Iceland South Coast Itinerary: Waterfalls, Glaciers, & Hidden Canyons For First-Time Visitors

If you’re visiting Iceland and want to explore beyond Reykjavík, the South Coast is the perfect place to see glaciers, roaring waterfalls, and dramatic black sand beaches, all in a single trip. Use this detailed Iceland South Coast itinerary to plan your route and discover some of the best things to do in Southern Iceland.

Why Visit the South Coast of Iceland

Walking to the edge of a glacier and touching ancient ice was truly unforgettable.

With happy tears streaming down my face, exploring Iceland’s South Coast has become the most unforgettable experience, so much so that I have visited four times!

Within a few hours of Reykjavík, here you’ll find:

• Walkable glaciers
• Hidden waterfalls
• Black sand beaches
• Rugged cliffs
• Scenic coastal villages

Choose the South Coast for a more remote and scenic experience, perfect for first-time visitors seeking Iceland’s wild landscapes.

How To Get Around

One of the best things about visiting the South Coast is how easy it is to explore.

Whether you prefer a guided experience or the freedom of a road trip, there are a few ways to see the highlights of southern Iceland.

1. Join a Bus Tour

A guided tour is one of the easiest ways to experience the South Coast.

Most full-day tours from Reykjavík include stops at major attractions on Iceland’s South Coast, such as Skógafoss, Seljalandsfoss, black-sand beaches, and sometimes even glacier viewpoints.

This option is ideal if you:

• Don’t want to drive
• Are short on time
• Want a stress-free itinerary with transportation included

2. Self-Drive Iceland Road Trip

If you’re comfortable driving, renting a car gives you more flexibility to explore at your own pace.

An Iceland road trip along the South Coast lets you stop whenever you want.

3. Campervan or Motorhome

For a more immersive experience, consider renting a campervan or motorhome and turning your South Coast visit into a full multi-day road trip.

Companies like RV Iceland offer campervan and motorhome rentals that allow you to travel with everything you need on board, giving you the freedom to wake up near waterfalls, beaches, and glaciers.

This option is perfect if you want:

• Maximum flexibility
• The ability to explore early morning or late evening (when tour buses are gone)
• A deeper connection to Iceland’s landscape

Which Option Is Best?

To decide, use this summary:

• First-time visitors: Guided bus tour
• Independent travelers: Self-drive car rental
• Adventure seekers: Campervan or motorhome road trip

Must-See South Coast Itinerary

Stops include:

• Skógafoss (waterfall)
• Gljúfrabúi (hidden canyon)
• Seljalandsfoss (waterfall)
• Vik (seaside village)
• Reynisfjara (Black Sand Beach)
• Sólheimajökull Glacier (glacier tongue)

1. Skógafoss Waterfall

On sunny days, you may see double rainbows forming in the spray.

The first stop on my tour of the South Coast was Skógafoss, a majestic 200-foot waterfall. Skógafoss is one of the largest waterfalls in Iceland, and it’s a popular destination to visit on the Iceland South Coast.

Even from the parking lot, Skógafoss looked massive, so I walked closer for a better view.

Skógafoss was so powerful that I could feel the spray even at a distance.

Expect to get wet, so wear a waterproof jacket and boots to stay dry.

Aside from its size, Skógafoss is surrounded by lush cliffs and turf. I also explored the nearby River Skógá.

A friend of mine even drank from the river, which is perfectly safe.

Next to the waterfall is a staircase with 527 steps leading to a scenic overlook.

From the top, you’ll see sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean.

This viewpoint is also the start of Fimmvörðuháls Hiking Trail, one of Iceland’s most scenic waterfall hikes with more than 20 waterfalls along the route.

Before heading out, grab a cup of hot chocolate at the Seljalandsfoss Shop.

Why first-time visitors love Skógafoss:

• Easy access
• Incredible photos
• Rainbow views

2. Gljúfrabúi Waterfall (The Hidden Canyon)

Just a short walk from Skógafoss is Gljúfrabúi, a hidden waterfall tucked away in a canyon.

Many travelers walk right past it without realizing it’s there.

Hidden inside a narrow canyon, Gljúfrabúi requires a short walk through shallow water to reach the opening.

Inside the gorge, the cascading water looked like it was pouring down from the heavens.

Sunlight streams through the opening above while water crashes down into the cave below.

To the right, there’s a large boulder called Franskanef (the French nose). Franskanef partly covers the base of the waterfall. Carefully stand on Franskanef for a different perspective.

First-time visitor tip:

• Waterproof boots are essential
• Expect wet socks otherwise

3. Seljalandsfoss Waterfall (Walk Behind the Falls)

Seljalandsfoss is one of the only waterfalls in Iceland where you can walk behind the cascade, weather permitting, of course.

A staircase loops around the falls, and although the climb didn’t look intimidating, I’d recommend taking it slow.

Not only is the footpath wet and slippery, but there are no handrails for safety.

If you’re like me, expect to get muddy holding boulders and cliff walls.

Behind the waterfall, you can see the surrounding meadow or look down at the pool flowing into the Seljalandsá River.

First-time visitor tip:

• Wear waterproof clothing
• Protect phones and camera gear with waterproof phone pouches

All of these stops were part of a guided bus tour – no car rental needed. Here’s my take on exploring Iceland without driving.

4. Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

One of the most dramatic and unforgettable stops on the Iceland South Coast itinerary is Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach and the striking basalt columns at Reynisfjara Cliff.

This is where you’ll see the iconic contrast Iceland is known for: jet-black volcanic sand meeting powerful Atlantic waves, with towering basalt columns rising from the shoreline.

The beach feels almost otherworldly, shaped by centuries of volcanic activity and ocean erosion. It’s one of the most photographed Iceland South Coast attractions, and once you step onto the sand, it’s easy to see why.

Important Safety Tip

While Reynisfjara is incredibly beautiful, it’s also known for strong “sneaker waves” that can come farther up the shore than expected. Always stay well back from the water and follow posted safety signs.

5. Vík í Mýrdal Church Viewpoint

Perched on a hill above the village, this small red-roof church offers sweeping views over the seafront village of Vík and the surrounding black sand coastline.

Extend Your South Coast Adventure

If you’re craving more adventure beyond the classic stops, keep driving east along Iceland’s iconic Ring Road.

Along this route, you’ll be surrounded by some of the most dramatic volcanic landscapes and sweeping scenery Iceland is famous for.

Just a bit further past the South Coast waterfalls and black sand beaches lies Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, a shimmering lake dotted with floating icebergs that have calved off.

Nearby, the dazzling Diamond Beach awaits, where icebergs that wash ashore sparkle like gems on the black volcanic sand.

It’s a photographer’s dream and a serene spot to reflect on the raw power of Icelandic nature.

For those eager to stretch their legs, there are also plenty of walking paths and hiking trails around the glacier lagoon and nearby Skaftafell National Park, where rugged landscapes meet tranquil hot springs bubbling gently in hidden corners.

Where To Eat

A great spot for lunch or dinner is the charming fishing village of Vík.

Even though it’s a small town, Vík has lots of dining options.

Here are some good places to grab a bite to eat:

• Black Crust Pizza – Known for its unique black crust pizza and cozy atmosphere.
• Smiðjan Brugghús – A local favorite for hearty burgers, sandwiches, and craft beer in a laid-back setting.
• The Soup Company – Perfect for warming up with a comfortable bowl of soup.
• Ströndin Pub & Bistro – A casual spot with a mix of burgers, fish dishes, and pub-style meals.
• Suður-Vík – A more upscale dining option in Vík. Reservations are recommended.

Is the South Coast Worth Visiting?

You might be wondering if the South Coast lives up to the hype after all this.

Here’s my take on whether it’s worth the visit.

Yes, the South Coast is absolutely worth visiting!

A South Coast tour from Reykjavík was more than I could have ever imagined.

It included glaciers, waterfalls, fishing villages, puffins, Icelandic folklore, and I also learned about the dramatic effects of global warming and volcanic eruptions.

I completed the tour with a deeper appreciation for Icelandic life and took over 500 photos.

If you want to see glaciers and waterfalls in one day, the South Coast is a top recommendation for first-time visitors to Iceland.

Even after four trips to Iceland, the South Coast remains one of my favorite places in the country.

The South Coast is one stop in a bigger Iceland trip. Read Next: How To Spend 5 Days in Iceland

Danielle Desir Corbett

Danielle Desir Corbett is an award-winning and 6x grant-funded travel writer and podcast host who went from financial struggle to visiting 27+ countries all without waiting until retirement. Her story is proof that budget doesn’t limit adventure. Tune into The Thought Card Podcast for practical strategies to travel smarter and live on your terms. Say hello: thethoughtcard (at) gmail (dot) com.

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