Iceland isn’t any secret vacation spot. From its scrumptious meals, issues to do, and unbelievable locations to go to, it famously makes for an action-packed vacation. One of those fantastic locations to go to is the southern coast. The south coast of Iceland is densely filled with among the nation’s finest points of interest. There are so many issues to do and see on the south coast of Iceland that it is without doubt one of the most well-known street journey routes.
31 Best Things To Do and See on Iceland’s South Coast
Visiting the south coast of Iceland, you could possibly mix glacier climbing, bathing in sizzling springs, strolling black sand seashores, and exploring ice caves in simply at some point. The fast succession of attraction after attraction makes southern Iceland some of the well-liked vacationer locations. This information will cowl one of the best issues to do and see on Iceland’s south coast. Excited? You must be.
If you solely have a small period of time in Iceland we do advocate leaping on a tour to see probably the most quantity of highlights within the shortest timeframe. The South of Iceland Full Day Trip from Reyjavik is an ideal approach to just do that.
1. Foss a Síðu
Foss a Síðu is without doubt one of the most stunning waterfalls in south Iceland. The waterfall sits on non-public property simply off the roadside and is definitely acknowledged by its single drop straight off dramatic inexperienced cliffs. There is a tiny city by its base, and you may stroll just some minutes alongside a gravel street to get nearer to the falls.
It is finest to go to Foss a Síðu throughout spring or summer time when visibility is excessive sufficient to benefit from the view from a distance. The waterfall is free to see, and it’s straightforward to park off the roadside, as there are numerous small roads resulting in the city and native residences. Hamrafoss Cafe is commonly open on a seasonal foundation simply reverse Foss a Síðu. The small cafe has gorgeous views of the falls, heat drinks, and bathroom amenities.
2. Skogar Museum
Skogar Museum is without doubt one of the prettiest historic points of interest in south Iceland. The open-air museum is break up into three sections, the mannequin turf village, the Folk Museum, and the Museum of Transport. The mannequin village is the picture-perfect postcard picture of Skogar. You’ll spot conventional Icelandic housing with placing inexperienced roofs. It is a superb place to immerse your self in early Icelandic dwelling and historical past. The Folk Museum is far more informative, with reveals on ‘fishing, agriculture, farming, and natural history’, and the Museum of Transport educates guests on the event of Iceland – notably within the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.
Skogar Museum is open 364 days a yr between 10 am and 5 pm, though these opening instances range relying on daytime every season. You might discover it extra pleasing in heat climate, however it’s appropriate to go to all yr spherical. It prices $16 per grownup and has parking conveniently on-site. Skogar Museum has bathroom amenities, a restaurant, and a memento store.
3. Raufarholshellir
Raufarholshellir is a lava tunnel cave situated firstly of Iceland’s south coast. Visitors can take guided excursions by the tunnel – admiring the lava rock, stalactites, and pure ice sculptures. Raufarholshellir is an enchanting pure attraction for these eager about geology and volcanic exercise. Besides, who else can say that they’ve walked by a lava tunnel? Raufarholshellir was shaped within the Leitahraun eruption round 5,200 years in the past, and you may select both a 60-minute or 3-4 hour tour by the tunnel. This scenic attraction is unquestionably one on your bucket record when visiting the south coast of Iceland.
Raufarholshellir is open on daily basis between 10 am and 5 pm. Adult tickets value $52 for the usual and $147 for the extra prolonged tour. Raufarholshellir does have parking accessible, but it surely additionally affords shuttle companies from Reykjavik as a day journey. You can go to any time of yr, and as an indoor attraction, it’s a good choice on a wet day. Winter at Raufarholshellir is made additional particular by the ice sculptures, too, so don’t shrink back from visiting at any time of yr.
4. Take a puffin watching tour
Iceland’s south coast is an absolute haven for tiny puffins. There are quite a few viewpoints the place you possibly can spot them independently alongside the coast. Alternatively, you possibly can guide a tour to let an knowledgeable assist you spot the little celebrities. This tour is a well-liked choice situated simply outdoors Reykjavik. It takes you on a novel journey searching for puffins, in a RIB craft which lets you get on the market quick and get an up-close have a look at these wonderful birds. The tour has an amazing success fee and affords gorgeous views of the Icelandic panorama as you go.
Iceland has a strict puffin season; if you wish to see them, you’ll have to go to between May and August. You may get fortunate and spot a number of stragglers simply outdoors of this era, however as an entire, these months are probably the most dependable for sightings. This tour operates in the course of the puffin season and prices $75 per grownup. You’ll discover parking and fundamental amenities on-site.
5. Seljavallalaug Geothermal Pool
You can go to touristy geothermal swimming pools just like the Blue Lagoon (extra on that later). But what about some extra rural, lesser-visited sizzling springs? Seljavallalaug Geothermal Pool is a extra pure sizzling spring situated only a brief stroll from a small automobile park. Allow round twenty minutes to stroll to the springs, the place you’ll discover fundamental amenities, together with altering rooms. The pool is somewhat tough and prepared – don’t be stunned by the odd algae development right here and there. The pure environment is definitely worth the journey. Seljavallalaug can be thought-about one of many oldest swimming swimming pools in Iceland.
Seljavallalaug Geothermal Pool is finest visited in summer time when it’s hotter. It is technically an all-year-round vacation spot, although. Just be ready to be chillier in winter and autumn, because the water’s thermal warmth is misplaced faster. And one of the best information is that Seljavallalaug Geothermal Pool is solely free.
6. Fagrifoss
Fagrifoss is without doubt one of the most stunning however distant waterfalls in Iceland. Ready for an journey? You’ll want a 4WD automobile and a real spirit of grit. Fagrifoss is reached through a tough observe and adrenaline-inducing river crossing. The splendor of the thundering white waterfall in opposition to the inexperienced moss and black basalt rock is properly price it, and reaching Fagrifoss is simply a part of the attraction. The waterfall is 80 meters excessive, and your 4WD journey solely will increase the extraordinary environment.
It is finest to go to Fagrifoss throughout summer time or when there was much less rainfall. The river crossings are closed after heavy rain, so keep away from touring to Fagrifoss throughout this time. The waterfall is free to go to, so that you received’t lose something should you discover the rivers uncrossable.
7. Fagradalsfjall Volcano
Fagradalsfjall Volcano is Iceland’s newest volcanic eruption. The volcano is situated in southern Iceland and rapidly turned one of many island’s most well-known volcanic eruptions. The slow-moving lava was predictable sufficient for guests to hike and stand subsequent to for photos. If you need to go to a real-life, lively volcano, go to Fagradalsfjall in southern Iceland. You can park on the roadside and deal with one of many climbing trails independently, however we advocate taking a guided hike to remain protected.
Guides are native consultants and may observe vital elements like fuel dangers. Plus, even a brief stroll in Iceland usually entails harsh situations and unmarked terrain. You can guide your guided hike right here, and plenty of excursions provide transfers from Reykjavik as a day journey. There are little to no amenities at Fagradalsfjall, and your solely value would be the value of the tour. It is price checking the volcano’s exercise standing so you already know what to anticipate and plan to hike in spring or summer time for optimum visibility.
8. Dverghamrar
Dverghamrar is small however awe-inspiring. The tiny canyon is lined with basalt columns in hexagonal shapes and is situated simply off of the Ring Road, nearly reverse Foss a Síðu. It is a dreamy location for a fast photoshoot and best if you’d like a fast ten-minute cease off on a south coast street journey. A tiny strolling path cuts by Dverghamrar and loops again to somewhat automobile park. Take your time strolling by, studying the informative indicators, and pausing for photos.
Dverghamrar is free to go to and appropriate at any time of yr – understand that the strolling path will get icy and slippery. There are not any amenities on the canyon itself, though Hamrafoss Cafe is price visiting for bathrooms and refreshments whether it is open. It is lower than a ten-minute stroll from the Dverghamrar automobile park.
9. Gljufrabui
Gljufrabui is a secret waterfall hidden in a slim canyon subsequent to Seljalandsfoss Waterfall. Gljufrabui is only a brief stroll to the left of its neighboring main waterfall, and also you’ll have to hopscotch throughout a collection of pure stepping stones to succeed in it, so convey some waterproof boots and trousers. The canyon is gorgeous, with towering moss-covered partitions of shiny inexperienced, and it looks like navigating a slot canyon.
Gljufrabui is free to go to and has parking accessible close to the trailhead. It does get somewhat busy (one of the best secrets and techniques are unattainable to maintain, in spite of everything) so go to out of peak season and hours if you’d like it to your self or embrace the crowds.
10. Visit an Ice Cave
Natural ice caves are nothing wanting magical, and the south coast of Iceland has a lot. The caves are shaped as meltwater strikes by glacial ice, with glacial rivers hollowing out the ice to create caverns and delightful tunnels. The finest time to go to the caves is between winter and spring when temperatures are colder, and the caves are extra intact.
While it’s technically attainable to go to ice caves alone, we don’t advocate it. Book a guided tour the place consultants lead you to the latest and most spectacular ice caves. You’ll be given crampons and a tough hat for security, and also you’ll profit from knowledgeable help and information of the land. Tours often contain a brief glacier hike to succeed in the ice caves, which is an journey in itself. You can guide visits to ice caves on a lot of the glaciers on the south coast, together with Katla Glacier, which is accessible from Vik.
11. Horseback Riding
Horseback driving is a bucket record factor to do south coast of Iceland, particularly contemplating all the gorgeous black sand seashores. Icelandic horses are tiny, fluffy creatures with stoic personalities and stunning power for his or her small measurement. Icelandic horses are additionally famed for his or her distinctive fifth gait. Not solely can they stroll, trot, canter, and gallop, however they will additionally tolt. A tolt is a four-beat gait that appears like a velocity stroll, and it’s the excellent gait for masking massive distances at a barely sooner tempo than strolling.
You can discover horseback driving excursions alongside the south coast and ring street. There is a driving heart in Vik, Bakkahestar Horse Riding Tours, and Mr. Iceland Horseback Riding Tours. Look on-line on the completely different choices and coincide your journey with good climate for one of the best expertise.
12. Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Fjallsárlón lagoon is without doubt one of the prettiest glacier lagoons in Iceland, and this glacier lake is properly price visiting whenever you go to the south coast. Forget being in Iceland; Fjallsárlón lagoon feels such as you’ve been transported to Antarctica. The lake is situated proper on the tongue of the glacier, and Fjallsárlón is considered one of Iceland’s most spectacular outlet glaciers. Standing on the lake’s shores, you’ll look straight up on the glacier tongue, surrounded by icebergs floating within the water.
You can go to and take a brief stroll alongside the lagoon’s shores or take to the waters on an iceberg boat tour. A ship tour is a improbable approach to get near among the most dramatic icebergs, and costs begin at $65 per grownup. Otherwise, having fun with Fjallsárlón glacier lagoon from the shores is solely free. You’ll discover bathrooms and parking accessible.
13. Westman Islands
Visiting Westman Islands isn’t any imply feat. The tiny islands are situated off the south coast of Iceland and are solely accessible by ferry. The ferry journey is dramatic mid-winter, and also you’ll have icebergs galore to identify alongside the way in which. The islands are volcanic, with jagged rock formations and rugged pure magnificence. The Westman Islands are famed for hen and whale watching – so preserve your eyes peeled and convey a very good pair of binoculars.
The finest time to go to the Westman Islands is in summer time or spring when puffins and whales are extra generally sighted. During this era, the ferry crossing will likely be a lot smoother as properly. You can go away your automobile and take the ferry as a foot passenger or convey the automobile with you to maximise what you see throughout your journey. Tickets value $14 per grownup a method and between $21 to $28 should you convey a automobile (relying on measurement). You will discover fundamental amenities like cafes and bathrooms whenever you arrive.
14. Geysir Geothermal Area
The Geysir Geothermal Area is without doubt one of the most concentrated small areas of geysers and sizzling springs in Iceland. While not technically on the Ring Road loop, Geysir is barely a two-hour detour – which is sweet for Iceland. It is a well-liked day journey from Reykjavik, and if you’re finishing the south coast over a number of days, it’s a worthwhile addition to your itinerary.
The most well-known geyser in Geysir is Stokkur, which explodes each ten minutes at heights of as much as twenty meters. There can be a spread of effervescent springs and brightly coloured sulfurous waters dotted across the space. The Geysir Geothermal Area looks like it’s on one other planet or at the least such as you’ve been despatched again to prehistoric instances. You’ll discover parking reverse the positioning with a customer heart providing refreshments and bathroom amenities. The space is improbable at any time of yr, though it will likely be simpler to succeed in in hotter months.
15. Svínafellsjökull Glacier
Svínafellsjökull Glacier is one other gorgeous glacier situated alongside Iceland’s south coast. There is a wonderful viewpoint only a brief drive down a aspect street off the Ring Road. You park within the free automobile park after which stroll the rest of the route. Walking across the glacier lagoon on the base of Svínafellsjökull Glacier is a serene climbing path, and also you’ll have gorgeous views of icebergs and the glacier itself.
Svínafellsjökull Glacier has free bathrooms, parking, and eating places close by. It is without doubt one of the best glacier detours alongside the Ring Road and is conveniently situated proper subsequent to Skaftafell, a big vacationer vacation spot on Iceland’s south coast. If you don’t need to go glacier climbing however nonetheless need to stand up near a glacier, then Svínafellsjökull Glacier is for you.
16. Kvernufoss Waterfall
Kvernufoss Waterfall is that waterfall. The highly effective single-drop waterfall drops off moss-covered cliff faces, partially obscured by the curved cliff face. Visitors take a brief stroll to Kvernufoss Waterfall, strolling alongside the river on a graveled strolling path for about ten minutes earlier than reaching the bottom. Kvernufoss Waterfall was as soon as comparatively under-appreciated, however it’s now changing into considered one of Iceland’s hottest waterfalls to go to. And, situated proper subsequent to the Skogar Museum, it’s simply added to even the busiest itineraries.
There are parking, bathroom, and refreshment amenities close to the Kvernufoss Waterfall trailhead. It is free to enter, though you must deal with your self to a sizzling drink from Cafe Skogar when you’ve visited. Kvernufoss Waterfall is prettiest after heavy rainfall, which is one thing to think about when planning a go to.
17. Solheimasandur Plane Wreck
Solheimasandur Plane Wreck is an enchanting spot on the south coast of Iceland. The airplane wreck has been there for over 50 years, and whereas a tragic scene, it has additionally develop into a beloved south coast attraction. You can enter the airplane itself and, whenever you’ve explored, can stroll somewhat additional to benefit from the black sand seaside that it’s located simply earlier than.
Visiting Solheimasandur Plane Wreck is free until you select a guided tour (Usually by ATV). Reaching the airplane wreck requires a 45-minute stroll every approach, ranging from the Solheimasandur Plane Wreck automobile park off the Ring Road. Because of the prolonged stroll, we advocate visiting Solheimasandur Plane Wreck throughout spring or summer time, when the climate is milder and climbing is extra pleasing. Alternatively, buy shuttle bus tickets to avoid wasting time, heat, and power.
18. Fjaðrárgljúfur
Fjaðrárgljúfur is a wonderful, two million-year-old canyon on the south coast. At round 2km in size, it’s a pretty outside attraction to spend a number of hours exploring. Fjaðrá river runs by the canyon’s heart, with attribute snakes and curves. Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon is so magnificent that it has been utilized in movies and music movies – from Game of Thrones to Justin Bieber’s “I’ll Show You”.
You’ll discover bathrooms and parking accessible, however in any other case restricted amenities. It is price checking that Fjaðrárgljúfur is open earlier than visiting as properly, as it’s regularly closed to permit nature to get well from the hoards of vacationers. Visiting is free, so add it to your record of budget-friendly points of interest on Iceland’s south coast.
19. Skogafoss Waterfall
The mighty Skógafoss waterfall is without doubt one of the most well-known waterfalls in Iceland. Visitors park in a small automobile park off the Ring Road and hike a brief distance alongside a well-laid path to succeed in the bottom of the falls. If you need, problem your self to an extra 370 steps to succeed in the highest of the falls, the place you possibly can peer down on the waterfall beneath. Skogafoss is the last word image of mighty nature, and it’s a nice pure attraction on Iceland’s south coast.
Skogafoss waterfall is free to go to and affords parking. It can be situated subsequent to the Skogar Museum and a set of different waterfalls, so it’s excellent for combining with different points of interest. It stays open all yr spherical, though you must take care in moist and slippery climate.
20. Reynisfjara Beach
The south coast of Iceland is famed for its black sand seashores, and Reynisfjara Beach proves why. The seaside is characterised by its jagged basalt columns set into a large cliff face. The mixture of jet-black basalt columns and the black sand is gorgeous, and you may stroll additional down the seaside to go to Halsanefshellir Cave, which is shaped primarily by basalt columns.
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach is definitely accessed by turning off the Ring Road and driving down the 215 street for simply over 5 minutes. Parking on the finish of the street, you then stroll immediately onto the seaside. Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach is free for folks to go to, which is a superb bonus. You can go to any time of yr; be conscious of freak waves in dangerous climate.
21. Blue Lagoon
Who hasn’t heard of the Blue Lagoon? (We wrote an entire publish on easy methods to go to the Blue Lagoon right here)Even should you suppose you haven’t, you’ve in all probability seen it on Instagram or in advertising campaigns. It is probably the most well-known geothermal lagoon in Iceland and is a well-liked day journey from Reykjavik. Located on the far west fringe of the south coast, it’s a nice attraction for anybody with restricted time in Iceland. The sizzling spring is heated by byproducts from the close by geothermal energy station and is a placing milk-blue coloration.
You can spend hours wading by the completely different pool sections, and there’s a mix of pure volcanic rocks and artifical extras like a sauna, steam room, and cave part. Guests additionally get a complimentary face masks and an alcoholic or smooth drink of their alternative. There are amenities galore – together with bathrooms, altering rooms, showers, eating places, cafes, and luxurious lodging. Opening instances vary from round 8 am till 9 pm, relying on the season, and commonplace grownup tickets value $60.
22. Go Ice Climbing on a Glacier
Fancy one thing more difficult than a regular glacier hike? How about mountain climbing? Ice climbing is a wonderful exercise on the south coast of Iceland, particularly on outlet glaciers like Sólheimajökull Glacier. For security causes, the one approach to go mountain climbing is to guide a guided tour – however this has its advantages. You’ll be supplied with all of the climbing gear and security gear and led by knowledgeable instructors to deal with sections of the glaciers for final views.
Ice climbing is difficult, however you possibly can partake as a newbie or superior ice climber. It is costlier than glacier climbing due to the extra superior nature of the expertise. You can take a look at guided ice-climbing excursions like this online. Ice climbing is an all-year-round exercise.
23. Múlagljúfur Canyon
Múlagljúfur Canyon is without doubt one of the lesser visited canyons on the south coast – however who is aware of why as a result of it’s beautiful. To attain the canyon, take a detour off the Ring Road down a gravel street for roughly ten minutes. You then attain a small automobile park the place there’s a tiny trailhead. You hike for round thirty minutes earlier than you attain a shocking viewpoint over the canyon. Get able to channel your internal Jurassic Park as a result of the inexperienced moss and film-worthy canyon cliffs have an actual prehistoric environment.
Múlagljúfur Canyon is free to go to and open all yr spherical. It might be finest to go to in spring or summer time when climbing is safer and extra pleasing, however dry climate and good visibility are probably the most essential elements. There are not any amenities at Múlagljúfur Canyon, so be ready to tough it somewhat.
24. Skaftafell Nature Reserve
Skaftafell is an unlimited reserve, stuffed with the whole lot from glaciers to volcanoes and extra climbing trails than you already know what to do with. The oldest rocks within the park are round 5 million years outdated, and nature is classy. Skaftafell is ideal for outside attraction seekers in spring and summer time. You may go to the customer heart and its cafe all yr spherical. The customer heart is nice for additional suggestions and recommendation on what to see and do contained in the park. It is a various show of Icelandic nature, and you could possibly be admiring ice caves one second and waterfalls the subsequent. Keep your eyes out for any guided excursions and excursions within the reserve.
The park is free to go to and has ample parking. There are additionally fundamental amenities like bathrooms and refreshments on the Skaftafell cafe. While appropriate all yr spherical, Skaftafell is extra of a spring and summer time vacation spot when its climbing trails open.
25. Sólheimajökull Glacier
We’ve talked about glacier climbing, however the place finest to do it? We vote for Sólheimajökull Glacier. This glacier is thought for its placing blue ice and mottled black and white ash-covered sections, and you may simply guide one of many Sólheimajökull Glacier hikes. Donning a pair of crampons and a tough hat is an thrilling approach to expertise considered one of Iceland’s most stunning pure points of interest.
Sólheimajökull Glacier shouldn’t be removed from Vik, and you may guide many glacier climbing excursions in Vik itself, getting transfers to the glacier base. Glacier climbing is an acceptable exercise all yr spherical (though extra nice in hotter, drier climate), and most tour operators have fundamental amenities like bathrooms and parking on web site.
26. Svartifoss Waterfall
Svartifoss is a wonderful waterfall set in a wall of basalt columns, giving it a novel 3D impact. Basalt columns are photogenic however matched with a shocking 20-meter waterfall, and the result’s mesmerizing. To attain the waterfall, you hike for roughly 40 minutes every approach. The trailhead is correct subsequent to Skaftafell Visitor Center and a parking lot. It is a superb free factor to do on Iceland’s south coast – particularly should you love waterfalls.
While visiting, you must mix Svartifoss Waterfall with Skaftafell Glacier, Hundafoss, and maybe a puffin tour. The path itself lacks amenities. However, the customer heart has bathrooms and refreshments, which is handy. Svartifoss Waterfall is most suited to spring and summer time climbing when the path is obvious and simpler.
27. Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
Be ready to see plenty of waterfalls alongside the south coast of Iceland, however Seljalandsfoss is without doubt one of the finest. Seljalandsfoss Waterfall is finest recognized for its part behind the falls, the place you possibly can stand behind the waterfall – getting somewhat moist from the spray however getting a novel perspective of the water’s energy. It is definitely accessed only a brief stroll from a parking lot off the Ring Road.
Seljalandsfoss is free to enter and has paid parking accessible for these driving. It is finest to go to on a non-windy day to go behind the falls with out getting as moist. Since it’s a very fashionable waterfall, attempt to go to in the course of the shoulder seasons like September and October to keep away from the plenty of crowds.
28. Vatnajökull National Park
Vatnajökull National Park is dwelling to the large Vatnajökull Glacier and among the finest outside adventures on the Icelandic South Coast. Its glacier is the most important in Europe, and the park is 5,460 sq. miles. Only formally named a nationwide park in 2008, Vatnajökull National Park marked a brand new daybreak of preservation in Iceland. Fascinatingly, Vatnajökull National Park covers roughly 80% of Iceland’s landmass. It consists of many points of interest already on this information – like Skaftafell Nature Reserve. However, it’s such an enormous a part of the south coast’s tourism scene that we needed to give it its personal slot.
Vatnajökull National Park is free to enter, however additionally it is finest explored on guided excursions if you wish to partake in excursions actions like glacier climbing. The Vatnajökull National Park has many amenities and customer facilities, however some areas are fully distant with no everlasting human buildings. Similarly, some areas have parking, whereas others aren’t even accessible by street. Research particular locations in Vatnajökull National Park rigorously and enquire forward if you’re uncertain when reserving a tour.
29. Diamond Beach
A visit to the south coast of Iceland is barely full should you go to Diamond seaside. Diamond Beach will get its identify from the washed-up icebergs on its shores, and the icebergs have a shiny, diamond-like glint that has made the seaside well-liked amongst photographers and vacationers alike. The seaside has black sand, heightening the distinction and making the aesthetic much more stunning.
Diamond Beach is solely free to go to and affords free parking. It can be situated proper subsequent to the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, so it’s properly mixed with a go to to the lagoon or boat journey to identify icebergs. While Diamond Beach is appropriate to go to all yr spherical, be conscious of freak waves, particularly in dangerous climate.
30. Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is a shocking pure attraction on Iceland’s south coast. The glacial lake lies within the wake of Jökulsárlón Glacier, embellished with glistening iceberg sand and the odd seal sunbathing. You can go to a number of viewpoints across the lake’s edge or take to the waters with a zodiac boat tour. This is a improbable approach to get near icebergs and wildlife.
Visiting the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is free, and zodiac excursions value $97. It consists of simply over an hour within the water, and also you’ll have a small group expertise the place you possibly can ask your information numerous questions and get nearly one-to-one consideration. Getting near the icebergs is mesmerizing, so bear in mind to convey a digital camera. you can even guide a Full Day journey from Reyjavik you probably have restricted time.
31. Black Sand Beach at Vik
Just across the different aspect of the headland from Reynisfjara, Vik’s black sand seaside has a distinct environment. You can watch horses race down the coast from the close by horseback driving heart, stroll with different vacationers and native households, and admire distant rock formations offshore. There’s extra of a group really feel.
Vik is such a central level on the south coast of Iceland. If you need to guide last-minute excursions, visiting the black sand seaside is an effective way to fill in time whereas ready in Vik. The seaside is free to enter, has parking, and is appropriate irrespective of the season. Just be cautious of these freak waves we’ve talked about in awful climate.
South Coast of Iceland FAQs
Now that we’ve lined all one of the best issues to do and see on Iceland’s south coast let’s have a look at some important data. These are the commonest south coast of Iceland FAQs.
How to get to the South Coast of Iceland
Getting to the south coast of Iceland is surprisingly straightforward – so long as you might have a driving license and lease a automobile. First, you fly into Keflavik International Airport. The airport has direct connections to a whole lot of locations, so reaching Iceland by airplane is a straightforward first step. Then, rent a automobile on the airport and drive an hour to Selfoss to hitch Route 1 – aka the Ring Road that circles the entire of Iceland and is the principle street that cuts by southern Iceland.
If you don’t drive, that is the place issues get somewhat trickier. You’ll should catch the Flybus into Reykjavik, catch a number of buses to succeed in Selfoss, or buy a shuttle ticket. Allow as much as three hours if you’re attending to the south coast of Iceland this manner. It is feasible and can want a bit of additional planning.
Getting across the South Coast of Iceland
Driving is probably the most pleasing approach to get across the south coast of Iceland. The ring street is simple to drive, and even off-the-beaten-track points of interest that require detours nonetheless have comparatively straightforward gravel roads. Just be conscious of icy street situations within the winter months. It can be price downloading offline maps along with your Google Maps account to keep away from getting misplaced in areas with restricted or no sign. Don’t depend on with the ability to use knowledge.
If you possibly can’t drive, you should utilize public buses. There’s additionally a hop-on, hop-off bus service that departs from Harpa Concert Hall in Reykjavik and stops at among the main locations alongside the south coast of Iceland. These stops embody Selfoss, Hella, Seljalandsfoss, and Vik. While you should have a lot much less freedom to determine when, the place, and the way lengthy to cease, getting across the south coast of Iceland by bus is possible. It is good for many who can’t drive, need to lower your expenses, and are completely satisfied to stay to the principle points of interest.
Best time to go to the South Coast of Iceland
The winter months could also be finest for experiencing the northern lights and magical darkish nights, however one of the best time to go to the south coast is in the course of the summer time months. Summer in Iceland lasts from June to August (though September is an effective shoulder month different), and you may expertise the midnight solar throughout this time.
In summer time, you might have extra daytime, higher driving situations, and extra vacationer companies working – just like the hop-on-hop-off shuttle bus. It is extra sensible and pleasing when visiting the south coast of Iceland.
To Conclude
The Icelandic south coast is a wonderful area of Iceland. The a whole lot of issues to see and do make it the right place to benefit from the ‘land of fire and ice’. Whether you stroll climbing trails previous ice caps and glacial rivers, calm down on a black sand seaside, sightsee Iceland’s tallest waterfalls, or enterprise to a airplane wreck, you’ll keep entertained. Iceland’s south coast has reminiscences to final a lifetime. We hope you get pleasure from each minute of it.
When you’ve explored the south coast of Iceland, why not problem your self to go additional? You might full the famed Golden Circle street journey and even embark on the final Ring Road route. Iceland is filled with fascinating information, locations, and issues to do – the southern coast is just the start.