South Coast
Waterfalls, black beaches and glaciers
Duration
1–2 days
Distance
380 km
Difficulty
Easy
Best time
Year-round · Best May–September
Iceland's South Coast stretches from Selfoss to Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon — a 380 km corridor of some of the country's most dramatic scenery. The route passes towering waterfalls, black sand beaches with basalt columns, a glacier tongue you can walk on, and the famous Diamond Beach.
💡 Travel Tips
Seljalandfoss: wear waterproofs to walk behind the falls Reynisfjara: never turn your back on the ocean — sneaker waves are deadly Jökulsárlón boat tours must be booked in advance in summer The drive from Vík to Jökulsárlón is 2 h with no fuel stations — fill up in Vík
🚗 Essential for This Route
Rent Your Car
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Route Overview
Interactive Route Map
Day by Day
Itinerary
Day 1
Seljalandsfoss → Breiðamerkursandur/Diamond Beach
Seljalandsfoss
Walk behind the majestic Seljalandsfoss and feel the power of nature amidst vibrant green landscapes.
Skógafoss
Experience Skógafoss, a colossal waterfall framed by mossy cliffs, where mist births stunning rainbows.
Reynisfjara (Diamond Beach)
Reynisfjara: iconic black sand beach with dramatic basalt columns, powerful waves, and legendary sea stacks.
Sólheimajökull
Outlet glacier where you can walk on thousand-year-old ice
Jökulsárlón
The image perfectly captures the serene yet dramatic essence of Jökulsárlón, showcasing massive, sculpted icebergs floating gracefully in the deep blue-green waters, framed by a rugged, gravelly shoreline. This dynamic lagoon, constantly fed by the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier, is a breathtaking natural amphitheater where ancient ice, some exhibiting a striking blue hue, slowly melts under the Icelandic sky. Its character is one of tranquil majesty, inviting visitors to witness a unique dance between ice and water, making it an unparalleled destination for photographers, nature lovers, and anyone seeking a truly otherworldly experience. The sheer scale and beauty of the icebergs, as depicted, are truly captivating, with their varying sizes and distinct forms. The dark, reflective water contrasts beautifully with the pale and blue ice.
Breiðamerkursandur/Diamond Beach
Gleaming glacier ice scattered like diamonds on black volcanic sand.
✈️ Getting Here
Fly to Iceland
Find the best flight deals to Keflavík International Airport (KEF). Direct flights available from major European and North American cities.
Search Flights to Iceland🎒 Be Prepared
What to Pack
Seljalandfoss: wear waterproofs to walk behind the falls Reynisfjara: never turn your back on the ocean — sneaker waves are deadly Jökulsárlón boat tours must be booked in advance in summer The drive from Vík to Jökulsárlón is 2 h with no fuel stations — fill up in Vík
🚗 Stay Safe
Driving in Iceland
🌐Check Road Conditions
Always check road.is and safetravel.is before departure.
View live road conditions →⛽Fuel Up Regularly
Gas stations can be sparse, especially in remote areas. Fill up whenever you see a station. Many accept credit cards 24/7.
🐑Watch for Animals
Sheep roam freely in summer. Arctic foxes, reindeer, and birds also cross roads. Drive cautiously.
📱Emergency: 112
Download the 112 Iceland app for emergency assistance. Share your location with ICE-SAR if needed.
❓ Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the South Coast be done in one day?
Yes, but it's a long day (13–14 hours). Most visitors spread it over two days, staying in Vík or Kirkjubæjarklaustur.
Is Reynisfjara beach safe?
It's safe if you stay back from the waterline. The sneaker waves here are unpredictable and have been fatal. Stay behind the warning signs.
🚀 Ready for Your Adventure?
Book Your South Coast Trip Today
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