- Reykjavík to Vík
- 180 km
- Driving to Vík
- 2.5 h
- To Jökulsárlón
- 375 km
- Driving to Jökulsárlón
- 5 h
South Coast driving times
| From Reykjavík to | Distance | Driving time |
|---|---|---|
| Seljalandsfoss | 125 km | 1 h 40 min |
| Skógafoss | 155 km | 2 h |
| Reynisfjara | 180 km | 2 h 25 min |
| Vík | 185 km | 2 h 30 min |
| Fjaðrárgljúfur | 255 km | 3 h 20 min |
| Skaftafell | 325 km | 4 h 10 min |
| Jökulsárlón | 375 km | 4 h 50 min |
Everything on this map lies on or just off Route 1, which is paved the whole way. Fuel stations are frequent as far as Vík; beyond Kirkjubæjarklaustur they become sparse, so fill up before driving to Skaftafell.
Highlights from west to east
Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi
Seljalandsfoss is the waterfall you can walk behind. The loop path gets soaked in spray, so wear waterproofs. Do not skip Gljúfrabúi next door, hidden in a canyon you enter along a stream.
Skógafoss
A huge curtain of water often topped by a rainbow on sunny days. Climb the steps on the right for the view from the top, and keep walking upriver for a string of further waterfalls on the Fimmvörðuháls trail.
Sólheimajökull
The easiest glacier to reach from Reykjavík. You can walk to the edge of the ice yourself, but glacier hikes with crampons and an ice axe must be done with a certified guide. This is the most popular glacier hike in Iceland.
Glacier hikes on Sólheimajökull run year-round and include all safety gear. Minimum age is usually 8–10.
Book a glacier hike ↗Dyrhólaey and Reynisfjara
Two sides of the same headland. Dyrhólaey's upper lighthouse road gives sweeping views; Reynisfjara is the black sand beach with basalt columns and the Reynisdrangar sea stacks.
Reynisfjara is dangerous. Sneaker waves can run far up the beach without warning and have killed several visitors. Watch the warning lights at the entrance, never turn your back to the sea, and stay well away from the waterline.
Vík and beyond
Vík is the natural overnight stop on a two-day South Coast trip. East of Vík the road crosses the vast Mýrdalssandur and Skeiðarársandur outwash plains to Skaftafell and Jökulsárlón, passing the mossy lava of Eldhraun and the Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon.
Suggested itineraries
- One day: Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Reynisfjara and Vík, then back to Reykjavík (about 370 km, 10–12 hours).
- Two days: add Sólheimajökull, Dyrhólaey and Kvernufoss and stay overnight in Vík.
- Three days: continue to Fjaðrárgljúfur, Skaftafell and Jökulsárlón, staying near Kirkjubæjarklaustur or Höfn.
Rooms in Vík and along the South Coast are limited. In summer book months ahead.
Hotels in Vík ↗Plan your trip to the South Coast
Where to stay
Hotels, guesthouses and farm stays in Vík, Hvolsvöllur and Skógar.
Find places to stay ↗Tours & tickets
Guided tours, day trips and activities with free cancellation on most bookings.
See tours ↗Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you book through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Frequently asked questions
Can you do the South Coast of Iceland in one day?
Yes, as far as Vík: about 370 km round trip from Reykjavík and 10 to 12 hours with stops. Going on to Jökulsárlón in one day means 9 to 10 hours of driving, so stay overnight or join a long day tour.
Is Reynisfjara safe?
Only if you stay well back from the water. Sneaker waves can surge far up the beach without warning. Follow the warning light system at the entrance and never turn your back to the sea.
Can you walk behind Seljalandsfoss in winter?
The path behind the falls is often closed in winter because of ice. You can still view the waterfall from the front.
Do I need a guide to walk on Sólheimajökull?
Yes. You can walk to the glacier edge alone, but going on the ice requires crampons and a certified glacier guide, because of crevasses and moulins.
Last reviewed October 2026. Opening hours, prices and road conditions change: check official sources before you travel.