South Coast Drive: Iceland's Most Dramatic Road

Iceland’s South Coast is the country’s most concentrated stretch of highlights: waterfalls, black sand beaches, a glacier lagoon with floating icebergs, and constant views of the Vatnajökull ice cap to the north. It’s the most visited section of the Ring Road and for good reason — the variety of dramatic scenery within 400km of Reykjavík is unmatched.

The Route

Reykjavík → Route 1 east → 380km to Höfn. All paved, year-round accessible.

Stop 1: Seljalandsfoss (120km from Reykjavík)

A 60m waterfall with a path that goes behind the falling water — a uniquely immersive waterfall experience. Entry approximately ISK 900 adult to access the behind-the-falls path as of 2026 (managed access in peak season).

Immediately south, Gljúfrabúi is a hidden waterfall tucked inside a gorge — wade a shallow stream to reach it. Often overlooked. Free.

Allow 1–1.5 hours for both.

Stop 2: Skógafoss (150km from Reykjavík)

A 60m curtain waterfall you can walk directly to the base of. A rainbow is almost always visible on sunny days. A 527-step staircase alongside climbs to the waterfall top and the start of the Fimmvörðuháls trail. Free. Allow 45 minutes.

Stop 3: Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck (167km)

A 1973 US Navy DC-3 plane wreck on a black sand plain. Park at the car park on Route 1 and walk 4km each way on the flat plain. Allow 1.5–2 hours return. Free.

Stop 4: Reynisfjara Beach (near Vík, 187km)

Iceland’s most famous black sand beach. Basalt columns, Reynisdrangar sea stacks, and the serious sneaker wave danger. Stay 30 metres from the waterline. Free. Allow 45–60 minutes.

Dyrhólaey (5km west of Vík): Natural rock arch and puffin cliffs (May–August). 20 minutes.

Stop 5: Skaftafell (258km)

Vatnajökull National Park visitor area. Svartifoss waterfall (surrounded by basalt columns, 30-minute walk from car park) and glacier walk access to Skaftafellsjökull. Free to enter the park. Guided glacier walks from ISK 10,500 adult.

Stop 6: Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon (378km)

Floating icebergs in a glacial lake at the foot of Breiðamerkurjökull glacier. One of Iceland’s most photographed sites. The icebergs calve off the glacier and drift toward the sea outlet.

Zodiac tours: 45-minute tours among the icebergs approximately ISK 9,900 adult. Amphibian boat tours approximately ISK 7,900 adult. Both depart from the lagoon shore.

Diamond Beach: Walk 5 minutes south across the Route 1 bridge to the ocean inlet — ice blocks washed onto the black sand beach, naturally backlit in good light. Free. Allow 30–45 minutes.

Stop 7: Höfn (380km)

The end of the South Coast section. Best known for langoustine (Humarhöfnin restaurant, mains approximately ISK 5,900–8,000). Overnight here before continuing the Ring Road or returning to Reykjavík.

Accommodation along the South Coast

The South Coast has guesthouses and farm stays spaced along Route 1. Key overnight options:

• Near Seljalandsfoss: Several farms and guesthouses (Foss Hotel Eyjafjallajökull, approximately ISK 35,000–50,000)
• Vík: Icelandair Hotel Vík ISK 35,000–48,000, Black Sand Guesthouse ISK 22,000
• Near Jökulsárlón: Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon ISK 45,000–65,000

Book 2–3 months ahead for July–August. The South Coast has limited accommodation relative to visitor numbers.