Along with the Golden Circle, the South Coast is a must-see while you’re in Iceland. This part of the country is characterised by breathtaking scenery. Yet thanks to the variety of south coast tours from Reykjavik, it couldn’t be easier to see it for yourself - even if you’ve only a few days to explore. In this article, we’ll show you how Reykjavik Excursions can take you to some of the region’s most remarkable places and run through a range of practical tips and other information that should provide the answers to any questions you might have.

Why should you take a tour of Iceland’s south coast?

Striking landscapes abound in Iceland but there’s something extraordinary about the geography of the south. A flat coastal strip marked by black sand beaches and braided rivers meandering across glacial outwash plains provides a stark contrast to the highland interior. Dropping down the Hellisheiði pass from the rugged lava plateau, a view of the southern shoreline stretches as far as the eye can see and you’ll get the full impact of the marked difference between the cliffs and the lowlands beneath them.

This is just a teaser for what’s to come. South Iceland is where you’ll encounter two of the country’s most famous waterfalls, Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss. Both stand around 60 metres high and the volume of water is impressive at any time of year. South coast tours call in at both; they’re conveniently located just a twenty minute drive apart.

Continuing east, you’ll also stop at Reynisfjara black sand beach, just short of Vik. This notorious stretch of sand is known for its sneaker waves, powerful breakers that smash onto the beach with little or no warning. It’s why the site has a traffic light system in place to keep visitors out of danger; on a stormy day you’ll need to stay back and view the beach from a safe distance. Vik itself is a real treat, a charming village with a hilltop church and fabulous views of the ocean.

Some south coast tours continue on to Jökulsárlón. This extraordinary place is famous not only for the glacier and its lagoon, but for the icebergs that calve onto it. In a plethora of shapes and sizes, they drift almost silently as seals slide through the water around them and haul out onto these icy floating platforms. The colours and textures are captivating - all manner of blues, greys and white, streaked with ash or dazzlingly clear.

That’s not the end of the story: the tide carries the icebergs along a narrow channel and out to the open ocean. The Atlantic breakers fling them onto the shore at Fellsfjara, or as its better known to visitors, Diamond Beach. If you have the good fortune to stand on this beach on a sunny day, the sight of the light catching on the translucent ice is nothing short of magnificent. Getting there requires a long drive, but as soon as you set eyes on this place, you’ll agree it’s worth it.

Is it better to take a tour or drive yourself during your south coast day tour in Iceland?

Whether you choose to take a south shore day tour in Iceland or drive yourself, putting together an itinerary for just one day is straightforward. The main sights are connected by and close to Route 1, Iceland’s ring road, and so you can expect tarmacked surfaces and infrastructure such as petrol stations and cafés at reasonably frequent intervals along the way.

Weather changes frequently in Iceland, even in summer when conditions are typically more settled. Storms blow away as quickly as they arrive, and heavy downpours might only last a few minutes. If you’re travelling independently, you have more control over whether you stick it out or drive on to somewhere else – hopefully one with better weather. Of course the warm and cosy tour bus can be just as effective at keeping you dry.

The main advantage of hiring your own car is that you are totally in control of how long you spend at each place. Though you might set out with a rough idea of timings, you’re able to be flexible with your schedule, shaving off time at places that you feel you’ve seen enough off and lingering longer than planned where somewhere really captures your imagination.

Being behind the wheel also gives you the chance to detour to off the beaten track places along the way. You might choose to take a hike along the rim of Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon or indulge in a spot of birdwatching at Dyrhólaey. This approach also opens up the possibility of seeing the Sólheimasandur plane wreck or of heading inland to historic Keldur turf farm.

However, to reach spots such as Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon involves around five hours of driving from Reykjavik and the same again during the return leg. If you factor in stops along the way, the day becomes really long and if you have to concentrate on the road in between the sightseeing, you’ll most likely find this really tiring – particularly if there’s no one in your party that will share the driving.

This is where a tour really comes into its own. Between stops, you can settle back into your seat for a power nap, surf the internet and read up on the places you’re visiting or simply gaze out of the window as you watch Iceland’s splendid scenery unfold beside you. Onboard guides will provide engaging commentary that supplies the context behind what you are seeing, so you have a more in-depth understanding of the landscapes and the people who shaped them.

Of course, you can have the best of both worlds and combine a self-drive itinerary with bookable activities along the way. One of the most popular is a boat trip out onto Jökulsárlón which gives you the opportunity of seeing the icebergs, glacier and any wildlife at closer quarters than if you remained on the shore of the lagoon. Such boat tours can also be combined with a tour that begins and ends in Reykjavik.

How long would you need to enjoy the major sights if you’re doing a south coast tour from Reykjavík?

The great thing about Iceland’s southern shoreline is that the major sights are so easy to reach from the main road, Route 1. While ring roaders on a multi-week holiday in Iceland might take a few days to make it from Reykjavik to Höfn in the south east, it’s possible to tick off the bucket list must-sees in a single day.

Thanks to Iceland’s relatively sparse population and the resultant lack of heavy traffic, it’s rare to be delayed. Typically you will be dropping down the Hellisheiði pass in well under an hour from the city. Seljalandsfoss is about two hours from the capital and even distant Jökulsárlón is a realistic possibility.

For our South Coast Wonders tour you’ll need to allocate just ten and a half hours. On board our well-appointed carbon neutral coach, you’ll make a quick comfort stop in Hvolsvöllur before arriving in Skógafoss. Later, you’ll be able to experience Reynisfjara beach and take in the photogenic view of the offshore Reynisdrangar sea stacks. Your guide will tell you about their connection to Icelandic myths and legends.

Back on the bus and after a stroll to admire Sólheimajökull glacier and its lagoon, you’ll get to see Seljalandsfoss waterfall, our last stop before returning to the capital. Unless it’s icy, you can walk behind the curtain of water and view the surrounding area from a most unusual perspective.

If you’re happy to invest a little more time, then you might consider our Jökulsárlón and Diamond Beach tour. In all the trip takes around fourteen and a half hours, as the glacier lagoon is much further east. However, this is one of the most extraordinary places in the whole of Iceland.

Getting there is all part of the fun: to reach Jökulsárlón, you’ll be driven through some equally striking landscapes including moss-covered lava fields, waterfalls that pour over steep-sided cliffs and alongside imposing glaciers. There are a number of stops, such as to wander around Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss on foot, and during a meal break in Vik you might also choose to take a look at the view of the ocean and the Reynisdrangar sea stacks.

The main highlight, however, is Jökulsárlón itself and nearby Diamond Beach. The presence of icebergs, both in the tranquil lagoon and on the black sand beach pounded by the sometimes wild Atlantic Ocean, makes this a must-see. No matter how short your stay in Iceland, if you can slot this into your itinerary you won’t be disappointed.

Is it possible to visit this part of Iceland year-round?

As the main south coast sights are all located within a stone’s throw of the ring road, it’s rare for this major route to be closed unless the weather is exceptionally bad. That means you can book with confidence no matter what time of year you have chosen to visit Iceland. Nevertheless, there are a few seasonal considerations that it’s worth noting if you choose to come in winter.

During the winter, especially in December and January, the amount of daylight can be as little as five hours. While that might bother you if you were planning to drive yourself, our drivers are used to being behind the wheel at night. Tours are timed so that you’ll see the highlights of these tours in daylight, and you might even catch sight of the Northern Lights from the bus as you return to Reykjavik at the end of the excursion.

It’s also worth noting that as spring gets closer, the amount of daylight hours grows considerably – change happens at a faster pace in a northerly locale such as Iceland compared to places at lower latitudes. So by delaying your trip for just a few weeks, you can benefit from as much as ten hours of daylight simply by timing your winter holiday for the end of February.

Another consideration in the off season is the weather. When the temperatures fall, the damp paths beside waterfalls such as Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss may become slippery with ice. Bring crampons that pull over your shoes for extra grip as you wander around off the bus. Note that trails can be closed for visitor safety, such as behind the falls at Seljalandsfoss.

The waves at Reynisfjara black sand beach, a tour stop, might also be too strong for you to access the beach itself, though you’ll still enjoy a stellar view from a distance. But the payback is that the surroundings are often blanketed in snow, which lends a magical element to the already remarkable settings.

If you hit the jackpot with clear skies and sunshine, this part of Iceland is absolutely exquisite. Even if the weather is being unpredictable, that’s all part of the country’s charm and will give you a story to recount to friends and family back home. Dress appropriately in warm, windproof and waterproof clothing and you’ll be just fine.

If you’re trying to figure out what to expect on a winter South Coast Iceland day trip, low season also sees a reduction in visitor numbers, so popular spots tend to be less crowded than in the peak summer months. If you’re keen to experience Iceland with fewer tourists, this is a great time to come. The possibility of witnessing the aurora borealis during your trip, either as you return from the tour or back in Reykjavik, also makes this time of year an enticing prospect.

What kinds of activities can you combine with a south coast tour?

• Glacier hike south coast
  Combine your south coast tour with a hike on a glacier. You’ll be kitted out in the right gear before a guide leads you up onto the surface of Sólheimajökull glacier, an outlet of the much larger Mýrdalsjökull. Being up on the ice gives you a chance to inspect its surface and appreciate the various features, textures and colours that might not be so obvious from a distance.

• Glacier kayaking
  Being able to immerse yourself in nature is a common draw for visitors to Iceland. You can do so on the water as well as on land. If you’re looking for a physical activity that marries a serene and beautiful lagoon with a stunning glacier as the photogenic backdrop, then this kayaking combo is a strong contender. Sit-on-top kayaks are easy to master and even if you’re a novice, you’ll be confident on the water in next to no time.

• Plane Wreck ATV adventure
  Fifty years ago, a cargo plane crashed at Sólheimasandur in bad weather. Fortunately everyone on board escaped unscathed but the weathered fuselage was never recovered. Stripped of anything of value, it has gradually aged and is now one of the more unusual visitor attractions in this region. Hiking out to the site can be time-consuming, which gives you the perfect excuse to pair your south coast sightseeing with a thrilling ATV adventure.

• South coast plus ice cave
  Ice caves are dynamic entities, melting and refreezing as the seasons change. Most are only stable enough to visit in the coldest part of the year, but even if you aren’t planning to be here in the winter months there are summer ice cave tour options too. Accessing the area close to the ice cave by super jeep is a fun and unique way to begin and end the tour – uneven terrain and even rivers are no match for these four-wheeled behemoths.

How you choose to put together your south coast tour of Iceland is up to you, but don’t pass up the chance to visit. Thanks to the wide variety of tours available from Reykjavik Excursions, you are certain to find one that’s the right fit for your needs. Tours depart year round, and though the region is very different from one season to the next, its dramatic landscapes and jaw-dropping landforms retain their wow factor no matter when you come.