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Sul · Iceland
Black-sand beaches, waterfalls and routes inland between Hvolsvöllur, Vík and Kirkjubæjarklaustur.
In the photo: Skógafoss
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Get to know the place
The South Coast follows the stretch of route 1 through farmland plains, cliffs and lava fields. Hvolsvöllur, Vík and Kirkjubæjarklaustur divide the nights so scenic stops don’t all pile up into a single long driving day.
Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss show waterfalls with different shapes. Reynisfjara and Dyrhólaey present the black coast, basalt and sea stacks. Sólheimajökull allows viewing of a glacier front, while Fjaðrárgljúfur adds a canyon with upper trails.
Þórsmörk and Landmannalaugar appear as interior excursions, with their own transport and full-day trips. Operations usually concentrate from June to September, depending on road openings. Plan meals at the bases and transport before leaving the main route.
This destination brings together 3 cities: Vík, Hvolsvöllur, Kirkjubæjarklaustur.
One destination, many paths
Start with one city or combine several in your itinerary.
Contornos: National Land Survey of Iceland, via geoBoundaries (CC BY 4.0). Adaptação do Cidade Turismo.
Confirm before booking. From Keflavík, follow the link to the capital and take route 1 to the South Coast bases.
Suggested arrival point: Vík
Vík concentrates services on the stretch between the black sand beaches and the glaciers of the South Coast. Reynisfjara and Dyrhólaey are on their own detours; Skógafoss and Sólheimajökull can be included along Route 1.
Hvolsvöllur serves as support in the South's agricultural corridor. Seljalandsfoss is close to route 1, while Þórsmörk and Landmannalaugar require dedicated days and organized transport to the interior.
Kirkjubæjarklaustur is a small base between the western and glacial sections of the South Coast. The Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon lies nearby and allows for a walk before continuing along Route 1.
The local experience
A winding gorge with walls covered in vegetation, viewed from upper paths and viewpoints.
Black sand beach with basalt columns and a view of the Reynisdrangar sea stacks.
Narrow waterfall in front of a green escarpment, with paths around the base.
Promontory with a natural arch, cliffs and panoramas of the South Coast beaches.
Valleys and vegetated slopes between glaciers, sought for hikes in the South interior.
Rhyolite mountains and lava fields inland, with trails among mineral contrasts.
The fall of the Skógá river over an old coastal scarp, with viewing from the base and from above.
A tongue of ice connected to Mýrdalsjökull, viewed from a valley with dark sediments.
Before you go
A little planning leaves more time to enjoy the journey.
June to August usually favors driving and hiking days. Interior excursions depend on seasonal access, generally between June and September; confirm operations.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
Four days cover the coastal stretch with hikes. Add one day for Þórsmörk and another for Landmannalaugar if access is operating.
Hvolsvöllur brings excursions to the western sector and the interior within reach. Vík serves as a base for beaches and the glacier. Kirkjubæjarklaustur splits the distance toward the Vatnajökull sector. Avoid concentrating all nights at one end if you plan to cover the whole area.
Take your trash with you, follow the signs and support local businesses. In natural areas, follow the visiting guidelines.
Get your questions answered
A one-day tour reaches some stops; the full itinerary is better split between bases.
They are complementary experiences, but Þórsmörk and Landmannalaugar require their own days and transport.
The village brings detours to Reynisfjara and Dyrhólaey within reach, with services for overnight stays.
One day for each excursion, subject to seasonal operation and available access.
