The ultimate way to experience Iceland is through a road trip since many itineraries are possible. While the entire country is a treasure trove of natural wonders, we needed something both timely-efficient and mind-blowingly beautiful. After some digging around, it seemed like the South Coast of Iceland was the perfect fit for our week-long getaway. Conveniently, exploring the southern part of Iceland was like a shortcut to the good stuff. Our travel was all about jaw-dropping waterfalls, cool black sand beaches, and epic glaciers that had “memorable road trip” written all over it.
In one of our previous blog articles, we went through the 101-travel guide for the land of ice and fire. We talked about visiting time, packing essentials, and safety tips among other things. For this article, we reveal our take on the travel preps and everything we did and see during our December getaway to the South Coast of Iceland.
Driving through the South Coast of Iceland; time estimation.
Being part of the Ring Road, the south coast of Iceland officially stretches from Selfoss to Hofn. However, many embark on their road trip starting from Reykjavík, just like we did.
Covering a total distance of 458 km, one could technically zip through it in a 6-hour drive. But here’s the thing – that’s not what a road trip is all about! If you want to soak in the magic of Iceland’s south shore properly, take it slow. In general, we recommend dedicating at least 5 days to this road trip. That way you get to really soak up the charm of the attractions peppered along the route.
Our time estimation for the south coast of Iceland wasn’t just about the number of days we had for our stay. It also considered the daylight hours that drop from 22 hours in summer to roughly 5 hours in wintertime. With this in mind, we opted for a relatively relaxed span of 8 days (landing and taking off included) to maximize our daily activities. It was our first encounter with Iceland, so we assumed driving would be a bit tricky given that snow and ice can get very thick, especially outside cities.
[Good to note] We visited Iceland in December, which meant we started most of our days before sunrise – 11.pm. By the time we were back at our accommodation it was already night. The sunset was around 3-4 pm. and that meant we had to adjust some of our pre-made plans for the week.
Without any further ado, here is our self-drive road trip through the South Coast of Iceland.
The South Coast of Iceland; our one week itinerary.
Day 1: Arrival at Keflavik Airport and stay in Reykjavik.
Since our flight arrived in the afternoon, we picked up the rental car and drove straight to our Airbnb in Reykjavik. We made a trip to the supermarket to stock up on groceries. In case you weren’t aware, Iceland can be quite pricey. Visiting in the winter season does help cut down on costs a bit, but we still needed to stick to our budget.
We didn’t do much on our first night. However, if you take an early flight, you could either discover the attractions in the capital or head to the blue lagoon to spend the afternoon at the geothermal baths.
Day 2: The South Coast of Iceland must; The Golden Circle.
You can’t possibly visit the south coast of Iceland without taking a daytrip to the golden circle. The 300km long loop from Reykjavik covering one of the most iconic landmarks and scenic routes along the ring road.
We started our day in Thingvellir National Park. A UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its historical significance and the Silfra Fissure, where you can snorkel between two tectonic plates. Although available all year round, we skipped diving since we were apprehending the post-dive experience, especially with the outdoor freezing temperatures. Instead, we walked around and had a blast contemplating Öxarárfoss, the park’s waterfall and its rocky ledge.
Around midday, we headed to Gullfoss Waterfall. One of Iceland’s most beautiful waterfalls and a powerful cascade on the Hvítá River. The paths closer to the waterfall were closed for safety reasons. However, the best viewpoints were still accessible through boardwalks and staircases.
Before sunset, we drove to the third location of the day, the Haukadalur valley, featuring a geothermal area with erupting geysers. The main attraction here was Strokkur, the most active Geyser spouting water every 5-8 minutes. We arrived just in time for the show. The Geyser propelled a column of water of several meters, maybe tens of meters high. I couldn’t tell, everything happened so fast, and the eruption was mind-blowing.
After wandering around the area, we drove back to Reykjavik and made a last stop on the way in Kerid Crater. We knew we were running late. By the time we arrived it was already closed, yet the sidewalk was open, so we managed to take a quick look from the top.
Day 3: Seljalandsfoss and Þykkvabær.
After Reykjavik, we decided to stay in Þykkvabær. A small town along the south coast of Iceland with beautiful views of the countryside. Our plan was to spend the day exploring around and to stop by Seljalandsfoss waterfall, one of the most popular waterfalls in Iceland. Needless to say, it was freezing cold. The surrounding area of the waterfall was frozen; very slippery at many points, and the path behind it was closed. Nonetheless, the view was amazing, with scenic beauties all around.
Honestly, if it weren’t for the Auroras, I wouldn’t have rooted for visiting Iceland in winter. After we checked-in, we went out to hunt for the northern lights. We were told not to follow any app recommendation since the lights are very unpredictable, however the sky was clear and our landlord confirmed seeing some on her way back home. We drove past the settlement and parked near the beach to have a clearer view. Overall, the lights were very vague, hardly noticeable to the eye yet somehow visible in the pictures. We waited a bit before giving up, it was freezing cold and the lights had completely disappeared.
Day 4: Skaftafell national park and Hofn.
As we mapped out our road trip, the common suggestion was to hit all the Icelandic attractions on the route to Hofn and wrap up the stay with a lengthy drive back to the capital. But, thinking we might get tired, we opted for a different strategy — making our way to Hofn first and enjoying the must-see wonders along the scenic south coast of Iceland on our return journey.
Since we were travelling with limited daylight hours, we intentionally kept our plans light, especially with a long 5-hour drive ahead. We figured a hike in Skaftafell National Park would be a great way to stay occupied without feeling rushed before sunset time.
The south Coast of Iceland parks: Skaftafell.
The park counts endless hiking trails open all year round.
An easy 2.5km hike from the visitor center to Skaftafelljökull glacier. Suitable for all, this 2hrs long walk gets you as close to the glacier as possible.
A moderately challenging 3 km hike from the visitor center to the Sjonarnipa viewpoint. It takes about 45 minutes to reach the viewpoint with an astonishing panorama facing the immense Skaftafellsjokull glacier. Sjónarnípa hike is great in summer but gets tougher in winter and spring due to snow or muddy trails from melting ice.
We skipped both trails since both the hikes get harder at this time of the year. Instead, we followed a 5km hike from the visitor centre to the Sjonarsker viewpoint through Svartifoss waterfall.
This hike is fantastic for exploring the park. We climbed to Svartifoss, the black waterfall. One of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls with its magnificent cascade and its volcanic basalt columns frame.
Once we crossed the footbridge, we headed towards Sjonarsker where we were welcomed by a wonderful view of Skeiðarársandur, the world’s largest stretch of sand; Sandur. From the top, we enjoyed a magnificent panorama of the Morsardalur Valley.
Hofn, the Lobster capital.
Halfway through our road trip, we were eager to taste the renowned Icelandic langoustine. Höfn, known as the “Lobster Capital,” owes its nickname to the thriving lobster fishing industry. The cold, clean waters around Höfn provide an ideal habitat for Icelandic langoustines, making the town’s restaurants famous for offering some of the freshest and most delicious lobster dishes.
Following a long day on the road, we decided to dine at Pakkhús Restaurant, a spot recommended for anyone passing through the town. Though the prices were a bit steep (expected in Iceland), the experience was totally worth it. The service was friendly, and the cozy ambiance added a delightful charm to the culinary experience.
Day 5: Diamond beach, Jokursarlon Glacier, and Fjallsárlón.
Since Hofn was the furthest point of our trip, we started our journey back to Reykjavik. In the morning, we made a quick stop in the Sea Viewpoint to stretch our legs and relax a bit before starting our fifth day.
First stop: Jökulsárlón Glacier.
We started our day in Jökulsárlón Lagoon, one of the must-see places in the south Coast of Iceland. This location is particularly known for massive icebergs breaking off from a glacier and drifting in a glacial lake. The icebergs were in various shapes and sizes, shining in shades of blue and white. Visitors usually take boat tours to get up close to these icy giants. Knowing we still had two more stops for the day, we simply admired the scenery from the shore.
Walking down the confluence, we landed at Diamond Beach, a captivating natural landscape renowned for its sparkling ice jewels. The beach gets its name from the glistening icebergs that wash ashore, resembling diamonds scattered along the black volcanic sands. These ice chunks break off from the Jokursarlon glacier and float into the Atlantic Ocean before being washed back onto the shore by the waves. The juxtaposition of the ice against the dark backdrop creates a surreal scene, making Diamond Beach one of my personal favorites.
Second stop: Fjallsárlón Glacier.
We lingered more than planned, taking a short break while snacking on some delicious fish and chips from a nearby Heimahumar “Local Langoustine” Truck. Our next stop was Fjallsárlón, a less crowded but equally captivating glacial lagoon, just 15-minutes drive from Jökulsárlón. It felt like stumbling upon a well-kept secret. We enjoyed the glacial landscape of Fjallsárlón, in a quieter setting compared to the bustling Jökulsárlón. The detour was definitely worthwhile.
Do not skip Fjarðarárgljúfur canyon!
Our approach for the day was all about enjoying ourselves, avoiding unnecessary rush just for the sake of checking off every item on the to-do list. As a result, we had to pass on exploring Fjarðarárgljúfur canyon. Mainly due to the winter conditions and the early onset of darkness.
If you plan your visit in the summer or spring, you should be able to include it in your day’s itinerary. Fjarðarárgljúfur is a deep and narrow canyon in Iceland, carved by the Fjarðará river. It’s known for its steep cliffs and abundant greenery lining the canyon walls. It is definitely a go to when exploring the South Coast of Iceland.
Travel tip: While heading back, we drove through Eldhraun, the world largest lava field. It is worth a visit if you have the time. Formed during the late 1700’s Laki eruption, it served as a training ground for Apollo 11 astronauts as they prepared for their historic moonwalk.
Day 6: Black sand beach, Dyrhólaeyjarviti and Skógafoss.
Second to the northern lights, I couldn’t wait to see the black sand beach on the south coast of Iceland. Known as Reynisfjara Beach, the Black Sand Beach is famous for its distinctive black basalt sand. It is also renowned for its dramatic scenery, including towering basalt columns, sea stacks, and powerful waves hitting from the North Atlantic Ocean. The beach is located near the village of Vík í Mýrdal.
[Keep in mind] Swimming is prohibited due to safety concerns. It’s crucial to stay vigilant. The sneaky waves called Reynisfjara, often flood the beach with no prior notice. They might surprise you and knock you off your feet, so never turn your back to the sea!
Next, Dyrhólaeyjarviti.
Continuing our journey back, we explored Dyrhólaeyjarviti, a lighthouse located on the Dyrhólaey peninsula. It stands atop a high cliff, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including the black sand beaches and the Dyrholaey Rock Formation. This place bears the imprint of years of rugged weather, forming a hole resembling a petrified rainbow.
Last, but not least, Skógafoss.
The last destination of the day was the impressive Skógafoss, cascading down 60 meters and one of Iceland’s largest waterfalls. While the best view is from the base, the ascent to the top is recommended for those exploring in warmer weather. Due to the cold and slippery conditions, we opted not to hike up on this occasion. However, it’s a recommended adventure during milder seasons for exploring the hiking trails and the waterfalls around.
At the end of the day, we made a detour to Seljalandsfoss, where we watched the sunset before making our way to our apartment in Selfoss. Icelandic winter sunsets are truly exceptional.
[Ps] On our way back, we forgot to stop at Solheimasandur, a vast black sand plain along the coast renowned for the wreckage of a US Navy DC-3 plane that crashed on the beach in 1973.
Day 7: The secret Lagoon and Reykjavik.
What better way to end this road trip than rejoice in a hot thermal pool. As you might know; Iceland is renowned for its geothermal hot springs and lagoons. Some of the most famous ones include the Blue Lagoon, a touristy geothermal spa with milky-blue waters rich in minerals.
Due to heightened seismic activity in the region, the Blue Lagoon facilities were temporarily closed during our visit. As an alternative, we opted for a morning bath at the Secret Lagoon, which was even better. The place was a quiet pool nestled in a natural rustic setting.
Mandatory stop at Stokkseyri
Around midday, we drove back to Stokkseyri to try Fjöruborðið’s langoustine treats. This seaside restaurant is one of the locals regular haunts outside Reykjavik. We had a blast. We ordered the 3-course menu, consisting of the langoustine soup, the langoustine tails, home baked bread and gourmets dips along with a dessert. It was incredibly mouthwatering.
Our day concluded in Reykjavik, where we first stopped at the famous Hallgrímskirkja church. Unfortunately, we arrived after the tower’s last admission, so we missed the panoramic view from the church’s top. For what was left of the day, our evening was spent strolling along Laugavegur and exploring the cute alleys of the capital.
Day 8: Reykjavik and Keflavik Airport.
We couldn’t depart without checking out Harpa Concert Hall. Prior to dropping back the car, we made a stop at the city’s cultural venue. It was fascinating to see its distinctive architecture with a glass facade inspired by the country’s natural features.
Our week exploring the South Coast of Iceland was an amazing chaos. We tried to squeeze in the nicest places on the southern coast while taking some time to chill and relax. Our drawback was the short daylight time, but if you visit in the warmer seasons, you could easily include more stops to this itinerary.
I hope this road trip article was useful and I hope it would help you plan your next winter adventure to Iceland. Make sure to also read our Iceland car rental article to get more practical tips for your travel.
Before you go, remember this ...
When we first thought about Iceland, our bargain was for September. We thought it could be the best of both worlds – moderate temperatures and eased weather conditions with less jammed destinations, I mean the ideal time period given all factors at hand. Yet, we ended up visiting in December, which meant we had to be equipped to face one of two coldest months throughout the year.
Fortunately, the South Coast of Iceland experiences higher temperatures compared to the northern part. Based on the Icelandic Meteorological Office, the South Coast temperature tends to be twice the one registered in the north. This meant our week-long trip could be relatively warm, yay. However, we had to expect low temperatures varying from -1°C to +4°C at most. Due to the harsh winds, the outdoors could feel quite chilly and as with any month in Iceland, predicting the weather remains an unpredictable feat.
When it came down to packing for our road trip, we played by our all-time favorite golden rule: layering up. Trust me when I say dressing in multiple layers is the key to your comfort regardless of the destination and the weather. Keeping in mind everything we discussed previously, we made sure our packing list included these items:
Warm and rain proof jacket – Rainproof trousers – Thermal underwear and leggings – Wool jumper and socks – Waterproof winter shoes – Rainproof scarves/hats – Rainproof gloves – Swimming suit and a travel towel.
Despite the limited daylight hours in December, the sun can be quite intense during its brief appearance. So, don’t forget to pack a pair of sunglasses – they’re a smart addition to your travel essentials!
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