Iceland’s an amazing place for a road trip, and one of the most scenic drives you can undertake is along the country’s wonderful south coast. It’s possible to travel from the airport or Reykjavik in a single day, but as there’s so much to see and do on the way to Hotel Jökulsárlón, you might choose to build in an overnight stop to split your sightseeing over two days.
Let’s take a look at what you shouldn’t miss while travelling east, as you put together the ultimate road trip in this fabulous region of Iceland.
Hveragerði Geothermal Area
Distance from Reykjavik: 30 miles
Leaving the capital region behind, you’ll soon reach the Hellisheiði lava plateau. Soon afterwards, the ring road drops down and you’ll approach Hveragerði. Its geothermal heat makes it an important place for agriculture, and a surprising range of fruit and vegetables are successfully grown here.
It’s also worth stopping for the chance to bathe in a hot water stream. To reach it, you’ll need to hike for about an hour through the Reykjadalur valley. Facilities are basic—just a few wooden screens serve as changing rooms. Rustic though it undoubtedly is, this spot is a delightful place to enjoy an outdoor soak.
Stokkseyri
Distance from Hveragerði: 17 miles
There’s a very good reason to take a detour to Stokkseyri—and that’s a restaurant called Fjöruborðið. Located in an unassuming building right beside the coast, the menu’s hardly extensive: people come for the sautéed langoustine tails or the langoustine soup. But what a meal it will be—this place earns rave reviews from travellers and deservedly so.
If your time’s short, consider having lunch in Selfoss instead. The historic Old Dairy has been transformed into a characterful food hall right in the centre of this lively town, housing a clutch of eateries serving Mexican, Italian, Thai, and Chinese food. Stock up on snacks for the road in the supermarket before moving on.
Seljalandsfoss
Distance from Stokkseyri: 50 miles
Standing 60 metres tall, you’ll see magnificent Seljalandsfoss from the road before you reach the turn-off. Follow a short rocky trail that leads to the curtain of water—you can walk behind the waterfall. The view looking back across the countryside as it cascades before you is something very special indeed.
Don’t be tempted to jump back in the car before you’ve seen the second waterfall here. Tucked away behind a cleft in the rock, it’s easy to overlook Gljúfrabúi. To get a proper look at it, carry a change of shoes and socks—you’ll have to paddle through the plunge pool to access it. But as you stare upwards to the sky, you’ll be glad you did.
Skógafoss
Distance from Seljalandsfoss: 18 miles
Even if you’ve just stopped for both Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi, there’s another must-see waterfall less than half an hour up the road. Skógafoss is considerably wider than its neighbours, and its orientation means that at certain times of day you’ll often see a rainbow over the top.
Another reason to stop is to climb the metal steps beside it to reach the top of the falls. From up here, the views along the south coast are remarkable. If you wish, you can follow the Skógá River upstream to admire countless smaller waterfalls and pretty canyons. In fact, via the Fimmvörðuháls pass, you’ll eventually reach Þórsmörk, a day’s walk away.
Sólheimasandur’s Crashed DC-3
Distance from Skógafoss: 7 miles
More than fifty years ago, a US Navy cargo plane crash-landed at Sólheimasandur in bad weather. The crew made it out alive, but the aircraft couldn’t be recovered. Stripped of all useful parts, it has remained in its sandy grave ever since.
If you want to visit, leave your car in the parking area, as it’s no longer permitted to drive to the site. You can hike there and back or save time by hopping on the shuttle bus that runs regularly throughout the day—a useful time-saver if you’re keen to get on to your next stop.
Reynisfjara Beach
Distance from Sólheimasandur: 14 miles
Reynisfjara is one of Iceland’s most beautiful—but also most notorious—beaches. This small strip of black sand seems innocuous at first glance. In summer, seabirds such as puffins nest in grassy hollows in the cliffs lining the shore.
But look again at the faulted basalt carved by waves into a towering cave and the craggy stacks that rise from the shallows. These sneaker waves can creep up unseen and knock unsuspecting tourists off their feet. It’s wise to admire this part of Iceland’s southern shore from a safe distance, but you won’t want to miss it.
Vík í Mýrdal
Distance from Reynisfjara Beach: 7 miles
Barely a few minutes later, the quaint hilltop church that overlooks Vík y Mýrdal comes into view. As you drop down into the village, you’ll see the importance of tourism in its restaurants, cafés, and tour operators.
Vík’s charms extend into its hinterland. Super jeeps and minibuses ferry visitors to and from Mýrdalsjökull glacier. You can hike across the ice, explore ice caves, or ride Icelandic horses along the shore. If you’re going to break your journey en route to Jökulsárlón, this is a great place to do so.
Yoda Cave
Distance from Vík: 9 miles
You don’t have to be a Star Wars fan to appreciate the shapes that the sea can carve out of a rocky coastline—but in this case, it helps. The waves have created two shapes stacked one on top of the other that bear a close resemblance to Yoda.
The official name is Gígjagjá, but it’s also known as Hjörleifshöfði Cave. It’s barely off the ring road, so it seems a shame not to take a quick look. In summer, the area is especially pretty, carpeted with purple lupines.
Eldhraun Lava Field
Distance from Yoda Cave: 33 miles
Travelling east, the road passes through a vast lava field. There are signed pullouts where you can park up to take a better look on foot. Woolly fringe moss has begun to colonise the bare rock, adding a splash of green to the monochrome landscape.
What you see was the result of Laki volcano’s eruption (1783–1784). It caused severe famine and loss of life. In the 1960s, NASA used the terrain to train Apollo 11 astronauts.
Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
Distance from Eldhraun: 4 miles
This fairytale canyon is particularly accessible. Turn off the ring road and follow a short gravel road to reach the car park. From the bridge, you’ll get a sense of the scale of the canyon’s steep walls.
You can also walk up to the top of the canyon for a better feel of the verdant landscape. The River Fjaðrá winds serpent-like through the rocky terrain. A viewing platform enhances the experience while preserving the site.
Svartifoss
Distance from Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon: 48 miles
Svartifoss, located in Skaftafell, is a worthy detour. It’s only about 20 metres tall, but the hexagonal basalt columns that flank it make it uniquely beautiful.
To reach Svartifoss, hike from the visitor centre through Vatnajökull National Park—about 90 minutes round trip. Along the way, pass three smaller waterfalls: Hundafoss, Magnúsarfoss, and Þjófafoss, as well as the historic farm Selið (1912).
Ingólfshöfði
Distance from Svartifoss: 16 miles
In summer, consider a stop at Ingólfshöfði, named after Iceland’s first permanent settler, Ingólfur Arnarson. The cape is separated from the mainland by a flooded causeway. Join an organised tractor tour to cross it.
The cape is a haven for birds—including puffins, kittiwakes, fulmars, and great skuas. The views from the clifftop nesting sites are breathtaking.
Fjallsárlón
Distance from Ingólfshöfði: 16 miles
Fjallsárlón is the first of two roadside glacial lagoons you’ll encounter. It’s quieter and smaller than its neighbour. Sitting in the shadow of Fjallsjökull glacier, it features a stunning view of Miðaftanstindur mountain.
Take a Zodiac boat tour or arrange a guided ice hike. In winter, ice cave tours are also an option—with an experienced local guide.
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Distance from Fjallsárlón: 7 miles
Jökulsárlón is Iceland’s largest and deepest glacial lagoon. Icebergs calve from Breiðamerkurjökull, float on the lagoon, and eventually make their way out to sea via a narrow channel.
It never freezes—during the filming of Die Another Day, the crew had to dam the river to shoot a car chase. Enjoy amphibian boat rides, Zodiac tours, or even kayaking. Don’t miss Diamond Beach, where icebergs wash up on shore.
Hotel Jökulsárlón
Distance from Jökulsárlón: 7 miles
You made it! The only thing that beats a great road trip is a fabulous hotel in which to rest at the end of it. We’d love to welcome you to Hotel Jökulsárlón and invite you to enjoy our hospitality before you set off on your next adventure.
