Iceland is not 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 these great locations to go to is the southern coast. The south coast of Iceland is densely filled with some of the nation’s finest sights. There are so many issues to do and see on the south coast of Iceland that it’s one of probably 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 might mix glacier mountaineering, bathing in sizzling springs, strolling black sand seashores, and exploring ice caves in simply someday. The fast succession of attraction after attraction makes southern Iceland one of the preferred vacationer locations. This information will cowl the very best issues to do and see on Iceland’s south coast. Excited? You ought to be.
If you solely have a small quantity of time in Iceland we do advocate leaping on a tour to see probably the most quantity of highlights in the shortest timeframe. The South of Iceland Full Day Trip from Reyjavik is an ideal manner to do simply that.
1. Foss a Síðu
Foss a Síðu is one of probably the most stunning waterfalls in south Iceland. The waterfall sits on personal 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’ll be able to stroll only a few minutes alongside a gravel street to get nearer to the falls.
It is finest to go to Foss a Síðu throughout spring or summer season 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 lots of small roads main to the city and native residences. Hamrafoss Cafe is commonly open on a seasonal foundation simply reverse Foss a Síðu. The small cafe has beautiful views of the falls, heat drinks, and bathroom amenities.
2. Skogar Museum
Skogar Museum is one of the prettiest historic sights in south Iceland. The open-air museum is cut 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 hanging inexperienced roofs. It is a good place to immerse your self in early Icelandic dwelling and historical past. The Folk Museum is way more informative, with reveals on ‘fishing, agriculture, farming, and natural history’, and the Museum of Transport educates guests on the event of Iceland – notably in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.
Skogar Museum is open 364 days a yr between 10 am and 5 pm, though these opening occasions fluctuate relying on daylight every season. You could discover it extra pleasurable 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 initially of Iceland’s south coast. Visitors can take guided excursions by way of the tunnel – admiring the lava rock, stalactites, and pure ice sculptures. Raufarholshellir is a captivating pure attraction for these in geology and volcanic exercise. Besides, who else can say that they’ve walked by way of a lava tunnel? Raufarholshellir was shaped in the Leitahraun eruption round 5,200 years in the past, and you’ll be able to select both a 60-minute or 3-4 hour tour by way of the tunnel. This scenic attraction is unquestionably one to your bucket record when visiting the south coast of Iceland.
Raufarholshellir is open day by day between 10 am and 5 pm. Adult tickets price $52 for the usual and $147 for the extra prolonged tour. Raufarholshellir does have parking accessible, nevertheless it 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 further 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’ll be able to spot them independently alongside the coast. Alternatively, you’ll be able to e-book a tour to let an professional aid you spot the little celebrities. This tour is a well-liked choice situated simply outdoors Reykjavik. It takes you on a novel journey in search of puffins, in a RIB craft which permits you to get on the market quick and get an up-close have a look at these wonderful birds. The tour has a terrific success fee and affords beautiful views of the Icelandic panorama as you go.
Iceland has a strict puffin season; if you need to see them, you’ll have to go to between May and August. You would possibly get fortunate and spot just a few stragglers simply outdoors of this era, however as an entire, these months are probably the most dependable for sightings. This tour operates through the puffin season and prices $75 per grownup. You’ll discover parking and primary 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 primary amenities, together with altering rooms. The pool is slightly tough and prepared – don’t be shocked by the odd algae development right here and there. The pure ambiance is definitely worth the journey. Seljavallalaug can be thought-about one of the oldest swimming swimming pools in Iceland.
Seljavallalaug Geothermal Pool is finest visited in summer season 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 the very best information is that Seljavallalaug Geothermal Pool is fully free.
6. Fagrifoss
Fagrifoss is one of probably 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 towards the inexperienced moss and black basalt rock is effectively value it, and reaching Fagrifoss is simply half of the attraction. The waterfall is 80 meters excessive, and your 4WD journey solely will increase the extraordinary ambiance.
It is finest to go to Fagrifoss throughout summer season 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 if you happen to discover the rivers uncrossable.
7. Fagradalsfjall Volcano
Fagradalsfjall Volcano is Iceland’s newest volcanic eruption. The volcano is situated in southern Iceland and shortly grew to become one of the island’s most well-known volcanic eruptions. The slow-moving lava was predictable sufficient for guests to hike and stand subsequent to for footage. If you need to go to a real-life, energetic volcano, go to Fagradalsfjall in southern Iceland. You can park on the roadside and deal with one of the mountaineering trails independently, however we advocate taking a guided hike to keep secure.
Guides are native specialists and can observe essential components like gasoline dangers. Plus, even a brief stroll in Iceland typically includes harsh situations and unmarked terrain. You can e-book your guided hike right here, and many excursions provide transfers from Reykjavik as a day journey. There are little to no amenities at Fagradalsfjall, and your solely price would be the value of the tour. It is value checking the volcano’s exercise standing so what to anticipate and plan to hike in spring or summer season 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, virtually reverse Foss a Síðu. It is a dreamy location for a fast photoshoot and supreme if you need a fast ten-minute cease off on a south coast street journey. A tiny strolling path cuts by way of Dverghamrar and loops again to slightly automobile park. Take your time strolling by way of, studying the informative indicators, and pausing for footage.
Dverghamrar is free to go to and appropriate at any time of yr – maintain in thoughts that the strolling path will get icy and slippery. There aren’t any amenities on the canyon itself, though Hamrafoss Cafe is value visiting for bogs 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 slender canyon subsequent to Seljalandsfoss Waterfall. Gljufrabui is only a brief stroll to the left of its neighboring main waterfall, and you’ll want to hopscotch throughout a collection of pure stepping stones to attain it, so carry some waterproof boots and trousers. The canyon is beautiful, with towering moss-covered partitions of vibrant inexperienced, and it seems like navigating a slot canyon.
Gljufrabui is free to go to and has parking accessible close to the trailhead. It does get slightly busy (the very best secrets and techniques are unattainable to maintain, in spite of everything) so go to out of peak season and hours if you need it to your self or embrace the crowds.
10. Visit an Ice Cave
Natural ice caves are nothing brief of magical, and the south coast of Iceland has loads. The caves are shaped as meltwater strikes by way of glacial ice, with glacial rivers hollowing out the ice to create caverns and stunning 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 potential to go to ice caves alone, we don’t advocate it. Book a guided tour the place specialists lead you to the most recent and most spectacular ice caves. You’ll be given crampons and a tough hat for security, and you’ll profit from professional help and information of the land. Tours often contain a brief glacier hike to attain the ice caves, which is an journey in itself. You can e-book visits to ice caves on most 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 dimension. Icelandic horses are additionally famed for his or her distinctive fifth gait. Not solely can they stroll, trot, canter, and gallop, however they’ll additionally tolt. A tolt is a four-beat gait that appears like a velocity stroll, and it’s the good gait for protecting massive distances at a barely quicker tempo than strolling.
You can discover horseback driving excursions alongside the south coast and ring street. There is a driving middle in Vik, Bakkahestar Horse Riding Tours, and Mr. Iceland Horseback Riding Tours. Look on-line on the totally different choices and coincide your trip with good climate for the very best expertise.
12. Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Fjallsárlón lagoon is one of the prettiest glacier lagoons in Iceland, and this glacier lake is effectively value visiting once 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 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 in 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 unbelievable manner to get shut to some of probably the most dramatic icebergs, and costs begin at $65 per grownup. Otherwise, having fun with Fjallsárlón glacier lagoon from the shores is fully free. You’ll discover bathrooms and parking accessible.
13. Westman Islands
Visiting Westman Islands is not any imply feat. The tiny islands are situated off the south coast of Iceland and are solely accessible by ferry. The ferry trip is dramatic mid-winter, and you’ll have icebergs galore to spot alongside the way in which. The islands are volcanic, with jagged rock formations and rugged pure magnificence. The Westman Islands are famed for chicken and whale watching – so maintain your eyes peeled and carry a very good pair of binoculars.
The finest time to go to the Westman Islands is in summer season or spring when puffins and whales are extra generally sighted. During this era, the ferry crossing will probably be a lot smoother as effectively. You can depart your automobile and take the ferry as a foot passenger or carry the automobile with you to maximize what you see throughout your journey. Tickets price $14 per grownup a method and between $21 to $28 if you happen to carry a automobile (relying on dimension). You will discover primary amenities like cafes and bathrooms once you arrive.
14. Geysir Geothermal Area
The Geysir Geothermal Area is one of probably the most concentrated small areas of geysers and sizzling springs in Iceland. While not technically on the Ring Road loop, Geysir is just a two-hour detour – which is nice for Iceland. It is a well-liked day journey from Reykjavik, and in case you are 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 up to twenty meters. There can be a spread of effervescent springs and brightly coloured sulfurous waters dotted across the space. The Geysir Geothermal Area seems like it’s on one other planet or at the least such as you’ve been despatched again to prehistoric occasions. You’ll discover parking reverse the positioning with a customer middle providing refreshments and bathroom amenities. The space is unbelievable at any time of yr, though will probably be simpler to attain in hotter months.
15. Svínafellsjökull Glacier
Svínafellsjökull Glacier is one other beautiful glacier situated alongside Iceland’s south coast. There is a stupendous viewpoint only a brief drive down a aspect street off the Ring Road. You park in the free automobile park and then stroll the rest of the route. Walking across the glacier lagoon on the base of Svínafellsjökull Glacier is a serene mountaineering path, and you’ll have beautiful views of icebergs and the glacier itself.
Svínafellsjökull Glacier has free bathrooms, parking, and eating places close by. It is 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 mountaineering however nonetheless need to rise up shut to 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 turning into 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 contemplate when planning a go to.
17. Solheimasandur Plane Wreck
Solheimasandur Plane Wreck is a captivating spot on the south coast of Iceland. The aircraft wreck has been there for over 50 years, and whereas a tragic scene, it has additionally turn into a beloved south coast attraction. You can enter the aircraft itself and, once you’ve explored, can stroll slightly 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 aircraft wreck requires a 45-minute stroll every manner, 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 season, when the climate is milder and mountaineering is extra pleasurable. Alternatively, buy shuttle bus tickets to save time, heat, and vitality.
18. Fjaðrárgljúfur
Fjaðrárgljúfur is a stupendous, two million-year-old canyon on the south coast. At round 2km in size, it’s a beautiful out of doors attraction to spend just a few hours exploring. Fjaðrá river runs by way of the canyon’s middle, with attribute snakes and curves. Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon is so magnificent that it has been used 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 value checking that Fjaðrárgljúfur is open earlier than visiting as effectively, as it’s ceaselessly closed to permit nature to get well from the hoards of vacationers. Visiting is free, so add it to your record of budget-friendly sights on Iceland’s south coast.
19. Skogafoss Waterfall
The mighty Skógafoss waterfall is one of probably 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 attain the bottom of the falls. If you need, problem your self to an extra 370 steps to attain the highest of the falls, the place you’ll be able to 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 good for combining with different sights. 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 an enormous cliff face. The mixture of jet-black basalt columns and the black sand is beautiful, and you’ll be able to 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 instantly onto the seaside. Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach is free for folks to go to, which is a good bonus. You can go to any time of yr; be aware of freak waves in dangerous climate.
21. Blue Lagoon
Who hasn’t heard of the Blue Lagoon? (We wrote an entire submit on how to go to the Blue Lagoon right here)Even if you happen to assume you haven’t, you’ve most likely 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 edge 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 hanging milk-blue colour.
You can spend hours wading by way of the totally 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 delicate drink of their alternative. There are amenities galore – together with bathrooms, altering rooms, showers, eating places, cafes, and luxurious lodging. Opening occasions vary from round 8 am till 9 pm, relying on the season, and customary grownup tickets price $60.
22. Go Ice Climbing on a Glacier
Fancy one thing more difficult than a typical glacier hike? How about mountain climbing? Ice climbing is a superb exercise on the south coast of Iceland, particularly on outlet glaciers like Sólheimajökull Glacier. For security causes, the one manner to go mountain climbing is to e-book a guided tour – however this has its advantages. You’ll be supplied with all of the climbing tools and security gear and led by professional instructors to deal with sections of the glaciers for final views.
Ice climbing is difficult, however you’ll be able to partake as a newbie or superior ice climber. It is costlier than glacier mountaineering as a result of of the extra superior nature of the expertise. You can try guided ice-climbing excursions like this on-line. Ice climbing is an all-year-round exercise.
23. Múlagljúfur Canyon
Múlagljúfur Canyon is one of the lesser visited canyons on the south coast – however who is aware of why as a result of it’s attractive. 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 surprising viewpoint over the canyon. Get prepared to channel your inside Jurassic Park as a result of the inexperienced moss and film-worthy canyon cliffs have an actual prehistoric ambiance.
Múlagljúfur Canyon is free to go to and open all yr spherical. It might be finest to go to in spring or summer season when mountaineering is safer and extra pleasurable, however dry climate and good visibility are probably the most essential components. There aren’t any amenities at Múlagljúfur Canyon, so be ready to tough it slightly.
24. Skaftafell Nature Reserve
Skaftafell is an unlimited reserve, full of every little thing from glaciers to volcanoes and extra mountaineering trails than what to do with. The oldest rocks in the park are round 5 million years previous, and nature is classy. Skaftafell is ideal for out of doors attraction seekers in spring and summer season. You also can go to the customer middle and its cafe all yr spherical. The customer middle is nice for further ideas and recommendation on what to see and do contained in the park. It is a various show of Icelandic nature, and you might be admiring ice caves one second and waterfalls the following. Keep your eyes out for any guided excursions and excursions in the reserve.
The park is free to go to and has ample parking. There are additionally primary amenities like bathrooms and refreshments on the Skaftafell cafe. While appropriate all yr spherical, Skaftafell is extra of a spring and summer season vacation spot when its mountaineering trails open.
25. Sólheimajökull Glacier
We’ve talked about glacier mountaineering, however the place finest to do it? We vote for Sólheimajökull Glacier. This glacier is understood for its hanging blue ice and mottled black and white ash-covered sections, and you’ll be able to simply e-book one of the Sólheimajökull Glacier hikes. Donning a pair of crampons and a tough hat is an thrilling manner to expertise one of Iceland’s most stunning pure sights.
Sólheimajökull Glacier will not be removed from Vik, and you’ll be able to e-book many glacier mountaineering excursions in Vik itself, getting transfers to the glacier base. Glacier mountaineering is an appropriate exercise all yr spherical (though extra nice in hotter, drier climate), and most tour operators have primary amenities like bathrooms and parking on website.
26. Svartifoss Waterfall
Svartifoss is a stupendous waterfall set in a wall of basalt columns, giving it a novel 3D impact. Basalt columns are photogenic however matched with a surprising 20-meter waterfall, and the result’s mesmerizing. To attain the waterfall, you hike for roughly 40 minutes every manner. The trailhead is correct subsequent to Skaftafell Visitor Center and a parking lot. It is a good free factor to do on Iceland’s south coast – particularly if you happen to 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 middle has bathrooms and refreshments, which is handy. Svartifoss Waterfall is most suited to spring and summer season mountaineering when the path is obvious and simpler.
27. Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
Be ready to see rather a lot of waterfalls alongside the south coast of Iceland, however Seljalandsfoss is one of the very best. Seljalandsfoss Waterfall is finest identified for its part behind the falls, the place you’ll be able to stand behind the waterfall – getting slightly 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 through the shoulder seasons like September and October to keep away from the lots of crowds.
28. Vatnajökull National Park
Vatnajökull National Park is dwelling to the big Vatnajökull Glacier and some of the very best out of doors 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 contains many sights already in this information – like Skaftafell Nature Reserve. However, it’s such a giant half of the south coast’s tourism scene that we had to give it its personal slot.
Vatnajökull National Park is free to enter, however additionally it is finest explored on guided excursions if you need to partake in excursions actions like glacier mountaineering. The Vatnajökull National Park has many amenities and customer facilities, however some areas are utterly distant with no everlasting human constructions. Similarly, some areas have parking, whereas others aren’t even accessible by street. Research particular locations in Vatnajökull National Park rigorously and enquire forward in case you are not sure when reserving a tour.
29. Diamond Beach
A visit to the south coast of Iceland is just full if you happen to go to Diamond seaside. Diamond Beach will get its title from the washed-up icebergs on its shores, and the icebergs have a vibrant, diamond-like glint that has made the seaside standard amongst photographers and vacationers alike. The seaside has black sand, heightening the distinction and making the aesthetic much more stunning.
Diamond Beach is fully free to go to and affords free parking. It can be situated proper subsequent to the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, so it’s effectively mixed with a go to to the lagoon or boat trip to spot icebergs. While Diamond Beach is appropriate to go to all yr spherical, be aware of freak waves, particularly in dangerous climate.
30. Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is a surprising pure attraction on Iceland’s south coast. The glacial lake lies in the wake of Jökulsárlón Glacier, adorned 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 unbelievable manner to get shut to icebergs and wildlife.
Visiting the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is free, and zodiac excursions price $97. It contains simply over an hour in the water, and you’ll have a small group expertise the place you’ll be able to ask your information tons of questions and get virtually one-to-one consideration. Getting shut to the icebergs is mesmerizing, so bear in mind to carry a digicam. you can even e-book 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 special ambiance. You can watch horses race down the coast from the close by horseback driving middle, stroll with different vacationers and native households, and admire distant rock formations offshore. There’s extra of a neighborhood really feel.
Vik is such a central level on the south coast of Iceland. If you need to e-book last-minute excursions, visiting the black sand seaside is a good 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 the very 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 may have a driving license and hire a automobile. First, you fly into Keflavik International Airport. The airport has direct connections to a whole lot of locations, so reaching Iceland by aircraft is an easy first step. Then, rent a automobile on the airport and drive an hour to Selfoss to be a part of Route 1 – aka the Ring Road that circles the entire of Iceland and is the principle street that cuts by way of southern Iceland.
If you don’t drive, that is the place issues get slightly trickier. You’ll have to catch the Flybus into Reykjavik, catch a number of buses to attain Selfoss, or buy a shuttle ticket. Allow up to three hours in case you are getting to the south coast of Iceland this manner. It is feasible and will want a bit of further planning.
Getting across the South Coast of Iceland
Driving is probably the most pleasurable manner to get across the south coast of Iceland. The ring street is straightforward to drive, and even off-the-beaten-track sights that require detours nonetheless have comparatively straightforward gravel roads. Just be aware of icy street situations in the winter months. It can be value 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 having the ability to use information.
If you’ll be able to’t drive, you need to use public buses. There’s additionally a hop-on, hop-off bus service that departs from Harpa Concert Hall in Reykjavik and stops at some of the key 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 resolve when, the place, and how lengthy to cease, getting across the south coast of Iceland by bus is possible. It is good for individuals who can’t drive, need to lower your expenses, and are completely satisfied to stick to the principle sights.
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 the very best time to go to the south coast is through the summer season months. Summer in Iceland lasts from June to August (though September is an effective shoulder month different), and you’ll be able to expertise the midnight solar throughout this time.
In summer season, you may have extra daylight, higher driving situations, and extra vacationer companies operating – just like the hop-on-hop-off shuttle bus. It is extra sensible and pleasurable when visiting the south coast of Iceland.
To Conclude
The Icelandic south coast is a stupendous area of Iceland. The a whole lot of issues to see and do make it the proper place to benefit from the ‘land of fire and ice’. Whether you stroll mountaineering trails previous ice caps and glacial rivers, chill out on a black sand seaside, sightsee Iceland’s tallest waterfalls, or enterprise to a aircraft wreck, you’ll keep entertained. Iceland’s south coast has recollections 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 may full the famed Golden Circle street journey and even embark on the final Ring Road route. Iceland is full of fascinating information, locations, and issues to do – the southern coast is just the start.