Iceland · South Iceland

South Coast (Vík + Jökulsárlón)

Iceland's Instagram coast — Reynisfjara black sand, glacier lagoon + Diamond Beach

Iceland's South Coast is one of the world's most photogenic drives — Seljalandsfoss + Skógafoss waterfalls, Reynisfjara black-sand beach + basalt columns, Vík village + Dyrhólaey arch, Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon + Diamond Beach. 5-hour drive east from Reykjavík.

From Reykjavík
2-6h drive (250-380 km east)
Best trip length
2-3 days for full coast
Route
Ring Road (Route 1) east
Best season
Year-round (winter for ice caves)

South Coast (Vík + Jökulsárlón) highlights

Seljalandsfoss waterfall

60m waterfall you can walk behind. Wear waterproof jacket. Park fee ISK 800 (~$6).

Skógafoss waterfall

60m waterfall + 400-step viewpoint climb. Best rainbow after 12:00 sun. Free.

Reynisfjara black-sand beach

Basalt columns + puffin cliffs + sea stacks (Reynisdrangar). Beware sneaker waves — never turn your back on the sea.

Vík village + Dyrhólaey arch

The southernmost mainland town. Dyrhólaey is a 120m sea arch + puffin colony (May-August).

Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon

380 km east of Reykjavík — icebergs from Breiðamerkurjökull glacier. Zodiac + amphibious boat tours from ~$80.

Diamond Beach

Adjacent to Jökulsárlón — icebergs washed onto black sand look like diamonds. Free.

Vatnajökull ice cave (November-March)

Blue ice caves under Europe's largest glacier. Guided-only, from $180.

Sólheimajökull glacier hike

Guided glacier hike on Sólheimajökull (accessible tongue). From $80. April-October best.

Getting there

Self-drive from Reykjavík — Route 1 (Ring Road) east 250-380 km. Full South Coast trip is 2-3 days. Group tour from Reykjavík is 1-day (rushed).

Getting around

Rent a car essential ($50-150/day). Group tour possible for 1-day highlights but 2-3 nights lets you reach Jökulsárlón.

Best time to visit

Year-round. Summer for 20h daylight + midnight-sun photography. Winter for ice caves + Northern Lights.

Budget per day

$100-200 basic self-drive + guesthouse · $200-400 mid-range · $500+ luxury (Hotel Rangá, Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon)

Airport transfer from Keflavík International (via Reykjavík rental car) (KEF)

Getting out of South Coast (Vík + Jökulsárlón) (KEF)

Skip the taxi rank and lock in your fare before you land.

Pre-book a fixed-price transfer

Our pick

Driver waits at arrivals with your name, tracks your flight, and the price you see is the price you pay. English-speaking, fixed price. No surge, no haggling at 2am.

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Renting a car instead? Compare rentals with free cancellation.

Fly to Keflavík International (via Reykjavík rental car) (KEF)

Popular direct routes from: Reykjavík (rental car)

Where to stay in South Coast (Vík + Jökulsárlón)

South Coast (Vík + Jökulsárlón) hotels on Expedia

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Frequently asked about South Coast (Vík + Jökulsárlón)

How long is Iceland South Coast trip?
To Jökulsárlón + back: 3 days ideal. To Vík + back: 2 days. 1-day tour is doable but rushed (only reaches Reynisfjara + Skógafoss).
Can I self-drive Iceland South Coast in winter?
Yes with a 4WD + winter tyres. Check road.is + safetravel.is daily. Some roads close in storms. Ice caves are winter-only bonus.
How do I book Vatnajökull ice cave?
Only via guided tour November-March. Local Guide of Vatnajökull or Extreme Iceland — from $180 pp. Book 3+ months ahead peak.
What is Diamond Beach?
Black-sand beach adjacent to Jökulsárlón where icebergs wash up. The ice contrast with black sand looks like diamonds. Free.