8 Best South Coast Iceland Stops (From Reykjavik To Vík)

The South Coast of Iceland is one of the best road trips you can do from Reykjavik.

Within just a few hours, you’ll hit massive waterfalls, glaciers, black sand beaches, and some of the most dramatic landscapes in the country.

You can drive it yourself or see the highlights on a guided day tour if you’re short on time.

Here are the best stops along the South Coast up to Vík, and what’s actually worth pulling over for!

South Coast Route At A Glance

This route runs from Reykjavik to Vík and is easy to follow along the main Ring Road.

• Drive time: ~2.5 hours one way (without stops)
• Time needed: 1 long day or 2 relaxed days
• Best for: waterfalls, beaches, glaciers, iconic landscapes
• Recommendation: If you want to see it all in a day, you’ll need to do a tour. If you’re driving, you can see it in a long day, but camp out near Vik. Don’t try cramming a drive back to Reykjavik.

Best South Coast Iceland Stops

So you’ve done the Golden Circle Route, now what?

Below are the main spots along Iceland’s South Coast that you have to see, but you will definitely come across other random pit stops along the way, so you might want to account for those if you’re driving yourself!

1. Seljalandsfoss And Gljúfrabúi

This is one of the most unique waterfall stops in Iceland, and honestly, it’s worth pulling over for both waterfalls here.

Seljalandsfoss is the famous one you can walk behind, which is cool, but just a short walk away is Gljúfrabúi, a hidden waterfall tucked inside a narrow canyon that a lot of people miss.

You’ll need to step through a shallow stream and squeeze between rocks to get to it, which makes it feel like a little adventure.

Tip: You will get wet here. Waterproof gear is not optional unless you enjoy being soaked (and frozen).

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2. Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool

Seljavallalaug is one of the oldest swimming pools in Iceland, tucked into a narrow valley surrounded by mountains, which is really what makes this place stand out.

It’s about a 15–20 minute walk from the parking area to reach the pool, following a rocky path through the valley.

The water is semi-warm at best, so don’t expect a spa-like soak. It’s more of a quick dip and a “this is cool” kind of stop rather than somewhere you’ll hang out for hours.

Tip: The changing area is pretty basic (and can be a bit rough), so come prepared and keep expectations realistic.

Also, something I was not prepared for, the slimy bottom of the pool. Stay out if this gives you the willies.

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3. Skógafoss

Big, powerful, and impossible to miss, Skógafoss is one of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls.

You can walk right up to the base and feel the spray (it’s intense), or climb the staircase to the top for a completely different view of the falls and the coastline beyond.

It’s also the start of a longer hiking trail if you want to stretch your legs a bit and want to chase a few more waterfalls.

Tip: On sunny days, you’ll almost always see a rainbow at the base.

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3. Kvernufoss

Just around the corner from Skógafoss, but way less crowded.

This waterfall feels a bit more tucked away, and you can also walk behind it without dealing with the same crowds. The short walk to get there is easy and scenic, passing through a small valley that makes the whole stop feel more peaceful.

It’s one of those “how is this not packed?” kind of places.

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5. Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck

The Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck is one of Iceland’s most unique and eerie stops, sitting out on a vast black sand desert with nothing else around it.

The abandoned US Navy plane has been here since the 1970s, and the contrast of the wreck against the dark, empty landscape is what makes it so striking.

That said, you’ll need to walk about 45 minutes each way (or take a shuttle) just to reach the plane, and the scenery along the way is pretty flat and repetitive.

TIP: If you go, check the weather first, wind out here can be intense, and there’s zero shelter along the walk.

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5. Dyrhólaey Peninsula

This is one of the best viewpoints along Iceland’s South Coast, and it’s worth the slight detour.

You’ll get massive coastal views, cliffs, sea arches, and a perfect look over the black sand beaches stretching for miles. There are a couple of viewpoints here, so take a few minutes to explore both sides.

During the summer months, this is also a great spot to see puffins.

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6. Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

This is Iceland’s most famous black sand beach, and for good reason.

You’ve got towering basalt columns, dramatic sea stacks just offshore, and waves crashing in that make the whole place feel a little wild. It’s one of the most photogenic stops on the South Coast, but also one of the most dangerous.

TIP: Stay well back from the water. Sneaker waves here are unpredictable and have taken people by surprise.

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7. Vík

Vík is the southernmost village in Iceland and a solid place to stop, regroup, and grab food.

It’s small, but the setting is beautiful, especially with the black sand beaches and cliffs nearby. One of the best quick things to do is drive up to the church overlooking the town for a panoramic view of the coastline.

It’s also a good turnaround point/camp spot if you’re doing this as a day trip from Reykjavik.

Tips For Visiting The South Coast

• Start early. There’s a lot to see
• Watch the weather. Conditions change fast
• Bring layers and waterproof gear
• Don’t rush every stop, pick your favorites
• Respect warning signs, especially at Reynisfjara

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