Iceland isn’t any secret vacation spot. From its scrumptious meals, issues to do, and unimaginable locations to go to, it famously makes for an action-packed vacation. Certainly 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 points of interest. There are such a lot of issues to do and see on the south coast of Iceland that it is among the most well-known highway journey routes.
31 Greatest Issues To Do and See on Iceland’s South Coast
Visiting the south coast of Iceland, you could possibly mix glacier mountaineering, bathing in sizzling springs, strolling black sand seashores, and exploring ice caves in simply in the future. The fast succession of attraction after attraction makes southern Iceland one of the crucial standard vacationer locations. This information will cowl the very best issues to do and see on Iceland’s south coast. Excited? You have to be.
For those who solely have a small period of time in Iceland we do suggest 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 approach to do exactly that.
1. Foss a Síðu
Foss a Síðu is among the most stunning waterfalls in south Iceland. The waterfall sits on personal property simply off the roadside and is definitely acknowledged by its single drop straight off dramatic inexperienced cliffs. There’s a tiny city by its base, and you may stroll just some minutes alongside a gravel highway to get nearer to the falls.
It’s best to go to Foss a Síðu throughout spring or summer time when visibility is excessive sufficient to benefit from the view from a distance. The waterfall is free to see, and it’s simple to park off the roadside, as there are various small roads resulting in the city and native residences. Hamrafoss Cafe is usually open on a seasonal foundation simply reverse Foss a Síðu. The small cafe has beautiful views of the falls, heat drinks, and bathroom services.
2. Skogar Museum
Skogar Museum is among the prettiest historic points of interest in south Iceland. The open-air museum is break up into three sections, the mannequin turf village, the People Museum, and the Museum of Transport. The mannequin village is the picture-perfect postcard picture of Skogar. You’ll spot conventional Icelandic housing with placing inexperienced roofs. It’s a excellent place to immerse your self in early Icelandic dwelling and historical past. The People Museum is rather more informative, with displays 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 12 months between 10 am and 5 pm, though these opening occasions differ relying on sunlight hours every season. You might discover it extra pleasurable in heat climate, however it’s appropriate to go to all 12 months spherical. It prices $16 per grownup and has parking conveniently on-site. Skogar Museum has bathroom services, a restaurant, and a memento store.
3. Raufarholshellir
Raufarholshellir is a lava tunnel cave positioned initially 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 taken with geology and volcanic exercise. In addition to, who else can say that they’ve walked by means of a lava tunnel? Raufarholshellir was shaped 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 certainly one to your bucket listing when visiting the south coast of Iceland.
Raufarholshellir is open on daily basis between 10 am and 5 pm. Grownup tickets value $52 for the usual and $147 for the extra prolonged tour. Raufarholshellir does have parking out there, but it surely additionally gives shuttle companies from Reykjavik as a day journey. You may go to any time of 12 months, and as an indoor attraction, it’s a good possibility on a wet day. Winter at Raufarholshellir is made additional particular by the ice sculptures, too, so don’t shrink back from visiting at any time of 12 months.
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 may spot them independently alongside the coast. Alternatively, you may e-book a tour to let an knowledgeable allow you to spot the little celebrities. This tour is a well-liked possibility positioned simply exterior Reykjavik. It takes you on a singular journey searching for puffins, in a RIB craft which lets you get on the market quick and get an up-close have a look at these superb birds. The tour has an incredible success charge and gives beautiful 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 would possibly get fortunate and spot a couple of stragglers simply exterior of this era, however as an entire, these months are probably the most dependable for sightings. This tour operates in the course of the puffin season and prices $75 per grownup. You’ll discover parking and fundamental services on-site.
5. Seljavallalaug Geothermal Pool
You may 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 automobile park. Permit round twenty minutes to stroll to the springs, the place you’ll discover fundamental services, together with altering rooms. The pool is somewhat tough and prepared – don’t be shocked by the odd algae progress right here and there. The pure environment is definitely worth the journey. Seljavallalaug can be thought-about one of many oldest swimming swimming pools in Iceland.
Seljavallalaug Geothermal Pool is finest visited in summer time 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 very best information is that Seljavallalaug Geothermal Pool is solely free.
6. Fagrifoss
Fagrifoss is among the most stunning however distant waterfalls in Iceland. Prepared for an journey? You’ll want a 4WD car and a real spirit of grit. Fagrifoss is reached through a tough monitor and adrenaline-inducing river crossing. The splendor of the thundering white waterfall towards the inexperienced moss and black basalt rock is effectively value it, and reaching Fagrifoss is simply a part of the attraction. 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 time 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 if you happen to discover the rivers uncrossable.
7. Fagradalsfjall Volcano
Fagradalsfjall Volcano is Iceland’s newest volcanic eruption. The volcano is positioned in southern Iceland and shortly grew to become 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 photos. If you wish to go to a real-life, lively volcano, go to Fagradalsfjall in southern Iceland. You may park on the roadside and sort out one of many mountaineering trails independently, however we suggest taking a guided hike to remain secure.
Guides are native specialists and may monitor necessary components like gasoline dangers. Plus, even a brief stroll in Iceland usually entails harsh situations and unmarked terrain. You may e-book your guided hike right here, and plenty of excursions supply transfers from Reykjavik as a day journey. There are little to no services at Fagradalsfjall, and your solely value would be the worth of the tour. It’s value checking the volcano’s exercise standing so what to anticipate and plan to hike in spring or summer time 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, virtually reverse Foss a Síðu. It’s a dreamy location for a fast photoshoot and excellent if you need a fast ten-minute cease off on a south coast highway journey. A tiny strolling path cuts by means of Dverghamrar and loops again to somewhat automobile park. Take your time strolling by means of, studying the informative indicators, and pausing for photos.
Dverghamrar is free to go to and appropriate at any time of 12 months – take into account that the strolling path will get icy and slippery. There are not any services on the canyon itself, though Hamrafoss Cafe is value visiting for bathrooms and refreshments whether it is open. It’s lower than a ten-minute stroll from the Dverghamrar automobile park.
9. Gljufrabui
Gljufrabui is a secret waterfall hidden in a slim canyon subsequent to Seljalandsfoss Waterfall. Gljufrabui is only a quick stroll to the left of its neighboring main waterfall, and also you’ll have to hopscotch throughout a collection of pure stepping stones to succeed in it, so convey some waterproof boots and trousers. The canyon is beautiful, with towering moss-covered partitions of vibrant inexperienced, and it seems like navigating a slot canyon.
Gljufrabui is free to go to and has parking out there close to the trailhead. It does get somewhat busy (the very best secrets and techniques are inconceivable to maintain, in any case) so go to out of peak season and hours if you need 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 a lot. The caves are shaped as meltwater strikes by means of glacial ice, with glacial rivers hollowing out the ice to create caverns and exquisite 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 potential to go to ice caves alone, we don’t suggest it. Ebook 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 knowledgeable help and information of the land. Excursions normally contain a brief glacier hike to succeed in the ice caves, which is an journey in itself. You may 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 Using
Horseback driving is a bucket listing factor to do south coast of Iceland, particularly contemplating all the attractive black sand seashores. Icelandic horses are tiny, fluffy creatures with stoic personalities and stunning energy for his or her small measurement. 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 good gait for overlaying massive distances at a barely sooner tempo than strolling.
You will discover horseback driving excursions alongside the south coast and ring highway. There’s a driving middle in Vik, Bakkahestar Horse Using Excursions, and Mr. Iceland Horseback Using Excursions. Look on-line on the completely different choices and coincide your journey with good climate for the very best expertise.
12. Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Fjallsárlón lagoon is among the prettiest glacier lagoons in Iceland, and this glacier lake is effectively value visiting while 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 one in all 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 may 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 approach 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 solely free. You’ll discover bogs and parking out there.
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 journey 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 chicken and whale watching – so preserve your eyes peeled and convey pair of binoculars.
The most effective time to go to the Westman Islands is in summer time or spring when puffins and whales are extra generally sighted. Throughout this era, the ferry crossing might be a lot smoother as effectively. You may depart your automobile and take the ferry as a foot passenger or convey the automobile with you to maximise what you see throughout your journey. Tickets value $14 per grownup a method and between $21 to $28 if you happen to convey a automobile (relying on measurement). You’ll discover fundamental services like cafes and bogs while you arrive.
14. Geysir Geothermal Space
The Geysir Geothermal Space is among 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 nice for Iceland. It’s a standard day journey from Reykjavik, and in case you are 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 not less than such as you’ve been despatched again to prehistoric occasions. You’ll discover parking reverse the location with a customer middle providing refreshments and bathroom services. The world is implausible at any time of 12 months, though it will likely be simpler to succeed in in hotter months.
15. Svínafellsjökull Glacier
Svínafellsjökull Glacier is one other beautiful glacier positioned alongside Iceland’s south coast. There’s a stunning viewpoint only a quick drive down a facet highway off the Ring Highway. You park within the free automobile park after which stroll the rest of the route. Strolling across the glacier lagoon on the base of Svínafellsjökull Glacier is a serene mountaineering path, and also you’ll have beautiful views of icebergs and the glacier itself.
Svínafellsjökull Glacier has free bogs, parking, and eating places close by. It is among 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. For those who don’t need to go glacier mountaineering 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 turning into one in all 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 services close to the Kvernufoss Waterfall trailhead. It’s free to enter, though you must 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 turn into a beloved south coast attraction. You may enter the aircraft itself and, while you’ve explored, can stroll somewhat additional to benefit from the black sand seashore that it’s located simply earlier than.
Visiting Solheimasandur Aircraft Wreck is free except you select a guided tour (Often by ATV). Reaching the aircraft wreck requires a 45-minute stroll every approach, ranging from the Solheimasandur Aircraft Wreck automobile park off the Ring Highway. Due to the prolonged stroll, we suggest visiting Solheimasandur Aircraft Wreck throughout spring or summer time, when the climate is milder and mountaineering is extra pleasurable. Alternatively, buy shuttle bus tickets to save lots of time, heat, and power.
18. Fjaðrárgljúfur
Fjaðrárgljúfur is a stupendous, two million-year-old canyon on the south coast. At round 2km in size, it’s a pretty out of doors attraction to spend a couple of hours exploring. Fjaðrá river runs by means of the canyon’s middle, with attribute snakes and curves. Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon is so magnificent that it has been utilized in movies and music movies – from Recreation of Thrones to Justin Bieber’s “I’ll Present You”.
You’ll discover bogs and parking out there, however in any other case restricted services. It’s value checking that Fjaðrárgljúfur is open earlier than visiting as effectively, as it’s often closed to permit nature to get better from the hoards of vacationers. Visiting is free, so add it to your listing of budget-friendly points of interest on Iceland’s south coast.
19. Skogafoss Waterfall
The mighty Skógafoss waterfall is among the most well-known waterfalls in Iceland. Guests park in a small automobile 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 need, problem your self to a further 370 steps to succeed in the highest of the falls, the place you may peer down on the waterfall under. Skogafoss is the final 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 gives parking. Additionally it is positioned subsequent to the Skogar Museum and a group of different waterfalls, so it’s good for combining with different points of interest. It stays open all 12 months spherical, though you must 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 seashore is characterised by its jagged basalt columns set into an enormous cliff face. The mixture of jet-black basalt columns and the black sand is beautiful, and you may stroll additional down the seashore to go to Halsanefshellir Cave, which is shaped primarily by basalt columns.
Reynisfjara Black Sand Seashore is definitely accessed by turning off the Ring Highway and driving down the 215 highway for simply over 5 minutes. Parking on the finish of the highway, you then stroll instantly onto the seashore. Reynisfjara Black Sand Seashore is free for individuals to go to, which is a superb bonus. You may go to any time of 12 months; be conscious of freak waves in unhealthy climate.
21. Blue Lagoon
Who hasn’t heard of the Blue Lagoon? (We wrote an entire submit on how one can go to the Blue Lagoon right here)Even if you happen to assume you haven’t, you’ve most likely seen it on Instagram or in advertising campaigns. It’s the most well-known geothermal lagoon in Iceland and is a well-liked day journey from Reykjavik. Positioned 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 placing milk-blue shade.
You may spend hours wading by means of the completely different pool sections, and there’s a combination of pure volcanic rocks and artifical extras like a sauna, steam room, and cave part. Company additionally get a complimentary face masks and an alcoholic or comfortable drink of their selection. There are services galore – together with bogs, altering rooms, showers, eating places, cafes, and luxurious lodging. Opening occasions vary from round 8 am till 9 pm, relying on the season, and customary grownup tickets value $60.
22. Go Ice Climbing on a Glacier
Fancy one thing tougher than an ordinary 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 approach to go mountaineering is to e-book a guided tour – however this has its advantages. You’ll be supplied with all of the climbing tools and security gear and led by knowledgeable instructors to sort out sections of the glaciers for final views.
Mountain climbing is hard, however you may partake as a newbie or superior ice climber. It’s costlier than glacier mountaineering due to the extra superior nature of the expertise. You may 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 among the lesser visited canyons on the south coast – however who is aware of why as a result of it’s beautiful. To succeed in the canyon, take a detour off the Ring Highway down a gravel highway for about ten minutes. You then attain a small automobile 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 12 months spherical. It’s most likely finest to go to in spring or summer time when mountaineering is safer and extra pleasurable, however dry climate and good visibility are probably the most vital components. There are not any services at Múlagljúfur Canyon, so be ready to tough it somewhat.
24. Skaftafell Nature Reserve
Skaftafell is an unlimited reserve, stuffed with the whole lot from glaciers to volcanoes and extra mountaineering trails than what to do with. The oldest rocks within the park are round 5 million years previous, and nature is classy. Skaftafell is ideal for out of doors attraction seekers in spring and summer time. It’s also possible to go to the customer middle and its cafe all 12 months spherical. The customer middle 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 could possibly be admiring ice caves one second and waterfalls the following. Preserve 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 services like bogs and refreshments on the Skaftafell cafe. Whereas appropriate all 12 months spherical, Skaftafell is extra of a spring and summer time vacation spot when its mountaineering trails open.
25. Sólheimajökull Glacier
We’ve talked about glacier mountaineering, however the place finest to do it? We vote for Sólheimajökull Glacier. This glacier is understood for its placing 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 approach to expertise one in all Iceland’s most stunning pure points of interest.
Sólheimajökull Glacier just isn’t removed from Vik, and you may e-book many glacier mountaineering excursions in Vik itself, getting transfers to the glacier base. Glacier mountaineering is an acceptable exercise all 12 months spherical (though extra nice in hotter, drier climate), and most tour operators have fundamental services like bogs and parking on website.
26. Svartifoss Waterfall
Svartifoss is a stupendous waterfall set in a wall of basalt columns, giving it a singular 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 about 40 minutes every approach. The trailhead is correct subsequent to Skaftafell Customer Middle and a parking lot. It’s a nice free factor to do on Iceland’s south coast – particularly if you happen to love waterfalls.
Whereas visiting, you must mix Svartifoss Waterfall with Skaftafell Glacier, Hundafoss, and maybe a puffin tour. The path itself lacks services. Nonetheless, the customer middle has bogs and refreshments, which is handy. Svartifoss Waterfall is most suited to spring and summer time mountaineering when the path is evident and simpler.
27. Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
Be ready to see numerous waterfalls alongside the south coast of Iceland, however Seljalandsfoss is among the finest. Seljalandsfoss Waterfall is finest identified for its part behind the falls, the place you may stand behind the waterfall – getting somewhat moist from the spray however getting a singular 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 out there 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 extremely popular waterfall, attempt to go to in the course of 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 big Vatnajökull Glacier and a number of the finest out of doors 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 contains many points of interest already on this information – like Skaftafell Nature Reserve. Nonetheless, 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 additionally it is finest explored on guided excursions if you wish to partake in excursions actions like glacier mountaineering. The Vatnajökull Nationwide Park has many services and customer facilities, however some areas are utterly distant with no everlasting human buildings. Equally, some areas have parking, whereas others aren’t even accessible by highway. Analysis particular locations in Vatnajökull Nationwide Park rigorously and enquire forward in case you are uncertain when reserving a tour.
29. Diamond Seashore
A visit to the south coast of Iceland is simply full if you happen to go to Diamond seashore. Diamond Seashore will get its identify from the washed-up icebergs on its shores, and the icebergs have a vibrant, diamond-like glint that has made the seashore standard amongst photographers and vacationers alike. The seashore has black sand, heightening the distinction and making the aesthetic much more stunning.
Diamond Seashore is solely free to go to and gives free parking. Additionally it is positioned proper subsequent to the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, so it’s effectively mixed with a go to to the lagoon or boat journey to identify icebergs. Whereas Diamond Seashore is appropriate to go to all 12 months spherical, be conscious of freak waves, particularly in unhealthy 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, embellished with glistening iceberg sand and the odd seal sunbathing. You may go to a number of viewpoints across the lake’s edge or take to the waters with a zodiac boat tour. This can be a implausible approach to get near icebergs and wildlife.
Visiting the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is free, and zodiac excursions value $97. It contains simply over an hour within the water, and also you’ll have a small group expertise the place you may ask your information a lot of questions and get virtually one-to-one consideration. Getting near the icebergs is mesmerizing, so keep in mind to convey a digicam. you can too e-book a Full Day journey from Reyjavik when you’ve got restricted time.
31. Black Sand Seashore at Vik
Simply across the different facet of the headland from Reynisfjara, Vik’s black sand seashore has a special environment. You may watch horses race down the coast from the close by horseback driving middle, stroll with different vacationers and native households, and admire distant rock formations offshore. There’s extra of a neighborhood 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 seashore is an effective way to fill in time whereas ready in Vik. The seashore is free to enter, has parking, and is appropriate regardless 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 coated all the very best issues to do and see on Iceland’s south coast let’s have a look at some important info. These are the most typical south coast of Iceland FAQs.
The way to get to the South Coast of Iceland
Attending to the south coast of Iceland is surprisingly simple – so long as you may have a driving license and lease a automobile. First, you fly into Keflavik Worldwide Airport. The airport has direct connections to a whole lot of locations, so reaching Iceland by aircraft is a straightforward first step. Then, rent a automobile on the airport and drive an hour to Selfoss to affix Route 1 – aka the Ring Highway that circles the entire of Iceland and is the primary highway that cuts by means of southern Iceland.
For those who don’t drive, that is the place issues get somewhat trickier. You’ll need to 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 in case you are attending to the south coast of Iceland this fashion. It’s potential and can want a bit of additional planning.
Getting across the South Coast of Iceland
Driving is probably the most pleasurable approach to get across the south coast of Iceland. The ring highway is straightforward to drive, and even off-the-beaten-track points of interest that require detours nonetheless have comparatively simple gravel roads. Simply be conscious of icy highway situations within the winter months. Additionally it is value downloading offline maps along with your Google Maps account to keep away from getting misplaced in areas with restricted or no sign. Don’t depend on having the ability to use information.
For those who can’t drive, you should utilize 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 embrace Selfoss, Hella, Seljalandsfoss, and Vik. Whereas you’ll have a lot much less freedom to resolve when, the place, and the way lengthy to cease, getting across the south coast of Iceland by bus is possible. It’s excellent for many who can’t drive, need to get monetary savings, and are blissful to stay to the primary points of interest.
Greatest 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 very best time to go to the south coast is in the course of the summer time months. Summer time in Iceland lasts from June to August (though September is an effective shoulder month different), and you may expertise the midnight solar throughout this time.
In summer time, you may have extra sunlight hours, higher driving situations, and extra vacationer companies working – just like the hop-on-hop-off shuttle bus. It’s extra sensible and pleasurable when visiting the south coast of Iceland.
To Conclude
The Icelandic south coast is a stupendous area of Iceland. The a whole lot of issues to see and do make it the proper place to benefit from the ‘land of fireplace and ice’. Whether or not you stroll mountaineering trails previous ice caps and glacial rivers, chill out on a black sand seashore, 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.
Once you’ve explored the south coast of Iceland, why not problem your self to go additional? You might full the famed Golden Circle highway journey and even embark on the final Ring Highway route. Iceland is stuffed with fascinating information, locations, and issues to do – the southern coast is only the start.
