Iceland’s south coast: Skógafoss to the glacier lagoons
The full south coast on route 1: Skógafoss, Dyrhólaey and Reynisfjara near Vík, then Fjaðrárgljúfur, Skaftafell and Fjallsárlón to Höfn.
- Distance
- 477 km (296 mi)
- Driving
- 6 h 35 min
- Suggested days
- 4
- Stops
- 9
- Countries
- Iceland
- Updated
- June 9, 2026
At a glance: 4-day road trip of about 477 km (296 mi) with 9 stops, from Reykjavík to Höfn. About 6 h 35 min of driving in total.
More road trips in Iceland
Route description
Leave Reykjavík on route 1 east over the Hellisheiði pass and across the southern lowlands. Skógafoss is about two hours out, just off the road below the Eyjafjallajökull ice cap. Walk up the staircase beside the falls to the viewing platform at the top. The trail beyond follows the river past a string of further waterfalls, if you have time for a longer walk.
Near Vík, turn off route 1 onto road 218 for Dyrhólaey, where a sea arch and a lighthouse stand on the headland; the steep upper road is unsuitable for large vehicles. Reynisfjara is reached on road 215, a black beach with basalt columns and sea stacks. The waves here are dangerous and have swept people away, so stay well back from the water. Vík has fuel and supermarkets.
East of Vík route 1 crosses the lava fields and the black sands of Mýrdalssandur. Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon lies a few kilometres off the road on a gravel track west of Kirkjubæjarklaustur. Beyond the town, the road crosses the vast outwash plain of Skeiðarársandur to Skaftafell in Vatnajökull National Park. There, the path up to Svartifoss takes about 45 minutes each way from the visitor centre.
Fjallsárlón lies about 50 km east of Skaftafell, a quieter glacial lagoon a short walk from the car park. Jökulsárlón, with icebergs floating out to sea past the bridge, is 10 km further on and worth a stop too. Höfn is another hour. Strong winds are common along this coast: keep a firm grip on car doors, and check road and weather warnings before setting out each day.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Reykjavík
Iceland - 2172 km
Skógafoss
NatureSkógar, IcelandA 60 m curtain of water falling off the old sea cliffs, with a staircase of over 500 steps to a platform at the top. The car park is right below, and the Fimmvörðuháls trail starts above the falls.
- 330 km
Dyrhólaey
ViewsVík, IcelandA headland with a huge sea arch, a lighthouse and puffins in summer. The steep gravel road to the upper car park is not for large vehicles, and parts of the headland may close in the May and June nesting season.
- 45 km
Reynisfjara
NatureVík, IcelandA black sand beach with basalt columns and the Reynisdrangar sea stacks, just west of Vík. Sneaker waves have killed visitors here: stay well back from the water and follow the warning lights at the entrance.
- 53 km
Vík
Iceland - 671 km
Fjaðrárgljúfur
NatureKirkjubæjarklaustur, IcelandA winding canyon about 100 m deep and 2 km long, with a path and platforms along the rim. It lies up a short gravel road off route 1 west of Kirkjubæjarklaustur; the trail can close during the thaw to protect the moss.
- 781 km
Svartifoss
NatureSkaftafell, IcelandA waterfall framed by dark hanging basalt columns in Skaftafell, part of Vatnajökull National Park. It is about 1.5 km uphill from the visitor centre car park (fee); allow around 1.5 hours there and back.
- 837 km
Fjallsárlón
NatureHnappavellir, IcelandA glacial lagoon where Fjallsjökull calves icebergs into the water, quieter than Jökulsárlón about 10 km further east. A short walk from the car park by route 1 leads to the shore.
- 978 km
Höfn
Iceland
FAQs
How long is Iceland’s south coast: Skógafoss to the glacier lagoons?
4-day road trip of about 477 km (296 mi) with 9 stops, from Reykjavík to Höfn. About 6 h 35 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Iceland’s south coast: Skógafoss to the glacier lagoons?
We suggest 4 days: about 6 h 35 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Iceland’s south coast: Skógafoss to the glacier lagoons start and end?
It starts in Reykjavík and ends in Höfn.
Which countries does Iceland’s south coast: Skógafoss to the glacier lagoons pass through?
Iceland.
