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. On this itinerary we add some of the best of the Golden Circle, too. Its a bit more driving but so worth it. Plus, we reroute you to get around the Reyhjankes volcano so that you can get to the Blue Lagoon (while driving over steamy lava rock! You really do.) 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. It is also smart to get an EV that is a hybrid for a short stay. You will save quite alot on budget from the savings in gasoline. There is plenty to see on this coastal drive plus we added some of the best from the Golden Circle. If you are on a short visit, consider paying the small fee for WIFI in your vehicle. While you may not need it, cell service does go out at times and we find the $25 is a nice backup. However, on our last trip we never used it so this is up to you. We also recommend printing a paper Google 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 41 East (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. If you want to stop at Blue Lagoon first after landing, look for Route 43 South as you leave the airport. It is a gravel road but it is level enough for many types of vehicles. Read on we will tell you why. 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. Tip: our last trip to Iceland was in September and we saw Puffins in Dyrholaey and at the church in Vik flying over head.
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 ( either when first leaving the airport or when headed back toward airport from Vik (2 hours from Vik)):
Tip: if the Volcano is or was just active in Reykanes, you can still reach Blue Lagoon from Highway 41. Several miles East of the KEF airport, turn south on Highway 43. This is that “backroad” to Blue Lagoon and it routes you around the lave. But there is a very cool part of this drive too: they road crews bulldozed the lava to create a new road around the old highway 43 that was covered by lava. This road allows you to drive your car over (cooled) smoking lava. It is a crazy fun element to add to your trip. You can also stop and get out of your car to see where the lave first started crossing over the road as well as seeing cooled dried lava up close. (Beware of recommendations to hike across the lava as it is unstable and unsafe. Still, you will see people doing it.)
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.