Iceland's Southern Coast Top Destinations You Must Visit

Iceland’s Southern Coast should be at the top of your to-do list when you visit the island. This stretch of coastline boasts a little bit of everything, from thermal baths to breathtaking waterfalls. One minute the sun in shining and the ocean mist is hitting your face from the edge of a cliff. Ten minutes later it’s cold, grey, and the snow from ancient glaciers is dancing around you.

It’s easily one of the most awe-inspiring and magical places I have ever visited, and will likely ever visit. That’s likely why this region quickly became one of my favourite in all of Iceland.

Starting in Reykjavik, here are some of my favourite stops along the South coast of Iceland:

Reykjavik

Reykjavik, the capital city of Iceland and home to 90% of the country’s inhabitants is a beautiful seaside city with endless possibilities. Give yourself a day (or two if you can) to explore the city because there’s a lot to see. Some major checkpoints include the Hallgrímskirkja cathedral, the Harpa concert hall, the Sun Voyager sculpture, and if you’re into it, the Icelandic Phallological Museum.

The Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is geothermal spa located in the middle of a lava field just 20 minutes from the airport. Filled with beautiful blue, mineral rich water, this iconic landmark is known to help people with a number of skin conditions. The water is extremely warm and the views are fantastic, making it a really relaxing way to start or end your day. Just remember to wash your hair with conditioner before and after going into the pools, otherwise you’ll have hair troubles for the rest of your trip along Iceland’s Southern Coast.

Kerið

Kerið is a stunning volcanic crater lake located just a few minutes outside the charming town of Selfoss. Take my advice and explore around Selfoss first – the town is really adorable and will definitely leave you with some great photos. When you arrive at the crater, you’ll instantly be amazed by it’s size. Huge would be an understatement. Take your time exploring the lake and if you’ve got the energy, be sure to hike around the entire perimeter. The views are outstanding the entire way around.

Seljalandsfoss

Seljalandsfoss is next, and for this waterfall you will definitely need a raincoat. The fall’s claim to fame is hands down the fact that you can walk all around it, including behind it. It offers a unique 360 degree perspective that very few waterfalls in the world can provide, and if you’re lucky, you’ll spot a rainbow coming perfectly out of the top of the falls.

Skogafoss

Skogafoss waterfall might look a little familiar – it was the backdrop to one of the scenes in the film, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. This waterfall was one of my favourite stops along Iceland’s Southern Coast, which leads me to believe it might be for you as well. The shear power of the falls is somehow humbling and you can feel the force of the water from the moment you arrive. Plus the soothing hum of the water is enough to relax you for the entire trip.

Seljavallalaug

Seljavallalaug was one of my favourite places in all of Iceland. This pool is hidden between the corners of a mountain, built right into the side of the earth – water literally trickles down the mountain and into the pool. There is no other way to describe this pool other than shear bliss. We arrived at 6am to beat the crowds and the time we spent alone swimming was idyllic. This is easily one of the most lovely hidden gems along Iceland’s Southern Coast.

Hotel Ranga

Hotel Ranga is a must visit lodge if you need somewhere to stay while visiting Iceland’s Southern Coast. Everything about this hotel is magic: the food, the staff, the grounds… it’s like an Icelandic fairy tale. Amazingly, when you arrive at the hotel you can opt for a “Northern Lights wake up call”, so if the skies do decide to light up, you’ll be the first to know. The menu is phenomenal, featuring reindeer and puffin, plus the three hot tubs in the rear of the grounds will put you to sleep after a long day of adventure.

Dyrhólaey

Dyrhólaey is a small peninsula just outside of Vik that overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and the famous black sand beach. This 120-metre high promenade is charming and unique, showcasing a massive archway in the centre that’s formed over years of crashing ocean water. Complete with a viewing platform and lighthouse, this site is a calming reminder of Iceland’s isolation as Northern island in what feels like the middle of nowhere.

Reynisfjara Beach

Reynisfjara Beach, also known as the Black Sand Beach, is a bizarre beach right beside the Dyrhólaey lighthouse. The first thing you’ll notice when you arrive is the sand – it’s black. And while that might sound underwhelming, trust me, it’s one of the coolest and beautiful things I’ve ever seen. Filled with endless photo possibilities this beach boasts towering cliffs, strange basalt columns, lava formations, and blackened caves. And if that’s not enough, there’s puffins! Be sure not to get too close to the water though, as a number of fatal accidents have occured due to the strength and unforgiving nature of this beach’s water.

Fjaðrárgljúfur

Fjaðrárgljúfur is somewhat hard to explain, simply because it’s so vast it’s difficult to put into words. Essentially, it’s an ancient river canyon, dating back over two million years. The site has aged like a fine wine, getting better and better with time. Creeping moss covers the edges of the canyon that drop down dramatically into a blue and winding river that flows into the ocean. Waterfalls are dotted throughout the rock walls, making it a magical place to sit down and relax for a while. Be prepared for a bit of a hike – it’s by no means a long, maybe 15 minutes, but going up is steep, so take your time and bring good hiking boots.

Svartifoss

Svartifoss is by far the most unique waterfall in Iceland and when you visit you’ll see why. Water tumbles over ancient black basalt columns, making it look like a viking carved out a space just for the falls. Located in the Skaftafell wilderness area of the park, this falls is very easy to get to, but does involve about an hour of hiking.

Jökulsárlón

Jökulsárlón is on the other end of the park, about half an hour drive from Svartifoss. Honestly, this is one of the most iconic landmarks in all of Iceland. This glacier lagoon is just as it sounds, a beautifully bright blue bay of icebergs and glacial water flowing from the monstrous Breiðamerkurjökull glacier. As one of the natural wonders of Iceland, this site is almost haunting, as the luminous icebergs float quietly and unmoving. If you’re lucky, you’ll even spot a few seals playing amongst the ice.