Iceland’s south coast
Tectonic rifts, waterfalls you can walk behind and a lagoon full of icebergs.
- Distance
- 492 km (305 mi)
- Driving
- 6 h 47 min
- Suggested days
- 4
- Stops
- 7
- Countries
- Iceland
- Updated
- July 5, 2026
At a glance: 4-day road trip of about 492 km (305 mi) with 7 stops, from Reykjavík to Höfn. About 6 h 47 min of driving in total.
More road trips in Iceland · More road trips from Reykjavík
Route description
From Reykjavík, head inland to Þingvellir, where the North American and Eurasian plates pull apart and Iceland’s parliament met from 930. A path runs through the Almannagjá rift to the old assembly site, with the lake and lava fields below.
From Þingvellir, drop south to the Ring Road, Route 1, and follow it east across the farmland of the south coast. Seljalandsfoss, a 60 m waterfall, has a path behind the curtain of water, so bring a waterproof jacket; Skógafoss, another large waterfall, is a little further on.
The mountain campsite at Vík is a good overnight stop below green cliffs. Vík is the southernmost village in Iceland, next to the black-sand beach at Reynisfjara, where sudden large waves are a real danger, so keep well back from the water.
East of Vík the road crosses wide sand plains and moss-covered lava fields to Jökulsárlón, a glacier lagoon full of icebergs that drift out to a black-sand beach, and on to the fishing town of Höfn. Overnight stays in campervans are allowed only at campsites, strong winds can rip car doors open, and F-roads are off limits for ordinary rental cars and motorhomes.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Reykjavík
Iceland - 251 km
Þingvellir
HistoryÞingvellir, IcelandWhere the North American and Eurasian plates pull apart, and the site of Iceland’s parliament from 930.
- 3113 km
Seljalandsfoss
NatureHvolsvöllur, IcelandA 60 m waterfall with a path behind the curtain of water. Bring a waterproof jacket.
- 466 km
Mountain campsite, Vík
CampingVík, IcelandCamping in Vík, Iceland: a pitch in mountainous terrain, for travellers who want to spend the night close to nature.
- 50 km
Vík
Iceland - 6194 km
Jökulsárlón
NatureHöfn, IcelandA glacier lagoon full of icebergs that drift out to a black-sand beach.
- 767 km
Höfn
Iceland
Suggested stages and overnight stops
4 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Reykjavík → Seljalandsfoss · 164 km · 2 h 16 minOn the way: Þingvellir.Overnight nearby, for example: Tjaldstæðið Langbrók (13 km); Fljótshlíð (12 km).
- Day 2: Seljalandsfoss → Vík · 67 km · 0 h 55 minOn the way: Mountain campsite, Vík.Overnight nearby, for example: Tjaldsvæðið Vík í Mýrdal (< 1 km); Þakgil (14 km).
- Day 3: Vík → Jökulsárlón · 194 km · 2 h 40 min
- Day 4: Jökulsárlón → Höfn · 67 km · 0 h 55 minOvernight nearby, for example: Vestrahorn (10 km); Haukafell (18 km).
Best time to go
Cold, short days in November–April. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
Practical notes for the road
- Iceland: No motorway tolls for cars. Many roads are gravel; F-roads need a 4×4. Motorway limit for cars: 90 km/h.
Road rules and fees change. Check official sources before you travel.
FAQs
How long is Iceland’s south coast?
4-day road trip of about 492 km (305 mi) with 7 stops, from Reykjavík to Höfn. About 6 h 47 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Iceland’s south coast?
We suggest 4 days: about 6 h 47 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Iceland’s south coast start and end?
It starts in Reykjavík and ends in Höfn.
Which countries does Iceland’s south coast pass through?
Iceland.
Where can you camp along Iceland’s south coast?
OpenStreetMap lists 22 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 20 km of the stops on this route. For example: Tjaldsvæði í Laugardal, Viðistaðatúni and Vestrahorn.
When is the best time for Iceland’s south coast?
Cold, short days in November–April. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
