Exploring Iceland’s South Coast is one of the most unforgettable road trips you can take: black sand beaches, thundering waterfalls, glaciers, and charming coastal villages all in one stretch. With a bit of planning, you can see a lot in a short time—while still enjoying the quieter, authentic side of Iceland by staying in the west with Ourhotels.is and doing flexible day trips.
Here are practical South Coast travel tips, plus how to combine them with comfortable stays at Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn.
The best time to visit Iceland’s South Coast
The South Coast is accessible year‑round, but your experience will differ by season:
– Summer (June–August): Long days, milder temperatures, lush green landscapes, and easier driving. Ideal for first‑time visitors.
– Shoulder seasons (May, September–October): Fewer crowds, better prices, and still good daylight. Great for photographers.
– Winter (November–April): Snowy landscapes, ice caves, and Northern Lights opportunities—but shorter days and more challenging driving.
Many travelers choose to base themselves in the west (for example at Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður) and then plan one or two long South Coast days, especially in summer when daylight is almost endless.
Must‑see stops on the South Coast
Plan your route so you don’t rush. These highlights are easy to combine in a single long day from the Reykjavík area, or as part of a multi‑day loop around Iceland:
– Seljalandsfoss & Gljúfrabúi: Seljalandsfoss is the famous waterfall you can walk behind (in summer and shoulder seasons). A short walk north brings you to Gljúfrabúi, hidden in a narrow gorge—bring a waterproof layer.
– Skógafoss: One of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls. Climb the staircase to the viewing platform for a different perspective and to access the start of the Fimmvörðuháls hiking trail.
– Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach: Near Vík, this beach is known for its basalt columns and dramatic waves. Always keep a safe distance from the shoreline—“sneaker waves” are powerful and unpredictable.
– Dyrhólaey: A promontory with sweeping views over black sands and sea stacks. In summer, you may spot puffins nesting on the cliffs.
– Vík í Mýrdal: A good refueling stop with cafés, gas, and a picturesque church overlooking the village.
– Sólheimajökull Glacier: Accessible glacier tongue where you can join guided glacier hikes or ice‑climbing tours.
– Further east (for longer trips): Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon, Skaftafell, and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon are incredible if you’re extending your South Coast journey into a multi‑day adventure.
Driving tips for the South Coast
– Check road and weather conditions: Use road.is and vedur.is before you set out. Conditions can change quickly, especially in winter.
– Allow extra time: Distances look short on the map, but you’ll stop often for photos and short walks.
– Fuel up regularly: Gas stations can be far apart once you leave the Reykjavík–Selfoss area.
– Respect speed limits and signage: Many South Coast accidents happen because of sudden stops or pulling over unsafely for photos. Use designated pull‑outs.
– Consider a 4×4 in winter: For added safety and flexibility, especially if you’re not used to snow and ice.
What to pack for a South Coast day trip
Weather on the South Coast can be windy, wet, and changeable—even in summer. Pack:
– Waterproof jacket and pants
– Warm layers (wool or fleece)
– Hat, gloves, and scarf (year‑round, just in case)
– Sturdy, waterproof hiking shoes
– Reusable water bottle and snacks
– Power bank and car charger for your phone
– Microfiber towel and spare socks (waterfalls and beaches can be very wet)
Combining the South Coast with a stay in West Iceland
Many visitors rush straight along the Ring Road and miss the charm of West Iceland. Staying with Ourhotels.is lets you enjoy the South Coast while also experiencing quieter fjords, fishing villages, and hot springs in the west.
Hvítá Inn – Your peaceful base in Borgarfjörður
Hvítá Inn, close to Borgarnes, is a comfortable countryside base in West Iceland. From here you can:
– Start or end your South Coast adventure: Drive from Keflavík or Reykjavík to Hvítá Inn, settle in, and then plan a long South Coast day with an early start.
– Explore Borgarfjörður: Visit Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls, Deildartunguhver hot spring, and the historic Reykholt area.
– Enjoy quieter evenings: After a busy day on the South Coast, returning to the calm of Borgarfjörður—far from the main tourist crowds—makes the trip more relaxing.
Stykkishólmur Inn – Add the Snæfellsnes Peninsula to your itinerary
If you’re already heading west, consider combining the South Coast with the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Stykkishólmur Inn, in the charming town of Stykkishólmur, is ideal for this:
– Balance your trip: Spend one day on the dramatic South Coast, and another exploring Snæfellsnes, often called “Iceland in Miniature” for its lava fields, cliffs, beaches, and glacier views.
– Enjoy a real fishing town: Stykkishólmur has colorful houses, a working harbor, and excellent seafood—perfect after a day of exploring.
– Flexible route planning: You can create a loop: Reykjavík → South Coast day trip → West Iceland (Hvítá Inn) → Snæfellsnes (Stykkishólmur Inn) → back to Reykjavík.
Ísafjörður Inn – Extend your journey to the Westfjords
For travelers with more time, a South Coast road trip can be the first chapter of a longer Icelandic adventure that continues to the Westfjords. Ísafjörður Inn is a great base once you reach this remote and spectacular region:
– Contrast of landscapes: After black sand beaches and waterfalls in the south, the steep fjords, quiet villages, and dramatic cliffs of the Westfjords feel like a different world.
– Slower travel: The Westfjords reward those who take their time. Ísafjörður Inn offers a comfortable base for day trips to places like Dynjandi waterfall, remote beaches, and scenic mountain passes.
– Complete Iceland experience: By combining the South Coast with West Iceland and the Westfjords, you see both the famous highlights and the less‑visited, authentic side of the country.
Sample itinerary combining South Coast and West Iceland
Here’s a simple outline that integrates Ourhotels.is properties:
– Day 1: Arrival → Drive to Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður. Relax, explore Borgarnes area.
– Day 2: Early start for a South Coast day trip (Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Reynisfjara, Vík) → Return to Hvítá Inn.
– Day 3: Drive to Stykkishólmur Inn → Explore Stykkishólmur and nearby Snæfellsnes sights.
– Day 4: Full day on Snæfellsnes Peninsula → Second night at Stykkishólmur Inn.
– Optional extension: Continue north and eventually to Ísafjörður Inn to discover the Westfjords.
Why base with Ourhotels.is for your South Coast trip
– Strategic locations in West Iceland and the Westfjords, ideal for building a varied itinerary.
– Comfortable, welcoming inns that let you unwind after long driving days.
– A chance to experience both Iceland’s famous South Coast and its quieter, more authentic regions without constantly changing hotels.
By planning your South Coast adventure around well‑placed bases like Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn, you can enjoy the best of Iceland’s dramatic landscapes while still traveling at a relaxed, enjoyable pace.
