The South coast

Glaciers, Waterfalls, and Beaches - water in every form

Jökulsárlón - close to the glacier

Walking behind waterfalls, kayaking between icebergs, going on glacier hikes, visiting ice caves, and strolling along black sand beaches – all that is possible in the south. 
Skógafoss, Seljalandsfoss or Gljúfrabúi – some of Iceland's most famous waterfalls are very close to the Ring Road and can be easily accessed.
Boat and kayak tours navigate between small icebergs at the Fjallsárlón and Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. They bring you close to Europe‘s largest glacier Vatnajökull.

Hiking in Nature Reserves and National Parks

The colorful mountains of Landmannalaugar

Kvernufoss waterfall

Vatnajökull National Park encompasses Skaftafell with magnificent views on the glacier in the south-east and Jökulsárgljúfur in the north as well as all of the Vatnajökull glacier, including Iceland‘s highest peak Hvannadalshnjúkur. In its vicinity, one can find stunningly beautiful hiking areas.

More hiking areas that are situated close to the South Coast include the colorful mountains of Landmannalaugar, with the famous hiking track Laugavegur, leading to the green valleys of Þórsmörk and onwards to Skógar by the coast. They all have their special
perks and a big selection of hiking trails for every difficulty level.

Lava, Lobsters and Lighthouses

Petrified trolls at Reynisfjara beach in Vík

Exploring the mysterious caves in Hella

The small towns along the South coast offer a lot of interesting cultural insights and culinary treasures.

You can start exploring them by visiting The South Coast Lighthouse trail.
In Þórlákshöfn, Eyrarbakki, and Stokkseyri the visit of three different lighthouses can be combined with exciting outdoor activities, delicious seafood and walks by the shore.

Further along the south coast, more museums and exhibitions about earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, elves, trolls, ghosts, and marine history offer their visitors insight into the dramatic and nature-dominated life of the past.

A culinary feast awaits fans of the langoustine, a small lobster species of which only the tails get eaten.

Prepared as soup, burger, or just with garlic butter – many delicious variations are available and the south coast restaurants will make sure, you never turn hungry. Höfn, the lobster capital of Iceland, marks the grand finale of the south coast trip!

Find out more about the wonders of the south coast, its towns, sights and hiking areas.

Visit South Iceland