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The south coast of Iceland is an astonishing medley of waterfalls, glaciers, and famous black sand beaches, home to the biggest glacier in Europe and gateway to some of the most beautiful hiking areas in Iceland. There are so many places to enjoy, trails to hike, and sights to photograph! I spent a full day to explore South coast. I visited two of the islandโs most famous waterfalls: Skรณgafoss and Seljalandsfoss. Theyโre just a half-hour drive apart and stand about 196 ft (60 m) tall each. Seljalandsfoss is narrower but offers the unique experience of walking behind its gorgeous cascade. Skรณgafoss, on the other hand, is 78 ft (24 m) wide, and one can get up close to feel its mist on face!ย
Seljalandsfoss waterfall, part of the Seljalandsa river, originates underneath the Eyjafjallajokull glacier. The volcano beneath this ice cap famously erupted in 2010 and caused havoc at airports across Europe. The cascade of the Seljalandsfoss waterfall is relatively narrow but falls from a tall cliff that once marked the country’s coastline centuries ago. The sea is now located across a stretch of lowlands and is visible from the site. The most distinguishing feature of Seljalandsfoss is a pathway that stretches around it. The cliffs behind the falls have a wide cavern, and rocks and paths allow guests to fully encircle it in summer. Though a mesmerizing opportunity, visitors should be prepared to get dampened due to the perpetual mist of the falls, which also tends to make the rocks of the pathway slippery. Like with any cave, there is also a risk of rockfall from the ceiling.
Skรณgafoss, located on the Skรณgรก river, this mighty cascade is clearly visible from Route 1 and is an excellent place to stop and stretch the legs while travelingย Icelandโs South Coast. The river below Skรณgafoss holds a large char and salmon population and is thus a favorite spot for fishermen in the summer. Due to the amount of spray the cascade produces, at least one rainbow is present any time the sun emerges from behind the clouds. The land underneath the waterfall is very flat, allowing visitors to walk right up to the wall of water. This will get you drenched, although, on a warm summer day, it can be quite tempting. Skรณgafoss can also be viewed from the top as a steep staircase leads to an observational platform above the cascade. Many nesting seabirds can be found on the route up.
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Next we explored the charming village of Vรญk รญ Mydal, nestled against dramatic volcanic landscapes.ย We walked along the famous Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, where powerful Atlantic waves crash against striking basalt columns.
After lunch we were dropped near Solheimajokullย for a thrilling Glacier hiking. I strapped on to my crampoons and then climbed up a thrilling glacier! We hiked across the ancient ice, marveling at surreal formations, deep crevasses, and stunning ice sculptures. A professional glacier guide acompanied us and told us about the area’s history and geology and the glaciers’ general features. After our long day, we headedย back to Reykjavรญk, where I spent the night in a nice hotel.
Day Highlights
- South Coast
- Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
- Skogafoss Waterfalls
- Solheimajokull Glacier
- Glacier hiking
