Waterfalls, a protected canyon, black sand and a string of seaside villages make up the South Coast. Start with Seljalandsfoss, where you can walk behind the falls, and the nearby Gljúfrabúi. A car makes all of it easier, and the Lighthouse Trail makes a full day on its own.
At a glance
- Top sights to see first: Seljalandsfoss, Gljúfrabúi, Fjaðrárgljúfur, Dyrhólaey
- Main access: by car (the Lighthouse Trail makes an easy full-day trip)
- Suggested length of visit: 2 to 4 days on foot or by bike for the Lighthouse Trail
- Highlands: 2 or more days, summer only
What are the best things to do in Iceland’s South Coast?
Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi
Seljalandsfoss is one of the highest waterfalls in the country, and you can walk behind it. It lies on the boundary between Seljaland and Hamragarðar. Next to it, Gljúfrabúi is about 130 feet (40 meters) high. It sits on the land of the abandoned farm Hamragarðar, which was gifted to Skógræktarfélag Rangæinga in 1962.
Walking behind Seljalandsfoss means spray, so wear a waterproof jacket and shoes that grip wet ground.
Fjaðrárgljúfur
Fjaðrárgljúfur is a canyon about 1 to 1.2 miles (1.5 to 2 kilometers) long. Its depth is given as anywhere from 30 to 100 meters (about 100 to 330 feet). Part of it was protected as a natural monument in 2024 under regulation no. 555/2024, and the protected area covers about 0.15 square kilometers.
Count that detour into your day. Since the site is protected, stay on the marked paths.
Dyrhólaey
Dyrhólaey is a nature reserve, protected under regulation no. 101/1978. Its protection value lies in the birdlife, though the area is just as interesting for its landscape.
Birds are the reason the reserve exists, so bring binoculars if you have them. Keep a respectful distance from nesting areas.
Reynisfjara and Vík
The South Coast is known for its black sand beaches. Vík has black sand and rough seas, and it is Iceland’s only seaside village with no harbour. Many ships were stranded on these black sands.
At Reynisfjara, keep well back from the water and never turn your back on the sea. Watch the waves from a safe distance and stay off the wet sand near the surf.
Sólheimajökull
Sólheimajökull Glacier lies about 7.5 miles (12 kilometers) east of Skógafoss via Road 221. Glacier activities in the region include guided glacier hikes and ice cave tours.
The drive from Skógafoss is short. If you want to walk on the ice, book a guided hike rather than going alone.
The South Coast Lighthouse Trail
The trail connects three seaside villages: Þorlákshöfn, Eyrarbakki and Stokkseyri. It takes its name from three lighthouses: Selvogsviti, Hafnarnesviti and Knarrarósviti. Knarrarósviti was built in 1938 and 1939, and it was the first lighthouse in Iceland built of reinforced concrete.
Most visitors drive the trail, and by car it makes an easy full-day trip. On foot or by bike it takes two to four days.
Eyrarbakki
Eyrarbakki is one of the villages on the Lighthouse Trail. The Merchants House was built in 1765, and the church was inaugurated in December 1890.
A walk between the two buildings makes a good stop on the trail. The village is also the start of the shoreline path to Stokkseyri.
When is the best time to visit Iceland’s South Coast for sightseeing?
Winter on the coast is cold and wet: in January Vík has highs of 40°F (4°C) and 19 rainy days. By March the high is 41°F (5°C), and in April it reaches 45°F (7°C) with 15 rainy days. In May the high is 50°F (10°C), and June brings 54°F (12°C) and 11 rainy days, so late spring and early summer are drier for sightseeing. The Highlands are open in summer only. For a short stay, a car lets you cover the waterfalls and the trail in a day each.
Beaches and outdoor things to do in Iceland’s South Coast
The sea is rough there, and at Reynisfjara the rule is simple: stay well back from the water and keep your eyes on the waves.
Much of the Lighthouse Trail follows a long, open shoreline that you can walk for a large part of the way. A path links Stokkseyri and Eyrarbakki with a view of the Atlantic Ocean, and Stokkseyri has an observation platform. Along the trail you can also go kayaking, horse riding or birdwatching.
For warm water, the Reykjadalur hot river and the Secret Lagoon near Flúðir are the geothermal bathing options. Glacier activities include guided hikes and ice cave tours, and Jökulsárlón is the place for floating icebergs. Hikers who want more can take the multi-day Laugavegur trail between Landmannalaugar and Þórsmörk. Hiking options range from short waterfall walks to that long route, so pick by how many days you have.
Day trips from Iceland’s South Coast
Three trips are worth planning around.
- Lighthouse Trail: one full day · by car · for an easy day out
- Highlands: 2 or more days · summer only · for hikers with time
With one day and a car, take the Lighthouse Trail. With two days, the Golden Circle fits. The Highlands need a longer stay and a summer visit.
What to eat in Iceland’s South Coast
Each village on the Lighthouse Trail has restaurants serving local ingredients, and fresh Icelandic seafood is a highlight along the coast. On Vestmannaeyjar, family-run restaurants serve the island’s freshest catch sea-to-table. GOTT, Næs and Einsi Kaldi each offer a 5 course menu on Friday and Saturday for 11.900 ISK.
In Hvolsvöllur, Gallerý Pizza is an old restaurant with pizzas, salads, sub sandwiches, fish, chicken and hamburgers. Laufey Bistro serves meals and coffee on the Icelandic Ring road. In the Golden Circle area, you can also eat in a greenhouse.
Things to do in Iceland’s South Coast at night
Other events there include Hljómey, Mey, the Puffin run, the Goslok festival and the Þjóðhátíð festival. Check dates before you plan a trip around any of them.
Things to do in Iceland’s South Coast with kids
Stokkseyri has a public swimming pool with an 18 meter outdoor pool, a slide, a wading pool and two hot tubs. That makes it an easy stop for children after a day of driving.
Walking behind Seljalandsfoss is the other draw for kids. At Reynisfjara, keep children well back from the water.
Sources
- visiticeland.com (https://www.visiticeland.com/the-regions/the-south/), checked 2026-10-30
- ncei.noaa.gov (https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/products/wmo-climate-normals), checked 2026-10-30
- south.is (https://www.south.is/en/moya/page/the-south-coast-lighthouse-way), checked 2026-10-30
- south.is (https://www.south.is/en/destinations/nature/beaches/the-coastline-between-stokkseyri-and-eyrarbakki), checked 2026-10-30
- visitvestmannaeyjar.is (https://www.visitvestmannaeyjar.is/matey-seafood-festival), checked 2026-10-30
- south.is (https://www.south.is/afangastadaaaetlun/moya/toy/index/place/seljalandsfoss), checked 2026-10-30
- perlan.is (https://perlan.is/articles/skogafoss-waterfall-iceland-guide), checked 2026-10-30
- nattura.is (https://www.nattura.is/svaedin/fjardrargljufur), checked 2026-10-30