A Day on Iceland’s South Coast: Waterfalls, Black Sand & Glacier Adventures
Exploring Iceland’s South Coast was my favorite day on the island. The landscapes here are incredibly diverse – from towering waterfalls to black sand beaches with treacherous waves, and even a glacier packed with adventure. It’s a day full of awe-inspiring sights that you won’t soon forget!
There are many ways to structure this itinerary, but in this post, I’ll share the route that worked best for our group. Be ready for quite a bit of driving – this is likely one of your longest, most action-packed days in Iceland!
Stop 1: Skógafoss Waterfall
Plunging an impressive 60 meters from the surrounding cliffs, Skógafoss is one of Iceland’s largest and most famous waterfalls – and it’s easy to see why. With a width of 25 meters, the waterfall often produces a single or even double rainbow on sunny days, creating a truly magical scene.
You can admire the falls from the base, where the sheer power of the cascading water is awe-inspiring. If you’re feeling energetic, climb the stairs to the right for a bird’s-eye view of the waterfall and the surrounding landscape. Just a heads-up: if you’re on a guided tour, you may not have enough time to reach the top, so plan accordingly!
Stop 2: Reynisfjara Beach
One of the most striking landscapes I encountered on this trip, Reynisfjara is famous for its black sand, towering basalt columns, and powerful, unpredictable waves. Standing at the edge of the beach and looking up at the columns makes you feel truly tiny in comparison – it’s awe-inspiring.
But the waves here are not to be underestimated. Known as sneaker waves, they can surge onto the shore faster than you expect. People have tragically lost their lives here, so it’s crucial to stay alert, keep a safe distance, and never turn your back on the ocean. Witnessing the waves from a safe distance is thrilling enough without taking unnecessary risks!
Pick your favourite tour operator or variation below!
Stop 3: Sólheimajökull Glacier Hike
At this point in the trip, our group split up – some opted for the Sólheimasandur plane wreck hike, while the majority of us (myself included) chose the glacier hike on Sólheimajökull. And wow – it was an unforgettable experience.
The time actually spent walking on the glacier was probably less than an hour. Most of the adventure is spent getting geared up with crampons, harnesses (a safety precaution in case of a crevasse fall), and an ice axe. Once fully equipped, you approach the glacier, strap on your crampons, and take that first step onto the ice.
Walking on a glacier is indescribable. The sound of the ice crunching beneath your feet, combined with the sheer scale of the frozen landscape, is exhilarating – and knowing you’re safely secured makes it all the more thrilling. Truly a 10/10 experience and a highlight of the trip.
Stop 4: Seljalandsfoss (plus Gljúfrabúi falls)
Another stunning 60-meter waterfall, Seljalandsfoss is famous for the unique experience of walking behind the cascade. It’s breathtaking from every angle, so take the time to explore all around the falls and capture it from multiple perspectives.
Just a short walk away is Gljúfrabúi, the “hidden waterfall.” For me, this was a must-see – even though I was pressed for time on the tour, I wasn’t going to miss it. After a quick dash between the two falls and getting my feet wet to reach it, the experience was completely worth it.
If your schedule allows, don’t skip Gljúfrabúi. But if you’re on a tight tour timeline, you may need to prioritize – it’s one of those hidden gems that rewards those who make the extra effort.
A day exploring Iceland’s South Coast is truly unforgettable. From the roar of Skógafoss to the raw power of the waves at Reynisfjara, and the surreal feeling of walking on Sólheimajökull Glacier, every stop is a reminder of Iceland’s incredible natural diversity. Finishing with the beauty of Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi, it’s a day that leaves you both exhilarated and inspired. If you love adventure and dramatic landscapes, this route is an absolute must.