Iceland’s South Coast in Winter: Highlights, Food Stops & Tips for a Successful Trip

Explore Reykjavík

Iceland’s capital is compact but full of character. Spend time wandering the colorful streets, stopping into local cafés and restaurants, and visiting landmarks like Hallgrímskirkja church. Reykjavík also serves as a great starting point for tours and day trips throughout the region.

Ride an Icelandic horse

Horseback riding through Iceland’s lava fields was one of my most memorable experiences of the trip. Icelandic horses are known for their unique “tölt” gait, which makes for an incredibly smooth ride while exploring the rugged landscape. Many tours depart from the Reykjavík area and are suitable for beginners as well as more experienced riders.

Chase the Northern Lights

Seeing the northern lights is one of the main reasons many travelers visit Iceland in winter. Guided tours from Reykjavík help you get away from city lights and increase your chances of catching the aurora when conditions are right. Even when the lights are unpredictable, the experience of heading out into Iceland’s dark winter landscapes is unforgettable.

Drive the Golden Circle

The Golden Circle is one of Iceland’s most popular sightseeing routes and can easily be done in a day from Reykjavík. Highlights include Thingvellir National Park, the powerful Gullfoss waterfall, and Strokkur geyser, which erupts every few minutes. After exploring the natural sights, relaxing at the Secret Lagoon is a perfect way to end the day.

Visit Iceland’s waterfalls

One of the best parts of driving along the south coast is the number of waterfalls you’ll encounter along the way. Stops like Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss are both dramatic and easily accessible, allowing visitors to get surprisingly close to the falls. Many travelers choose to stop at several waterfall sites throughout the day, making the journey just as exciting as the destination.

Swim at Seljavallalaug Pool

Tucked between mountains along Iceland’s south coast, Seljavallalaug is one of the country’s oldest geothermal pools. Reaching it requires a short hike, but the reward is a swim in a dramatic, secluded setting. The pool is unmaintained and very much a no-frills experience, making it best suited for adventure-seekers who don’t mind a little rugged charm. Surrounded by mountains and open landscape, it’s a memorable and uniquely Icelandic stop.

Relax in a geothermal lagoon

Geothermal bathing is an essential Iceland experience. The Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon are two of the country’s most famous spas, known for their dramatic settings and modern amenities. For a more traditional—and often more affordable—experience, smaller lagoons like the Secret Lagoon offer a quieter alternative. Soaking in warm mineral water surrounded by Iceland’s rugged landscapes is the perfect way to warm up after a day of exploring.

Íslenski Barinn

This lively Reykjavík restaurant is known for its creative Icelandic hot dogs. Try all three versions if you can—the lobster hot dog is the bestseller, but the reindeer hot dog ended up being my personal favorite. It’s a fun place to try a local twist on one of Iceland’s most iconic foods.

BakaBaka

BakaBaka is a cozy bakery and café known for its incredible pastries and hearty breakfast options. The smoked bacon and egg breakfast was a standout, and grabbing a pastry to-go makes for perfect road-trip fuel before heading out to explore the Golden Circle.

American School Bus Café

This quirky café is housed inside a refurbished American school bus along Iceland’s south coast. It’s a memorable stop for hot chocolate, coffee, or a quick pastry break while exploring the region.

Pylsuvagninn

For a classic Icelandic hot dog, this small takeaway stand near Keflavík Airport is the perfect stop. Order your hot dog “with everything” for the traditional Icelandic toppings—a simple but satisfying welcome (or farewell) bite.

Seabaron

Seabaron offers a simple menu of grilled local fish and its famous lobster bisque. Located near Reykjavík’s harbor, it’s a great spot for a casual seafood meal. In the summer, the patio makes it an especially enjoyable place to sit outside and take in the waterfront atmosphere.