Iceland South Coast Itinerary: 5 Days
Iceland South Coast Itinerary – We have the perfect five day itinerary for you with stops at beaches, waterfalls, and much more!
Iceland’s South Coast delivers some of the country’s most iconic scenery within a manageable driving distance from Reykjavík. A carefully structured 5-day Iceland South Coast itinerary allows travelers to experience waterfalls, glaciers, volcanic beaches, lava fields, and glacier lagoons without rushing.
The route primarily follows the southern stretch of the Ring Road. It offers paved roads, well-marked viewpoints, and a steady rhythm of natural landmarks. Five days provide enough time to balance driving with exploration, short hikes, and scenic pauses, while still maintaining flexibility for changing weather.
The South Coast is known for rapidly shifting skies, strong coastal winds, and dramatic light. A well-paced itinerary ensures both safety and depth of experience.
Also read: Packing List For Iceland In Winter
Day 1: Reykjavík to Vík – Waterfalls and Black Sand Beaches
The first day introduces the defining elements of Iceland’s southern landscapes. Driving east from Reykjavík, the scenery gradually shifts from urban outskirts to open farmland and volcanic terrain. Seljalandsfoss is typically the first major stop. Its narrow, tall cascade allows visitors to walk behind the waterfall when conditions permit, offering a rare perspective of falling water framed by green cliffs.
A short drive further east brings you to Skógafoss, one of the largest waterfalls in Iceland. Its powerful drop and wide curtain create a constant mist that often produces rainbows in sunlight. A staircase beside the waterfall leads to an elevated viewpoint and access to hiking trails that follow the Skógá River upstream.
Continuing toward Vík, the terrain becomes increasingly coastal. Reynisfjara black sand beach is one of the most striking stops of the day. Towering basalt columns line the cliffs, while sea stacks rise sharply from the Atlantic Ocean.
The powerful waves demand caution, but the contrast between dark sand, white surf, and moody skies captures the raw atmosphere of the South Coast. Vík serves as a convenient overnight base with restaurants, fuel stations, and accommodation options.
For a 5-day South Coast Route 1 itinerary, the rental decision is mainly about vehicle size and season readiness (2WD vs 4×4, heating, wet-gear storage); CampEasy is an Iceland campervan rental company for this type of route.
Day 2: Vík to Skaftafell – Lava Fields and Glacier Landscapes
The second day shifts from coastal cliffs to expansive volcanic plains. The drive east passes through the Eldhraun lava field, a vast moss-covered landscape formed by a massive 18th-century eruption. The thick green moss covering the jagged lava creates an almost otherworldly scene that contrasts sharply with the black sand beaches from the previous day.
As you continue east, glacier tongues descending from Vatnajökull become visible between mountain ridges. Skaftafell, located within Vatnajökull National Park, is the focal point of the day. This area combines green valleys, glacier views, and accessible hiking trails. The hike to Svartifoss waterfall is especially popular due to its backdrop of dark basalt columns arranged in geometric formations.
Skaftafell also serves as a starting point for guided glacier hikes. Travelers can walk on glacier ice with certified guides, experiencing crevasses, ice formations, and panoramic views over the surrounding plains. Even without guided activities, the viewpoints throughout the park offer a dramatic mix of ice, rock, and vegetation that defines the southeastern South Coast.
Day 3: Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach
Day three highlights one of Iceland’s most recognizable landscapes. Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon forms where chunks of ice break away from a glacier tongue and drift through a deep, calm lagoon before reaching the ocean. The floating icebergs vary in size and color, from pure white to deep blue streaked with volcanic ash. The lagoon is constantly changing as ice melts and shifts, ensuring that no two visits are identical.
Directly across the road lies Diamond Beach, where pieces of glacier ice wash ashore on black sand. The translucent ice fragments sparkle in sunlight, creating a powerful contrast against the dark shoreline. Walking along this beach allows visitors to observe ice gradually melting back into the sea. Wildlife, such as seals, is often visible in the lagoon, adding to the lagoon’s dynamic environment.
This day typically involves slower pacing. Boat tours in the lagoon, extended walks along the shore, and simply observing the movement of ice make this section of the Iceland South Coast itinerary 5 days journey especially memorable.
Day 4: Canyon Views and Scenic Return
Rather than rushing back westward, the fourth day focuses on depth and variation. Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon is a notable stop along the return drive. Its winding river cuts through steep cliffs, and elevated walking paths provide panoramic views of the serpentine landscape below.
Driving west again offers a different visual experience. Landscapes seen under morning light earlier in the trip may appear entirely transformed under afternoon sun or shifting clouds.
Travelers can revisit waterfalls, explore smaller roadside viewpoints, or take detours toward lesser-known scenic stops. The flexibility built into a five-day itinerary allows adaptation based on weather conditions and personal interests.
This return segment emphasizes that the South Coast is not just a collection of isolated landmarks but a continuous sequence of changing geological forms, from glaciers to coastal plains.
Day 5: Golden Circle Extension or Relaxed Finish
The final day provides an optional variation. Many travelers extend their Iceland South Coast itinerary 5-day route by incorporating parts of the Golden Circle before returning to Reykjavík. Þingvellir National Park offers historical significance and visible tectonic rifts between continental plates.
The geothermal area of Geysir features erupting hot springs, while Gullfoss waterfall delivers a dramatic two-tiered cascade into a rugged canyon.
Alternatively, the final day can remain slower and restorative. Revisiting a favorite waterfall, exploring additional coastal viewpoints, or ending the trip in a geothermal spa allows time to reflect on the journey.
After several days of waterfalls, glaciers, and long scenic drives, a relaxed finish balances the intensity of exploration with recovery before departure.
