Top Experiences in South Coast

Unique things to do, curated by kimkim specialists
The South Coast of Iceland is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. During your stay, consider fun activities like this puffin-watching adventure at Ingólfshöfði Cape, where you'll hike through sandy slopes and rocky terrains to spot various seabirds, including the puffins. If you'd prefer an adrenaline-filled experience, you might enjoy something like this hike and zipline adventure, where you'll soar above canyons, waterfalls, and Iceland's beautiful landscapes. If paddling through the glacier's lagoon and being surrounded by massive icebergs sounds intriguing, you might enjoy an excursion like this Sólheimajökull Glacier kayaking trip
Puffin Watching at Ingólfshöfði Cape
5.0
(5)
2.5 hours
·
Small group
Set just south of Hof—a small town along Iceland's South Coast via the famed Ring Road—is Ingólfshöfði Cape. The area is the perfect environment for nesting, attracting thousands of seabirds each year thanks to its isolation. Some of the birds that inhabit Ingólfshöfði include the common murre,...
Hike & Zipline Adventure in Vík
5.0
(3)
2 hours
·
Small group
Enjoy a thrilling experience as you zipline through forests and above canyons and waterfalls near the coastal town of Vík. This challenging, exciting, and safe adventure includes a scenic hike and four zipline rides. The zipline routes, called Little Rush, Gentle Giant, Leap of Faith, and Big...
Jökulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Boat Tour
4.4
(22)
Small group
Bordering Iceland's vast Vatnajökull National Park is the famed Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, known for its incredible scenery, floating icebergs, and wildlife. The lagoon connects to two of Iceland's other glaciers, Breiðamerkurjökull and Vatnajökull, Europe's largest ice cap. Eventually, the...
Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon Boat Tour
3.7
(3)
1.5 hours
·
Small group
Not far from Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon on Iceland's South Coast is another idyllic lagoon filled with massive icebergs: Fjallsárlón. Just northeast of Hof, the coastal hub of Vík is just a little over two hours from Fjallsárlón. After dressing in a wetsuit and receiving a safety lesson, your...
Kayaking Sólheimajökulll Glacier Lagoon
Small group
Iceland is the land of fire and ice, so exploring the country's glaciers is a popular pastime for locals and visitors alike. Set just north of the town of Vik on the country's famed South Coast is the Sólheimajökull Glacier, which offers a unique experience. Although hiking across a glacier is a...
Skógafoss
South Coast Waterfalls & Beaches
Self guided
Iceland's scenic South Coast is home to many of the country's most famous attractions—and some offbeat ones! Enjoy a drive cruising along the Ring Road (Route 1) and stopping to view world-famous waterfalls and beaches while passing scenic glaciers and volcanoes along the way.Seljalandsfoss...
LAVA Center Exhibition on the South Coast
Self guided
Set in the town of Hvolsvöllur (about 62 miles (100 km) east of Reykjavik) is Iceland's LAVA Center, an interactive volcano exhibition. The center, dedicated to the region's volcanoes, earthquakes, and geology, reveals the epic forces of nature that shaped our planet and created Iceland 20...
Canyons & Glaciers near Vík
Self guided
Along the southern portion of Iceland's famed Ring Road is the humble coastal town of Vík, an excellent starting point for exploring some of the country's canyons and glaciers. Enjoy a mini road trip cruising along this stretch, passing several different sites, so you can pick and choose what you...
Rafting the Gullfoss River Canyon
4 hours
·
Small group
Set just over 60 miles (100 km) east of Reykjavik is one of Iceland's most popular attractions: the Gullfoss Waterfall. This famous cascade is nestled in a scenic canyon on the Hvítá River, which originates from the Langjökull Glacier. The Gullfoss River Canyon has the perfect balance of serene...
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
Self guided
Standing at 200 feet (60 m) is the Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, one of Iceland's most famous and visited cascades. Just off the Ring Road, you can see Seljalandsfoss in less than two hours from Reykjavik or under an hour from Vik on the South Coast. You'll enjoy this famous scene, which plunges from...
Skógafoss Waterfall
Self guided
One of Iceland's all-time favorite cascades is Skógafoss Waterfall, thanks to its width and power—standing in front of it is proof enough! In addition, you'll often find a rainbow curving through Skógafoss' mist. Skógafoss is just a 2-hour drive from Reykavik or about 30 minutes from Vik. Just...
Mýrdalsjökull Glacier Snowmobiling
2 hours
·
Small group
Set just north of Vik along Iceland's South Coast is the country's fourth-largest glacier, Mýrdalsjökull. Reaching about 5000 feet (1500 m), this giant ice cap covers the Katla Volcano. Although it sits atop one of the country's most active volcanoes, snowmobiling across its ice and snow is a...
Sólheimajökulll Glacier Hike
3 hours
·
Small group
Iceland is home to many glaciers that offer hiking opportunities, but Sólheimajökulll is a favorite, thanks to its accessibility and varying colors. Set just northwest of Vík on the South Coast, Sólheimajökulll is one of the several ice caps that connect with Vatnajokull, Europe's largest...
The Skogar Museum
Self guided
Just off the Ring Road in Iceland's South Coast is the Skogar Museum. A half-hour drive from Vík will get you there, or a 2-hour drive from Reykjavík. This cultural heritage collection offers an interactive experience with the country's past. Amongst three different museums, you'll find over...
Seljavallalaug Outdoor Pool
Self guided
If you want a geothermal pool experience in Iceland but also want a bit of adventure, Seljavallalaug is the one for you! Set on the South Coast between Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, the pool's parking lot is about 30 minutes from Vík. Then, a short hike to the north on a designated...
Visit an Ancestral Homestead
Self guided
Many people around the world have an Icelandic heritage or ancestry. If that's you, do you know the town or farm in which your family once lived in Iceland? Or, if you don't know it, would you like to research before your trip and visit your ancestral homestead?You can work one-on-one with a...

Experiences in South Coast, Iceland

The Blue Lagoon in Iceland
The Best Hot Springs Experiences in Iceland

Iceland's hot springs are world-famous, as many travelers flock to the country to soak in the hot and healing geothermal pools. You'll find hot springs in every corner of the country, including popular baths like The Blue Lagoon and Fontana near Reykjavík. Or, you can venture out of the west and visit unique pools like Vök Baths and GeoSea. If you want a true adventure, you'll also find baths that require hikes, like the scenic Seljavallalaug pool.

Iceland's famed glacier lagoon
Top Winter Experiences in Iceland

Winter in Iceland offers many unique activities that you can't always experience in other seasons. Make the most out of the limited daylight with wintry adventures, such as kayaking amongst icebergs, exploring electric-blue ice caves, dogsledding with a pack of Huskies, snowmobiling atop glaciers, hiking in the snow, or tracking the country's wild reindeer population during their annual migration.

Volcanic eruption in Iceland
Top Volcano Experiences in Iceland

Many travelers visit Iceland for its unique terrain, volcanic activity, and geologic history. Known as the Land of Fire and Ice, Iceland has many volcanoes, with some covered in ice caps. You can hike atop an active volcano, walk across lava fields and steamy valleys, or visit lava tunnels and museums. Learn about the inner workings of Iceland's volcanoes and discover how they connect to the glaciers and mountains that surround them.

The beautiful and powerful Skogafoss waterfall
Top Waterfall Experiences in Iceland

Iceland's scenic waterfalls are a huge draw to the country, as many are easily accessible and tower from impossible heights into scenic river canyons. The country's famed cascades are diverse, from Kirkjufellsfoss with its magnificent mountain backdrop to Seljalandsfoss with its impressive spray within a cave. You'll find waterfalls in every corner of the country, though some of the most popular include Skogafoss in the south and Godafoss in the north.

The scenic Golden Circle
Best Things to Do in the Golden Circle

Iceland's famed Golden Circle features some of the country's most beloved natural attractions, including Þingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area (with the Great Geysir and Strokkur Geysir), and the one-and-only Gullfoss Waterfall. Opt for a day trip or spend more time in the region, snorkeling between tectonic plates, hiking through geothermal valleys, rafting along white-capped rivers, soaking in hot springs, and more.

The surreal atmosphere of Iceland's glacial landscapes
Top Glacier Experiences in Iceland

With over 250 glaciers, Iceland's famed ice caps draw the crowds. You can enjoy various activities, including hiking across glaciers, exploring ice caves, snowmobiling atop volcanoes covered in ice, kayaking in glacial lagoons with icebergs, and boat tours. You can also visit the non-icy products of Iceland's glaciers, including its river canyons carved out by the receding ice long ago.

Kayak in a glacier lagoon
Top Active Experiences in Iceland

Although Iceland offers a diverse range of activities to enjoy, its natural environment is one of its main draws—and with that comes a nearly endless assortment of active outdoor excursions. Experience kayaking through a glacial lagoon or hiking to the country's many waterfalls. Go ice climbing up one of the glaciers or ride horses along the coast. Snorkel between tectonic plates and zip line over river canyons. You can do all this and more in beautiful Iceland.

Enjoy the South Coast's brilliant waterfalls.
Best Things to Do on the South Coast

Iceland's famed South Coast hosts some of the country's most popular natural sites, including glaciers, waterfalls, black-sand beaches, sea stacks, volcanoes, and more. Some memorable experiences include walking behind the scenic Seljalandsfoss waterfall, getting up close with icebergs on Jökulsárlón and Sólheimajökulll Glacier lagoons, snowmobiling atop the icy abyss, observing the Reynisfjara rock formations, and exploring the country's geologic history at the interactive LAVA center.

Learn more about South Coast : Best of the South Coast · Top Hotels in South Coast
Top experiences in popular travel destinations in Iceland: Golden Circle · Lake Mývatn · Reykjavík · Snæfellsnes Peninsula · East Fjords · Westfjords · Northern Iceland · Ísafjörður · Akureyri
Top experiences in Iceland