- Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss both drop 60 metres with different viewing angles. Walk behind the falls at Seljalandsfoss or climb 527 steps at Skógafoss.
- Reynisfjara black sand beach has basalt columns and sea stacks. Unpredictable sneaker waves have caused fatalities, so caution is essential.
- Check tour details for itinerary options and included stops.
Waterfall Highlights Along the South Coast
Seljalandsfoss drops 60 metres from the Seljalands River, which originates in Eyjafjallajökull volcano glacier. The waterfall sits right by Route 1 and Road 249 towards Þórsmörk. Visitors can walk behind Seljalandsfoss into a small cave for a unique perspective.
Skógafoss is located where the coastline stood formerly, now at a distance of about 5 kilometres from Skógar. The waterfall spans 25 metres wide and drops 60 metres. A 527-step staircase leads to the clifftop.
Sunny days at Skógafoss typically produce single or double rainbows due to continuous spray. Standing too close will drench you from the mist. The eastern side of Skógafoss marks the start of the trail to the pass Fimmvörðuháls between Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers.
The trail continues to Þórsmörk and connects to the Laugavegur trail towards Landmannalaugar. These longer treks are separate from standard day trips from Reykjavik but accessible from the same starting point.
Both Seljalandsfoss waterfall and Skógafoss waterfall appear on most south coast itineraries due to their proximity to Route 1.
South Coast Tours from Reykjavik
More on GetYourGuide
Top ratedBestsellerDay trip · 10 hoursReykjavík: South Coast Waterfalls, Black Sand & Glacier Tour★ 4.8 12 900 reviews✓ Free cancellation✓ Pickup availableBooked 52 times yesterdayfrom €104 per personSee availability →
Day trip · 10 hoursFrom Reykjavík: Iceland South Coast Small-Group Adventure★ 4.7 415 reviews✓ Free cancellation✓ Pickup availablefrom €117 per personSee availability →
Day trip · 10.5 hoursIceland: Full-Day South Coast, Black Beach & Waterfalls Tour★ 4.6 1 846 reviews✓ Free cancellation✓ Pickup availableAvailable tomorrowfrom €114 per personSee availability →
Day trip · 12 hoursReykjavik: Katla Ice Cave & South Coast Tour★ 4.7 1 368 reviews✓ Free cancellation✓ Pickup availablefrom €249 per personSee availability →
Multi-day trip · 2 daysFrom Reykjavik 2-Day South Coast Tour with Blue Ice Cave★ 4.7 263 reviews✓ Free cancellation✓ Pickup availablefrom €639 per personSee availability →
Day trip · 10 hoursReykjavik: South Coast Waterfalls & Glacier Small-Group Tour★ 4.8 849 reviews✓ Free cancellation✓ Pickup availablefrom €117 per personSee availability →Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach and Safety Warnings
Reynisfjara is a black sand beach near Vík in southern Iceland. It is part of the Katla UNESCO Global Geopark on privately owned land. Hálsanefshellir Cave with basalt columns is located at the eastern end. Dyrhólaey promontory is located at the west end.
Reynisdrangar sea stacks are located at Reynisfjara. Eyjafjallajökull volcano is visible from the beach on clear days. Conditions vary greatly and can change quickly.
Sneaker waves surge far inland unpredictably at Reynisfjara. Between 2007 and 2024, these waves caused at least twelve emergency rescues and five deaths. A warning system with condition-dependent safety zones operates to alert visitors during hazardous conditions.
After a fatal incident in August 2025, authorities decided to close Hálsanefshellir Cave and the basalt columns during red warnings. In February 2026, part of the iconic basalt columns collapsed. Significant erosion of the beach followed weeks of strong waves and easterly winds.
Check the warning signs and stay within marked safe zones at Reynisfjara beach. Never turn your back on the ocean during hazardous conditions.
- Multiple waterfalls with distinct features. Walk behind Seljalandsfoss or climb 527 steps at Skógafoss for clifftop views.
- Reynisfjara showcases basalt columns at Hálsanefshellir Cave and Reynisdrangar sea stacks offshore.
- Skógafoss produces consistent spray that creates rainbows on sunny days.
- Itineraries combine natural landmarks along Route 1.
- Check tour details for available add-on activities.
- Reynisfjara requires strict attention to warning systems. Sneaker waves have caused at least five fatalities between 2007 and 2024.
- Weather conditions change rapidly and can close access to caves and basalt columns during red warnings.
- Check tour details for seasonal considerations.
- Spray at Skógafoss can drench visitors who approach too closely.
- In February 2026, part of the basalt columns at Reynisfjara collapsed. Significant erosion of the beach followed weeks of strong waves and easterly winds.
Day Tour or Multi-Day Itinerary
Check tour details for what stops are included. Tours may focus on Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Reynisfjara, and the village of Vík along Route 1.
Check tour details for multi-day itinerary options and included stops. Overnight accommodation allows more time at each stop.
Check tour details for available add-on activities and what is included in the package. Some prefer Iceland multi-day tours to cover more ground.
| Itinerary Length | Common Stops | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day tour | Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Reynisfjara, Vík | Check tour details |
| Multi-day tour | Check tour details | Check tour details |
Check safetravel.is for road conditions and closures before departure.
Group Size and Tour Styles
Standard coach tours accommodate larger groups. Iceland small group tours limit numbers for easier logistics at busy stops like Seljalandsfoss and Reynisfjara.
Iceland private tours allow custom timing at each waterfall and beach. You control photo stops and walking pace.
Minibus tours offer moderate group sizes. Iceland bus tours provide budget access to the same route with fixed departure times.
Self-drive tours give complete control over timing. Check conditions on Route 1 before departure.
Compare prices, reviews and free-cancellation options before you book.
Check availability →Glacier Add-Ons and Ice Cave Access
Check tour details for available add-on activities. Glacier hike Iceland excursions require crampons and ice axes provided by guides.
Check ice cave Iceland options for what is available. Tour operators cannot guarantee cave access or specific formations. Check safetravel.is for current glacier and ice cave status.
Check tour details for what is included in add-on packages and how much time they require.
Practical Planning for South Coast Trips
Check tour details for duration and included stops. Stops may include walking behind Seljalandsfoss, climbing stairs at Skógafoss, and beach time at Reynisfjara.
Dress in layers for changeable weather. Waterproof outer layers protect against spray at both waterfalls. Sturdy footwear handles wet paths and black sand. Wind at Reynisfjara can be strong year-round.
Book early in peak season for preferred departure times and group sizes. Check cancellation policies before committing.
Check what facilities are available at each stop. Vík offers shops and cafes.
Combine the south coast with other routes like the Golden Circle Iceland on separate days.
Compare prices, reviews and free-cancellation options before you book.
Check availability →South Coast Tour Comparison
| Tour Type | Typical Features | Advantages | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard day tour | Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Reynisfjara, Vík | Check tour details | Check tour details |
| Multi-day tour | Check tour details | More sights, overnight rest | Check tour details |
| With glacier activities | Check tour details | Ice experience | Check tour details |
| With ice cave | Check tour details | Underground experience | Check tour details |
| Private tour | Custom selection | Flexible timing, personal pace | Check tour details |
Choose based on available days and priorities. Check tour details for what is included and pricing.
South coast tours from Reykjavik deliver iconic waterfalls and black sand coastline. Check tour details for itinerary options, duration, and included stops.
Frequently asked questions
How far does Skógafoss drop?
Skógafoss drops 60 metres and spans 25 metres wide. A 527-step staircase leads to the top of the cliff.
Can you walk behind Seljalandsfoss?
Yes, visitors can walk behind Seljalandsfoss into a small cave. The waterfall drops 60 metres from the Seljalands River, which originates in Eyjafjallajökull glacier.
Is Reynisfjara beach dangerous?
Reynisfjara has unpredictable sneaker waves that surge far inland without warning. Between 2007 and 2024, these waves caused at least twelve emergency rescues and five fatalities. Follow warning signs and stay within marked safe zones.
What is the difference between day and multi-day south coast tours?
Check tour details for what stops are included and whether overnight accommodation is provided. Day tours typically return to Reykjavik the same evening.
What are the Reynisdrangar sea stacks?
Reynisdrangar are sea stacks located at Reynisfjara black sand beach. The beach also features Hálsanefshellir Cave with basalt columns at its eastern end and views of Eyjafjallajökull volcano.
