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 full of some of the nation’s finest points of interest. There are so many issues to do and see on the south coast of Iceland that it’s one of essentially the most well-known highway 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 mountain climbing, bathing in sizzling springs, strolling black sand seashores, and exploring ice caves in simply in the future. The fast succession of attraction after attraction makes southern Iceland one of the preferred 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 quantity of time in Iceland we do suggest leaping on a tour to see essentially the most quantity of highlights in the shortest timeframe. The South of Iceland Full Day Trip from Reyjavik is an ideal means to do simply that.
1. Foss a Síðu
Foss a Síðu is one of essentially the most stunning waterfalls in south Iceland. The waterfall sits on personal property simply off the roadside and is well acknowledged by its single drop straight off dramatic inexperienced cliffs. There is a tiny city by its base, and you possibly can stroll only a few minutes alongside a gravel highway 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 simple to park off the roadside, as there are lots of small roads main to the city and native residences. Hamrafoss Cafe is usually open on a seasonal foundation simply reverse Foss a Síðu. The small cafe has beautiful views of the falls, heat drinks, and rest room services.
2. Skogar Museum
Skogar Museum is 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 residing 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 – significantly in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.
Skogar Museum is open 364 days a 12 months between 10 am and 5 pm, though these opening occasions fluctuate relying on daylight every season. You could discover it extra fulfilling in heat climate, however it’s appropriate to go to all 12 months spherical. It prices $16 per grownup and has parking conveniently on-site. Skogar Museum has rest room services, a restaurant, and a memento store.
3. Raufarholshellir
Raufarholshellir is a lava tunnel cave positioned originally of Iceland’s south coast. Visitors can take guided excursions by means of the tunnel – admiring the lava rock, stalactites, and pure ice sculptures. Raufarholshellir is an interesting pure attraction for these in geology and volcanic exercise. Besides, who else can say that they’ve walked by means of a lava tunnel? Raufarholshellir was shaped in the Leitahraun eruption round 5,200 years in the past, and you possibly can select both a 60-minute or 3-4 hour tour by means of the tunnel. This scenic attraction is unquestionably one on your bucket listing 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 out there, but it surely additionally affords shuttle providers from Reykjavik as a day journey. You can go to any time of 12 months, 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 12 months.
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 e-book a tour to let an skilled enable you to spot the little celebrities. This tour is a well-liked choice positioned 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 take a look at these wonderful birds. The tour has an amazing success fee and affords beautiful views of the Icelandic panorama as you go.
Iceland has a strict puffin season; if you’d like to see them, you’ll have to go to between May and August. You would possibly get fortunate and spot a number of stragglers simply outdoors of this era, however as a complete, these months are essentially the most dependable for sightings. This tour operates throughout the puffin season and prices $75 per grownup. You’ll discover parking and primary services 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 positioned only a quick stroll from a small automotive park. Allow round twenty minutes to stroll to the springs, the place you’ll discover primary services, together with altering rooms. The pool is a bit 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 of 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 one of the best information is that Seljavallalaug Geothermal Pool is totally free.
6. Fagrifoss
Fagrifoss is one of essentially the most stunning however distant waterfalls in Iceland. Ready for an journey? You’ll want a 4WD car and a real spirit of grit. Fagrifoss is reached by way of a tough monitor 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 gained’t lose something in case you discover the rivers uncrossable.
7. Fagradalsfjall Volcano
Fagradalsfjall Volcano is Iceland’s newest volcanic eruption. The volcano is positioned 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 sort out one of the mountain climbing trails independently, however we suggest taking a guided hike to keep secure.
Guides are native specialists and can monitor essential elements like fuel dangers. Plus, even a brief stroll in Iceland typically includes harsh circumstances 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 services at Fagradalsfjall, and your solely value would be the worth of the tour. It is value checking the volcano’s exercise standing so you recognize 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 positioned simply off of the Ring Road, virtually reverse Foss a Síðu. It is a dreamy location for a fast photoshoot and superb if you’d like a fast ten-minute cease off on a south coast highway journey. A tiny strolling path cuts by means of Dverghamrar and loops again to a bit automotive park. Take your time strolling by means of, studying the informative indicators, and pausing for footage.
Dverghamrar is free to go to and appropriate at any time of 12 months – maintain in thoughts that the strolling path will get icy and slippery. There are not any services 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 automotive park.
9. Gljufrabui
Gljufrabui is a secret waterfall hidden in a slender canyon subsequent to Seljalandsfoss Waterfall. Gljufrabui is only a quick 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 deliver some waterproof boots and trousers. The canyon is beautiful, with towering moss-covered partitions of shiny inexperienced, and it appears like navigating a slot canyon.
Gljufrabui is free to go to and has parking out there close to the trailhead. It does get a bit busy (one of the best secrets and techniques are not possible to maintain, in any case) 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 quick of magical, and the south coast of Iceland has loads. The caves are shaped as meltwater strikes by means 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 suggest it. Book a guided tour the place specialists lead you to the latest and most spectacular ice caves. You’ll be given crampons and a tough hat for security, and you’ll profit from skilled help and data of the land. Tours normally 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 using is a bucket listing factor to do south coast of Iceland, particularly contemplating all the attractive black sand seashores. Icelandic horses are tiny, fluffy creatures with stoic personalities and stunning energy 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 good gait for protecting giant distances at a barely quicker tempo than strolling.
You can discover horseback using excursions alongside the south coast and ring highway. There is a using 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 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 positioned 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 implausible means to get shut to some of essentially the most dramatic icebergs, and costs begin at $65 per grownup. Otherwise, having fun with Fjallsárlón glacier lagoon from the shores is totally free. You’ll discover bogs and parking out there.
13. Westman Islands
Visiting Westman Islands is not any imply feat. The tiny islands are positioned off the south coast of Iceland and are solely accessible by ferry. The ferry journey 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 hen and whale watching – so maintain your eyes peeled and deliver 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 shall be a lot smoother as effectively. You can go away your automotive and take the ferry as a foot passenger or deliver the automotive with you to maximize what you see throughout your journey. Tickets value $14 per grownup a technique and between $21 to $28 in case you deliver a automotive (relying on measurement). You will discover primary services like cafes and bogs once you arrive.
14. Geysir Geothermal Area
The Geysir Geothermal Area is one of essentially the most concentrated small areas of geysers and sizzling springs in Iceland. While not technically on the Ring Road loop, Geysir is simply 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 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 appears like it’s on one other planet or at the very least such as you’ve been despatched again to prehistoric occasions. You’ll discover parking reverse the positioning with a customer heart providing refreshments and rest room services. The space is implausible at any time of 12 months, though it is going to be simpler to attain in hotter months.
15. Svínafellsjökull Glacier
Svínafellsjökull Glacier is one other beautiful glacier positioned alongside Iceland’s south coast. There is a gorgeous viewpoint only a quick drive down a facet highway off the Ring Road. You park in the free automotive park and then stroll the rest of the route. Walking across the glacier lagoon on the base of Svínafellsjökull Glacier is a serene mountain climbing path, and you’ll have beautiful views of icebergs and the glacier itself.
Svínafellsjökull Glacier has free bogs, parking, and eating places close by. It is one of the best glacier detours alongside the Ring Road and is conveniently positioned proper subsequent to Skaftafell, a big vacationer vacation spot on Iceland’s south coast. If you don’t need to go glacier mountain climbing 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, positioned proper subsequent to the Skogar Museum, it’s simply added to even the busiest itineraries.
There are parking, rest room, and refreshment services close to the Kvernufoss Waterfall trailhead. It is free to enter, though you need to 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 take into account when planning a go to.
17. Solheimasandur Plane Wreck
Solheimasandur Plane Wreck is an interesting 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 a bit 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 means, ranging from the Solheimasandur Plane Wreck automotive park off the Ring Road. Because of the prolonged stroll, we suggest visiting Solheimasandur Plane Wreck throughout spring or summer season, when the climate is milder and mountain climbing is extra fulfilling. Alternatively, buy shuttle bus tickets to save time, heat, and power.
18. Fjaðrárgljúfur
Fjaðrárgljúfur is a gorgeous, two million-year-old canyon on the south coast. At round 2km in size, it’s a beautiful out of doors attraction to spend a number of hours exploring. Fjaðrá river runs by means of the canyon’s heart, 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 bogs and parking out there, however in any other case restricted services. It is value checking that Fjaðrárgljúfur is open earlier than visiting as effectively, as it’s often closed to enable nature to get better from the hoards of vacationers. Visiting is free, so add it to your listing of budget-friendly points of interest on Iceland’s south coast.
19. Skogafoss Waterfall
The mighty Skógafoss waterfall is one of essentially the most well-known waterfalls in Iceland. Visitors park in a small automotive 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 a further 370 steps to attain the highest of the falls, the place you possibly can peer down on the waterfall under. 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 positioned subsequent to the Skogar Museum and a group of different waterfalls, so it’s good for combining with different points of interest. It stays open all 12 months spherical, though you need to 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 beautiful, and you possibly can stroll additional down the seaside to go to Halsanefshellir Cave, which is shaped primarily by basalt columns.
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach is well accessed by turning off the Ring Road and driving down the 215 highway for simply over 5 minutes. Parking on the finish of the highway, you then stroll instantly 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 12 months; be conscious of freak waves in dangerous climate.
21. Blue Lagoon
Who hasn’t heard of the Blue Lagoon? (We wrote a complete publish on how to go to the Blue Lagoon right here)Even in case you assume you haven’t, you’ve in all probability seen it on Instagram or in advertising campaigns. It is essentially 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 placing milk-blue coloration.
You can spend hours wading by means of 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 tender drink of their selection. There are services galore – together with bogs, 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 value $60.
22. Go Ice Climbing on a Glacier
Fancy one thing more difficult than an ordinary glacier hike? How about mountaineering? Ice climbing is a wonderful exercise on the south coast of Iceland, particularly on outlet glaciers like Sólheimajökull Glacier. For security causes, the one means to go mountaineering is to e-book a guided tour – however this has its advantages. You’ll be supplied with all of the climbing gear and security gear and led by skilled instructors to sort out 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 dearer than glacier mountain climbing 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 beautiful. To attain the canyon, take a detour off the Ring Road down a gravel highway for about ten minutes. You then attain a small automotive 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 internal 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 12 months spherical. It might be finest to go to in spring or summer season when mountain climbing is safer and extra fulfilling, however dry climate and good visibility are essentially the most crucial elements. There are not any services at Múlagljúfur Canyon, so be ready to tough it a bit.
24. Skaftafell Nature Reserve
Skaftafell is an enormous reserve, full of every part from glaciers to volcanoes and extra mountain climbing trails than you recognize what to do with. The oldest rocks in the park are round 5 million years outdated, and nature is elegant. Skaftafell is ideal for out of doors attraction seekers in spring and summer season. You may also go to the customer heart and its cafe all 12 months spherical. The customer heart is nice for additional ideas 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 in the reserve.
The park is free to go to and has ample parking. There are additionally primary services like bogs and refreshments on the Skaftafell cafe. While appropriate all 12 months spherical, Skaftafell is extra of a spring and summer season vacation spot when its mountain climbing trails open.
25. Sólheimajökull Glacier
We’ve talked about glacier mountain climbing, however the place finest to do it? We vote for Sólheimajökull Glacier. This glacier is understood for its placing blue ice and mottled black and white ash-covered sections, and you possibly can simply e-book one of the Sólheimajökull Glacier hikes. Donning a pair of crampons and a tough hat is an thrilling means to expertise one of Iceland’s most stunning pure points of interest.
Sólheimajökull Glacier shouldn’t be removed from Vik, and you possibly can e-book many glacier mountain climbing excursions in Vik itself, getting transfers to the glacier base. Glacier mountain climbing is an appropriate exercise all 12 months spherical (though extra nice in hotter, drier climate), and most tour operators have primary services like bogs and parking on website.
26. Svartifoss Waterfall
Svartifoss is a gorgeous 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 about 40 minutes every means. The trailhead is true subsequent to Skaftafell Visitor Center and a carpark. It is a superb free factor to do on Iceland’s south coast – particularly in case you love waterfalls.
While visiting, you need to mix Svartifoss Waterfall with Skaftafell Glacier, Hundafoss, and maybe a puffin tour. The path itself lacks services. However, the customer heart has bogs and refreshments, which is handy. Svartifoss Waterfall is most suited to spring and summer season mountain climbing when the path is evident and simpler.
27. Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
Be ready to see quite a bit of waterfalls alongside the south coast of Iceland, however Seljalandsfoss is one of one of the best. Seljalandsfoss Waterfall is finest identified for its part behind the falls, the place you possibly can stand behind the waterfall – getting a bit moist from the spray however getting a novel perspective of the water’s energy. It is well accessed only a quick stroll from a carpark off the Ring Road.
Seljalandsfoss is free to enter and has paid parking out there 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 highly regarded waterfall, attempt to go to throughout the shoulder seasons like September and October to keep away from the lots of crowds.
28. Vatnajökull National Park
Vatnajökull National Park is house to the big Vatnajökull Glacier and some of one of the best out of doors adventures on the Icelandic South Coast. Its glacier is the biggest 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 points of interest already in this information – like Skaftafell Nature Reserve. However, it’s such an enormous 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’d like to partake in excursions actions like glacier mountain climbing. The Vatnajökull National Park has many services and customer facilities, however some areas are fully distant with no everlasting human constructions. Similarly, some areas have parking, whereas others aren’t even accessible by highway. Research particular locations in Vatnajökull National Park rigorously and enquire forward if you’re not sure when reserving a tour.
29. Diamond Beach
A visit to the south coast of Iceland is simply full in case 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 fashionable amongst photographers and vacationers alike. The seaside has black sand, heightening the distinction and making the aesthetic much more stunning.
Diamond Beach is totally free to go to and affords free parking. It can be positioned proper subsequent to the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, so it’s effectively mixed with a go to to the lagoon or boat journey to spot icebergs. While Diamond Beach is appropriate to go to all 12 months spherical, be conscious 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 implausible means to get shut to icebergs and wildlife.
Visiting the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is free, and zodiac excursions value $97. It contains simply over an hour in the water, and you’ll have a small group expertise the place you possibly can 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 deliver a digital camera. you may as well e-book a Full Day journey from Reyjavik when you’ve got restricted time.
31. Black Sand Beach at Vik
Just across the different facet of the headland from Reynisfjara, Vik’s black sand seaside has a distinct ambiance. You can watch horses race down the coast from the close by horseback using heart, 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 coated all one of the best issues to do and see on Iceland’s south coast let’s take a look at some important data. These are the most typical south coast of Iceland FAQs.
How to get to the South Coast of Iceland
Getting to the south coast of Iceland is surprisingly simple – so long as you will have a driving license and hire a automotive. First, you fly into Keflavik International Airport. The airport has direct connections to a whole lot of locations, so reaching Iceland by aircraft is a straightforward first step. Then, rent a automotive on the airport and drive an hour to Selfoss to be part of Route 1 – aka the Ring Road that circles the entire of Iceland and is the principle highway that cuts by means of southern Iceland.
If you don’t drive, that is the place issues get a bit 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 if you’re getting to the south coast of Iceland this manner. It is feasible and will want a bit of additional planning.
Getting across the South Coast of Iceland
Driving is essentially the most fulfilling means to get across the south coast of Iceland. The ring highway is simple to drive, and even off-the-beaten-track points of interest that require detours nonetheless have comparatively simple gravel roads. Just be conscious of icy highway circumstances in the winter months. It can be value downloading offline maps together 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 knowledge.
If you possibly can’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 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 how 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 glad to stick 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 throughout the summer season months. Summer in Iceland lasts from June to August (though September is an efficient shoulder month various), and you possibly can expertise the midnight solar throughout this time.
In summer season, you will have extra daylight, higher driving circumstances, and extra vacationer providers operating – just like the hop-on-hop-off shuttle bus. It is extra sensible and fulfilling when visiting the south coast of Iceland.
To Conclude
The Icelandic south coast is a gorgeous 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 mountain climbing 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 might full the famed Golden Circle highway journey and even embark on the final Ring Road route. Iceland is full of fascinating details, locations, and issues to do – the southern coast is just the start.
