What Not to Miss While Driving the South Coast in Iceland

Iceland’s south coast has some of the most breathtaking scenery in the country. A road trip is a great option if you’re looking for a flexible and fully customisable means of seeing its popular and off-the-beaten-track sights. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the places you might consider including in your itinerary. Rent a car from us and make this dream road trip a reality.

Selfoss

Foodies will be keen to make a pitstop in Selfoss, where the Old Dairy has been successfully converted into a lovely food hall. This former factory has been around for almost a hundred years, but its current function has breathed new life into the place. Street food from around the globe can be purchased at various eateries.

For something more quintessentially Icelandic, consider detouring south through the hills to Stokkseyri. Here, you’ll find one of the best places in the country to eat langoustines, whether you order a bowl of delicious soup or chunks of this meaty shellfish sautéed with lashings of garlic and butter.

Keldur

If you’re keen to experience what it’s like to drive on a gravel road, then take a short detour inland to the Keldur Turf House Museum. This centuries-old farm has been rebuilt many times since its first incarnation in the 11th century. Today, it’s been converted into a fascinating museum where you can explore what it would have been like to live and work there. The interconnected buildings are half-buried into the hillside, and rooms lead from one to another without the need to step outside.

Seljalandsfoss

Continue east until you reach one of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls. You’ve probably heard about Seljalandsfoss, as it’s known for the short trail that leads behind the curtain of water. Located almost right on the ring road – you’ll see it before you turn off – it’s easy to make a quick pitstop.

If you can spare the time, take a stroll to its neighbour, Gljufrabui. Tucked away in a cleft in the rock, it’s hidden from sight but a stellar surprise. If you’ve rented a 4x4 and are travelling in the summer, you might also consider continuing inland to verdant Þórsmörk.

Westman Islands

Another enticing prospect is to hop on the car ferry over to Heimaey in the Westman Islands. Seeing its main sights in a day is doable, but you’ll appreciate stopping for the night to fit in more. At the edge of the harbour, there’s a small sea life sanctuary that’s home to a couple of rescued Beluga whales; the island is also home to a sizeable puffin colony – these cute and comical birds migrate here to nest in the summer months.

Take a boat trip to see Elephant Rock and Klettshellir, a large cave renowned for its excellent acoustics. Back on dry land, hike over the lava flows to the summit of Eldfell, a volcanic cone created during the 1973 eruption.

Skógafoss

Back on the mainland, you’ll soon reach another fabulous attraction, Skógafoss. This 60-metre high waterfall is much broader than Seljalandsfoss. Although you can’t get behind the curtain of water, you can climb a set of steps beside it to view the waterfall from above.

A trail leads inland alongside the river, but if you are keen to get on with your road trip, content yourself by seeing where you’re going to be driving. The views along the south coast are incredible on a fine day. This waterfall is the darling of selfie-snappers too, as it often has a rainbow over it – sometimes even a double rainbow.

Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck

One of the more unusual landmarks on the south coast is the Sólheimasandur plane wreck. This US Navy DC-3 was a cargo plane that came down in bad weather more than 50 years ago.

Fortunately, there was no loss of life, but the plane itself was never recovered, and what’s left of it sits where it landed. You used to be able to drive out to the weathered, abandoned fuselage, but to preserve the surrounding landscape, it’s now accessible only on foot or by shuttle bus. If you’re keen to pack as much as possible into your road trip, then consider booking the latter.

Dyrhólaey

It’s a little more than a ten-minute drive to Dyrhólaey, but this place has a very different appeal. This rocky peninsula juts out to sea; wave action has eroded a sizeable arch right the way through it. It’s possible to drive right up to the top and then walk out on top of the promontory.

It’s also an important nature reserve, and for parts of the year, such as in late spring and early summer, when the birds are nesting, some areas might be off-limits to protect the species you find here.

Reynisfjara

This part of the south coast gets a battering from the waves, which is the reason why nearby Reynisfjara has earned such a reputation for danger. This strip of black sand abuts a rocky headland, beyond which you’ll notice some gnarly sea stacks called Reynisdrangar. Legend has it that these rocks are petrified trolls that were caught out by the rising sun.

At the back of the beach is a towering cave flanked by basalt columns, what’s left of an ancient lava flow. But it’s the beach itself that people come for. The prevalence of sneaker waves – large, powerful, and unexpected – has led to the installation of a traffic light system to ensure access to the shore is only permitted when safe.

Vík

From here, the Ring Road drops down into the charming village of Vik. You’ll know when you reach this small settlement as its iconic hilltop church is an easy landmark to spot. There is an abundance of accommodation, restaurants, and tour providers here, making this the gateway to Mýrdalsjökull.

On the glacier, you might ride a snowmobile or visit one of its glittering ice caves. Park up and go for a thrilling spin in a buggy or an ATV; super jeep tours are equally exciting. A more sedate but no less fun option is a horse riding tour along the black sand of Víkurfjara beach – a family-friendly choice.

Fjaðrárgljúfur

Route 1 continues east through the vast Eldhraun lava field, formed during a massive volcanic eruption of Laki in the late 18th century. Wait until you get to a designated car park to take a closer look, and never walk on the fragile moss-covered rock. Before long, you’ll reach one of South Iceland’s most impressive sights, Fjaðrárgljúfur.

Over the years, a silvery stream has carved a serpentine path around verdant interlocking spurs, creating one of the most magical river valleys in the country. It’s hard to imagine how such a small amount of water could create this plunging canyon, but nature’s a patient thing.

Svartifoss

If you’re keen to break your journey and stretch your legs, then consider building in some time at Skaftafell. The most popular hike is undoubtedly the one that leads to Svartifoss waterfall, a remarkable sight with its array of basalt columns blackened by the spray.

The trail’s manageable for anyone in reasonable shape, though the path can be uneven in places, so ensure you have suitable footwear, particularly in winter when ice can make it slippery. This is also where you’ll find three other waterfalls: Magnúsarfoss, Hundafoss, and Þjófafoss, which are the pre-show for the main event. Loop back to the car via the historic turf houses of Sel.

If you’re planning to continue your journey beyond the south coast, make sure to read our guide on driving in East Iceland for tips and must-see locations in that spectacular region.

Fjallsárlón and Jökulsárlón

This twin pair of glacial lagoons is a must for any traveller who’s driving along the south coast of Iceland. Glacial retreat has led to the formation of two spectacular lakes. The outlet glaciers of the Vatnajökull ice sheet calve into the water as icebergs that bob around on the water.

Curious and playful seals often swim around them, making either Fjallsárlón or Jökulsárlón a great place to take a Zodiac boat trip once the winter is behind you. Amphibious boats also head out onto Jökulsárlón throughout the summer. Don’t leave before heading across the road to Diamond Beach, where Atlantic breakers wash chunks of ice onto a strip of black sand.

Höfn makes a convenient base where you can enjoy a seafood dinner in Iceland’s Lobster Capital and mull over the highlights of the road trip you’ve just completed. The country’s extraordinary south coast awaits. It’s never too early to prepare, so why not get in touch now and let us provide your vehicle?