Are you on a stopover in Iceland on your way to Europe or another destination? If you are a water-lover and would rather be on the coast than on the inland Golden Circle, then read on. While most travelers on an Iceland stopover for a short stay do Reykjavik and the Golden Circle, we prefer a drive along the Southern Coast. The waterfalls, black sand beaches and animals in their natural environment are elements we can’t resist.
From KEF Airport:
We recommend a 4-wheel vehicle so you have no limitations for this trip. But if you are on a tight budget, no worries just skip the gravel roads and stay on the main roads and you will have a nice journey. There is plenty to see on this coastal drive if you stay on the pavement. If you are on a short visit, consider paying the small fee for WIFI in your vehicle. We also recommend grabbing a paper map if you can as an option if WIFI is not available for a short time (it happens). You are in Iceland may the outdoor adventures begin!
Most Iceland stopover flights land early morning so you just had breakfast and are good to go for a few hours. Grab some snacks and water at the airport for the trip if you like.
The majority of this Iceland stopover trip has you on Route 1 East, returning on Route 1 West. To start, head out of the Airport on Route 41 East. Ahead, watch for Route 4East (if you miss it, no worries you will end up in the city of Reykjavik). Stay on Route 41 East all the way to Vik. You can do this drive even if you are a first-timer in Iceland; it is rather straight forward. Below is a “cheat sheet” for your GPS. (The airport code is KEF
However, if you choose to do this on a group tour instead of driving your own vehicle, try this link: Southern Coast Day Tour
Tip: if you want to see the Puffin birds, go in summer. If you want to miss the crowds, go in Fall.
Seljalandsfoss & Gljúfrabúi (2 hours from airport)
Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi are the names of two waterfalls and together they are are an amazing taste of Iceland. Seljalandsfoss is beautiful and the real charm comes from the experience of walking behind this waterfall. This is the famous waterfall everyone talks about and yes, it is muddy and you get wet. This unique waterfall flows from the infamous glacier Eyjafjallajökull, the molten-volcanic glacier that stopped all air-traffic over the North-Atlantic back in 2010. At Seljalandsfoss there are restrooms, a food stall and a small gift shop. The restrooms are free of charge.
Gljúfrabúi or Gljúfrafoss waterfall is not as popular but here is a tip: you will have a good chance of experiencing it with just you or a few people there, instead of all the crowds. A short walk from Seljalandsfoss, it is to the left and you will walk in a stream through the cliff opening to reach it.
While you will get wet visiting Seljalandsfoss, the mist from Gljúfrabúi may really drench you! These are some of the top-visited waterfalls in Iceland.
Parking is 700ISK or $7USD and it takes about 1 Hour.
Skógafoss (25 minute drive ahead to this destination)
Skógafoss is another breathtaking waterfall. While you have a great view from the bottom of the waterfall, it is stunning from above. There are stairs to the right of the falls that take you up to a viewing platform and trails which lead along the river where there are a few small waterfalls. If it is raining, the stairs can be a bit slippery. Parking is free and they ask for a donation at the bathrooms. Plan on spending about 45 minutes.
Reynisfiara “Black Sand Beach” and Rerynidrangar “basalt stacks” (20 minute drive ahead to this destination)
Reynisfjara “black sand beach” and Reynisdrangar “basalt” stacks jutting from the sea into the air are just ahead down the road. According to legend, the “stacks” were trolls that were frozen into rock while dragging a ship to shore. It’s interesting that legend says that tall rocks in strange places in Iceland are said to be “trolls.”
The beach and surrounding basalt cliffs are truly magical. CAUTION: stay out of the water there are very dangerous “sneaker waves.” Many visitors have lost their lives. However, you can visit the shallow caves to explore a bit on this stop.
Reynisfjara is truly a natural wonder. When looking for the beautiful basalt columns, try taking a picture through the natural arc viewed from afar. And look for the puffins (a truly rare kind of bird) which make the cliffs of the Black Sand Beach their home. The restaurant there overlooks the South Coast. Restrooms are free for customers.
We recommend another visit to this location in early morning or late at night during your Iceland stopover. It is beautiful! (You will also miss the crowds and buses in high-season [summer]. Enjoy this romantic and amazing gem! We recommend 30 minutes each time you choose to visit.
Vikurkirkja “Vik” (overnight if you have the time)
Vik is one of the largest villages in south Iceland located right on the ocean. It is the most southern village in Iceland and the warmest (year-round). Its population is 300. Vik is a great place to stay for the night or if you are on a day trip, it’s a place for a break to walk and stretch your legs. You can also grab a bite to eat. You can walk onto the beach or drive up the hill to Vik’s church, it’s called “Vikurkirkja.” It may not be open but the views are wonderful from there and it’s a great spot for a picture.
If you are staying overnight on your Iceland stopover, book a stay at one of these hotels (click on each to see hotel): Best location with Restaurant and Breakfast is Included (they do have family or larger rooms so scroll down to find theses; or if you prefer a place to stay that feels more like a condo with your own kitchen; or instead romantic with views; finally, if you are on a budget here is a very nice Hostel.
The map we provided below gives you a sense of where you are in Vik and some of the stops around Vik you can make add to your trip on your way back to Reykjavik.
Day 2: Dyrhólaey
Dyrhólaey is a promontory with picturesque views of the volcanic rock along the coast and black sand beaches. A “promontory” is a small peninsula or piece of high land that juts out into a body of water. Off Route 1,turn off to Road 218. A 4-wheel drive is best as there it’s a gravel path with chuckholes. The lighthouse up ahead is beautiful. If you don’t have a 4-wheel drive, stay on the better road. While the elevation is not as high you will see amazing views. You can also see the arch in the promontory.
Dyrhólaey is closed at certain times during the day in puffin breeding season. Puffins go out to forage for food during the day and come back to their nests in the cliffs at night. Puffins were recently put on the endangered species list and need to be protected, especially during breeding season. Please be kind. Spend about 45 minutes at this beautiful spot.
Solheimajokul:
Sólheimajökull is a glacier tongue, an offshoot off of the main body of Mýrdalsjökull glacier. You will walk towards Sólheimajökull, through the valley it has carved out of the mountain scape and along the glacier river it forms at its base. The valley is a chaotic collection of rocks, gravel and sand which the tongue ground down as it passed over the land. The glacier is unlike others as it is striped with layers of ash crushed between seasonal layers of ice. The glacier is surrounded by multiple active volcanic stations. There are restrooms accessible after you pay the entry fee of ISK 300 or $2.50 USD. They do accept credit cards.
Blue Lagoon ( headed back toward airport, more than 3 hour drive):
If you are headed back to the airport or Reykjavik to make your connection for your Iceland stopover, make an appointment to stop at the Blue Lagoon later in the day. You will miss the crowds and may see a beautiful sunset or the Northern Lights on this segment of your journey. You are out of the city and the skies are a bit darker. Head back to your hotel and book a transfer to the Blue Lagoon with an entry ticket. Relax, have a cocktail and knowing you have a driver to take you back to your hotel (remember they are strict about drinking and driving in Iceland). Enjoy your Iceland stopover to the fullest!
Of course if you don’t have a flight to catch, you may want to stay a few nights on your Iceland stopover here in the coastal area. This is the southern-most point of Iceland and after all you are at the beach!
Other options in the VIK area if you have time during your Iceland stopover:
Solheimasandur Plane Wreck
Abandoned on a black sand beach on the south coast, a 1973 DC-3 plane wreckage is quite the popular spot to visit and photograph. Getting out to the wreck is a 45 minute hike on gravel each way. There may be strong winds and some rain so plan for at least 3 hours. Tip: drive by the parking lot. If you see several buses and many cars it may be very busy. If you are staying nearby, consider going at night if it is still light outside at the time of year you are there.
Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool
Seljavallalaug is one of the oldest pools in Iceland and a great stop for your Iceland stopover –it is situated between two beautiful mountains. It is warmed by a natural hot spring accessible by 10-minute hike. The pool is cooler than most other pools in Iceland and dirtier. There is a changing room (not as nice as other locations).
There are many more options on the beautiful Southern Coast of Iceland to explore. Drop us a note on your favorites and we would be happy to update this itinerary for others to enjoy.