Private South Coast Day Tour from Reykjavik

Private South Coast Day Tour Itinerary

The itinerary normally follows the route below, although the exact order and time spent at each location may change. Weather, daylight, road conditions, seasonal closures, safety considerations and accessibility always take priority.

1. Reykjavík Pickup

Your Iceland South Coast day tour from Reykjavík begins with pickup from your confirmed accommodation.
Meet your driver-guide and travel east toward South Iceland as the urban landscape gives way to open countryside, mountains and the glacier-shaped scenery of the southern region.

2. Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

Visit one of the South Coast’s most distinctive waterfalls.
Seljalandsfoss drops from a former sea cliff and is famous for the pathway that can lead behind the falling water. When the trail is open and conditions are safe, you may walk around the waterfall for a different perspective of the surrounding countryside.
Waterfall spray can make the trail wet and slippery, so waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear are strongly recommended.

3. Skógafoss Waterfall

Continue east to Skógafoss, one of the most powerful and recognizable waterfalls in South Iceland.
View the waterfall from ground level to experience the spray and scale of the cascade, or climb the staircase beside the falls for elevated views across the surrounding landscape.
On bright days, mist around the waterfall can create striking rainbow conditions, making Skógafoss one of the South Coast’s most popular photography stops.

4. Sólheimajökull Glacier

Travel toward Sólheimajökull, an accessible outlet glacier connected to the larger Mýrdalsjökull ice cap.
Take a short walk toward the glacier viewpoint and observe the ice, volcanic terrain and changing glacier landscape from a safe area.
Important: this stop is for sightseeing. A guided glacier hike is not included in this private South Coast day tour, and guests must not walk onto the glacier without the appropriate certified guide and safety equipment.

5. Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

Explore one of Iceland’s most famous volcanic coastlines at Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach.
See the dark volcanic sand, geometric basalt columns and dramatic Reynisdrangar sea stacks rising from the Atlantic Ocean. The combination of black shoreline, cliffs and powerful waves makes Reynisfjara one of the defining landscapes of South Coast Iceland.
Reynisfjara also requires particular caution. Atlantic waves can be unpredictable and extremely powerful. Always follow posted warnings and your guide’s instructions, remain well away from the water and never turn your back on the ocean.

6. Vík í Mýrdal

Continue to Vík í Mýrdal, Iceland’s southernmost village.
Vík sits between mountains and the black volcanic coastline and is a natural stopping point on a full-day tour to the South Coast of Iceland. Depending on the day’s itinerary, you can enjoy views around the village, its hillside church and the surrounding coastal landscape.
The wider Vík area also offers views toward Reynisdrangar and some of South Iceland’s most recognizable volcanic scenery.

7. Dyrhólaey Peninsula

When access and conditions permit, continue to Dyrhólaey, a dramatic headland overlooking the southern coastline.
The peninsula is known for its natural rock arch, cliffs, elevated viewpoints and expansive views across the black-sand coast. During parts of the year, seabirds including puffins may be present in the wider area.
Access can occasionally be restricted because of weather, road conditions or seasonal wildlife protection, so Dyrhólaey cannot be guaranteed on every departure.

8. Kvernufoss Waterfall

If time, access and operating conditions allow, visit Kvernufoss, a quieter waterfall hidden inside a narrow gorge near Skógar.
A short walk leads toward the waterfall through a landscape that feels noticeably different from the larger roadside attractions.
Because this is an additional stop, it may be replaced or omitted if daylight, weather or the main itinerary requires more time.

9. Return to Reykjavík

After exploring Iceland’s waterfalls, glacier scenery, black sand coastline and southern villages, begin the return journey to Reykjavík.
Relax in your private vehicle while your driver-guide manages the journey back to the city. Arrival is normally around nine hours after departure, although timing can vary according to road conditions, traffic, weather and the duration of sightseeing stops.

➤ What Makes South Coast Iceland Special?

The South Coast is one of Iceland’s most varied sightseeing regions because several different landscapes appear within the same route.
Water from glaciers and highland areas creates waterfalls such as Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss. Outlet glaciers including Sólheimajökull extend toward the lowlands, while volcanic activity has helped shape the black-sand coastline around Reynisfjara and Vík.
Glacier-covered volcanoes such as Eyjafjallajökull and Katla also form part of the wider South Iceland landscape. Together, waterfalls, glaciers, volcanoes, beaches, cliffs and small communities make the journey itself as important as the individual stops.

For first-time visitors who want to experience dramatic Icelandic scenery beyond Reykjavík, a South Coast full-day tour is one of the most complete sightseeing options available in a single day.

➤ Private Tour vs Small Group South Coast Day Tour

A South Coast small group day tour normally follows a fixed schedule with other travellers and predetermined pickup arrangements.

This tour is different.
Your vehicle is reserved exclusively for your group, allowing more personal interaction with your driver-guide and reasonable flexibility for comfort, photography and meal stops.

Choose this private South Coast day tour if privacy and a more personal pace matter to you.

If you prefer a lower-cost shared option, you can instead choose our South Coast day tour from Reykjavík and travel with other guests.