Iceland · Regional guides
South Coast
Waterfalls you can walk behind, a black sand beach and a glacier hike, from the two south-coast days of my August 2023 Iceland trip.
Photo: Tim Foster / Unsplash
Know before you go
Best time & quick facts
- Best time
- June to August for long days and the most tour departures
- Budget
- $200–$400 USD/day
- Getting around
- Guided day tours from Reykjavík, or a rental car on Route 1 (paved). Allow a full day to Vík and back.
Get oriented
The overview
In August 2023 I travelled Iceland with my friends David and Gabby on a Guide to Iceland 5-day summer package (my package review), and two of our five days were a guided south coast tour. This stretch of Route 1 east of Reykjavík packs in a lot: we walked behind Seljalandsfoss, climbed the stairs to the top of Skógafoss, and stood on the black sand at Reynisfjara, keeping well back from the waves. The tour then carried on east to the glacier lagoon at Jökulsárlón.
On a separate day we came back for a guided glacier hike on Sólheimajökull, with crampons and an ice axe. It was my favourite thing we did in Iceland.
Tours for this area
- South Coast tours: day trips from Reykjavík that cover the waterfalls and Reynisfjara.
- Sólheimajökull glacier hike: about 90 minutes on the ice with a certified guide.
The whole day-by-day story is in my Iceland itinerary.
Waterfall spray and black sand beaches call for proper rain gear: see what to pack for Iceland in summer.
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Explore South Coast
Guides & stories
Discover more from this destination, one place and one story at a time.
Discovering Iceland: A Week in the Land of Fire and IceIceland has always held a special allure for me—a land where fire and ice coexist in stunning harmony. During my week-long adventure, I found myself captivated by its otherworldly landscapes: bubbling geysers, majestic glaciers, and dramatic volcanic craters that seemed to tell stories of ancient forces at play. Each day unfolded new wonders, from hiking along breathtaking cliffs to soaking in natural hot springs. Join me on this journey as I share the unforgettable experiences and moments that made my time in Iceland truly magical.Explore the guides 
How Much 5 Days in Iceland Costs: A Realistic BudgetHow much do 5 days in Iceland cost? Estimated budgets per person, from food and the Blue Lagoon to tours and a rental car, based on my August 2023 trip.Explore the guides 
What to Pack for Iceland in Summer: My Packing List and Printable ChecklistWhat to pack for Iceland in summer, from my August 2023 trip: layers, rain gear, footwear, swimwear for the Blue Lagoon, a sleep mask for the midnight sun, adapters, money, documents and a printable checklist.Explore the guides - Is the Guide to Iceland 5-Day Summer Package Worth It? My Honest ReviewIs Guide to Iceland’s 5-day summer package worth it? My honest review after doing it in August 2023 with friends: what’s included, how it felt, package vs self-drive, approximate costs, pros and cons.Explore the guides
Highlights
- Walking behind Seljalandsfoss
- Climbing the stairs to the top of Skógafoss
- Reynisfjara’s black sand and the Reynisdrangar sea stacks
- A guided glacier hike on Sólheimajökull
Weather in South Coast
Cool, windy and changeable along the coast, with plenty of rain. Summer days are long and mild.
Best time to visit: June–August for long daylight and milder weather.
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
Map of South Coast
Places from this trip — tap a pin for details