The South Coast is one of the most beautiful locations in Iceland, making it a popular choice for tourists to visit. Read on to learn about all the hottest spots on the South Coast of Iceland that you should plan to add to your itinerary for the Iceland vacation of a lifetime.
The South Coast of Iceland
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Iceland’s South Coast is absolutely jam-packed with amazing natural wonders to see and experience. It is impossible to see everything in one day; in fact, many visitors elect to take a 2 day tour around the South Coast to truly be able to experience all that this part of Iceland has to offer.
We had only a couple days to see all we could in Iceland, so we spent it wisely. Together we took a 12-hour guided tour along the South Coast and even hiked a glacier. We combined this tour with a separate Golden Circle tour and a stop at the Blue Lagoon on our short trip to Iceland in August. The stunning landscape on the drive around the South Coast of Iceland truly will take your breath away!
Below are some of the best must-see locations on the South Coast. We included a few that we didn’t get to see on our trip but would definitely add to our next vacation to Iceland.
Seljalandsfoss
Our first stop on our South Coast tour was Seljalandsfoss waterfall. You get to experience a perspective like no other when you actually venture behind the falls! This 200ft curtain of thundering water will absolutely take your breath away.
The Eyjafjallajokull glacier feeds Seljalandsfoss and this waterfall is a popular stop on Icelandic South Coast tours. You should expect to get wet here, so come prepared with waterproof boots, pants, and jacket.
Skogafoss
One of Iceland’s biggest and most imposing waterfalls is Skogafoss. With a height of nearly 200 feet and a span of 82 feet across, it’s no wonder this is a must-see stop on any South Coast tour.
Just to the right of this massive falls is a set of almost 500 stairs leading right to the top, where you will get the most unique bird’s-eye view of Skogafoss.
On sunny days the light bouncing off the mist produces the most incredible and vivid rainbows imaginable. If you decide to venture close to the falls you will get wet so make sure you come prepared with waterproof outerwear and hiking boots.
Solheimajokull
Solheimajokull glacier tongue is a surreal landscape on Iceland’s South Coast. It contains endless crevasses and ice formations for your exploration. Strap on crampons and a helmet, enjoy the sensations of crunching ice beneath your feet, and marvel at the breathtaking scenery.
Unfortunately, Solheimajokull glacier is shrinking rapidly, and it is estimated that it will be completely gone within a matter of a few decades. So we strongly recommend you get to Iceland and experience this natural wonder before it is gone for good.
Pro Tip: Quench your thirst by bringing a refillable water bottle to drink right from the melting glacier itself. It’s the purest, icy cold, refreshing water we’ve ever tasted.
Reynisfjara Beach
The world-famous black sand of Reynisfjara Beach is located on the South Coast of Iceland. This is easily one of their most popular must-see locations. National Geographic even listed it as one of the most beautiful beaches on the entire planet!
Here you can experience breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and absolutely stunning basalt stacks. Legend says these stacks were once trolls turned to stone. Here you can even catch a glimpse of beautiful little Puffins!
Be extremely cautious near the water, however, as what’s known as “sneaker waves” take many a tourist by surprise. Unfortunately these waves cause the occasional fatal accident. Never turn your back to the sea. Here you can marvel at nature, and also respect her power.
Additional Stops on the South Coast of Iceland
These next few popular stops on a South Coast tour are ones we definitely will be adding to our next trip to Iceland.
For even more ideas on what to see while you are in Iceland, read our post detailing our top 10 must-sees in Iceland in summer.
DC-3 Plane Wreck
In 1973, pilot Captain James Wicke was on a supply mission operating between Hofn Hornafjordur Airport and Stokksnes, Iceland. For reasons unknown, the plane crashed on the South Coast black sand beach of Solheimasandur.
Theories abound on the cause, ranging from ice in the engines, to pilot error while switching fuel tanks. Regardless of the cause of the crash, Wicke and passengers all escaped safely. Consequently, we now have an extremely photographic, albeit unusual site to enjoy.
In recent years, the popularity of the DC-3 wreck has soared. Justin Beiber even used this location for the music video of his 2005 song, “I’ll Show You”. It is not possible to drive all the way; you have to park and then either walk the 45-ish minutes to the wreck, or take a shuttle.
Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon is Iceland’s largest lake, reaching depths of over 800 feet. This is a very new lagoon, only forming in the 1930’s when the Breidamerkurjokull glacier started melting. 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 beauty of this special location has attracted filmmakers for decades, along with music artists looking for unique spots to film music videos. There is ample wildlife, and a plethora of tours you can partake in. When we next visit Iceland’s South Coast I would definitely like to try an amphibious boat tour or an ice cave tour.
Diamond Beach
Located near Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon on the South Coast of Iceland lays a strip of black sand unlike anywhere else. Diamond Beach belongs to the greater Breidamerkursandur glacial plain, and the icebergs that wash up on shore resemble brightly shining diamonds.
The stark contrast between the diamond-like chunks of ice and the dark expanse of black sands make this a favorite spot on the South Coast of Iceland. It’s probably one of the most sought-after beaches in Europe!
Any time of year is the right time to visit Diamond Beach. The Northern Lights glittering up above the ice-studded black beach would surely be a sight to behold. Or witnessing this unique contrasting landscape of the South Coast under the Midnight Sun could be an incredible experience.
If you decide to visit Iceland’s South Coast in summer, we’ve got everything you need to know about the weather in Iceland in August, and also have a complete summertime packing list for your trip.
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