An Iceland South Coast Day Trip Self-Drive Itinerary

Seljalandsfoss

With one day at your disposal, you’ll want to focus your time on the most impressive landmarks and landforms. Make your first stop, Seljalandsfoss. This splendid 60-metre high waterfall is conveniently located beside the ring road, so you won’t waste any of your precious time detouring inland. It’s made even more special by the fact that you can walk behind the curtain of water; access is via a short, slightly uneven trail but most visitors won’t find it too much trouble to navigate. 

It’s a good idea to stay long enough to visit its neighbor. Unlike Seljalandsfoss, Gljúfrabúi is tucked away in a cleft in the rock and is pretty much hidden from view until you’re standing right in front of it. You’ll need waterproof gear to get within touching distance of the water, but it’s easier to take a peek through the gap in the rock.

Skógafoss

Barely half an hour down the road from Seljalandsfoss is another fabulous waterfall. Tumbling over the cliff face from a similar height, Skógafoss is wider than its neighbor, and often, you’ll see a rainbow – sometimes a double – over the waterfall as the sun hits it. The waterfall was once right on the coast, but over time, it has receded inland as fluvial erosion has reshaped the landscape. 

Get a better sense of your surroundings by climbing up the metal staircase to the right of the waterfall. From the top, there’s not only a view of Skógafoss as it cascades over the edge but also a panorama of the south coast. You’ll be glad you devoted the extra time to this stop when you gaze out over the ocean and surrounding countryside.  

Sólheimasandur plane wreck

One of the more unusual stops along the south coast is to see a crashed cargo plane. One stormy night in 1973, a US Navy DC-3 came down in bad weather. Luckily, its crew managed to scramble out unharmed, but the aircraft was a write-off. It was too complicated to move, so the plane has been there ever since. Stripped of useful parts, the skeletal remains have been weathered by the elements and form a photogenic visitor attraction. In order to protect the environment around it, you can no longer drive out to the plane yourself. Instead, park up and hike or perhaps speed things up a little by arranging an ATV tour instead. 

Dyrhólaey and Reynisfjara

Continuing east, the next unmissable stop is Dyrhólaey, particularly if you’re a bird watcher. This protected area is home to colonies of seabirds, such as puffins, which migrate here seasonally, arriving in spring and departing en masse in August. This peninsula juts out over the ocean and is recognizable for a massive arch right the way through it that has been eroded by the ocean. Just up the road is one of the most notorious beaches in Iceland. 

Reynisfjara is a black sand beach that is backed by photogenic basalt cliffs. As there is open water to the south of it for thousands of miles, it’s known for being dangerous thanks to sneaker waves which are extra large and unexpectedly powerful. A warning system is in operation on this beach, so if you make sure you only access the beach when the light is green or amber, you should be able to visit safely. It’s also a good idea to check the tide tables as tourists have occasionally been caught unawares by the incoming tide.

Vik

The village of Vik makes a useful stop for day trippers as it boasts a variety of cafes, restaurants and other facilities. As you drop down into the village, take a quick nose around its iconic hilltop church and take in the view out to sea, where you can’t miss the Reynisdrangar rocks. Legend has it they’re petrified trolls.

If you have time – in summer, for instance, when you have more daylight to play with on your day trip, you might consider booking a trip up onto the Mýrdalsjökull glacier with a local operator. Another option is to book a horse riding excursion and find out firsthand how to do the famous tölt – Icelandic horses have a unique fifth gait which is really smooth as well as fast.

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

It’s a considerable drive from Reykjavik, typically five hours each way, but if you can share the driving or have the stamina for a long day, then setting your sights on Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is highly recommended. This dazzling lagoon is littered with icebergs that have calved from the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier. They bob around, together with inquisitive and playful seals, to the delight of a watching crowd. 

If you have time, it’s definitely worth considering a boat trip out onto the lagoon, either in an amphibious boat or a smaller and more agile Zodiac. Don’t forget to follow the footpath under the bridge to Diamond Beach. More correctly known as Fellsfjara, this spectacular beach is littered with icebergs from the lagoon that have drifted out to sea and then been washed back onshore by the waves. 

Ingólfshöfði

If you don’t fancy driving quite as far as Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, if you’re here in summer, consider a visit to Ingólfshöfði. This southerly headland is named after Ingólfur Árnason, a 9th-century Norse explorer who became the first person to settle permanently in Iceland. Today, this wild and windswept cape is a nature reserve. To access it, you’ll need a lift out over the mudflats. 

Join an organized tour and you’ll find yourself in a cart being pulled by a tractor. Your guide will park up at the foot of a steep black sand cliff and once at the top, they’ll lead you on a hike to see some of the birds that nest there. You might see puffins close up, and also, perhaps, guillemots, fulmars and skuas. Pre-booking is essential, so be mindful that you’ll need to keep an eye on the time as you visit other sights along the south coast.

The south coast is a must for any visitor to Iceland. It receives plenty of visitors, even outside the peak summer season, but it’s not hard to see why. The driving’s easy; follow the main ring road all the way to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and back. Tempted? Why not visit our website and reserve yourself a set of wheels?

South Coast Day Trip FAQ

Can you do South coast Iceland in one day?

Yes, you can! A well-planned self-drive itinerary lets you cover key highlights like waterfalls, black sand beaches, and glaciers in a single day.

How long does it take to drive the south coast of Iceland?

Driving from Reykjavík to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon (the farthest point) takes about five hours one way, but you’ll want extra time for stops and exploration.

Is South Coast Iceland worth it?

Absolutely! The South Coast is one of Iceland’s most stunning regions, filled with breathtaking landscapes and iconic attractions.

Can you drive all of Iceland in one day?

No, it’s not possible. The Ring Road around Iceland is about 1,300 kilometers (800 miles) and would take 16+ hours without stops.

Is it easy to self-drive in Iceland?

Yes, it’s easy, especially in summer. The roads are well-maintained, and most key attractions are along the main Ring Road.

What type of car do I need for driving the South Coast?

A standard car is fine for the South Coast as the main roads are paved, but a 4x4 might be helpful in winter or for detours on rougher roads.