A Complete Guide to Iceland’s South Coast (with Glacier Hike)

Iceland’s South Coast is a dream destination filled with jaw-dropping landscapes, dramatic waterfalls, massive glaciers, and volcanic beaches. Whether you’re visiting for a few days or just taking a day trip from Reykjavik, this stretch of the country is one of the most beautiful and accessible regions to explore.

The South Coast is a very accessible area during winters, when most of the other parts of Iceland are risky to get to- esp. the northern and eastern parts. There is a lot to see in this area and you will need to split the south coast into two days in case you wish to visit both Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and the other attractions. You may opt for a two-day tour from Troll as well as an alternative. Other attractions/ activities here that I skipped but you may consider doing are Katla ice cave tour and Vatnajökull Glacier Hike (which is the largest glacier in Europe). The Svínafellsjökull Glacier, which is an outlet glacier of Vatnajökull, served as the filming location for Dr. Mann's planet in Interstellar. I skipped this glacier hike since it required me to stay near the glacier and I preferred staying at Reykjavík for the entire 7 nights that I was in Iceland.

For the day tours, I chose Troll Expeditions for South Coast with Glacier Hike and Bus Travel for Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. I booked the same tours from GetYourGuide as it is very easy to reschedule/ cancel from their app if you need to. I am sharing the links of these tours as well.

• South Coast with Glacier Hike

• Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

In this blog, I’ll take you through the best stops along the South Coast, including Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, Sólheimajökull glacier hike, Reynisfjara black sand beach, and the breathtaking Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.

Let’s dive in!

1. Skógafoss Waterfall

Skógafoss is one of Iceland’s biggest and most beautiful waterfalls with an astounding width of 25 meters (82 feet) and a drop of 60 meters (197 feet). The waterfall’s thundering cascade creates a constant mist, often resulting in vibrant rainbows on sunny days—a dream for photographers and nature lovers alike. Skógafoss gained international fame as a filming location in The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, where Walter runs toward a helicopter in a dramatic scene shot right by the falls. It also appeared in Game of Thrones, in Season 8, when Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen fly their dragons to a romantic spot—Skógafoss being the majestic backdrop. I frankly loved walking on the frozen river below the waterfall—ice cracking with every step I took!

2. Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

Reynisfjara, Iceland’s famous black sand beach, is a place where nature feels raw and powerful. Its striking landscape has even caught the eye of filmmakers—it’s been featured in Game of Thrones and other productions like Star Trek for its otherworldly beauty.

One of the main highlights here is the striking basalt columns—they look like giant stone steps, perfectly stacked by nature. While it's tempting to get close, please avoid climbing or sitting on the columns. They're natural wonders that have suffered damage over time due to heavy tourism. Just off the shore, you’ll spot the dramatic sea stacks called Reynisdrangar, which, as local legend has it, are trolls frozen in stone!

While the beach is breathtaking, it’s also known for its unpredictable and powerful sneaker waves. These waves can rush in suddenly and pull you toward the sea without warning. Sadly, there have been several incidents where tourists ignored safety signs and went too close to the water—some needing rescue, and others not so lucky. Stay behind the warning markers, no matter how calm the ocean may seem.

3. Sólheimajökull Glacier Hike

If you’ve ever dreamed of walking on a glacier, Sólheimajökull is the place to do it. This outlet glacier is part of the larger Mýrdalsjökull ice cap and is one of the few in Iceland where you can go on a guided glacier hike.

The guided hike was included in the Troll Expeditions South Coast tour, and honestly, I’m so glad it was. While it's technically possible to hike on the glacier independently, I wouldn’t recommend it. Glacier hiking is not a casual stroll — there are no marked trails, and some areas can be dangerously deep or unstable. We even came across a couple of solo hikers who had lost their way, and our guide kindly helped redirect them. The Troll team was fantastic. They equipped us with all the necessary safety gear — crampons for grip on slippery ice, a helmet, harness, and an ice axe for support and balance. Their guidance gave me the confidence to enjoy the experience without worry.

If you're planning to go, I recommend wearing layered clothing and a waterproof outer shell. Bulky jackets can feel too warm once you start moving, and Icelandic weather can surprise you.

As we began our ascent, we were immediately greeted by massive crevasses, silently breaking away from the glacier. We also saw icebergs floating in the nearby lagoon, just a few hundred meters away — a hauntingly beautiful reminder of the glacier's constant transformation.

Our guide pointed out how much the glacier has receded in the past decade — almost 1 km lost. Standing there, hearing the crackle of melting ice under the surface, it hit me: global warming isn’t a headline here — it’s happening, now. This hike was more than just an adventure. It was a wake-up call. I wasn’t just walking on ancient ice — I was walking on something that might not exist for future generations. That realization stayed with me long after the tour ended.

For those 3 hours, I was fully present — no phone signal, no distractions. Just the whisper of the wind and the steady rhythm of footsteps. I remembered what it felt like to be small, not in a bad way, but in a grounding one. This hike is not very tough. However, it is important to be in good shape. The hike will include some higher elevations at the beginning of the tour. After reaching the top of the glacier, your hike will remain relatively easy. Sólheimajökull reminded me that there’s still wild beauty in the world — and it needs our protection. If you ever get the chance, go. Walk the ice. Listen to its silence. And carry that feeling home with you.

4. Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

Seljalandsfoss is one of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls. What makes it special is that you can walk behind it! The water drops from 60 meters (about 200 feet) in a narrow stream over a cliff, forming a beautiful curtain of water. Walking behind the waterfall gives you a 360-degree view and a chance to experience the power of nature up close. Just be sure to wear waterproof gear & crampons! I skipped walking behind it as it was extremely slippery and I wasn’t wearing crampons.

5. Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon & Diamond Beach

This tour took up a full day, as the glacier lagoon is quite far from Reykjavík — the total duration was around 14 hours. I booked it with BusTravel Iceland, which operates larger buses, unlike Troll Tours, where we had a smaller, more intimate group of about 10–15 people. Along the way, we revisited a few familiar spots on the South Coast, like the Black sand beach and Seljalandsfoss waterfall, but seeing them again didn’t take away the magic.

When we finally reached Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, it was worth every minute. Massive chunks of ice floated gently in a glassy, still lake — slowly drifting toward the Atlantic Ocean. It was quiet, peaceful, and somehow otherworldly. If you visit during the warmer months, boat tours are available to get you even closer to the icebergs.

Just across the road is Diamond Beach, where shimmering pieces of ice from the lagoon wash up on the jet-black sand. In the sunlight, they sparkle like scattered gems. It’s one of the most surreal and beautiful places I’ve ever seen — like nature’s own jewelry box laid open.

6. Stjórnarfoss

This waterfall is a little bit of a hidden gem, since it is not one of the most visited ones in the south, but definitely worth seeing!

7. Vik village

Just a few minutes from Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach is the small town of Vik, a great spot to stop for a meal, warm up with some coffee, or explore the local shops. The red-roofed church on the hill offers a fantastic view of the town and coastline. If you're staying overnight in the area, Vik makes a great base to explore more of the South Coast. I revisited the beach but this time during sunset that made it look even more stunning.

The South Coast of Iceland is, without a doubt, one of the most scenic and unforgettable places I’ve ever visited. From standing in awe beneath powerful waterfalls to hiking across a glacier, and watching icebergs drift silently across a glacial lagoon, it truly felt like stepping into a dream- a world shaped by fire and ice.

What makes the South Coast so special is how it brings together everything Iceland is known for: dramatic landscapes, raw natural beauty, and moments of deep stillness that stay with you long after you’ve left. Whether it’s your first time in Iceland or a return visit, the South Coast offers a bit of everything and somehow, always something new.

More on Iceland:

A Complete Guide to Iceland’s Snæfellsnes Peninsula