Iceland : South Coast Tour
A typical 1-day South Coast tour from Reykjavik to Vík and back includes stops at some of Iceland’s most iconic natural sites. The journey begins with a scenic drive through moss-covered lava fields and views of glacier-capped volcanoes like Eyjafjallajökull. Key stops include Seljalandsfoss waterfall, where you can walk behind the cascading water; Skógafoss waterfall, known for its powerful flow and photo opportunities; and the black sand beach of Reynisfjara with its striking basalt columns and Reynisdrangar sea stacks. The tour also often includes a visit to the Sólheimajökull glacier, where you can see the glacier up close. The charming village of Vík serves as the turnaround point before returning to Reykjavik, making for a full day of breathtaking landscapes and diverse Icelandic nature highlights.
Vik
Vík is the southernmost village in Iceland, located on the dramatic South Coast and surrounded by black sand beaches, rolling lava fields, and powerful cliffs. Despite its small size—home to around 300–650 residents—the village is a major stop for travelers due to its proximity to Reynisfjara Beach and the striking basalt sea stacks called Reynisdrangar, as well as the panoramic red-roofed Víkurkirkja church overlooking the area. The village sits beneath the mighty Katla volcano and is near breathtaking attractions like Dyrhólaey, Sólheimajökull glacier, Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls, and the famous Sólheimasandur plane wreck. Visitors can enjoy activities including ice cave excursions, ATV and zip-lining adventures, puffin watching, and horse riding along black sand beaches, making Vík a popular base for nature and adventure experiences in Iceland. The lively village offers cozy accommodation, cafés, museums, and shops amidst some of Iceland’s most photographed scenery, making it a must-visit destination on any South Coast itinerary.
Reynisfjara black sand beach
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach is a world-famous volcanic beach located on Iceland’s South Coast near the village of Vík. It is renowned for its striking black sand, which is formed from volcanic lava fragments that cooled and eroded over time. Visitors can expect to see towering hexagonal basalt columns along the cliffs, dramatic Reynisdrangar sea stacks rising from the Atlantic Ocean, and a scenic cave called Halsanefshellir with fascinating basalt formations. The beach offers a dramatic, otherworldly atmosphere with powerful sneaker waves crashing against the shore, making it a favorite spot for photography and nature observation. However, swimming is prohibited due to strong currents and dangerous waves, so caution is advised. The area is also a habitat for nesting birds like puffins during summer.
Dyrhólaey
Dyrhólaey is a dramatic 120-meter (394 feet) high promontory on Iceland’s south coast near the village of Vík. Famous for its massive volcanic rock arch—large enough for boats to sail through—Dyrhólaey offers sweeping panoramic views of the coastline, including the iconic black sand beaches and the striking sea stacks called Reynisdrangar. Visitors can admire the historic lighthouse perched atop the cliffs and observe abundant birdlife, especially Atlantic puffins nesting in summer. The peninsula was formed by volcanic eruptions around 100,000 years ago and used to be an island but is now connected to the mainland. Access is via a steep road, best suited for summer visits unless using 4×4 in winter. The site is a nature reserve and a birdwatcher’s paradise, with exceptional opportunities for photography, coastal exploration, and nature observation, all set against the backdrop of Iceland’s rugged coastline and nearby glaciers.
Sólheimajökull glacier
Sólheimajökull Glacier is a stunning and easily accessible outlet glacier in southern Iceland, part of the larger Mýrdalsjökull ice cap. Visitors can expect to see a unique glacier with striking black and white ice streaked with volcanic ash from nearby eruptions, creating dramatic patterns. The glacier features jagged crevasses, steep ridges, and bright blue ice patches, making it visually captivating. Visitors can explore the glacier through hiking or ice climbing, enjoy spectacular views from a nearby viewpoint, and witness the rapidly growing glacial lagoon formed by the glacier’s melting ice. This lagoon hosts floating icebergs and offers kayaking opportunities. The area demonstrates the effects of climate change vividly, with the glacier retreating significantly in recent years.
Skógafoss
Skógafoss is one of Iceland’s largest and most stunning waterfalls, located in the south along the Skógá River. Visitors are greeted by a powerful 60-meter (197 ft) drop and a width of 25 meters (82 ft), with mist that often creates single or double rainbows on sunny days. You can get very close to the foot of the falls and even climb a steep staircase for sweeping views of the waterfall, its surrounding cliffs, and the distant coast. The landscape is open and dramatic, with accessible walking trails and a nearby hiking route that leads up the river past numerous smaller waterfalls. The site’s rich folklore includes a legend about Viking treasure hidden behind the curtain of water. Skógafoss is a favorite among nature lovers and photographers, offering both intense natural spectacle and tranquil beauty, with rainbows, thundering water, and lush surroundings.
Seljalandsfoss
Seljalandsfoss is a spectacular 60-meter (197 feet) tall waterfall located along the Seljalands River, which is fed by meltwater from the Eyjafjallajökull glacier. What makes Seljalandsfoss truly unique and popular is the accessible walking path that allows visitors to walk behind the falls, offering a rare and immersive perspective through the curtain of cascading water into a small cave. Due to the powerful spray, visitors should expect to get somewhat wet and should be prepared for slippery surfaces. The waterfall cascades over a cliff that once marked Iceland’s coastline centuries ago and offers stunning views both from the front and behind. Around the waterfall, the landscape is picturesque with lush meadows, wildflowers in summer, and dramatic icy formations in winter, though icy and falling rocks may limit access behind the falls for safety reasons. The site also features floodlighting for nighttime viewing outside of the midnight sun season.
Best mobile experience so far. The graphics are top notch and ggjiliapp runs perfectly on my phone.