South Coast Waterfalls & Beaches, South Coast

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 waterfall is a must-see and makes a good first stop if you're coming from Reykjavik, which is just about 2 hours from the cascade. What's most appealing about this unique waterfall is the possibility of walking behind it. Just a bit further as you continue toward the town of Vik is the picture-perfect Skogafoss waterfall, often accompanied by rainbows, making it a favorite for photographers.

Keep going and make a slight detour before reaching Vik, heading south toward the black-sand beaches of Reynisfjara. This area offers hikes and fantastic views of the Reynisdrangar Sea Stacks and the famous Dyrholaey Cliff.

Vik is a great place to stop, but if you'd like to keep going, you'll find a few other worthy stops and detours along Route 1, including Axlafoss, Foss a Sidu, and the famous Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck on a jarring black-sand beach. 

Read more about experiences on the South Coast.