb in Vatnajökull National Park offering 360-degree views of the surrounding glaciers, mountain ridges, and the black sand plains of the south coast.
Múlagljúfur Canyon Trail
📍 Öræfi
🥾 Hiking & Cycling5.8km moderate 2.5-hour out-and-back trail with 370m elevation gain. Offers spectacular views of Hangandifoss and Múlafoss waterfalls within a deep, verdant canyon, overlooking the Fjallsárlón glacier lagoon region.
Reykjadalur Thermal River
📍 Hveragerði
♨ Hot Spring38-40°C natural hot river where geothermal water blends with a cold stream. Set in a volcanic valley accessible via a 3-kilometer hike, featuring wooden boardwalks for changing and access.
Selfoss Swimming Centre
📍 Selfoss
🌊 Water ParkA large geothermal aquatic centre featuring multiple water slides, children's splash areas, and steaming hot tubs ideal for families.
Slakki Petting Zoo
📍 Laugarás
🐄 FarmA charming family petting zoo featuring Icelandic farm animals, rabbits, and parrots, plus a mini-golf course and a cafe.
Solheimasandur Plane Wreck
📍 Vík í Mýrdal
🏛 LandmarkThe haunting silver remains of a US Navy aircraft resting on a desolate black sand beach, creating a striking landmark.
The Reykjanes Circle
📍 Circular
🚗 Road Trip300km paved sightseeing route (1 day) exploring the volcanic Reykjanes Peninsula. Key highlights include the Blue Lagoon, the Bridge Between Continents, the Gunnuhver geothermal field, and the dramatic coastline near Valahnúkamöl.
Víkurkirkja
📍 Vík í Mýrdal
🏛 LandmarkAn iconic white church with a bright red roof that sits on a hill overlooking the coastal village and the ocean.
Víkurfjara
📍 Vík í Mýrdal
⛱ BeachThe serene black sand beach located right in the village of Vik, offering accessible views of the iconic Reynisdrangar sea stacks.
Brunnhóll Farm
📍 Höfn
🐄 FarmA family-run dairy farm near the glaciers where visitors can see the cows and enjoy homemade 'Jöklaís' ice cream.
Hjörleifshöfði Hike
📍 Vík í Mýrdal
🥾 Hiking & Cycling7.0km moderate 2-hour loop with 220m elevation gain. This trail circles a massive palagonite mountain standing alone on the Mýrdalssandur black sand plain. Includes the 'Yoda Cave' and ruins of an old farmstead.
Hvolsvöllur Swimming Pool
📍 Hvolsvöllur
🌊 Water ParkA popular stop for families featuring an outdoor geothermal pool with a 47.5-metre water slide and two hot tubs for relaxation near major waterfalls.
LÁ Art Museum (Listasafn Árnesinga)
📍 Hveragerði
🖼 Art GalleryA contemporary art museum featuring rotating exhibitions by Icelandic and international artists in a modern, light-filled space.
Reynisfjall Loop
📍 Vík í Mýrdal
🥾 Hiking & Cycling7.1km moderate 2.5-hour loop with 300m elevation gain. A steep ascent onto the tuff mountain overlooking the town of Vík, providing bird's-eye views of Reynisdrangar sea stacks and the Dyrhólaey promontory. Bike rental: Vik Bike Adventure (vikbike.is).
Sel Turf House
📍 Skaftafell
🏰 CastleA beautifully preserved cluster of early 20th-century turf farm buildings located on a scenic hiking trail within Vatnajökull National Park.
Skeiðará Bridge Monument
📍 Skaftafell
🏛 LandmarkA dramatic memorial consisting of twisted steel girders salvaged from a bridge destroyed by a massive glacial flood in 1996.
Sveitagardurinn
📍 Hella
🐄 FarmA classic Icelandic farm park where families can interact with farm animals and enjoy the rural atmosphere in the Southern countryside.
