The Iceland South Coast is marked by incredible natural landscapes. Thundering waterfalls, picturesque villages, black sand beaches and massive glaciers are top sights on an Iceland South Coast Tour.
We joined a day trip to Vik from Reykjavik to explore some of the best sights in Iceland – and it did not disappoint!
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How To Take an Iceland South Coast Day Trip
We had not originally planned to take a day trip to Vik during our long Layover in Iceland. However, that all changed after we got our first glimpse of the scenic Icelandic countryside!
On our first full day, we toured the magnificent sights on the Golden Circle. We were blown away – yet we were only seeing a small piece of it. By the end of our tour, we knew we had to experience more!
Intrigued by these vast, volcanic lands, our interests were piqued by the picturesque South Coast of Iceland and the quaint town of Vik.
While riding the bus back to Reykjavik, we quickly booked our excursion for the following day!
Our Iceland South Coast Tour Review
The tour itinerary for our trip to Iceland’s South Coast included four popular sights, plus one unexpected stop.
Our day included seeing two waterfalls, hiking to a glacier, spending time on two of Iceland’s black sand beaches and visiting a folk museum.
Less inundated with visitors than the Golden Circle, the Iceland South Coast sights do not have large welcome centers. Still, they weren’t so far off the trodden path that we needed any special gear.
The Start of Our Tour to the South Shore of Iceland
Many day tours to Vik depart from the main BSI Terminal. The company we booked with provided pick up locations throughout Reykjavik city center.
All we had to do was walk to the meeting point from our Airbnb. We didn’t need to wait long for our ride to arrive and we were shuttled to the BSI.
Once there, we easily found our bus and were warmly greeted by our tour guide, Gus. Immediately, we knew our day would be an entertaining one.
We found Icelandic people to be welcoming, humorous and sometimes downright quirky. Gus was all of those things – and we definitely lucked out by having him as our South Coast Tour guide.
For example, Gus’s name isn’t really Gus. He has a much longer, difficult-to-say Icelandic name that he jokingly tried to get us to pronounce.
Rather than strictly informing us the importance of staying on schedule, he let us know that anyone delaying the tour would be required to sing karaoke for the group!
Throughout the day, he peppered the standard script with personal stories that gave depth to the sights we visited. Having a fun and friendly Vik tour guide can make all of the difference!
Ring Road and Iceland Scenery
We left the bus terminal and headed for the Ring Road, Iceland’s Route 1 that circles the island and connects Reykjavik to the South Coast.
Like a city’s outer belt freeway linking suburbs, the Ring Road connects the villages and towns around Iceland.
The interior of the Iceland, however, is mostly open land consisting of lava fields and glaciers. Of the nearly 400,000 Icelandic citizens, 75% live in the capital, Reykjavik.
On our Iceland winter tour, the bus maneuvered flawlessly over the snowy road allowing us to sit back, relax and take in the incredible scene outside our window.
Stop #1: Skogafoss Waterfall
The first stop was one of the top South Iceland points of interest: Skogafoss. The thundering waterfall is one of the biggest in Iceland and a must-see sight on the south shore.
It has a width of 80 feet and falls 200 feet to the pools below, before continuing along the Skoga River to the coast.
From the top of the waterfall views stretch across the land to the sea. Our winter visit, however, kept us from climbing the stairs to the viewing platform, as they were covered in a thick layer of slick ice.
Stop #2: Solheimajokull Glacier
Our second stop was at a famous glacier, Solheimajokull. We departed the bus and followed Gus for a half mile on a snow-packed trail. Wearing winterized clothing, Gus confidently led the group.
The valley spread out to our left and small hills rose to our right. With the landscape covered in fresh snow, it looked as barren as the moon.
We gathered around Gus as he pointed out the glacier, which was necessary, as it was almost entirely covered in snow!
Solheimajokull, which translates to Home of the Sun Glacier, is about 8.5 miles long. Its size, which has been measured regularly since the 1930s, varies with the climate.
Since 1995, it has been consistently shrinking. It’s believed that at the current rate, in 100-200 years’ time there will no longer be any glaciers on Iceland.
South Shore Iceland Tour with Glacier Climbing
A hiking group passed us, complete with helmets and crampons for the walk. With already numb toes, we were all too happy to be heading back to the warmth of the bus!
In better weather and correct equipment, Glacier Hiking in Iceland would be an awesome experience. Find out more about this combo South Shore Tour with Glacier Hiking!
Stop #3: Black Sand Beaches at Vik
Up next was the town of Vik and the most popular black sand beach in Iceland. As one of the top South Iceland attractions, we were allotted ample time to explore the village and coast.
Vik, which is about 110 miles from Reykjavik and has a population of around 300, is the southernmost settlement in Iceland. Interestingly, it is the only coastal village without a fishing port.
Things To Do in Vik, Iceland
For our tour, Vik was not only an attraction, but also the lunch stop. The small town boasts a handful of places to eat, a stunning beach, a historic church and more gorgeous landscapes.
Lunch on the Beach in Vik, Iceland
The small recommended Vik restaurant (not included in the tour) was warm and inviting. However, we had brought along a picnic lunch in order to have more time on the beach.
That’s correct; we actually planned ahead to have a picnic lunch on the beach in Iceland in January!
When we climbed over the dunes to the shore, we were in awe. The powder-fine, charcoal black beach was half covered in a fresh dusting of snow, creating a striking contrast.
We found a perfect perch along the rocky breakwater where we could eat as we took in the amazing vista. (Yes, our fellow tour companions gave us strange looks from the restaurant!)
Reynisdrangar Rocks
From the beach, there is an incredible view of the Reynisdrangar sea stacks. The surf pounded the shoreline and the rock formations looked like frozen figurines.
How these renowned rocks came to stand in the ocean off the tip of the peninsula is shrouded in folklore.
One legend is that trolls tried to drag a 3-masted ship onto the beach at Vik, but the vessel turned to rock before they accomplished their task.
Another tale is that a woman was kidnapped by two trolls who then took her out to sea. When her husband found out, they were solidified in their tracks.
Vikurkirkja
Topping a hill and overlooking the village is the Vik I Myrdal Church, Vikurkirkja (also called Reyniskirkja). The small white wooden church was built in the 1930s.
In the wintertime, it nearly blended in with the blanket of snow, made visible only by its rising red steeple and rooftop.
Reynisfjara Beach
After the rest of our group finished lunch, we boarded the tour bus and made our way to the west side of the peninsula.
There the Reynisdrangar rocks stand just off shore from the famous Reynisfjara Beach. On the tip of the point, columns of basalt rise up a cliff and provide a home to a variety of sea birds.
At the base, you can wander inside an enormous cave. In ideal weather, adventurous travelers can hike to the top for a stunning viewpoint.
Being such a narrow beach makes the powerful waves dangerous – and we were warned of their unpredictability. The swells travel a long distance across the Atlantic Ocean, uninterrupted.
Therefore, they have the ability to quickly sneak up on unsuspecting tourists (like me) and drag them out to sea (fortunately, not me).
Stop #4: Skogar Museum
When we learned that a museum was on the itinerary, we were less than enthusiastic about our visit. Once we arrived at Skogar, however, we quickly changed our minds.
It was far from an ordinary museum. Not stuffy or formal, the venue is packed with 15,000 historical artifacts from around Iceland.
Resembling a treasure trove, it all started over 80 years ago when a local boy began collecting things people were throwing away.
His collection grew and he turned his assemblage into one of the most interesting museums in Iceland.
The pieces tell the story of the Icelandic people and how they survived in a world without typical resources like metal, wood and clay. Instead, they used materials that were abundant, like fish bones and wool.
Some of the more notable items were a first-edition Icelandic bible printed in 1584 and a large restored Icelandic fishing boat.
Stop #5: Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
The winter sun had already set by the time we made it to the last stop: Seljalandsfoss. It’s one of the most famous South Iceland waterfalls.
The water streams over the edge of a cliff in front of a cave, which makes it possible to walk behind the falls for a unique look at the natural sight. However, the icy conditions again made that impossible.
Our late afternoon arrival also meant that it was already getting dark. Much to our surprise, beams of light illuminate Seljalandsfoss, giving us a unique perspective against the fading skies.
Seljalandsfoss is about the same height as Skogafoss, falling 200 feet, but isn’t nearly as wide. Rather than the water roaring down, it seemed to drop in long, sheer ribbons and collected in pools of deep blue.
Watching the falls as the winter sky turned moody was an incredible way to end our day touring Iceland’s South Coast!
Book your South Coast Tour Today!
Iceland South Coast Tour: What You Will Need
Before you set off, there are a few things you will want to make sure you have for your trip!
Waterproof Shoes and Weather Gear
On our South Coast Day Tour, I wore my everyday trainers, which was a huge mistake! A pair of weatherproof boots would have been a better option.
The weather can change quickly, too. We recommend wearing layers and bringing a weather-resistant jacket.
Travel Camera with Zoom Lens
Rather than trying to use your phone to capture the scene, upgrade to an actual camera. We use a Canon Rebel (our go-to travel camera) with a 18-135mm lens.
Iceland Travel Insurance
Trip insurance may reimburse for costs associated with flight cancellations or lost luggage, and could be helpful for travelers who get ill or injured abroad. Consider coverage from a reliable company.
Use our guides to the Must-Eat Food in Iceland and Craft Beer Reykjavik for tips on what to taste during your trip!
More Iceland Day Tours
Searching for other Iceland 1-day tours? Take a look at these popular Reykjavik day trips. You can also read about our Northern Lights Tour experience!
Golden Circle
The sights on the Golden Circle are a must-see in Iceland! Get all of the details of this Day Trip from Reykjavik.
Whale Watching in Iceland
Hop aboard for a 3-hour expedition from Reykjavik in search of whales, dolphins and porpoises. During this popular tour, learn about the marine wildlife and marvel at the scenic landscapes.
Iceland Glacier Tour
Take in the sights of this Southern Coast Iceland Tour that visits the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, where floating icebergs add to the dramatic Icelandic scenery!
Start planning your trip to Iceland! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
Need help creating your perfect trip? Read our detailed day-by-day Iceland Itinerary!
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