On a south coast tour of Iceland you’ll see why for yourself. With magical waterfalls, glacial lagoons, and vast national parks, there’s nowhere that better reveals the miraculous variety of the Land of Ice and Fire.

Read on to learn about some of the best Iceland south coast tours. You’ll discover six of the best destinations to explore and find the answers to some key questions.

1. Explore the south coast’s glaciers

Iceland is home to some of the largest glaciers in Europe. In fact, as much as 11% of the nation’s land surface is covered in ice. That makes a trip to an ice cap a must when touring the country.

Iceland’s south coast is where most of these glaciers can be found. For example, there’s the mighty Vatnajökull, Iceland’s largest glacier and the second-largest in Europe. There’s Eyjafjallajökull, the glacier that covers the disruptive volcano of the same name. Or there’s Langjökull, known for its immense length.

There’s so much that you can get up to on these enormous expanses of ice. Glacier hiking is one popular option. You’ll put on crampons and stride out across the ice led by an expert guide. Along the way, learn about some of the powerful processes that have changed our landscape.

Alternatively, on the Sólheimajökull glacier, swap your crampons for an all-terrain vehicle and enjoy a high-octane tour of this white world. It’s a thrilling ride. Find out more in our guide to Iceland’s glaciers or our Sólheimajökull guide.

Here is an informative article on what to wear on a glacier hike and another one on the five best glacier tours in Iceland and why people love them.

2. Take a trip to the Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon

The landscape of Iceland looks the way it does largely due to glaciers. Many cliffs and valleys were carved out by ice, for instance, while the black-sand plains that you’ll see in the highlands are the lingering legacy of ancient glacial deposits.

But there’s nowhere that you’ll see the impact of Iceland’s changing glacial processes more dramatically than at Jökulsárlón. This magnificent otherworldly landscape is a testament to what happens when the climate changes, glaciers warm up, and the ice begins to retreat.

In the heart of the Vatnajökull National Park, Jökulsárlón is a vast lake fed by waters from the melting glaciers. But what makes the place so fascinating—and so poignant—is that it is growing all the time. Before the 1930s, Jökulsárlón didn’t exist, and it has quadrupled in size in the last fifty years.

Arrive at Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon on a south coast tour and you’ll witness a desolate world of deep blue water and floating icebergs. You might even spot a seal or two in these icy waters.

While you’re here, though, don’t miss the diamond beach a short distance away. Here, chunks of glacial ice are strewn across the black sands, where they melt before being taken out to sea. It’s a beautiful opportunity for a unique photograph.

Find out more in our Jökulsárlón guide.

A guide to the south coast

Iceland’s south coast is home to many of the country’s most magical natural wonders. When visiting the Land of Ice and Fire, it’s likely you’ll spend most of your time exploring the area. With glaciers, volcanic landscapes, and the breathtaking Golden Circle, you’ll easily see why it deserves its reputation. It’s a region of immense and marvellous variety. What’s more, it’s a place where you can enjoy some incredible adventures too. Don’t forget south Iceland’s cultural sights. From the home of the oldest parliament in the world to innovative restaurants and spa experiences, there’s something for everyone.

Find out more in our guide to the south coast

3. Visit the waterfalls of South Iceland

It’s thought that there are about 10,000 waterfalls in Iceland, depending on how you count them. Out of this huge quantity, there are over 200 named falls, and these come in an incredible variety of shapes, sizes, and breathtaking settings.

On many of our south shore tours, you can see the very best of these waterfalls. For example, visit Seljalandsfoss. This elegant torrent of water has carved an immense cavern in the cliff behind, allowing you to walk around the cascade. Or, a short distance away, be amazed by Skógafoss, an awe-inspiring sheet of water.

But there are many more you can choose from. Gullfoss waterfall, for instance, one of the most powerful waterfalls in Europe, can be visited on tour of the Golden Circle. Alternatively, take a tour of Skaftafell nature reserve to see Svartifoss, with its strange geometric architecture.

Whatever inspires you along Iceland’s south coast, make sure to include a waterfall on your itinerary. Each offers its own uniquely exhilarating experience.

4. Experience the black sand beaches at Reynisfjara and Vík

At the heart of the south coast of Iceland, beneath the magnificent bulk of the Mýrdalsjökull glacier, you’ll find Vík. It’s a delightful village that’s often used as a pitstop for adventures in the area. However, it’s well worth taking the time to explore the village itself.

For example, one of Iceland’s most iconic sights is just a short distance away. That’s Reynisfjara, a mysterious black-sand beach.

Here, you can see dramatic sea stacks emerge from the tumultuous waves, or witness the octagonal pillars of basalt that form a cave behind you. It’s not hard to see why Reynisfjara is often included in lists of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

Close to Vík village, there’s also the chance to try a zipline adventure. After a short hike through the breathtaking Grafargil canyon, you can strap in and see the beauty of Iceland from above.

Visit Vík for yourself on a south shore adventure.

Must-see places in Iceland

With so many incredible destinations to see in Iceland, it can be hard to decide how to spend your visit. That’s why you need a list of sights and experiences that you simply cannot miss. Here are three to get you inspired:

1: Geldingadalir. For anyone interested in the majestic power of volcanoes, the area known as Geldingadalir is a must. Its volcano, Fagradalsfjall, erupted in 2021, and again in 2022, and there’s a good chance it will erupt again soon. It’s one of the few places in the world where you can safely see an active volcano.

2: The Golden Circle. Probably the best-known travel itinerary in Iceland, the Golden Circle deserves all the attention it gets. From historical sites to powerful geysers, there’s something for everyone.

3: Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach. Some beaches are bright, summery, and picturesque, while others are moody, mysterious, and awe-inspiring. Reynisfjara is the latter and it’s one of the most memorable beaches on the planet.

Want to know more? Check out our list of 15 must-see places in Iceland.

5. Explore a Glacial ice Cave

Iceland's glaciers, a wonder of natural beauty, offer an array of ice caves ready to be explored. These caves, particularly prominent in the Myrdalsjökull and Vatnajökull glaciers, present a stunning display of transparent blue and volcanic black ice. While some of these ice caves are accessible throughout the year, others reveal their splendour primarily in the winter season.

For those intrigued by the beauty of these frozen formations, various modes of exploration are available. From adventurous routes involving monster trucks or snowmobile rides to glacier hikes, there's an option for every type of explorer. For those who prefer a more relaxed approach, certain caves are easily reachable without the need for extensive hiking experience.

These caves offer a glimpse into the dynamic and ever-changing world of Iceland's glaciers, presenting an opportunity for discovery and appreciation of these majestic natural phenomena.

The best tours in Iceland

There’s so much to discover on your visit to Iceland—and it’s not all on the south coast. With cultural sights in the capital of Reykjavik to spa visits and wildlife tours, a trip to Iceland promises an action-packed experience.

For example, take a trip to one of Iceland’s most relaxing spa locations. The Blue Lagoon, Iceland’s most famous, offers the opportunity to dip in the milky waters known for their therapeutic benefit. Alternatively, there’s the Sky Lagoon, with its immense views over the Atlantic.

Of course, if you’re coming in winter, don’t miss a trip to see the northern lights. This dancing display in the night sky is truly an unforgettable experience.

Find out more in our guide to the best tours in Iceland.

6. Feel the thrill of a south coast adventure tour

Finally, why not combine the beauties of Iceland with the thrill of an adventure tour? With one of our high-octane packages, you can feel the adrenaline pump as you explore the breathtaking scenery of the Land of Ice and Fire.

One option is to jump aboard an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) and get a glimpse of some of the sights close to the Mýrdalsjökull glacier. You’ll drive your ATV across rivers and beaches, before exploring Sólheimasandur, the site of the iconic DC-3 plane wreck. What’s more, you can also visit Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss on this tour too.

Alternatively, explore the area around Eyjafjallajökull by jeep. This is the volcano that erupted in 2010, disrupting air travel internationally. On a Eyjafjallajökull jeep tour, you’ll visit the areas that have been shaped by this volcano over the millennia, including waterfalls, cliffs, and beaches.

You can get a closer look at Iceland’s glaciers too. For instance, go kayaking on a glacier lake at the foot of the Sólheimajökull glacier. Or zoom across the ice on a glacier snowmobiling adventure.

Frequently asked questions about Iceland’s South Coast tours

Have more queries about south coast tours in Iceland? Here, we try to answer some common questions.

What is on the south coast of Iceland?

The south coast of Iceland is home to some of the most stunning sights in the country. Here, you’ll find everything from glaciers and volcanoes to the nation’s best spa experiences. What’s more, you’ll discover Iceland’s capital city, Reykjavik, too.

• Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss. Two of Iceland’s most impressive waterfalls are a short distance from each other on the south coast.

• Vík, a charming village lsurrounded by stunning natural landscapes and characterized by its iconic church. Despite its small size, Vík offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, horse rising, and bird watching.

• Reynisfjara, a world-famous black sand beach located near Vík village. Tha beach is known for its dramatic basalt columns and towering cliffs and was named among the best beaches in the world by National geographic.

• Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. The south coast is where Iceland’s glaciers live. But don’t miss some of the unexpected products of ice caps, including the breathtaking Jökulsárlón.

Where to stop on the south coast of Iceland?

Route 1, or Iceland’s so-called Ring Road, encircles the whole of the island of Iceland and can make for an incredible road trip if you have the time. However, make sure to stop along the way to see some of the beautiful places on the route.

Here are just a few ideas:

• Vík. Both a hub for adventures across the south coast and delightful village in its own right, make sure you make time to stop off in Vík.

• Kirkjubæjarklaustur. With a name that combines the Icelandic words for church, farm, and cloister, Kirkjubæjarklaustur is a village with a fascinating history.

• Skaftafell. A beautiful national park in Iceland, characterized by its vast glacier tongues, lush vegetation, and numerous hiking trails. It is also the ultimate base for guided glacier hikes.

• Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss are two of Iceland's most famous waterfalls, attracting visitors from all over the world.

• Solheimajökull, a popular glacier tongue located near Vík offering visitors the opportunity to hike and explore its unique features, such as ice caves and crevasses.

• The Diamond Beach, and the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, named after the glistening icebergs that wash up on its black sand shores, creating a stunning contrast of colors and textures.

• The Golden Circle. To experience Iceland's best-known travel itinerary, the Golden Circle, take a short detour either at the beginning or end of your trip as it is en route to the south coast of Iceland.

• Reykholt. If you're driving the Golden Circle, Reykholt is a must-visit. While not on the south coast itself, Reykholt is situated in a great position in the Golden Circle. Make sure you don't miss Friðheimar, the innovative tomato farm.

Can you do south coast Iceland in one day?

The south coast is one of the larger regions in Iceland, and it can reward however much time you can give to it. That said, there are opportunities to see the highlights of the south coast in a day, on tours that start from and return to Reykjavik. To find out more, explore our south shore tours.

Is north or south Iceland better?

North and south Iceland are two gorgeous regions in Iceland. However, they are pretty different.

South Iceland is hugely varied—ranging from the highest mountain peaks to the sublime black-sand beaches. It also is known for its typically milder weather. These two factors, combined with the fact that Reykjavik is in the south, means that this area is much more popular with visitors.

That said, north Iceland has a lot to offer too. With wildlife tours, Lake Mývatn, the captivating town of Akureyri, there’s plenty to see and do.

Tour the south coast of Iceland with Reykjavik Excursions

Visit the south coast of Iceland and see a world of simply stunning natural beauty. With wondrous glaciers and thrilling volcanic sights, mysterious black-sand beaches and adventurous mountain trails, there’s so much variety for you to explore.

With Reykjavik Excursions, you can see the very best of the south coast. With solo adventures and guided group tours, choose between different travel styles and destinations to get the most from your trip. Whichever you decide, you can be sure that we’ll be there to make your experience safe, comfortable, and exciting.

Book your trip to Iceland with Reykjavik Excursions. Explore our south coast tours of Iceland to get started.