Southern Coast: Day Trips and Tours from Reykjavík

Visiting the Southern Coast of Iceland on a day trip from Reykjavík should not be missed. Here you can explore all the wonders of nature, from black sand beaches and glacial lagoons to rugged volcanic cliffs.

The route along the jagged coastline enables you to capture stunning views of misty volcanoes, snow-capped mountains and thundering waterfalls — a snapshot of what makes this region so special.

If you’re itching to get out of the city and discover Iceland’s natural vistas, book a day trip to the Southern Coast from Reykjavík.

Here's all you need to know about Southern Coast, one of the most exciting destinations for day trips from Reykjavík.

How to get to the Southern Coast from Reykjavík?

The Southern Coast of Iceland stretches for approximately 320 kilometers, spanning the width of the country, between Selfoss, and Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon.

From Reykjavík to the Southern Coast by car

Most people choose to visit Seljalandsfoss Waterfall first on their jaunt to the Southern Coast. In order to reach this natural landmark, you'll simply follow the Þjóðvegur 1 heading south out of the city all the way to your destination.

The journey takes just under 2 hours by car. All other sights along the South Coast are also accessible along the Þjóðvegur 1 ring road.

Guided tour to the Southern Coast from Reykjavík

If you don't have access to a car on your vacation or don't want to worry yourself over the tedious details, make the journey to the Southern Coast via a guided excursion.

Your tour operator will pick you up from your hotel's reception between 8 AM and 9 AM, and the majority of trips last between 10 and 12 hours.

What is the typical itinerary?

After being picked up from your hotel in Reykjavík, you’ll head south out of the city toward your first destination — Seljalandsfoss Waterfall. Here, you can capture photos behind the staggering falls or simply admire its magnitude.

Continuing on your Southern Coast day trip, you’ll visit a second waterfall — Skogafoss before traveling on to witness the Solheimajokull Glacier.

You may participate in a glacier hike alongside a professional guide if your tour includes this as an option. Once you’ve trekked up the ice formation, you'll gain panoramic views sweeping across the south of Iceland’s outstanding coastline.

Some Southern Coast day tours end the day with a visit to Reynisfjara Beach, known for its black sands, before traveling back to Reykjavík.

However, multi-day excursions also travel along the Golden Circle route. If you participate in one of these multi-day trips, you can expect to visit Vatnajökull Glacier instead of Solheimajokull Glacier.

What kinds of tours are available?

You can choose from several Southern Coast day tours, each with its own unique itinerary. Check out the activities to see whether they align with your interests before booking.

Guided South Coast tour from Reykjavík

On this Southern Coast day trip, you'll start by heading towards Seljalandsfoss Waterfall. Here, you can sneak behind the falls and snap a unique shot as it thunders into the turquoise pool in front of you.

Moving on, you’ll visit Skogafoss Waterfall, known for the exceptional hiking trails that surround its rapids. Be awed by the Solheimajokull Glacier, which is over 200 meters thick before searching for puffins along the volcanic sands of Reynisfjara Beach.

Day trip to the South Coast plus glacier hike from Reykjavík

If you wish to immerse yourself further into the diverse geological jewels of Iceland’s Southern Coast, choose a tour that includes a glacier hike.

Once you’ve witnessed the deafening roar of both the Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls, you’ll don your crampons, and prepare to cross Sólheimajökull Glacier.

With an experienced professional to guide you on your glacier trek, you’ll make your way along the 400-year-old ice cap, surrounded by spectacular views of the Icelandic landscape.

3-Day South Coast tour plus Golden Circle and Northern Lights from Reykjavík

Alternatively, opt for a multi-day tour to the Southern Coast and enjoy the sights of Iceland in more detail.

You’ll see the wonders of Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir Geothermal Area and Gullfoss Waterfall as you make your way around the strikingly scenic Golden Circle loop.

Compare the deafening waterfalls of the south coast, hike on the Vatnajökull Glacier — which features in several Holywood productions including James Bond — and walk along the inky black shores of several volcanic beaches.

How much does a day trip to the Southern Coast from Reykjavík cost?

A basic Southern Coast day tour that takes place on a minibus costs between US$100 and US$110 per person.

If you wish to participate in a glacier hike while on your Southern Coast excursion, you’ll pay approximately US$150 each. This price includes the rental of all safety equipment and an experienced guide to assist you through the trek.

Those who have more time to spare can opt for a 3-day tour, which costs US$880 per person and includes breakfast, as well as activities.

What will you see and do?

Reynisfjara Beach

The black volcanic sands, crashing waves and basalt columns of Reynisfjara Beach make it one of the most unique bays in the world.

Black beaches are formed when the lava from erupted volcanoes cools down and is ground into fine sand, over the course of millions of years.

Visitors often flock to Reynisfjara’s shores between May and August when thousands of puffins migrate to the south coast of the country to breed.

If you visit late in the season, you can watch as the fluffy pufflings venture on their first journey outside of the burrow.

Sólheimajökull Glacier

Sólheimajökull Glacier is an outlet glacier, formed from the majestic Mýrdalsjökull ice cap, which measures almost 600 square kilometers across the south of the country.

This mighty ice cap is the fourth largest in Iceland and is home to the active Katla Volcano, which last erupted in 1918.

The Sólheimajökull Glacier was formed between 400 and 600 years ago, and measures just 8 kilometers in length. Global warming is affecting the glacier and it is shrinking at a rate of 50 meters per year.

Despite this, the Sólheimajökull Glacier remains a popular tourist attraction where visitors can participate in a trek across its icy surface.

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

The Seljalandsfoss Waterfall was originally part of the glacier that covered Eyjafjallajökull Volcano. This strato-volcano was formed over 800,000 years ago and last erupted in 2010.

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall has gained popularity as a tourist attraction as visitors can walk under the powerful falls. From there, you can look out, as endless streams of water spill over its cliff face and into the vibrant pool below.

The drop is approximately 60 meters, which gives the water plenty of momentum as it crashes into the cool lagoon below.

When is the best time to visit the Southern Coast?

The best time to plan a day trip to the Southern Coast is during the summer months — between May and September — when the weather is mild, and you can enjoy the activities on offer.

You can expect summertime temperatures to range between 9 and 13 degrees Celsius.

Travel tips

• Make sure you take several spare layers with you on your Southern Coast day tour, as temperatures can change suddenly.
• Take an umbrella or a hooded jacket on your excursion, as this region of Iceland experiences 10 to 15 days of rain per month.
• If your trip includes multiple additional sights, check whether the entry fee for these landmarks is included in the price.