Exploring Iceland's South Coast: Best Things to Do

Iceland is deceptively large, not just in size, but in its breadth of diverse landscapes. From the atmospheric volcanic vistas to the commanding waterfalls, Iceland puts on a beautiful show. And the south coast is a hotbed for the kind of natural wonders, such as geological formations and geothermal activity, that make the country so intriguing. 

Iceland's South Coast vs North Coast

Generally, travellers with a restricted timeframe tend to stick to the south coast. Much of Iceland’s incredible nature is packed into this region, so you can ensure you tick off waterfalls, mountains, black sand beaches, glaciers, lava formations, wildlife, and much more, on your trip. 

The north coast is wonderfully wild and remote, perfect for adventurers, but sparsely populated with less infrastructure. Both ends of the country are stunning, and the dramatic fjords of the north are breathtaking, but the south coast’s diverse attractions make it perfect for a nature-filled holiday. 

The South Coast of Iceland: The 7 Best Places to Go

1. Diamond Beach

Getting its name from the sparkly icebergs that wash ashore, Diamond Beach is a must-see on the south coast of Iceland. The contrast of the icebergs on the black sand beach is one of Iceland’s most unique, surreal landscapes. It’s also home to a group of seals and is one of the best places in the country to spot orcas from the shore.

2. Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

The Arctic blue waters of the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon are dotted with floating icebergs calved from the Breiðamerkurjökull Glacier, creating an incredibly stunning icy lagoon. Get up close to the icebergs on a boat tour, or admire the scenery from the shore. 

There’s no Diamond Beach without the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, from which icy chunks break off the surrounding glacier and eventually drift to the jet-black shore. You can walk to Diamond Beach from the lagoon shore in just a few minutes.

3. Sólheimajökull Glacier

Glaciers cover 11% (ish) of Iceland’s landscape, and Sólheimajökull is one of the country’s most beautiful. The rippled glacier is sliced by ink-black volcanic cash, creating a unique streaked look. But glaciers are dynamic, shifting things, so they can look different every day. On a clear day, the thick, far-stretching ice sheet is a piercing blue. 

You can go to see the glacier from the nearby path, but for the full experience, we recommend tackling a glacier hike. Generally, they’re suitable for all fitness levels, but taking a guided tour is the best way to keep safe on the ice. If you’d prefer that extra freedom, you can take a meet-on-location tour. Not only do their guides provide the necessary safety gear, like crampons and helmets, but their knowledge is second to none, and their enthusiasm for the glacier (and Iceland’s nature in general) is infectious.

4. Reynisfjara

Reynisfjara is one of Iceland’s most iconic sights. A tower of stacked basalt columns flanks the long stretch of black sand – stunning at any time of the day, but particularly during sunset. The atmospheric, moody-yet-beautiful setting was the perfect filming location for Game of Thrones. Transported to the modern day, you can grab snacks, drinks, and warming Icelandic soups from the cafe after a blustery stroll on the wind-whipped beach.

5. Skaftafell

Skaftafell is a nature reserve in the huge Vatnajökull National Park. It covers around 14% of Iceland’s total landmass, so if you’re narrowing it down, stick to Skaftafell. The wilderness area is a serene landscape of gorgeous hiking trails, glacial rivers, canyons, waterfalls, mountains, and more. If you love hiking and exploring untouched, wild nature, Skaftafell should be high on your south coast of Iceland wish list. Svartifoss is a uniquely stunning waterfall in Skaftafell. The powerful stream tumbles down from the Svínafellsjökull Glacier, against a wall of inky basalt formations. It’s a scenic 5.5 km hike to the waterfall from the car park. 

6. Skógafoss 

This 60+ metre drop waterfall is one of southern Iceland’s most spectacular and recognisable sights. It’s a thundering force of nature, surrounded by lush greenery in the warmer months, and thick sheets of ice in the winter. There’s something ethereal about waterfalls in icy conditions, especially when droplets freeze over. You can admire the waterfall’s robust power from below, or take the steep stairs for a closer look. You could head back down, or begin the mammoth Skógafoss Waterfall Way hike. The 17 km trail traverses along the Skóga River and, true to its name, many, many waterfalls. 

7. Heimaey Island

The only inhabited of the Westman Islands, Heimaey Island is a floating gem off Iceland’s south coast, surrounded by the foamy Atlantic Ocean. The only way to access the island is via boat, so there are few tourists. However, there’s plenty to do and see. The Westman Islands is home to the world’s largest puffin colony – the best time to see them is during the breeding season, April to August. Stórhöfði, the most southerly point of the island, is a great area for puffin-spotting, with stunning hikes and dramatic, blustery scenery.

Exploring the South Coast with Holiday Tours

Being among Iceland’s immense natural beauty is a huge privilege, but deciding where to go can take a lot of planning. Booking a guided tour helps you to explore some of the incredible sights on this list (and more) with ease. Holiday Tours offer small-group trips that explore some of Iceland’s best bits, and their Glacier Hike and South Coast Day Tour is perfect for a hassle-free, well-planned experience. With knowledgeable, enthusiastic guides, they know how to avoid the crowds and truly want you to get the most out of your experience. If the glacier hike isn’t your thing, they also do a Classic South Coast Tour.

Check out our full review of Holiday Tours here.