Glaciers, Waterfalls & Black Sand Beaches: Traversing Iceland's Southern Coast

Geothermal baths

I always advocate for a hot-spring visit as your first activity in Iceland, especially after a long overnight flight. There’s something about the geothermal water that helps melt away the jet lag. The required pre-dip shower and having a spacious area to freshen up before hotel check-in are added bonuses. Assuming you’re flying into KEF, you have a multitude of options. While the Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon are the most popular, the Blue Lagoon is the most convenient for those starting a road trip along the southern coast. For a more off-the-beaten-path experience, Reykjadalur Hot Springs and the Secret Lagoon offer more affordable visits with fewer tourists.

Waterfalls

Icelandic can be a challenging language to speak and read, given its unique characters and difficult pronunciations. Luckily, waterfalls are always easy to identify since "foss" is attached to their names. I could see Seljalandsfoss from what seemed like miles away while driving east on Route 1. Upon arrival, its pure scale could not be overstated. Even standing at what feels like a safe distance, you still get wet! Walking behind the falls and completing a full loop around the plunge pool offers a true perspective of the sheer volume of water. Skógafoss is the other must-see waterfall, only a 30-minute drive from Seljalandsfoss and often framed by a rainbow. It features a trail that leads to the top for panoramic views. The hike can extend for 10 miles or be trimmed down to a quick out-and-back. The stairs are steep, so do be careful!

Ice caves

Iceland is constantly changing every day. From volcanic activity to erosion, access to specific attractions often varies. As of 2026, there are four main ice cave hikes available in Iceland. Katla, a highly active volcano that last erupted in 1918, is the most seamless spot to fit into a South Coast itinerary. The guided drive to Katla passes through vast fields of black ash and vibrant green moss (which is illegal to step on, as it can take over 100 years to grow back), with several Star Wars filming locations sprinkled in for good measure. Once you reach the base of the glacier, you’ll collect a helmet and crampons before embarking on the manageable hike. You will trek up the glacier, passing ice thousands of years old and streams flowing from the melting ice cap. Inside the cave, the sun reflects off the walls to reveal glistening blue hues mixed with black volcanic ash. These textures, along with thin lines resembling the inner rings of a tree, offer visuals that simply cannot be replicated.

Glacier lagoon

Jökulsárlón is the Icelandic name for the world-renowned glacier lagoon along Iceland’s southern coast. Some associate "popular" with "touristy," but in this case, Jökulsárlón is worth multiple visits even on the same road trip. Each visit offers a fresh experience, as the icebergs are constantly shifting, breaking apart, and flushing out to sea. This is also a fantastic place to spot seals as they weave through the lagoon. While there are several paths to view the icebergs on foot, boat tours can take you onto the water for a closer look at these massive glacial fragments. Just keep an eye on the weather, as rough conditions can lead to cancellations. If you follow the lagoon's flow toward the ocean, you’ll find Diamond Beach, a black sand shoreline scattered with thousands of washed-up ice chunks. Their clarity and the way they glisten in the sun mimic real diamonds, giving the beach its iconic name. Iceland can be an expensive destination, but luckily, you can enjoy these "diamonds" for free.

Black sand beaches

Unapologetically transitioning from Diamond Beach, there are many other destinations along the southern coast that offer incredible black sand experiences. Stokksnes Beach combines the magic of volcanic sand with mirror-like reflections of the towering Vestrahorn mountain. This was by far the windiest beach I visited, so be sure to dress for the elements. As noted before, it cannot be overstated how quickly Iceland’s topography can change. Reynisfjara Beach is an Icelandic landmark famous for its basalt columns and as a filming location for Game of Thrones. Unfortunately, in early 2026, access to the beach was severely impacted by ferocious waves overtaking the shore. It is too early to tell when full access may return, so it's imperative to stay up to date on its status. When the beach does reopen, be wary of sneaker waves. Waves strong enough to reshape coastlines have also swept away unsuspecting visitors. Keep a safe distance and enjoy the view from afar.

Canyons

You’ve seen glaciers, volcanoes, geothermal springs, and black sand beaches. Funny enough, Iceland’s diverse scale of natural wonders makes its canyons an almost underrated part of the Nordic experience. In my opinion, these canyons offer some of the best hiking and visual marvels in the entire country. Múlagljúfur features a trail spanning over four miles with modest elevation. While the hike is reasonable for the average person, it can be difficult without the correct footwear, as the gravel is loose and the canyon edges can sneak up on you quickly. When you reach the main viewpoint of Múlagljúfur Canyon, you are forced to stop and take in the vibrant green moss and sleek waterfalls that seem to emerge from every direction. I cannot recommend this hike enough. For a more structured and accessible experience, visit Fjaðrárgljúfur. Much like a national park in the United States, the canyon is only a short walk from the parking area and features railings for safety. The views from its numerous observation points display the beauty beneath, often masked in shadows by the lofty canyon walls.

Kaffi Hornið

Road-tripping in Iceland can sometimes mean scarce food options along the way. Luckily, Höfn, a charming fishing town on the route to Stokksnes, offers a multitude of choices. My personal favorite in town was Kaffi Hornið. Their menu features local lobster prepared in every variety imaginable, from hearty stews and tempura to pizza and more. They also serve a reindeer burger that is cooked to perfection. Fun fact: Reindeer are not actually native to Iceland; they were brought to the island from Norway in the 1700s—see my Tromsø destination guide for more on that!

Black Crust Pizzeria

Growing up in New York teaches you to be skeptical of every pizza you see, ensuring it's done “the right way.” Seeing an Icelandic pizza joint that serves pies with jet-black crust might make you raise an additional eyebrow. However, moving past my unfair expectations, Black Crust Pizzeria truly capitalizes on a fun concept, infusing pizza dough with charcoal to fit the volcanic theme you just can’t escape in Iceland. For more conservative eaters, they also offer standard sourdough crusts. My top recommendation is the #3, which features pepperoni, cream cheese, cherry tomatoes, and a homemade date pesto. It all works surprisingly well together!

The Soup Company

Sometimes you just need a hot bowl of soup, or even several, to overcome a blistering cold day in Iceland. Located right near Black Crust Pizzeria in the town of Vík is The Soup Company. Not only is it a great place to warm up, but your króna will also go further here because they allow you to return to the counter for free refills. Aside from satisfying your hunger, it provides a great opportunity to try numerous types of soup, ranging from the spicy “Red Hot Lava” to traditional Icelandic lamb soup. To nobody’s surprise, they also serve bread bowls that are, you guessed it, charcoal black.

Café Vatnajökull

Located right next to a gas station along Route 1, Café Vatnajökull is the perfect spot to fuel up—both your car and yourself. The interior of the café is quaint and inviting. Upon being welcomed by the friendly staff, you are presented with numerous coffee and Icelandic pastry options. They even have fresh bread that is baked in house! Do not miss the opportunity to stop here while traveling along Iceland’s southern coast.