What to see on the south coast?
The south coast is a very popular place to visit as it is a beautiful part of the country with many beautiful sites. You need at least two days to explore the south coast if you want to enjoy its beauty to the fullest so we recommend you stay a night or two in one of many lovely accommodation on the south shore. But what are the main sites to visit? Here we will give you a few ideas.
ICELAND from O Z Z O Photography on Vimeo.
Seljalandsfoss
Seljalandsfoss waterfall is one of Iceland´s most famous waterfalls. It is unique for the fact that it is possible to walk the waterfall. The waterfall is high as it drops 60 meters (200 ft) over the cliffs. If you decide to walk behind the waterfall, you can expect to get wet so wear a rain coat and also wear good hiking boots as the ground can be slippery and wet. Don´t forget to bring your camera to take picture of the unique moment of standing behind a waterfall.
Skógafoss
Skógafoss waterfall is not far from Seljalandsfoss. It is a beautiful waterfall at the cliffs of the former coastline and is one of the biggest waterfalls in Iceland. It is 25 meters (82 feet) wide and a drop 60 meters (200 ft). On sunny days you can often see a single or a double rainbow by the waterfall. You can walk up to the top of the waterfall as there is a staircase next to the waterfall. At the top is a small viewing site where you can enjoy a view over the waterfall and on a clear day the panoramic view of the south coast is stunning.
Reynisfjara beach
Reynisfjara beach is a black sand beach not far from the village Vík. The spectacularly shaped basalt sea stacks Reynisdrangar are out in the sea and it is a true joy to see them. The bird life in the area is very rich and in summer you can spot birds like puffins and guillemots. Please though be careful if you decide to walk down to the beach as the ocean and the waves can be very strong and high!
Kirkjubæjarkaustur
Kirkjubæjarklaustur is one of many villages on the south coast worth visiting. One of many attractions close to the village is Kirkjugólf (Church Floor) which is a natural pavement of basalt. Kirkjubæjarklaustur is one of many nice choices to spend the night on your tour of the south coast.
Skógar museum
Skógar folk museum is a nice place to visit if you want to get to know the Icelandic society and how the Icelandic people used to live and work. You will be amazed to find out how Icelanders lived less than 100 years ago and how much has changed in a short period of time! /span>
Dyrhólaey
The small peninsula, Dyrhólaey, is located not far from the village Vík. On a clear day the view from up there is stunning. You can see Mýrdalsjökull glacier to the north, the black lava columns of Reynisdrangar to the east and the whole coastline towards Selfoss to the west. In summer the bird life is in bloom and you can spot birds such as puffins.
Jökulsárlón
The Jökulsarlón glacial lagoon is a large glacial lake, on the edge of Vatnajökull national park. In summer you can go on a boat ride on the lagoon and in winter it is a beautiful place to hunt for the northern lights. You can either drive the south coast on your own or do a two day tour and visit all the places mentioned above. Please note in winter, if you plan on self-drive, the roads are icy and slippery and only stick to the ring road!