The Best Stops Along Iceland's South Coast
My Favorite Places You Can't Miss
If you're planning a road trip through Iceland, chances are you've heard people talk about the South Coast.
After driving it myself, I can confidently say it deserves every bit of the hype.
This stretch of Iceland is packed with towering waterfalls, glaciers, black sand beaches, volcanic landscapes, charming villages, and some of the most incredible scenery I've ever seen. What surprised me most wasn't just how beautiful each destination was, but how many amazing places I stumbled upon between the major stops.
If you're wondering what is actually worth pulling over for, here's every stop I'd recommend along Iceland's South Coast.
Seljalandsfoss
If you only have time for one waterfall in Iceland, make it Seljalandsfoss.
Dropping nearly 200 feet over an ancient sea cliff, it's one of the few waterfalls in the world where you can actually walk behind the cascade. Standing behind thousands of gallons of rushing water while looking out across Iceland's countryside is one of those experiences that photos simply can't capture.
One of my favorite memories from the trip happened here around 10 p.m. Thanks to Iceland's midnight sun, it was still bright outside, but almost every tourist had already left. Walking behind the waterfall with only a handful of people around made it feel like I had the place almost entirely to myself.
Time Needed: 45 to 60 minutes
Parking: Paid parking lot
Photography Tip: Bring a waterproof jacket or lens cloth. You'll get wet.
Gljúfrabúi
Just a five-minute walk from Seljalandsfoss is one of Iceland's best hidden gems.
Gljúfrabúi is tucked inside a narrow canyon, partially hidden behind towering cliffs. To reach it, you'll need to step through a shallow stream and carefully make your way between rocks before the waterfall suddenly reveals itself.
It feels like discovering a secret that many visitors completely miss.
If you're already stopping at Seljalandsfoss, don't skip this one.
Time Needed: 20 to 30 minutes
Eyjafjallajökull Visitor Center
Only a short drive from Seljalandsfoss is the Eyjafjallajökull Visitor Center, which tells the story of the 2010 volcanic eruption that grounded flights across Europe and made international headlines.
The museum is run by a local family who lived through the eruption, making the experience feel much more personal than a traditional museum.
It's a worthwhile stop if you're interested in learning more about Iceland's volcanic landscape before continuing your drive.
Skógafoss
Skógafoss is one of the largest waterfalls in Iceland, dropping approximately 60 meters straight into a wide, misty basin below.
Standing at the base, you quickly realize just how powerful it is.
On sunny days, double rainbows often appear in the mist, making it one of the most photographed waterfalls in the country.
If you're feeling adventurous, climb the staircase beside the falls. The view from the top overlooks miles of rivers, farmland, and mountains stretching toward the ocean.
According to Icelandic legend, a Viking settler hid a treasure chest behind the waterfall centuries ago. While the treasure has never been found, the story only adds to the magic of visiting.
Time Needed: One hour
Sólheimajökull Glacier
One of the most accessible glaciers in Iceland, Sólheimajökull gives visitors the chance to stand just feet away from ancient ice without needing an advanced hike.
The glacier is constantly changing as it slowly retreats due to climate change, making every visit slightly different from the last.
Walking toward the glacier, you'll notice brilliant blue ice mixed with black volcanic ash trapped inside from previous eruptions.
It's an incredible reminder of just how dynamic Iceland's landscape really is.
Vík
Vík may be small, but it's one of the most charming towns along the South Coast.
Most travelers stop here for lunch, fuel, or groceries before continuing east, but it's worth spending a little extra time exploring.
The iconic red-roofed church overlooking the town offers beautiful panoramic views, while local cafés, bakeries, and souvenir shops make it a perfect place to take a break.
There are also grocery stores and gas stations here if you're traveling by camper van.
Instead of eating lunch in town, I decided to head toward the coastline where I found a much quieter stretch of black sand beach.
Watching Icelandic horses wander along the shoreline without another tourist in sight became one of my favorite memories from the entire trip.
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
Reynisfjara is easily one of the most dramatic beaches I've ever visited.
Towering basalt columns line the cliffs while enormous waves crash against the black volcanic sand below.
Just offshore sit the famous Reynisdrangar sea stacks, which Icelandic folklore says were once trolls turned to stone after being caught in the sunlight.
As beautiful as it is, Reynisfjara is also one of Iceland's most dangerous attractions.
Sneaker waves can rush much farther onto the beach than expected and have swept visitors into the ocean.
Always stay well back from the shoreline and pay attention to warning signs.
Time Needed: 45 minutes
Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck
Few places in Iceland feel as surreal as the abandoned DC-3 airplane resting alone in the middle of a black sand desert.
In 1973, a US Navy aircraft ran out of fuel and crash-landed here. Miraculously, everyone survived, but the plane was left behind.
Today, it has become one of Iceland's most recognizable photography locations.
The hike to the wreck takes about 45 minutes each way across flat volcanic terrain, although a shuttle service is also available if you'd rather skip the walk.
I arrived around 8 p.m., and with the crowds mostly gone, the entire area felt peaceful and almost cinematic.
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
If you're continuing farther east, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon absolutely deserves a spot on your itinerary.
Massive icebergs slowly break away from the glacier and drift through the lagoon before eventually reaching the Atlantic Ocean.
Depending on the season, you may even spot seals swimming between the floating ice.
It's one of those places where you naturally slow down because there's always something changing in front of you.
Diamond Beach
Directly across the road from Jökulsárlón sits Diamond Beach.
As icebergs wash out to sea, many become stranded on the black volcanic sand, sparkling like giant diamonds against the dark shoreline.
No two visits are ever the same because the waves are constantly rearranging the ice.
It's easily one of the most photogenic places in Iceland.
Vestrahorn at Stokksnes
If you have the time to continue east, Vestrahorn was probably my favorite landscape in all of Iceland.
Jagged mountains rise dramatically behind rolling black sand dunes, creating one of the most photographed scenes in the country.
There's also a Viking film set near the entrance that makes for a fun stop while exploring the area.
Early morning and late evening offer the best lighting for photography, especially when the mountains reflect in the shallow pools scattered across the beach.
A Few Stops That Aren't on Every Itinerary
Some of my favorite moments happened between the major attractions.
Pull over when you see Icelandic horses grazing beside the road.
Stop at small roadside cafés that weren't on your original itinerary.
Take the scenic detour when a mountain catches your eye.
Some of my favorite photos came from places that didn't even have a name on the map.
That's the beauty of road-tripping Iceland.
My Biggest Piece of Advice
The South Coast isn't a road you should rush.
It's tempting to treat it like a checklist of famous waterfalls and landmarks, but some of my favorite memories happened between the destinations I had planned.
Spend a little longer at that waterfall.
Take the extra hike.
Stop for the view that isn't on Instagram.
The drive itself is just as unforgettable as the places you'll visit along the way, and that's exactly what makes Iceland one of the most incredible road trips in the world.
