The South Coast of Iceland is hands down one of the most breathtaking parts of the country. My husband and I got to explore it in August, and I was completely blown away by the dramatic landscapes, towering waterfalls, and otherworldly beaches.
It’s no wonder this area is one of the most popular destinations in Iceland.
If you’re planning a trip, check out my How To Plan A Trip To Iceland guide for step-by-step tips and insider advice.
Some links in this post may be affiliate links. This means that, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking on one of my links. You can read more in my disclaimer.
Why The South Coast Should Be On Your Iceland Itinerary
Iceland’s South Coast is packed with jaw-dropping natural wonders. Honestly, you could spend a week here and still not see everything. My husband and I only had a couple of days, so we took a 12-hour guided tour to hit the highlights, and it was amazing.
Many visitors (including us!) combine the South Coast with a Golden Circle tour and a stop at the Blue Lagoon. This way, you get a mix of waterfalls, glaciers, black sand beaches, and geothermal spas all in one trip.
The drive around the South Coast itself is stunning. There’s constantly changing scenery that will have you snapping photos every few minutes. So make sure you have a charger if you’re using your phone for pictures!
Below are some of the best must-see locations on the South Coast. I included a few that we didn’t get to see on our trip but would definitely add to our next vacation in Iceland.
It is impossible to see everything in one day; in fact, a lot of people wind up taking a 2 day tour around the South Coast to truly be able to experience all that this part of Iceland has to offer.
Walk Behind the Thundering Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
Seljalandsfoss is one of the few waterfalls where you can actually walk behind it. The 200-foot curtain of water thunders down in front of you, and standing behind it feels like being inside a living, moving crystal curtain.
The Eyjafjallajokull glacier feeds this waterfall, and it’s a stop on almost every South Coast tour.
Expect to get wet. Seriously.
Waterproof boots, pants, and a jacket are a must. My husband and I were prepared, and getting sprayed by the falls ended up being one of the highlights of our trip-it’s refreshing and so fun!
Here’s my Iceland packing list, to help you be extra prepared for your trip!
Stand in Awe at Skogafoss Waterfall
Just when I thought nothing could top Seljalandsfoss, we got to Skogafoss.
Skogafoss is enormous. At nearly 200 feet high and 82 feet wide, it’s one of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls.
There’s a staircase next to the falls with about 500 steps, but if you can handle that, the view from the top is incredible. You can look down over the edge and see the Skoga River winding toward the ocean.
If you’re lucky enough to visit on a sunny day (we were not), the mist creates vivid rainbows at the base, and it’s basically a photographer’s dream.
And if you walk close to the base, prepare to get soaked again. Waterproof clothes are pretty much a South Coast requirement!
Hike Across the Surreal Solheimajokull Glacier
Solheimajokull glacier is straight out of a fantasy movie. Endless ice formations, deep crevasses, and surreal textures make it feel like stepping onto another planet.
Like you can see in the photo above, my husband and I strapped on crampons and helmets and loved every minute of walking across the ice.
Keep in mind, though, this glacier is shrinking quickly. Our guide told us that Solheimajokull is melting fast and might disappear completely within a few decades, which made the experience feel even more special.
Expert Tip: bring a refillable water bottle because you can drink straight from the glacier. The water is icy cold, crisp, and so pure it might be the best water you’ll ever taste.
The Legendary Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
Next up for us was the famous Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, one of Iceland’s most photographed spots. National Geographic even listed it as one of the most beautiful beaches on the entire planet!
The black sand, huge basalt columns, and roaring Atlantic waves make it feel otherworldly.
According to legend, those dramatic sea stacks just offshore were once trolls turned to stone. We didn’t see any trolls, but we did spot puffins flying over the cliffs, which was just as awesome!
One important tip – never turn your back to the ocean here. Sneaker waves are no joke and can come up fast. Stay well back from the waterline and enjoy the view safely.
Other Incredible Stops on Iceland’s South Coast
Even though we packed a lot into our South Coast day, there were a few famous spots we didn’t have time to see. If you’ve got extra days in your itinerary, I’d definitely add these to your list.
For even more ideas on what to see while you are in Iceland, read my article detailing the top must-sees in Iceland in summer.
DC-3 Plane Wreck
This one is unusual but incredibly photogenic. In 1973, a DC-3 plane crashed on the black sand beach at Solheimasandur. Fortunately, everyone survived.
Today, it’s become a bucket-list spot for photographers and travelers. Justin Beiber even used this location for the music video of his 2005 song, “I’ll Show You”.
You can’t drive right to it, so be prepared for a 45-minute walk or take a shuttle service.
Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
Jokulsarlon is Iceland’s largest glacial lake, formed when the Breidamerkurjokull glacier started melting in the 1930’s. The lagoon has a very unique blue color, owing to the fact that it connects to the ocean, so it is comprised of both saltwater and freshwater.
The icy blue water is mesmerizing, and the lagoon is home to floating icebergs and a surprising amount of wildlife. It’s such a gorgeous and special location that filmmakers and musicians are known for filming here.
When we visit next, I’d love to try an amphibious boat tour or an ice cave tour.
Diamond Beach
Right near Jokulsarlon, Diamond Beach is a black sand beach dotted with chunks of ice that glisten like diamonds.
It’s the perfect place for photos, and the contrast between the dark sand and bright ice is stunning.
I can only imagine how magical this spot looks under the Midnight Sun or the Northern Lights. Even if you’re visiting in summer, it’s a must-see for its surreal beauty.
It’s also probably one of the most sought-after beaches in Europe!
Final Thoughts
Exploring Iceland’s South Coast was one of those travel days I’ll never forget. Between the waterfalls, glaciers, and wild landscapes, it truly felt like stepping onto another planet.
If you’re going to Iceland, the South Coast is a must. And once you’ve made your mind up about going, you need to check out my guides to help plan the rest of your Iceland adventure.
