No matter whether you start at Keflavik Airport or pick up your car from our Reykjavik office, the main highlights of the south coast of Iceland can comfortably be fitted into a three-day window. Though some visitors opt for a long day trip, you’ll benefit from having the extra time to play with as you explore this delightful part of the country, making a South Coast drive in 3 days in Iceland just about right.

Day 1

Set your sights on Vik today but don’t be in too much of a hurry to get there as there are a number of must-dos along the way. First, make a pit stop in the town of Selfoss. It’s the largest settlement in the region and a good place to stock up on provisions for the journey. This is also where you’ll find a quirky museum housed in the Old Dairy devoted to one of Iceland’s most famous – and delicious foodstuffs, a yoghurt-like treat called skyr.

Pick up the ring road heading out of town and after passing through Hella, make a detour inland to Keldur. It’s a place that’s significant to the country’s history and heritage. Reached on a well-maintained gravel road, this cluster of turf houses can trace its story back to the end of the 12th century. The farm’s first inhabitant, Ingjaldur Höskuldsson, gets a mention in Njál's Saga.

Backtrack to the ring road and continue east. Just after you cross the River Markarfljót, you’ll see an impressive waterfall on your left. This is Seljalandsfoss, an irresistible stop during any south coast adventure. Stretch your legs as you follow a short trail behind the curtain of water; don’t leave before nosing out a second waterfall, Gljúfrabúi, hidden within a cleft in the rock a few hundred metres away.

It’s about a 20-minute drive east to Skógafoss. This mighty waterfall is wider than Seljalandsfoss and also a must-see. There’s a metal staircase alongside the falls; take the time to climb it for a bird’s eye view of Skógafoss itself and the bonus of a stellar view out along the coast.

Hop back in the hire car for a quarter of an hour or so. The Sólheimasandur plane wreck makes for fascinating viewing. A little over 50 years ago, a US Navy cargo plane came down in bad weather. Fortunately, no one was hurt but the aircraft was a write-off and, stripped of anything of value, its weathered fuselage remains in the same spot to this day. You’ll either need to hike to the site or jump on a pre-booked shuttle to save time.

Approaching Vik, there are a couple of places to check out before calling it a day. First up is Dyrhólaey, a magnificent promontory through which the ocean has carved a huge arch. Year round, you can see eider ducks here; from April to August they’re joined by nesting puffins. Leave your MyCar rental in the parking lot: the views from up here are extraordinary.

Last up is the most notorious beach in Iceland, so don’t drop your guard if you step on the black sand. Reynisfjara is beautiful, but it’s known for its deadly sneaker waves whose powerful currents can easily sweep a person out to sea – never ignore the warnings. Just offshore are the gnarly stacks of Reynisdrangar and at the back of the beach you’ll be able to admire a dramatic cave flanked by basalt columns.

Day 2

Vik makes a convenient base, not least for its fabulous setting beside the Atlantic and also for a clutch of cafés, bars and restaurants that you’ll find there. Many activities can be arranged in the vicinity, such as tours on horseback and thrilling buggy rides. This is also a good place to get set up with an ice cave tour. Exploring a glacier by yourself is dangerous, but expert local guides lead tours under the ice.

On such organised excursions, the operator will kit you out with the gear you need, including a helmet and crampons to pull over your hiking boots to give you extra grip on the slippery surface of the ice. Tours can be arranged to the Katla ice caves year-round; the fast track option requires only about three hours of your time, leaving you plenty of time to fill the rest of your day.

Glacier hikes offer another unmissable opportunity to get a closer look at the ridges, crevasses and other landforms that characterise the ice. Typically, they take place on Sólheimajökull, one of Mýrdalsjökull’s outlet glaciers, as it’s easily accessible. Entry level tours suitable for anyone with a reasonable level of mobility and fitness take about three hours.

Back in the car, Route 1 skirts the vast Eldhraun lava field. It was formed during the Lakagígar crater eruption that took place from 1783 to 1784, an event that had devastating effects for this part of Iceland and beyond. Today, it’s hard to imagine the hardship created when you gaze out over the moss-covered lava. There are several places where you can pull off the road and take a closer look.

The fairytale canyon of Fjadrárgljúfur, reached via a gravel road from the ring road, makes a fitting end to the day. This verdant, serpentine gorge is one of the most photogenic in the country. It’s hard to believe the tiny stream that runs through it could erode something this spectacular. When you’re ready to call it a day, there are numerous accommodation possibilities in and around Kirkjubæjarklaustur.

Day 3

On the final day of your South Coast drive, we’d suggest you split your time between Skaftafell and the glacier lagoons further east. Begin with a hike to striking Svartifoss. You’ll need to hike to this jaw-dropping waterfall, but the trail is pretty and not too challenging. The sight of this single-drop waterfall cascading over the basalt cliff is not to be missed.

Back in your rental, drive east. Allow plenty of time to enjoy the glacier lagoons of Fjallsárlón and Jökulsárlón. Both were formed in a similar way: when an outlet glacier of Vatnajökull began to retreat leaving a hollow that filled with the meltwater. Jokulsarlon is the deepest such lagoon in Iceland; Fjallsárlón is a little smaller but a more intimate experience.

At both glacier lagoons, it’s possible to take a boat trip. At Jökulsárlón, you can choose between an amphibious vehicle and a Zodiac. Either gets you out onto the water where you can enjoy a closer look at the icebergs that regularly calve from the glaciers. Seals are often caught frolicking in the water or lounging around on the ice.

Don’t leave this incredible part of South Iceland without driving across to Diamond Beach. Jökulsárlón is connected to the Atlantic Ocean by a narrow tidal channel; the icebergs float gently out to sea where they are washed back onto the black sand on the tide. It’s a breathtaking sight at any time of day but especially close to sunrise or sunset when the soft light is remarkable. Though you’ll need to move on at some point, it’s likely to be a wrench.

Three days on the South Coast offers unforgettable highlights, but a complete Iceland ring road itinerary gives you the chance to experience Iceland’s diverse landscapes from north to south.

Tips for making the most of your South Coast drive over 3 days in Iceland

Think carefully about the kind of vehicle you rent

The ring road is well maintained and even an entry-level car is adequate. However, if this itinerary forms part of a longer road trip, you might wish to upgrade to one of our 4x4s or a vehicle offering more space, especially if there are more than two in your party.

This is an itinerary you can follow in any season

In summer, you’ll enjoy abundant daylight to give you the luxury of taking your time on this popular route. In winter, you’ll need to give more thought to where you need to be while it’s still light, and also factor in delays caused by inclement weather.

Aim for a mix of sightseeing and activities

Tourists visiting this part of Iceland are spoilt for choice – there are just so many things to see and do. It’s a good idea to blend fun activities and sightseeing stops so that your road trip doesn’t simply become a tick box exercise.

Is the Golden Circle apart of the South Coast?

No, the Golden Circle is not part of the South Coast. The Golden Circle drive Iceland travelers take is a separate route located closer to Reykjavík, featuring Þingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall. The South Coast, on the other hand, stretches east from Reykjavík along Route 1, showcasing black sand beaches, glaciers, and additional waterfalls.