The South Coast day trip covers 130-170 km one-way from Reykjavik and is best reached by rental car, though guided coach tours (around $80) and the seasonal Reykjavik Excursions bus also run the route. The drive along Route 1 to the first stop, Seljalandsfoss, takes about 1.5-2 hours. Seljalandsfoss drops 60 metres over a cliff edge and has a path behind the curtain of water, though visitors should bring a raincoat. Around 30 minutes further east, Skógafoss is a wide 25-metre waterfall with a steep staircase of 400+ steps climbing to a panoramic viewpoint over the coastline. The final stop, Reynisfjara, is a black sand beach near the village of Vík í Mýrdal, known for its hexagonal basalt columns, sea caves, and the offshore Reynisdrangar sea stacks. A typical itinerary begins at Seljalandsfoss in the morning, continues to nearby Gljúfrabúi, a partly hidden waterfall a short walk further along the same road, then reaches Skógafoss around midday for lunch at the café by the falls or at the Skógar Museum. The afternoon is spent at Reynisfjara and the clifftop church in Vík before the return drive to Reykjavik. The route is drivable year-round on paved Route 1, though winter brings shorter daylight and occasional high winds near the coast; summer (June-August) allows a relaxed pace with roughly 20 hours of daylight. Food and rest stops include the N1 station and bakery in Hvolsvöllur en route, the café at Skógafoss, and several restaurants in Vík including Ströndin Bistro and Suður-Vík.
| Distance | 130-170 km from Reykjavik |
|---|---|
| Travel time | 1.5-2 hours to first stop |
| Getting there | Rental car |
| Difficulty | moderate |
How to get there
- Rental car
- Guided coach tour (~$80)
- Reykjavik Excursions bus (seasonal)
Weather through the year in Iceland
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Iceland.
Highlights
- Walk behind Seljalandsfoss waterfall
- Climb the staircase at Skógafoss for panoramic views
- Dramatic black sand and basalt columns at Reynisfjara beach
- Village of Vík í Mýrdal with clifftop church
Tips for visiting
- Never turn your back on the ocean at Reynisfjara – sneaker waves have killed visitors; stay at least 30 metres from the water's edge.
- Bring a waterproof jacket for the walk behind Seljalandsfoss, as the spray is heavy.
- Climb the Skógafoss staircase early in the day when it is less crowded and light is better for photos.
- A 2WD rental car is sufficient in summer; winter visits benefit from a 4WD and winter tyres.
- Fuel up in Hvolsvöllur or Selfoss, as petrol stations are sparse along the route.
When to visit
Summer (June-August) gives the longest daylight for the full loop; arriving at Skógafoss and Reynisfjara before mid-morning avoids the bulk of the coach tours.
Accessibility
The upper viewpoint at Skógafoss requires climbing a steep staircase with no lift; Reynisfjara's soft black sand and Seljalandsfoss's muddy path are difficult for wheelchairs.
Frequently asked questions
Can the South Coast be visited without a car?
Yes, guided coach tours from Reykjavik cost around $80 and cover all three main stops, and a seasonal Reykjavik Excursions bus also runs the route.
Is it safe to walk behind Seljalandsfoss?
Yes, a marked path leads behind the falls, though the ground is slippery and a raincoat is recommended.
Why is Reynisfjara beach considered dangerous?
Unpredictable sneaker waves can pull visitors into the cold Atlantic without warning, so staying well back from the shoreline is essential.
How long does the South Coast day trip take?
A round trip from Reykjavik to Vík and back typically takes eight to ten hours including stops.