The South Coast of Iceland is one of the country’s most popular road trip destinations. Stretching east from Reykjavík towards Vatnajökull National Park, this scenic route is packed with waterfalls, black sand beaches, glaciers, volcanoes, and some of Iceland’s most photographed landscapes.
Whether you’re visiting Iceland for a long weekend or completing a full Ring Road adventure, the South Coast offers some of the most rewarding driving in the country.
With a rental car from Dollar Iceland, you can explore the South Coast at your own pace and stop whenever something catches your eye.
What Is Iceland’s South Coast?
The South Coast refers to the stretch of Route 1 (the Ring Road) between Reykjavík and the southeastern part of Iceland.
Many travelers drive as far as:
- Vík í Mýrdal
- Skaftafell Nature Reserve
- Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
- Diamond Beach
The route features a mix of volcanic landscapes, glaciers, waterfalls, and coastal scenery that make it one of Iceland’s must-see regions.
How Long Does It Take to Drive the South Coast?
Driving times from Reykjavík:
- Seljalandsfoss: 2 hours
- Skógafoss: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Vík: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Skaftafell: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon: 5 hours
While some travelers visit the South Coast as a day trip, most choose to spend 2 to 4 days exploring the region.
What to See on the South Coast
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
Seljalandsfoss is one of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls.
What makes it unique is the pathway that allows visitors to walk behind the waterfall during summer months.
The waterfall is located directly beside Route 1, making it one of the easiest stops on the South Coast.
Skógafoss Waterfall
One of Iceland’s largest waterfalls, Skógafoss drops 60 metres from the former coastline cliffs.
Visitors can:
- Walk to the base of the waterfall
- Climb the staircase for panoramic views
- Access hiking trails leading into the highlands
On sunny days, rainbows frequently appear in the waterfall spray.
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
Reynisfjara is one of Iceland’s most famous beaches.
Highlights include:
- Black volcanic sand
- Basalt columns
- Reynisdrangar sea stacks
- Powerful Atlantic waves
Visitors should always stay well away from the shoreline due to dangerous sneaker waves.
Vík í Mýrdal
Vík is the largest village on Iceland’s South Coast and a popular overnight stop.
The town offers:
- Restaurants and cafés
- Fuel stations
- Accommodation
- Access to nearby attractions
Sólheimajökull Glacier
Sólheimajökull is one of Iceland’s most accessible glaciers.
Visitors can:
- Join glacier hiking tours
- View ice formations
- Learn about glacier retreat and climate change
Skaftafell Nature Reserve
Part of Vatnajökull National Park, Skaftafell offers some of Iceland’s best hiking opportunities.
Popular attractions include:
- Svartifoss Waterfall
- Glacier viewpoints
- Scenic walking trails
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Often considered Iceland’s most spectacular natural attraction, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is filled with floating icebergs that have broken away from Breiðamerkurjökull glacier.
Many visitors consider it the highlight of their Iceland road trip.
Diamond Beach
Located across the road from Jökulsárlón, Diamond Beach is where icebergs wash onto a black sand shoreline.
The contrast between black sand and sparkling ice creates one of Iceland’s most photographed landscapes.
Best Time to Visit the South Coast
Summer (May to September)
Summer offers:
- Long daylight hours
- Easier driving conditions
- Green landscapes
- Better access to hiking trails
This is the most popular season for self-drive tours.
Winter (October to April)
Winter brings:
- Snow-covered landscapes
- Ice caves
- Northern lights opportunities
- Frozen waterfalls
However, weather conditions can change rapidly, and travelers should always check forecasts before driving.
Best Rental Car for the South Coast
Summer
Most travelers can comfortably explore the South Coast in:
- Economy cars
- Compact cars
- Hybrid vehicles
- Electric vehicles
All major attractions along the South Coast are accessible via paved roads.
Winter
For winter travel, many visitors prefer:
- SUVs
- Crossovers
- 4×4 vehicles
A 4×4 is not mandatory for the South Coast but provides additional traction and confidence during snowy or icy conditions.
Families and Longer Road Trips
Families and travelers carrying more luggage often benefit from:
- Larger SUVs
- Spacious crossovers
- Comfortable long-distance vehicles
These vehicles provide extra room for passengers and gear while making longer drives more comfortable.
Do You Need a 4×4 for the South Coast?
Not necessarily.
The main South Coast route follows Iceland’s Ring Road, which is paved and maintained year-round.
However, a 4×4 is recommended if:
- You’re travelling in winter
- You prefer additional ground clearance
- You plan to explore side roads during summer
F-roads and Highland routes require an approved 4×4 vehicle.
Driving Tips for the South Coast
Before starting your trip:
- Check road conditions on road.is
- Check weather forecasts on vedur.is
- Watch for strong winds near the coast
- Keep a safe distance from ocean waves
- Allow extra travel time during winter
The South Coast is one of Iceland’s easiest and most rewarding self-drive routes, but changing weather can affect driving conditions throughout the year.
Explore the South Coast with Dollar Iceland
From waterfalls and glaciers to black sand beaches and glacier lagoons, Iceland’s South Coast showcases many of the country’s most iconic attractions.
Whether you’re planning a one-day adventure or a multi-day road trip, a rental car from Dollar Iceland gives you the flexibility to experience the South Coast on your own schedule and discover some of Iceland’s most unforgettable scenery.
