The South Coast by Minibus
Waterfalls, glaciers, and black sand beaches — Iceland's south coast in a single unforgettable day.
The Iceland South Coast Tour takes you through some of the most dramatic scenery in northern Europe, from thundering waterfalls to volcanic black sand beaches. Over the course of ten hours, a comfortable minibus carries a small group through landscapes shaped by centuries of volcanic and glacial activity. This is one of the most rewarding single-day itineraries available from Reykjavik.
The southern coastline of Iceland concentrates an extraordinary variety of natural features within a relatively compact stretch of road. Travellers move between towering cliff-edge waterfalls, a glacier that reaches almost to the highway, and beaches where the Atlantic crashes onto jet-black sand. Each stop offers something visually and geologically distinct.
Travelling by minibus keeps the group small, which means more time at each location and a more personal experience overall. The route follows the Ring Road east before looping back through farmland and sand flats beneath the great ice cap of Myrdalsjokull.
The itinerary is rated easy, making it accessible to most travellers regardless of fitness level. A short optional hike at Dyrholaey rewards those who take it with panoramic views of the entire coastline in both directions.
Tour Highlights
Walk behind the curtain of Seljalandsfoss, a 60-metre waterfall that drops over the cliffs of a former coastline.
Stand at the base of Skogafoss, where the sheer volume of spray regularly produces a vivid single or double rainbow on clear days.
Approach Solheimajokull, an outlet glacier from the fourth largest ice cap in Iceland, close enough to see the crevassed blue ice.
Explore Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach and its remarkable cliff of stacked basalt columns rising like a natural step pyramid.
Scan the cliffs west of Vik for seabirds including puffins, which nest in large numbers along this stretch of coastline.
Climb the short trail at Dyrholaey for sweeping views of Myrdalsjokull glacier, the Reynisdrangar sea stacks, and the western coastline.
Visit the hidden waterfall Gljufrabui, tucked into a narrow canyon just 500 metres from Seljalandsfoss and often missed by larger tour groups.
Itinerary
The tour begins with a stop at Urridafoss on the river Thjorsa, one of Iceland's lesser-visited waterfalls. The group then continues to Seljalandsfoss, where a path behind the 60-metre curtain of water offers a rare perspective. Nearby Gljufrabui, concealed within a rocky gorge, is a rewarding short detour.
Skogafoss is among Iceland's most powerful waterfalls, spanning 25 metres in width and dropping 60 metres. The volume of water it releases creates near-constant spray, and on sunny days a rainbow forms reliably at the base. The scale of the falls becomes fully apparent only when standing at its foot.
Reynisfjara is a black pebble beach backed by an extraordinary formation of hexagonal basalt columns. The Reynisdrangar sea stacks rise dramatically from the ocean just offshore. The cliffs near the village of Vik are among the wettest locations in Iceland and provide nesting habitat for large colonies of seabirds.
Dyrholaey is a 120-metre headland notable for the natural arch at sea level that gives it its name. A 15-minute walk to the summit reveals one of the finest viewpoints on the south coast, with Myrdalsjokull glacier visible to the north, Reynisdrangar to the east, and the coastline stretching west toward Selfoss.
The return journey passes through farmland and volcanic sand flats south of Solheimajokull, an outlet glacier descending from Myrdalsjokull. This glacier is accessible at close range and provides a clear illustration of Iceland's living ice landscape. The group then heads back west toward Reykjavik along the Ring Road.
What's Included and Excluded
Included
- Comfortable minibus transport throughout
- Professional guide for the full duration
- Visits to all listed stops on the itinerary
- Return transfer to the departure point
Not Included
- Food and beverages
- Coffee or snacks at rest stops
- Personal travel insurance
- Gratuities for the guide
Important Information
Reserve Your Place on the South Coast
Spaces on this small-group minibus tour are limited. Secure your seat and experience Iceland's south coast at its most dramatic, from hidden waterfalls to volcanic shores.
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