South Coast of Iceland: 31 Finest Issues to do and See in 2023
Iceland isn’t any secret vacation spot. From its scrumptious meals, issues to do, and unbelievable locations to go to, it famously makes for an action-packed vacation. Considered one of these great locations to go to is the southern coast. The south coast of Iceland is densely filled with a number of the nation’s finest sights. There are such a lot of issues to do and see on the south coast of Iceland that it is likely one of the most well-known street journey routes.
31 Finest Issues To Do and See on Iceland’s South Coast
Visiting the south coast of Iceland, you may mix glacier mountain climbing, bathing in sizzling springs, strolling black sand seashores, and exploring ice caves in simply someday. The fast succession of attraction after attraction makes southern Iceland probably the most in style vacationer locations. This information will cowl the most effective issues to do and see on Iceland’s south coast. Excited? You have to be.
In case you solely have a small period of time in Iceland we do advocate leaping on a tour to see probably the most quantity of highlights within the shortest timeframe. The South of Iceland Full Day Journey from Reyjavik is an ideal solution to do exactly that.
1. Foss a Síðu
Foss a Síðu is likely one of the most lovely waterfalls in south Iceland. The waterfall sits on personal property simply off the roadside and is well acknowledged by its single drop straight off dramatic inexperienced cliffs. There’s a tiny city by its base, and you may stroll only a few minutes alongside a gravel street to get nearer to the falls.
It’s best to go to Foss a Síðu throughout spring or summer season when visibility is excessive sufficient to benefit from the view from a distance. The waterfall is free to see, and it’s straightforward to park off the roadside, as there are a lot of small roads resulting in the city and native residences. Hamrafoss Cafe is commonly open on a seasonal foundation simply reverse Foss a Síðu. The small cafe has gorgeous views of the falls, heat drinks, and bathroom amenities.
2. Skogar Museum
Skogar Museum is likely one of the prettiest historic sights in south Iceland. The open-air museum is cut up into three sections, the mannequin turf village, the Folks Museum, and the Museum of Transport. The mannequin village is the picture-perfect postcard picture of Skogar. You’ll spot conventional Icelandic housing with hanging inexperienced roofs. It’s a great spot to immerse your self in early Icelandic residing and historical past. The Folks Museum is rather more informative, with reveals on ‘fishing, agriculture, farming, and pure historical past’, and the Museum of Transport educates guests on the event of Iceland – significantly within the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.
Skogar Museum is open 364 days a yr between 10 am and 5 pm, though these opening instances differ relying on daytime every season. It’s possible you’ll discover it extra pleasant in heat climate, however it’s appropriate to go to all yr spherical. It prices $16 per adult and has parking conveniently on-site. Skogar Museum has bathroom amenities, a restaurant, and a memento store.
3. Raufarholshellir
Raufarholshellir is a lava tunnel cave positioned in the beginning of Iceland’s south coast. Guests can take guided excursions by means of the tunnel – admiring the lava rock, stalactites, and pure ice sculptures. Raufarholshellir is an enchanting pure attraction for these involved in geology and volcanic exercise. Apart from, who else can say that they’ve walked by means of a lava tunnel? Raufarholshellir was fashioned within the Leitahraun eruption round 5,200 years in the past, and you may select both a 60-minute or 3-4 hour tour by means of the tunnel. This scenic attraction is unquestionably one in your bucket checklist when visiting the south coast of Iceland.
Raufarholshellir is open every single day between 10 am and 5 pm. Grownup tickets price $52 for the usual and $147 for the extra prolonged tour. Raufarholshellir does have parking accessible, nevertheless it additionally provides shuttle companies from Reykjavik as a day journey. You’ll be able to go to any time of yr, and as an indoor attraction, it’s a good choice on a wet day. Winter at Raufarholshellir is made additional particular by the ice sculptures, too, so don’t draw back from visiting at any time of yr.
4. Take a puffin watching tour
Iceland’s south coast is an absolute haven for tiny puffins. There are quite a few viewpoints the place you possibly can spot them independently alongside the coast. Alternatively, you possibly can e-book a tour to let an professional assist you to spot the little celebrities. This tour is a well-liked choice positioned simply outdoors Reykjavik. It takes you on a novel journey on the lookout for puffins, in a RIB craft which lets you get on the market quick and get an up-close take a look at these wonderful birds. The tour has an important success fee and provides gorgeous views of the Icelandic panorama as you go.
Iceland has a strict puffin season; if you wish to see them, you’ll have to go to between Could and August. You may get fortunate and spot just a few stragglers simply outdoors of this era, however as a complete, these months are probably the most dependable for sightings. This tour operates throughout the puffin season and prices $75 per grownup. You’ll discover parking and fundamental amenities on-site.
5. Seljavallalaug Geothermal Pool
You’ll be able to go to touristy geothermal swimming pools just like the Blue Lagoon (extra on that later). However what about some extra rural, lesser-visited sizzling springs? Seljavallalaug Geothermal Pool is a extra pure sizzling spring positioned only a quick stroll from a small automotive park. Permit round twenty minutes to stroll to the springs, the place you’ll discover fundamental amenities, together with altering rooms. The pool is just a little tough and prepared – don’t be stunned by the odd algae progress right here and there. The pure environment is definitely worth the journey. Seljavallalaug can be thought of one of many oldest swimming swimming pools in Iceland.
Seljavallalaug Geothermal Pool is finest visited in summer season when it’s hotter. It’s technically an all-year-round vacation spot, although. Simply be ready to be chillier in winter and autumn, because the water’s thermal warmth is misplaced faster. And the most effective information is that Seljavallalaug Geothermal Pool is totally free.
6. Fagrifoss
Fagrifoss is likely one of the most lovely however distant waterfalls in Iceland. Prepared for an journey? You’ll want a 4WD automobile and a real spirit of grit. Fagrifoss is reached through a tough observe and adrenaline-inducing river crossing. The splendor of the thundering white waterfall towards the inexperienced moss and black basalt rock is effectively price it, and reaching Fagrifoss is simply a part of the enchantment. The waterfall is 80 meters excessive, and your 4WD journey solely will increase the extraordinary environment.
It’s best to go to Fagrifoss throughout summer season or when there was much less rainfall. The river crossings are closed after heavy rain, so keep away from touring to Fagrifoss throughout this time. The waterfall is free to go to, so that you gained’t lose something when you discover the rivers uncrossable.
7. Fagradalsfjall Volcano
Fagradalsfjall Volcano is Iceland’s newest volcanic eruption. The volcano is positioned in southern Iceland and rapidly turned one of many island’s most well-known volcanic eruptions. The slow-moving lava was predictable sufficient for guests to hike and stand subsequent to for footage. If you wish to go to a real-life, energetic volcano, go to Fagradalsfjall in southern Iceland. You’ll be able to park on the roadside and deal with one of many mountain climbing trails independently, however we advocate taking a guided hike to remain secure.
Guides are native specialists and might observe essential elements like gasoline dangers. Plus, even a brief stroll in Iceland typically includes harsh situations and unmarked terrain. You’ll be able to e-book your guided hike right here, and plenty of excursions supply transfers from Reykjavik as a day journey. There are little to no amenities at Fagradalsfjall, and your solely price would be the worth of the tour. It’s price checking the volcano’s exercise standing so what to anticipate and plan to hike in spring or summer season for optimum visibility.
8. Dverghamrar
Dverghamrar is small however awe-inspiring. The tiny canyon is lined with basalt columns in hexagonal shapes and is positioned simply off of the Ring Highway, nearly reverse Foss a Síðu. It’s a dreamy location for a fast photoshoot and excellent in order for you a fast ten-minute cease off on a south coast street journey. A tiny strolling path cuts by means of Dverghamrar and loops again to just a little automotive park. Take your time strolling by means of, studying the informative indicators, and pausing for footage.
Dverghamrar is free to go to and appropriate at any time of yr – understand that the strolling path will get icy and slippery. There aren’t any amenities on the canyon itself, though Hamrafoss Cafe is price visiting for bathrooms and refreshments whether it is open. It’s lower than a ten-minute stroll from the Dverghamrar automotive park.
9. Gljufrabui
Gljufrabui is a secret waterfall hidden in a slender canyon subsequent to Seljalandsfoss Waterfall. Gljufrabui is only a quick stroll to the left of its neighboring main waterfall, and also you’ll must hopscotch throughout a collection of pure stepping stones to succeed in it, so deliver some waterproof boots and trousers. The canyon is gorgeous, with towering moss-covered partitions of shiny inexperienced, and it seems like navigating a slot canyon.
Gljufrabui is free to go to and has parking accessible close to the trailhead. It does get just a little busy (the most effective secrets and techniques are not possible to maintain, in spite of everything) so go to out of peak season and hours in order for you it to your self or embrace the crowds.
10. Go to an Ice Cave
Pure ice caves are nothing wanting magical, and the south coast of Iceland has lots. The caves are fashioned as meltwater strikes by means of glacial ice, with glacial rivers hollowing out the ice to create caverns and delightful tunnels. The most effective time to go to the caves is between winter and spring when temperatures are colder, and the caves are extra intact.
Whereas it’s technically doable to go to ice caves alone, we don’t advocate it. Guide a guided tour the place specialists lead you to the most recent and most spectacular ice caves. You’ll be given crampons and a tough hat for security, and also you’ll profit from professional help and data of the land. Excursions often contain a brief glacier hike to succeed in the ice caves, which is an journey in itself. You’ll be able to e-book visits to ice caves on a lot of the glaciers on the south coast, together with Katla Glacier, which is accessible from Vik.
11. Horseback Driving
Horseback using is a bucket checklist factor to do south coast of Iceland, particularly contemplating all the gorgeous black sand seashores. Icelandic horses are tiny, fluffy creatures with stoic personalities and shocking power for his or her small dimension. Icelandic horses are additionally famed for his or her distinctive fifth gait. Not solely can they stroll, trot, canter, and gallop, however they’ll additionally tolt. A tolt is a four-beat gait that appears like a velocity stroll, and it’s the excellent gait for overlaying massive distances at a barely quicker tempo than strolling.
You could find horseback using excursions alongside the south coast and ring street. There’s a using heart in Vik, Bakkahestar Horse Driving Excursions, and Mr. Iceland Horseback Driving Excursions. Look on-line on the completely different choices and coincide your experience with good climate for the most effective expertise.
12. Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Fjallsárlón lagoon is likely one of the prettiest glacier lagoons in Iceland, and this glacier lake is effectively price visiting if you go to the south coast. Neglect being in Iceland; Fjallsárlón lagoon feels such as you’ve been transported to Antarctica. The lake is positioned proper on the tongue of the glacier, and Fjallsárlón is considered one of Iceland’s most spectacular outlet glaciers. Standing on the lake’s shores, you’ll look straight up on the glacier tongue, surrounded by icebergs floating within the water.
You’ll be able to go to and take a brief stroll alongside the lagoon’s shores or take to the waters on an iceberg boat tour. A ship tour is a implausible solution to get near a number of the most dramatic icebergs, and costs begin at $65 per grownup. In any other case, having fun with Fjallsárlón glacier lagoon from the shores is totally free. You’ll discover bathrooms and parking accessible.
13. Westman Islands
Visiting Westman Islands isn’t any imply feat. The tiny islands are positioned off the south coast of Iceland and are solely accessible by ferry. The ferry experience is dramatic mid-winter, and also you’ll have icebergs galore to identify alongside the way in which. The islands are volcanic, with jagged rock formations and rugged pure magnificence. The Westman Islands are famed for hen and whale watching – so maintain your eyes peeled and produce a great pair of binoculars.
The most effective time to go to the Westman Islands is in summer season or spring when puffins and whales are extra generally sighted. Throughout this era, the ferry crossing might be a lot smoother as effectively. You’ll be able to go away your automotive and take the ferry as a foot passenger or deliver the automotive with you to maximise what you see throughout your journey. Tickets cost $14 per adult one way and between $21 to $28 when you deliver a automotive (relying on dimension). You will see fundamental amenities like cafes and bathrooms if you arrive.
14. Geysir Geothermal Space
The Geysir Geothermal Space is likely one of the most concentrated small areas of geysers and sizzling springs in Iceland. Whereas not technically on the Ring Highway loop, Geysir is simply a two-hour detour – which is sweet for Iceland. It’s a in style day journey from Reykjavik, and if you’re finishing the south coast over a number of days, it’s a worthwhile addition to your itinerary.
Essentially the most well-known geyser in Geysir is Stokkur, which explodes each ten minutes at heights of as much as twenty meters. There may be additionally a variety of effervescent springs and brightly coloured sulfurous waters dotted across the space. The Geysir Geothermal Space seems like it’s on one other planet or a minimum of such as you’ve been despatched again to prehistoric instances. You’ll discover parking reverse the positioning with a customer heart providing refreshments and bathroom amenities. The realm is implausible at any time of yr, though it is going to be simpler to succeed in in hotter months.
15. Svínafellsjökull Glacier
Svínafellsjökull Glacier is one other gorgeous glacier positioned alongside Iceland’s south coast. There’s a lovely viewpoint only a quick drive down a facet street off the Ring Highway. You park within the free automotive park after which stroll the rest of the route. Strolling across the glacier lagoon on the base of Svínafellsjökull Glacier is a serene mountain climbing path, and also you’ll have gorgeous views of icebergs and the glacier itself.
Svínafellsjökull Glacier has free bathrooms, parking, and eating places close by. It is likely one of the best glacier detours alongside the Ring Highway and is conveniently positioned proper subsequent to Skaftafell, a major vacationer vacation spot on Iceland’s south coast. In case you don’t need to go glacier mountain climbing however nonetheless need to stand up near a glacier, then Svínafellsjökull Glacier is for you.
16. Kvernufoss Waterfall
Kvernufoss Waterfall is that waterfall. The highly effective single-drop waterfall drops off moss-covered cliff faces, partially obscured by the curved cliff face. Guests take a brief stroll to Kvernufoss Waterfall, strolling alongside the river on a graveled strolling path for about ten minutes earlier than reaching the bottom. Kvernufoss Waterfall was as soon as comparatively under-appreciated, however it’s now changing into considered one of Iceland’s hottest waterfalls to go to. And, positioned proper subsequent to the Skogar Museum, it’s simply added to even the busiest itineraries.
There are parking, bathroom, and refreshment amenities close to the Kvernufoss Waterfall trailhead. It’s free to enter, though you need to deal with your self to a sizzling drink from Cafe Skogar when you’ve visited. Kvernufoss Waterfall is prettiest after heavy rainfall, which is one thing to contemplate when planning a go to.
17. Solheimasandur Aircraft Wreck
Solheimasandur Aircraft Wreck is an enchanting spot on the south coast of Iceland. The aircraft wreck has been there for over 50 years, and whereas a tragic scene, it has additionally develop into a beloved south coast attraction. You’ll be able to enter the aircraft itself and, if you’ve explored, can stroll just a little additional to benefit from the black sand seaside that it’s located simply earlier than.
Visiting Solheimasandur Aircraft Wreck is free until you select a guided tour (Often by ATV). Reaching the aircraft wreck requires a 45-minute stroll every means, ranging from the Solheimasandur Aircraft Wreck automotive park off the Ring Highway. Due to the prolonged stroll, we advocate visiting Solheimasandur Aircraft Wreck throughout spring or summer season, when the climate is milder and mountain climbing is extra pleasant. Alternatively, buy shuttle bus tickets to avoid wasting time, heat, and power.
18. Fjaðrárgljúfur
Fjaðrárgljúfur is a good looking, two million-year-old canyon on the south coast. At round 2km in size, it’s a pretty outside attraction to spend just a few hours exploring. Fjaðrá river runs by means of the canyon’s heart, with attribute snakes and curves. Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon is so magnificent that it has been utilized in movies and music movies – from Sport of Thrones to Justin Bieber’s “I’ll Present You”.
You’ll discover bathrooms and parking accessible, however in any other case restricted amenities. It’s price checking that Fjaðrárgljúfur is open earlier than visiting as effectively, as it’s regularly closed to permit nature to get better from the hoards of vacationers. Visiting is free, so add it to your checklist of budget-friendly sights on Iceland’s south coast.
19. Skogafoss Waterfall
The mighty Skógafoss waterfall is likely one of the most well-known waterfalls in Iceland. Guests park in a small automotive park off the Ring Highway and hike a brief distance alongside a well-laid path to succeed in the bottom of the falls. If you would like, problem your self to an extra 370 steps to succeed in the highest of the falls, the place you possibly can peer down on the waterfall under. Skogafoss is the last word image of mighty nature, and it’s a nice pure attraction on Iceland’s south coast.
Skogafoss waterfall is free to go to and provides parking. It is usually positioned subsequent to the Skogar Museum and a group of different waterfalls, so it’s excellent for combining with different sights. It stays open all yr spherical, though you need to take care in moist and slippery climate.
20. Reynisfjara Seashore
The south coast of Iceland is famed for its black sand seashores, and Reynisfjara Seashore proves why. The seaside is characterised by its jagged basalt columns set into a large cliff face. The mix of jet-black basalt columns and the black sand is gorgeous, and you may stroll additional down the seaside to go to Halsanefshellir Cave, which is fashioned primarily by basalt columns.
Reynisfjara Black Sand Seashore is well accessed by turning off the Ring Highway and driving down the 215 street for simply over 5 minutes. Parking on the finish of the street, you then stroll straight onto the seaside. Reynisfjara Black Sand Seashore is free for individuals to go to, which is a superb bonus. You’ll be able to go to any time of yr; be aware of freak waves in dangerous climate.
21. Blue Lagoon
Who hasn’t heard of the Blue Lagoon? (We wrote a complete publish on the right way to go to the Blue Lagoon right here)Even when you assume you haven’t, you’ve in all probability seen it on Instagram or in advertising and marketing campaigns. It’s the most well-known geothermal lagoon in Iceland and is a well-liked day journey from Reykjavik. Situated on the far west fringe of the south coast, it’s a nice attraction for anybody with restricted time in Iceland. The recent spring is heated by byproducts from the close by geothermal energy station and is a hanging milk-blue coloration.
You’ll be able to spend hours wading by means of the completely different pool sections, and there’s a mix of pure volcanic rocks and artifical extras like a sauna, steam room, and cave part. Visitors additionally get a complimentary face masks and an alcoholic or tender drink of their alternative. There are amenities galore – together with bathrooms, altering rooms, showers, eating places, cafes, and luxurious lodging. Opening instances vary from round 8 am till 9 pm, relying on the season, and normal grownup tickets price $60.
22. Go Ice Climbing on a Glacier
Fancy one thing more difficult than a typical glacier hike? How about mountaineering? Mountain climbing is a wonderful exercise on the south coast of Iceland, particularly on outlet glaciers like Sólheimajökull Glacier. For security causes, the one solution to go mountaineering is to e-book a guided tour – however this has its advantages. You’ll be supplied with all of the climbing gear and security gear and led by professional instructors to deal with sections of the glaciers for final views.
Mountain climbing is hard, however you possibly can partake as a newbie or superior ice climber. It’s costlier than glacier mountain climbing due to the extra superior nature of the expertise. You’ll be able to take a look at guided ice-climbing excursions like this on-line. Mountain climbing is an all-year-round exercise.
23. Múlagljúfur Canyon
Múlagljúfur Canyon is likely one of the lesser visited canyons on the south coast – however who is aware of why as a result of it’s attractive. To succeed in the canyon, take a detour off the Ring Highway down a gravel street for roughly ten minutes. You then attain a small automotive park the place there’s a tiny trailhead. You hike for round thirty minutes earlier than you attain a shocking viewpoint over the canyon. Get able to channel your interior Jurassic Park as a result of the inexperienced moss and film-worthy canyon cliffs have an actual prehistoric environment.
Múlagljúfur Canyon is free to go to and open all yr spherical. It’s in all probability finest to go to in spring or summer season when mountain climbing is safer and extra pleasant, however dry climate and good visibility are probably the most important elements. There aren’t any amenities at Múlagljúfur Canyon, so be ready to tough it just a little.
24. Skaftafell Nature Reserve
Skaftafell is an unlimited reserve, filled with every part from glaciers to volcanoes and extra mountain climbing trails than what to do with. The oldest rocks within the park are round 5 million years previous, and nature is elegant. Skaftafell is ideal for outside attraction seekers in spring and summer season. You too can go to the customer heart and its cafe all yr spherical. The customer heart is nice for additional ideas and recommendation on what to see and do contained in the park. It’s a numerous show of Icelandic nature, and you may be admiring ice caves one second and waterfalls the following. Hold your eyes out for any guided excursions and excursions within the reserve.
The park is free to go to and has ample parking. There are additionally fundamental amenities like bathrooms and refreshments on the Skaftafell cafe. Whereas appropriate all yr spherical, Skaftafell is extra of a spring and summer season vacation spot when its mountain climbing trails open.
25. Sólheimajökull Glacier
We’ve talked about glacier mountain climbing, however the place finest to do it? We vote for Sólheimajökull Glacier. This glacier is thought for its hanging blue ice and mottled black and white ash-covered sections, and you may simply e-book one of many Sólheimajökull Glacier hikes. Donning a pair of crampons and a tough hat is an thrilling solution to expertise considered one of Iceland’s most lovely pure sights.
Sólheimajökull Glacier isn’t removed from Vik, and you may e-book many glacier mountain climbing excursions in Vik itself, getting transfers to the glacier base. Glacier mountain climbing is an acceptable exercise all yr spherical (though extra nice in hotter, drier climate), and most tour operators have fundamental amenities like bathrooms and parking on website.
26. Svartifoss Waterfall
Svartifoss is a good looking waterfall set in a wall of basalt columns, giving it a novel 3D impact. Basalt columns are photogenic however matched with a shocking 20-meter waterfall, and the result’s mesmerizing. To succeed in the waterfall, you hike for roughly 40 minutes every means. The trailhead is correct subsequent to Skaftafell Customer Heart and a parking lot. It’s a nice free factor to do on Iceland’s south coast – particularly when you love waterfalls.
Whereas visiting, you need to mix Svartifoss Waterfall with Skaftafell Glacier, Hundafoss, and maybe a puffin tour. The path itself lacks amenities. Nevertheless, the customer heart has bathrooms and refreshments, which is handy. Svartifoss Waterfall is most suited to spring and summer season mountain climbing when the path is evident and simpler.
27. Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
Be ready to see a whole lot of waterfalls alongside the south coast of Iceland, however Seljalandsfoss is likely one of the finest. Seljalandsfoss Waterfall is finest recognized for its part behind the falls, the place you possibly can stand behind the waterfall – getting just a little moist from the spray however getting a novel perspective of the water’s energy. It’s simply accessed only a quick stroll from a parking lot off the Ring Highway.
Seljalandsfoss is free to enter and has paid parking accessible for these driving. It’s best to go to on a non-windy day to go behind the falls with out getting as moist. Since it’s a very talked-about waterfall, attempt to go to throughout the shoulder seasons like September and October to keep away from the lots of crowds.
28. Vatnajökull Nationwide Park
Vatnajökull Nationwide Park is dwelling to the large Vatnajökull Glacier and a number of the finest outside adventures on the Icelandic South Coast. Its glacier is the most important in Europe, and the park is 5,460 sq. miles. Solely formally named a nationwide park in 2008, Vatnajökull Nationwide Park marked a brand new daybreak of preservation in Iceland. Fascinatingly, Vatnajökull Nationwide Park covers roughly 80% of Iceland’s landmass. It consists of many sights already on this information – like Skaftafell Nature Reserve. Nevertheless, it’s such an enormous a part of the south coast’s tourism scene that we needed to give it its personal slot.
Vatnajökull Nationwide Park is free to enter, however it’s also finest explored on guided excursions if you wish to partake in excursions actions like glacier mountain climbing. The Vatnajökull Nationwide Park has many amenities and customer facilities, however some areas are fully distant with no everlasting human constructions. Equally, some areas have parking, whereas others aren’t even accessible by street. Analysis particular locations in Vatnajökull Nationwide Park rigorously and enquire forward if you’re not sure when reserving a tour.
29. Diamond Seashore
A visit to the south coast of Iceland is simply full when you go to Diamond seaside. Diamond Seashore will get its title from the washed-up icebergs on its shores, and the icebergs have a shiny, diamond-like glint that has made the seaside in style amongst photographers and vacationers alike. The seaside has black sand, heightening the distinction and making the aesthetic much more lovely.
Diamond Seashore is totally free to go to and provides free parking. It is usually positioned proper subsequent to the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, so it’s effectively mixed with a go to to the lagoon or boat experience to identify icebergs. Whereas Diamond Seashore is appropriate to go to all yr spherical, be aware of freak waves, particularly in dangerous climate.
30. Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is a shocking pure attraction on Iceland’s south coast. The glacial lake lies within the wake of Jökulsárlón Glacier, adorned with glistening iceberg sand and the odd seal sunbathing. You’ll be able to go to a number of viewpoints across the lake’s edge or take to the waters with a zodiac boat tour. It is a implausible solution to get near icebergs and wildlife.
Visiting the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is free, and zodiac excursions price $97. It consists of simply over an hour within the water, and also you’ll have a small group expertise the place you possibly can ask your information numerous questions and get nearly one-to-one consideration. Getting near the icebergs is mesmerizing, so keep in mind to deliver a digital camera. it’s also possible to e-book a Full Day journey from Reyjavik if in case you have restricted time.
31. Black Sand Seashore at Vik
Simply across the different facet of the headland from Reynisfjara, Vik’s black sand seaside has a distinct environment. You’ll be able to watch horses race down the coast from the close by horseback using heart, stroll with different vacationers and native households, and admire distant rock formations offshore. There’s extra of a group really feel.
Vik is such a central level on the south coast of Iceland. If you wish to e-book last-minute excursions, visiting the black sand seaside is an effective way to fill in time whereas ready in Vik. The seaside is free to enter, has parking, and is appropriate irrespective of the season. Simply be cautious of these freak waves we’ve talked about in awful climate.
South Coast of Iceland FAQs
Now that we’ve lined all the most effective issues to do and see on Iceland’s south coast let’s take a look at some important data. These are the commonest south coast of Iceland FAQs.
Tips on how to get to the South Coast of Iceland
Attending to the south coast of Iceland is surprisingly straightforward – so long as you will have a driving license and lease a automotive. First, you fly into Keflavik Worldwide Airport. The airport has direct connections to tons of of locations, so reaching Iceland by aircraft is a straightforward first step. Then, rent a automotive on the airport and drive an hour to Selfoss to hitch Route 1 – aka the Ring Highway that circles the entire of Iceland and is the principle street that cuts by means of southern Iceland.
In case you don’t drive, that is the place issues get just a little trickier. You’ll should catch the Flybus into Reykjavik, catch a number of buses to succeed in Selfoss, or buy a shuttle ticket. Permit as much as three hours if you’re attending to the south coast of Iceland this fashion. It’s doable and can want a bit of additional planning.
Getting across the South Coast of Iceland
Driving is probably the most pleasant solution to get across the south coast of Iceland. The ring street is simple to drive, and even off-the-beaten-track sights that require detours nonetheless have comparatively straightforward gravel roads. Simply be aware of icy street situations within the winter months. It is usually price downloading offline maps together with your Google Maps account to keep away from getting misplaced in areas with restricted or no sign. Don’t depend on with the ability to use knowledge.
In case you can’t drive, you need to use public buses. There’s additionally a hop-on, hop-off bus service that departs from Harpa Live performance Corridor in Reykjavik and stops at a number of the main locations alongside the south coast of Iceland. These stops embody Selfoss, Hella, Seljalandsfoss, and Vik. Whereas you should have a lot much less freedom to determine when, the place, and the way lengthy to cease, getting across the south coast of Iceland by bus is possible. It’s excellent for individuals who can’t drive, need to lower your expenses, and are completely satisfied to stay to the principle sights.
Finest time to go to the South Coast of Iceland
The winter months could also be finest for experiencing the northern lights and magical darkish nights, however the most effective time to go to the south coast is throughout the summer season months. Summer season in Iceland lasts from June to August (though September is an efficient shoulder month various), and you may expertise the midnight solar throughout this time.
In summer season, you will have extra daytime, higher driving situations, and extra vacationer companies operating – just like the hop-on-hop-off shuttle bus. It’s extra sensible and pleasant when visiting the south coast of Iceland.
To Conclude
The Icelandic south coast is a good looking area of Iceland. The tons of of issues to see and do make it the proper place to benefit from the ‘land of fireside and ice’. Whether or not you stroll mountain climbing trails previous ice caps and glacial rivers, loosen up on a black sand seaside, sightsee Iceland’s tallest waterfalls, or enterprise to a aircraft wreck, you’ll keep entertained. Iceland’s south coast has reminiscences to final a lifetime. We hope you take pleasure in each minute of it.
While you’ve explored the south coast of Iceland, why not problem your self to go additional? You could possibly full the famed Golden Circle street journey and even embark on the final Ring Highway route. Iceland is filled with fascinating details, locations, and issues to do – the southern coast is just the start.