The South Coast in one day
Waterfalls, a glacier, black sand and Vík: what to see on Iceland's South Coast, and how to do it safely in one day from Reykjavík.
By Viklenders Travel ehf., day tour guides in Iceland · Updated 17 October 2026
What is the South Coast route?
The South Coast follows Route 1, Iceland's Ring Road, east from Reykjavík towards Vík. Vík is roughly 180 km away, about two and a half hours' drive without stops. Along the way, waterfalls drop off old sea cliffs, glaciers hang above the farmland, and the coast turns to black sand.
Seljalandsfoss
A tall, narrow waterfall with a path that leads behind the falling water when it is open. In winter the path is often closed because of ice. Nearby, Gljúfrabúi hides inside a narrow canyon. Bring a waterproof jacket: you will get wet.
Skógafoss
About 30 minutes further east, Skógafoss falls around 60 metres in a single wide curtain. On sunny days there is often a rainbow in the spray. A long staircase beside the falls leads to a viewpoint at the top.
Sólheimajökull glacier
A tongue of the Mýrdalsjökull ice cap, a short walk from the car park. You can walk to the edge of the ice and see how far it has retreated. Walking on the glacier itself needs a certified glacier guide and equipment: never step onto the ice on your own.
Reynisfjara black-sand beach
Basalt columns, a sea cave and the Reynisdrangar sea stacks offshore make this one of Iceland's most photographed beaches. It is also one of the most dangerous. Sneaker waves reach far up the beach without warning and the currents are strong.
- Stay well back from the waterFurther than seems necessary.
- Never turn your back on the seaWaves arrive in sets, and a large one can follow a calm spell.
- Follow the warning signsAnd your guide, who times the visit with the tide.
Vík
Iceland's southernmost village sits beneath green cliffs, with a small church on the hill above the black beach. It is the natural lunch stop and the turning point for a day tour.
How long does it take?
Plan a long, full day. Our South Coast Day Tour takes about 10.5 hours, for example from 08:00 to 18:30. Places further east, such as the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, are several more hours' drive and do not fit comfortably in the same day.
The South Coast in winter
The route is open all year, but winter daylight is short and storms can close the road. Start before sunrise, check road.is and safetravel.is, and expect icy paths at the waterfalls.
Plan another day.
