Getting Oriented
Iceland's South Coast is precisely where you imagine it to be: along the country's southern coastline. The popular Ring Road (Route 1) stretches across the South Coast, allowing you to access some of the region's most well-known sites easily. In this area of the country, you'll find world-famous, bucket-list-worthy stopping points, including roaring waterfalls, vast glaciers, lagoons filled with icebergs, black-sand beaches, towering sea stacks, and the volcanoes that have continuously shaped the country. But, of course, you'll also find many unique local experiences in this area of Iceland, so the adventure is up to you!
Explore the Glaciers
Walking atop glaciers is a memorable experience, but you can take the adventure to new levels in Iceland. Observe the country's famed icy terrain by boat and snowmobile!
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Boat Tour
Sail amongst the electric-blue icebergs in Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon on a boat tour of the popular site. Massive pieces of ice break off from the glaciers in nearby Vatnajökull National Park, creating quite the striking scene. Get up close with the icebergs and learn about how this lagoon formed in the 20th century and how it will eventually grow into a large fjord. Read More
Langjokull Glacier Snowmobiling
Zip across the Langjokull Glacier on a snowmobile and enjoy the unique scenery of the Icelandic Highlands. With the help of professionals, you'll drive across the Mars-like terrain, making your way to the glacier as you pass vast countryside surrounded by mountains. Warm up in a glacial hut and get fitted with your equipment before enjoying a thrilling experience. Read More
Sólheimajökulll Glacier Lagoon Kayaking
Although hiking across Iceland's glaciers is a bit more standard, you can enjoy a unique experience by kayaking through the glacial lagoon fed from the Sólheimajökulll Glacier near the town of Vik. After getting equipped and learning kayaking basics, set off around the lagoon, passing anchored icebergs and observing the area's unique and idyllic scenery. Read More
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Waterfalls & Volcanoes
Iceland has no shortage of powerful waterfalls and towering volcanoes. Enjoy unique experiences like walking behind the spray of these famous cascades, strolling across black-sand beaches, and learning all about the country's geologic history.
Waterfalls & Black Sand Beaches
Iceland's South Coast is known for its idyllic waterfalls and black-sand beaches teeming with glistening pieces of ice and staggering rock formations. A road trip along the Ring Road will take you past quite a few of the country's most famous natural sites. Stop to view the Seljalandsfoss, Skogafoss, Axlafoss, and/or Foss a Sidu waterfalls, and enjoy the views of the black sands, cliffs, and sea stacks of Reynisfjara. Read More
LAVA Center Exhibition
Over 20 million years ago, Earth's internal forces created Iceland through volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, lava flows, and rift systems. Discover the country's natural history and geology at the LAVA Center, which offers an interactive educational experience through exhibitions, films, artifacts, and graphics. Learn about the country's past eruptions and how experts continuously observe seismic and volcanic activity through an elaborate monitoring system. Read More
How to Craft the Perfect South Coast Itinerary
Because the South Coast stretches along the famous Ring Road, it's easy to build these sites and experiences into any Icelandic vacation. If you're short on time, you can tackle much of the South Coast in just a few days, but how many days you should spend in Iceland depends on what other regions or excursions you'd like to enjoy. Give yourself at least one week in Iceland if you'd like to combine a couple of areas. Some popular itineraries combine the South Coast with places like Reykjavik, the Ring Road, the Westfjords, and the Golden Circle.
Past kimkim travelers have enjoyed the following itineraries that include experiences on the South Coast: