Iceland’s South-West Coast: 13 Amazing Destinations
Last Updated: Jun 26, 2023
Reading Time: 8 minutes
By: Shaun
The southern region of Iceland is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in experiencing the natural beauty and rich cultural history of the country. This post will take you on a tour of the most beautiful and popular places to visit on Iceland’s south-west coast. Please also check out our other post, where we focus on what the south-east part of Iceland has to offer. With attractions like Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon and the nearby Diamond Beach, Skaftafell, and Vatnajokull Park, it is another part of the South Coast of Iceland that should not be missed.
So if you are just starting (or ending) the epic journey around the ring road or just visiting for a day before continuing on your cruise, let us go over the 13 Best Places to Visit on Iceland’s South-West Coast.
What are the best things you can do in Iceland’s South-West Coast?
1. Reynisfjara
Reynisfjara | Image by Giuseppe Milo on Wikimedia Commons
Reynisfjara is a black sand beach located close to the town of Vik. The beach is known for its stunning, towering basalt columns and a picturesque mountain range in the distance. The area’s most distinct feature are the famous Reynisdrangar Sea Stacks, which are large basalt pillars that rise from the ocean and are synonymous with the landscape around Vik.
The beach has a reputation for sneaker waves that can come up at any time. Stay aware of your surroundings and never give your back to the sea.
2. Dyrhólaey
Dyrhólaey | Image by Manu on Flickr
A 20-minute drive from Reynisfjara gets you to the Dyrholaey viewpoint, where you can catch breathtaking views of Reynisfjara on one side and the Endless Black Beach on the other.
The Dyrhólaey Lighthouse was built in 1910 and marks the southernmost point on Iceland.
3. Sólheimajökull
Sólheimajökull | Image by Hyppolyte de Saint-Rambert on Pixabay
North of Vik, you can visit the Sólheimajökull glacier. Sólheimajökull is an outlet glacier of the Mýrdalsjökull icecap.
Numerous characteristics set Sólheimajökull apart from other glaciers, as it is not encircled by high mountains, allowing people who climb it to enjoy breathtaking views of the South Coast.
Along with striking ice ridges and structures, the surface is covered in crevasses that slither over it. Its vibrant coloration alternates from bright white to electric blue and ash black. You can also get lucky and discover an ice cave, which will occasionally appear.
4. The Plane Wreck
Solheimasandur | Image by steveriot1 on Pixabay
A unique location with a piece of Icelandic history is the DC-3 plane wreck that crashed after running out of fuel on Solheimasandur Beach in 1973. The crash site is in a very barren area, and you have to walk about 3.2 kilometres (2 miles) to get there.
The hike is on rather flat terrain, but sometimes you have to fight strong winds to get there from the parking lot, so unless you have some time to kill or are really interested in the site, the effort to get there might not be worth your time.
5. Skógafoss
Skógafoss | Image by D L from Pixabay
Skógafoss is a powerful 60-meter (200-foot) waterfall on the Skóga River. It really makes you feel small and insignificant when you stand near such a powerful force of nature. Once you have taken it all in from below, climb the 500 steps so you can take it all in again from the top.
There is a legend surrounding Skógafoss that the first Viking settlers left a treasure in the cave behind the waterfall. When the Icelanders found out about the treasure and tried to take it out, they only managed to get the ring out of the chest. The ring was then used as a church door handle.
6. Steinbogafoss
Steinbogafoss | Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
If your legs are still in good shape after the climb, you can hike another 15 minutes on the Fimmvorduhals Trailhead to explore Steinbogafoss. This waterfall is one of the major waterfalls that lead to Skógafoss, and while it pales in comparison to Skógafoss, it is a very enjoyable and scenic walk.
7. Seljalandsfoss
Seljalandsfoss | Image by David Mark from on Pixabay
Seljalandsfoss is a 60-meter (200-foot) waterfall located 25 minutes from Skógafoss. It is easily accessible, as it is only a few minutes’ walk from the parking lot, making Seljalandsfoss a must-see, given that it is one of Iceland’s most iconic and photographed sites. When you arrive at the waterfall, there is a path that arcs around it, providing a 360-degree perspective of this magnificent location.
Make sure that you are wearing weatherproof clothing and good footwear, as the ground can get quite slippery because of the water spray. Many people find going around from right to left (when looking at the waterfall) easier as you have to climb up some rocks instead of climbing down. In winter, the path may not be fully open, but the scenery does make this worth your time.
The water flowing down the fall comes from the glacier covering the famous Eyjafjallajökull volcano. When this volcano erupted in 2010, it disrupted air traffic across Europe, with entire fleets of aircraft grounded for days.
8. Kvernufoss
Kvernufoss | Image by Jonathan Thiell on Flikcr
Nearby Skógafoss is the hidden gem of Kvernufoss. It does take a 15-minute walk to reach the site, which can also be slippery during the winter, but the little trek is well worth the effort.
The waterfall may look like Seljalandsfoss’s little brother; it is not possible to walk behind it as the path ends right by the waterfall, but it is still close enough to take some amazing photos of the location.
9. Gljufrabui
Gljufrabui | Image by Richard Allaway on Flickr
After you visit Seljalandsfoss, take a short walk to Gljufrabui waterfall. This waterfall is hidden in a cavern, and to get to it, you need to walk through the river, so be prepared and make sure you have waterproof clothes and footwear on.
Once inside the cavern, the waterfall will reveal itself, and you can find a large rock that you can climb on and take some amazing pictures of this unique location.
One can also get a different view from the top of the waterfall through a rather steep pathway up the hill. Do take care if you decide to do the climb, as it can get rather slippery and muddy, especially after it rains.
10. Urriðafoss
Urriðafoss | Image by Cocoabiscuit on Flickr
Urriafoss is not as well-known as some of the other waterfalls on this list. At “only” 6 metres (18 feet) tall, it is not as majestic as other waterfalls in the region, but since it is quite wide, it provides a different experience from its neighbours.
Regrettably, this natural wonder is under threat from us humans, as a power plant is being proposed to be built in the area.
11. Laugavegur
Laugavegur | Image by Kerstin Wießer-Buchholz on Pixabay
If you need to take a break from all the waterfalls and hiking is something up your alley, then the Laugavegur hiking trail is for you. It is considered one of the best hiking trails in the world, so it is a must-do for every trekking adventurer out there.
The multi-day trek is 55 kilometres (35 miles) long, and while you are trekking between Landmannalaugar hot springs and Thórsmörk natural reserve, you will find all sorts of scenery, from steaming geothermal springs to black volcanic deserts to glacial rivers and ravines.
The best time to do this trail is during the summer months (June–August). You can find camping sites where you can spend the night, and it is also well connected, as both ends are served by buses to and from Reykjavík.
12. The Geothermal Energy Exhibition
Hellisheidi | Image by ThinkGeoEnergy on Flickr
Iceland’s abundant geological activity makes it an ideal location for harnessing geothermal energy. By 2020, hydroelectric or geothermal energy will have supplied 99.9% of the country’s energy needs. Unfortunately, because of droughts and rising demand, this target has been more difficult to reach in recent years.
The Geothermal Energy Exhibition at the Hellisheidi Power Station is one site where you can learn more about how Iceland uses geothermal energy to create power. The plant is only a 20-minute drive from the capital, and because it is the largest of its sort in Iceland, it is worth a visit to learn more about more sustainable means of generating electricity.
13. LAVA Centre
LAVA Centre
Speaking of geological activity, you can visit the LAVA Centre situated in Hvolsvöllur. Most driving tours will get you to pass through Hvolsvöllur, so why not take advantage of it and visit this interactive and highly educational site?
The exhibition uses various media to explain how Iceland was created out of the volcanic activity and earthquakes in the region. Weather permitting, at the end of the exhibition, one can view several volcanoes visible from the area from the viewing deck.
Conclusion
Iceland’s south-west coast is a true wonder of nature, offering multitudes of spectacles like Reynisfjara, Seljalandsfoss, and Laugavegur.
Whether you’re a nature lover or just looking for some amazing time with nature, make sure you check out the wonder of this area.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit Iceland's South-West Coast?
The summer months (June-August) are ideal for visiting Iceland's South-West Coast because the weather is milder and the days are longer. Visitors can, however, appreciate the region's splendour during the winter months (December-February), when they can see the Northern Lights and participate in winter activities such as skiing and snowmobiling.
Do I need a car to explore Iceland's South-West Coast?
While it is possible to explore some of the main sights using public transportation, a car is recommended for maximum flexibility and ease of travel.
Are there any safety concerns when visiting Iceland's South-West Coast?
Yes, visitors should be aware of potential hazards such as slippery terrain, changing weather conditions, and strong ocean currents. It is important to stay on marked trails and follow all safety guidelines.
