Visitors are required to take all trash with them from the site and leave nothing behind. Finally, you will approach the famous Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, a deep lake that fills with icebergs as the Breiamerkurjkull glacier slowly breaks down. The whole area is geologically very young, formed during the last Ice Age by the lava flows from numerous volcanoes in the area. Upon visiting here, the reasons become evidently clear as to why Jkulsrln is colloquially titled The Crown Jewel of Iceland. The most famous is the Blue Lagoon Spa which is close to Keflavik airport. Visitors to Skgafoss can walk right up to where the cascading water crashes into the ground, making for fantastic photographs. to long black beaches where you don't see the end. The most iconic landmark in Vik (or at least the most photographed!) Hfn, the lobster capital of Iceland, marks the grand finale of the south coast trip! Also, because of its high position just out of town and Viks close proximity to Katla volcano, the church is the evacuation spot in case of a volcano eruption and the subsequent flood of glacial meltwater. There are, however, plenty of hot springs in the area. Farming was finally discontinued in the area in 1988. What is Guide to Iceland? The area has a rich birdlife, including puffins, fulmars and guillemots. 2 Day Jokulsarlon, South Coast and Ice Caving Tour. Discover the 'land of fire and ice' as you journey between the glaciers and lavafields of Iceland's south coast. Witness glaciers, volcanoes, waterfalls and the famous Reynisfjara black sand beach on this trip. 35,940 Less than a kilometre from Seljalandsfoss is the hidden gem of Gljfrabi waterfall. Skgar, which is home to Skogafoss waterfall, has a very interesting museum that discusses some of the nations history and culture. Vk Mrdal is located directly south of Mrdalsjkull glacier, meaning it is at constant threat from Katla volcano, which sits beneath the ice cap. We recommend you take your time - there are so many places to enjoy, trails to hike, and sights to photograph! Still, it is important to check the age restrictions and physical requirements of the specific tour you are interested in. Lunch or refreshments are not included in the tour price and you are of course more then welcome to bring snacks/food with you :). Private 3-Day Sightseeing Tour of the South Coast - Guide to Iceland In 1991, National Geographic voted Reynisfjaraamong the Top 10 most beautiful non-tropical beaches found in the world. Boat and kayak tours navigate between small icebergs at the Fjallsrln and Jkulsrln glacier lagoon. Vatnajkull National Park covers approximately 11% of the country, blanketing canyons, mountains and even volcanoes, thus proving to be an excellent example as to why Iceland is known as the "Land of Ice and Fire". This will help to balance the views and the time on the road. Note that different sections of the river come out at different temperatures, so walk up and down a little to find the most comfortable spot for you. The area was considered a National Park in its own right because it was so beautiful. Along the way from Reykjavik to Vik, you will also enjoy stunning views of the Icelandic countryside and the sweeping Skeiarsandur black-sand-plains of the Vatnajkull National Park. 14 Best Iceland South Coast Tours Worth the Spend One reason that Icelanders believed this is due to a folktale revolving around a young woman in 1904 who claimed to ethereal singing originating fromDverghamrar, despite the fact she could see the site was empty. Vk Mrdal is a small coastal village found on Icelands South Coast, often utilised as a lunch stop and souvenir shopping destination for those partaking ina sightseeing tour. Pickup time from hotels and guesthouses between 8:30am to 9:00am. Those with an extended stay in Iceland have no reason not to explore this most majestic of regions, a stretch of shoreline as much characterised by its beautiful nature and settlements as it is by the breadth of opportunities available. As a personal preference we would concentrate on future visits on the NE quarter of Iceland taking in Akureyri, Mvatn and Egilsstadir. Youll enjoy lush landscapes lined with magical waterfalls, glittering glaciers, fizzing geothermal areas, towering volcanoes, and endless black sand beaches. Iceland is filled with interesting rock sculptures, lava form What attributes make the Icelandic horse so loved by its people? You'll stop at several waterfalls, a fishing village, the black sand beach, and a famous lighthouse on Dyrholaey Peninsula. South Coast, Waterfalls & Glacier Hike | Arctic Adventures Learn more 10 hours (approx.) If you are in doubt, please contact us and we can discuss your needs and make sure you are able to enjoy as much of the experience as possible. 23,180 More hiking areas that are situated close to the South Coast include the colorful mountains of Landmannalaugar, with the famous hiking track Laugavegur, leading to the green valleys of rsmrk and onwards to Skgar by the coast. From the parking lot, there's an additional 15-20 minute walk to reach the pool. Hfn Hornafiri is often utilised for overnight stops for tours travelling along the South Coast, particularly those that travel as far as Jkulsrln GlacierLagoon, or for those continuing east, rather than returning west to the capital. Keri -a three-thousand-year-old volcanic crater filled with bright blue waters contrasting beautifully with the dark red volcanic rocks and deep green mosses. Note: if visiting in Winter, head to my article, what is referred to as the South coast of Iceland, the locations of its 2 main towns: Vik and Hfn, The locations of other points of interest (complete South Iceland map available in, Vik in the middle of the coast with black sand beaches all around. While the South Coast boasts an untold number of major attractions, there are also great swaths of land that are hauntingly barren as a result of glacial flooding that has wreaked havoc on the area for centuries. South Coast Full Day Tour by Minibus from Reykjavik 2,369 Reviews Reykjavik, Iceland Share Save to Wishlist From $112.00 Lowest Price Guarantee Select Date and Travelers Check Availability Reserve Now & Pay Later Secure your spot while staying flexible Free cancellation Up to 24 hours in advance. Svartifoss-Named for the dark basalt columns surrounding it, Svartifoss (the Black Waterfall) is one of the highlights of a visit to Skaftafell National Park. These waves are powerful and the currents of Reynisfjara are strong, not to mention that the water is ice cold, meaning that if youre caught up suddenly in the tide, the odds are immediately against you. Once again, photographers jump at the chance to photographGljfrabi and its unique surroundings. The other national parks in the country are ingvellir National Park, roughly forty minutes northeast from Reykjavk, and Snfellsjkull National Park. Then, in 1186, a convent of Benedictine nuns was to call the village home until the Reformation in the mid-1500s. Silfra Fissure -go snorkeling between two continents and enjoy the stunning sights of Silfras amazingly clear water. In its vicinity, one can find stunningly beautiful hiking areas. Iceland's 2 Day South Coast Adventure Tour | Arctic Adventures Seljalandsfoss has been featured widely in international film and television. . 6-Day Ring Road Tour Around Iceland. Embrace the midnight sun and explo Guide to Iceland | The Story of the Leading Travel Agency of Iceland, The Complete Guide to the Midnight Sun in Iceland, Top 20 Most Beautiful Waterfalls in Iceland, The Icelandic Horse | A Comprehensive Guide, Iceland in June | Everything You Need to Know, Best Attractions by the Ring Road of Iceland, 2 Day Ice Cave Tour | South Coast Waterfalls & Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, Excellent 9 Hour Horse Riding & Hot Springs Tour of Reykjadalur Valley with Transfer from Reykjavik, Hiking and Bathing in Reykjadalur Geothermal Valley, Extraordinary 3 Hour Glacier Hiking Adventure Tour on Solheimajokull, South Coast Elements | Glacier Hike, Lava Caving, DC-3 Plane Wreck & Geothermal Pool, Top Activities in Iceland for Adrenaline Junkies, The 13 Most Enchanting Beaches in Iceland. 2-Day South Coast Action Package - iceland-highlights.com If you are doing a ring road tour and continuing to the South coast and the East Fjords, better to group by locations day after day. The guide told us so much about Iceland while driving. Situatedfour hours and 22 minutes drive away from Icelands capital, Reykjavk (on a good day with clear roads), meaning that, without stops, youll be driving for nine hours in total if you decide to head there and back in one day. Over the next two days, you'll explore the very best of Iceland's South Coast. It's also known for its geothermal activity, making it popular for growing vegetables in greenhouses, and it's also the center of Iceland's dairy production. Just be aware that it's an extensive trip to make in a single day, asthere are countless other attractions to be found along the way. Dverghamrar is a protected national monument. It is worth every penny you pay more than for a tour with a big bus. is the red-roofed wooden Reyniskirkja church which was built in 1929. Plus, in June, the lupin fields turn all that pink and violet and in Winter, the glaciers give you crystal caves. Pagans as well as people of any religion or lack thereof are free to roam Kirkjubr to their hearts desires.). The DC plane wreck is, perhaps, what Slheimasandur is most famous for, having crash-landed there in 1973. Take advantage of this immersive three-day experience exploring the sights along the South Coast of Iceland and hunting for the aurora borealis each night. That way, you can fully immerse yourself in the experience while staying comfortably toasty! 14,990 Skaftafell is a preservation area located in the region of rfi (The Wasteland), southeast Iceland. Seljavallalaug also once held the title of being Icelands largest swimming pool, measuring 10 metres in width and 25 metres in length, but lost the title in 1936. Do note, however, that those choosing to bathe at the pool do so at their own risk, and only should the urge take them. As for amenities,Hfn boasts more than most towns of its size (est. What type of vehicle is used for this tour? The glacier has retreated about a kilometer over the last decade and it is possible that it may disappear totally within the next few decades. The surrounding landscape is characterised by shifting shoals and glacial rivers, with several small islands lying to the east of the village such as Mikley and Krkaltur. Prepare to have your senses awakened as you witness the awe-inspiring power of thundering waterfalls, the mesmerizing eruption of geysers, and the breathtaking beauty of dramatic black sand beaches. In terms of sports; horse riding is popular, as is fishing, hiking, snorkelling, sightseeing and river rafting. Whatever the case, Reynisdrangar is home to a wealth of nesting seabirds including Puffins, Fulmars and Guillemots. How has Guide to Iceland changed since its conception? Explore an unequalled wealth of tours and packages, Read first hand reviews by customers from across the world. A word of warning for those looking to travel to Reynisfjara, however. The South Coast is the most easily accessible part of the countrys southern region, found along the Ring Road (Route 1), which encircles Iceland. From Reykjavik: South of Iceland Full-Day Trip, Full Day South Coast Tour that features beaches and waterfalls, Iceland: Full-Day South Coast, Black Beach &, From Reykjavik: Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon full-Day Trip, South Coast Classic: Full-Day Tour from Reykjavik, South Coast tours that is a day long and takes you on a glacier hike, From Reykjavik: South Coast Day Trip with Glacier Hike. Lava! It is also possible to view the waterfall from the top if you ascend the staircase right beside it. Just like Kirkjuglfi, modern understanding dictates that the basalt columns were formed from cooling lava that quickly contracted, thus causing deep and distinctive cracks in the rock. Here you can enjoy a diversity of landscapes and terrains. It is one of Icelands most beautiful waterfalls, with a width of 25 meters and a drop of 60 meters. The most notable of these are. Yes, this is your chance to try delicious Ethiopian food in Iceland, washed down with the best cup of Ethiopian coffee around. The south coast is not to be missed. The South Coast small group tour combines the most exciting & stunning sightseeing spots in Iceland, all in one, fun packed day of adventure. SOUTH COAST AND GLACIER WALK TOUR - Reykjavik Sightseeing Where your Skgafoss - Pronounced "skoa-foss", this impressive 60-meter waterfall faces directly south, which means theres a great chance to see rainbows reaching into the sky on sunny days. Fjarrgljfur, notoriously unpronounceable for foreigners, is said as [Fyath-raor-glyu-fur]. Minilik Ethiopian RestaurantEthiopian food in Iceland? Maybe you will be the lucky one to find rasis treasure chest on this tour! From Reykjavik: South Coast & Glacier Hike (12 hours) 4. Phone: +354 571 4599 After passing through Vk you will cross the glacial sandplain of Skeiarrsandur before entering Vatnajkull National Park. rastarlundur is perfectly situated in the town of Selfoss with plenty of tasty food options making it a great place to stop for dinner after touring the Golden Circle. If looking to head out that far, it is recommended to spend a couple of days on the South Coast, making an overnight stop somewhere like Hvolsvllur or Hfn. At the end of the tour, you will be dropped off back at your accommodation in Reykjavik with fantastic memories of Iceland's most impressive natural attractions. Sklholt Cathedral & Museum -take a look at this significant cultural, educational and religious epicenter. 15% discount is offered if you purchase more than one trip with Iceland Everywhere Tours and pay in one payment. However, bookings canceled within 24 hours of the tour's departure are non-refundable. There are a whole range of South Coast tours in Iceland that will take you to all the best locations on this stretch. Explore the famous sites of the Golden Circle and South Coast, as well as the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon to explore a blue ice cave. So we got actually more than what we had paid for <3 1. The Golden Circle includes these main sites: Thingvellir National Park(ingvellir) - an astonishing rift valley where the Mid-Atlantic Ridge splits Iceland in two, this marvelous National Park was the birthplace of Icelands first parliament in Viking times. A mere 23 kilometres eastward from Seljalandsfoss waterfall, visitors will stumble across one of the South Coasts outdoor pools; Seljavallalaug. The valley is located beside Hverageri, a town of approximately 2500 people known for the locals friendliness (if you have any trouble finding your way into the valley, somebody will be around to point you in the direction.) Many people will start their trip by visiting the, There are many options available, particularly around the small town of, In summer, the most popular sites on the south shore of Iceland, such as, Yes, there are. Jkulsrln glacier lagoon hassome of the prettiest vistas in Iceland. Follow the North Atlantic coastline from Reykjavk into the south coast wonderland and become a Northern Light Hunter. Laugarvatn Fontana Spa-For almost a century, the locals of Laugarvatn have been enjoying the healing powers of the lakesidegeothermal area. Blue Lagoon-Taking a dip in a geothermal pool is Icelands national pastime, and the Blue Lagoon is the most famous spa of them all! Iceland. "We were limited by day light hours in December, however, we saw everything and had time to wander about without been rushed. South Coast Full Day Tour by Minibus from Reykjavik By Your Day Tours 1,299 reviews Recommended by 98% of travelers A quick trip to Iceland doesn't mean missing the highlights, and this full-day tour of the South Coast explores glaciers, waterfalls, a volcano, and a puffin habitat. Book your complete trip with the best companies only, Keflavk International Airport (KEF), Reykjanesbr, Iceland, The South of Iceland is best known for: the waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and, Because of the vulnerability of the ice caves during the summer months, most, Some tours will take you all the way to Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, whereas others will turn back at the village of Vik or the, Reaching the black sand beaches near Vik from Reykjavik takes about three hours. Heimaey Island is easily walkable, however, so it's not necessary to bring your car with you. Be careful in the winter months, however, as these stairs become laden with snowfall, making accessibility difficult. For many years, the US Navy DC-3 Plane Wrecksat abandoned to the elements. To the north, you will be able to Mrdalsjkull glacier, while to the east and west respectively, you will have views over Reynisdrangar and the southern coastline towards the town of Selfoss. Dverghamrar is an excellent example of how mysterious and puzzling Icelandic nature can be, a fact driven home by the attraction's mythological name. The area is made up of diverse landscapes; marshlands, bays, cultivated pastures, estuaries and black sand deserts. Do note, however, that parts of Dyrhlaey are closed off during May and June in order to leave the nesting birds undisturbed. Some places of interest along Iceland's South Coast include Seljalandsfoss and Skgafoss waterfall, the DC-3 plane wreck at Slheimasandur beach, the small town of Vik along with the black sand beaches and basalt columns in Reynisfjara peninsula, and all of the wonders of Vatnajkull National Park. Flowing. Photos are made even more amazing by the sheer size of the mist and spray clouds constantly formed by the waterfall, creating rainbows in the light. Skaftafell: 5 Hour Glacier Hike Adventure, Crystal Ice Cave Tour from Jkulsrln Glacier Lagoon, From Jkulsrln: Crystal Blue Ice Cave Super Jeep Tour, Katla Ice Cave and Super Jeep Tour from Reykjavik/Vik, South Coast Glacier Hike and Northern Lights tour, : South Coast, Glacier Hike, and Norther Lights Winters Tour, The South Coast and Black Beach ATV Ride tour, From Reykjavik: South Coast and Black Beach ATV Ride. Highly recommend! Dverghamrar (Dwarf Cliffs) is an area of hexagonal basalt columns found in South Iceland, approximately 10 kilometres east ofKirkjubjarklaustur. Photo fromWikimedia,Creative Commons, by Michal Gorski. Iceland South Coast - map + 21 best attractions - ZigZag On Earth It is thought that Katlas eruption would cause glacial flooding large enough to completely destroy the town, save for the red-roofed Vk Mrdal church which is positioned on a hill higher than the rest of the town. In stark contrast, some of the areas are luscious and green, particularly its long stretches of farmland and Skaftafell Nature Reserve, found within the unique and awe-inspiring Vatnajkull National Park. South Iceland offers youmany delicious food options. This incredible South Shore of Iceland stretches from the greater Reykjavk area in the west to the magnificent Jkulsrln glacier lagoon in the east. Gljfrabi Waterfall-This waterfall near Seljalandsfoss is often overlooked because its partially concealed. Reykjavik: Private Golden Circle and South Coast Tour (12 hours) 6. 10,5 Hours. Vatnajkull is the largest glacier in Europe, and it covers a tenth of Iceland! Nearby lakes and rivers are popular for fishing, and the golf course attracts locals and tourists alike. The South Coast is also home to some of Icelands prettiest towns and villages. I can't find my hotel on the pickup list? Legend claims that Irish hermits (Papar)the earliest settlers to the areawere the ones to lay down this protective spell. Duration: 14 hours Su Mo Tu We Fr Sa From: 165 Easy Cancellation One story even states that a young pagan, Hildir Eysteinsson, failed to believe such magic could be possible and therefore attempted to move to Kirkjubr. There are also numerous other attractions in the south part of Iceland that aren't a part of the coastline, such as the popular Golden Circle sightseeing route that includes ingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall and Geysir geothermal area. Move on to the dramatic Skaftafell Nature Reserve in the National Park. The open sands provide no shelter from the unpredictable weather, so dress warmly. Freshwater birds nest in the marshlands and around the estuaries, while seabirds flock around the cliffs of Reynisdrangar and Dyrhlaey. From Reykjavik: South Coast and Black Beach ATV Ride (11 hours) 5. Slakki Petting Zoo fun for the whole family in Selfoss, Slheimar Eco-Village -a unique society which invites visitors to have a peek into environmentally-friendly communal living, Friheimar Greenhouses -where you can taste fresh tomato soup made from their very own tomatoes in a greenhouse setting, surrounded by tomato vines. Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach-enjoy a memorable stroll on this world-famous beach, where youll find towering basalt formations and powerful Atlantic waves pounding the shores. Most of the park is within the Icelandic Highlands, so in order to reach more remote parts of it a 4WD car is required. Getting there requires you to take a left turn off the Ring Road onto road 242 until you come to a parking lot. Golden Circle & South Coast Tour will tick the must-see boxes for the culture vultures. Laugarvatn This wonderful region is part of the famous Ring Road and can be easily crossed in a few days on your way to touring Iceland. The South Coast of Iceland is a world of majestic and colorful landscapes: from impressive 60m high waterfalls, to long black beaches where you don't see the end, to easily accessed white glacier tongues melting into lagoons. One of Icelands most famous hiking trails, Fmmvruhls, cuts through the area and is worth the walk if you have time. Everything on the tour was delivered as promised. 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 . Translated to Smoke Valley but should, in fact, be "Steam Valley", most people connotateReykjadalur to the highly-popular, soothing hot river that runs through the area, a result of the regions geothermal underbelly. They bring you close to Europes largest glacier Vatnajkull. Special moments were visits to the lava caves in Snaefellsnes; Hrisey Island; Myvatn Lake and geological area; the waterfalls at Godafoss and Dettifoss. This isan area of serene beauty characterised by its peaceful icebergs, the curious seal colonies and sweeping views over the ice caps and mountains of Vatnajkull National Park. Hfn Hornafiri (often shortened to simply Hfn) is a fishing village in southeast Iceland, sitting just near the Hornafjrur fjord. 101 Reykjavk. On a sunny day it is common to the waterfall bathed in a vivid rainbow. Mobile: +354 691 4599, Mobile: +354 862 2377 Still, despite its size and age, Seljavallalaug is free to enter and makes for a worthwhile stop whilst travelling the South Coast. Just offshore are the stunning basalt sea stacks called Reynisdrangar. In summer there are 2-3 times as many Arctic Tern as Icelanders so you are bound to spot some of them on your travels. Should it be called the Icelandic pony What are the differences between the seasons in Iceland? According to folklore, two trolls attempted to drag a ship to land but were turned to stone as daylight broke, turning them into the Reynisdrangar stacks. Vk is known for its reserved culture, as well as for it being the perfect spot to grab a bite a eat or do a little souvenir shopping. Other towns along the South Coast worthy of a visit are Selfoss (the largest town in the region), Hverageri, Flir, Hella and Hvolsvllur. It is said thatDverghamrar was built by these ethereal creatures, a justified explanation given the lack of scientific understanding on the part of early Icelanders. Reykjavik Small-Group Full-Day South Coast Tour 2023 - Viator This makes the feature particularly beloved by nature photographers who jump at the chance to snapshot the waterfall from behind. GOLDEN CIRCLE, SECRET LAGOON & FRIHEIMAR FARM. Guests looking to see birdlife can see a variety of species, including puffins, but be aware of the Arctic Tern who are known to divebomb aggressively when protecting their nests. It is important to dress appropriately for the weather, which can be unpredictable in Iceland. When driving the South Coast route from Reykjavk city, the first major features are the two great waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Skgafoss. The Skgafoss waterfall is situated on the Skg River in the south of Iceland at the cliffs of the former coastline. But no eruption has taken place for over 100 years, and while Katla sleeps thenvisitors to Vk can go on excursions all year round towards Katla volcano andexplore natural ice caves found in the glacier that sits on top of it. Feel the ground tremble under your feet and watch for rainbows! A professional and passionate guide will be with you the whole time. There are not really any physical requirements on the tour since youll be driven along the coast in a car, and the amount of walking each guest does at the sightseeing sites is up to them, Fantastic! Cars are parked at the end of this gravel road, from where guests hike for approximately 50-70 minutes until they reach the first areas for bathing. Getting there you will need to put in a bit of effort. As with everywhere in Iceland, you should always keep an eye out to sea, as whales and dolphins reside all along its coastline. Experience the best of Icelands untouched nature in this incredible tour. Minimum age. All year. This promontory is best known for its fantastic views over Icelands South Coast, as well as the birdlife that utilisesDyrhlaeys towering cliff faces and the enormous rock arch that dominates the scene. South Coast Classic: Full-Day Tour from Reykjavik (10.5 hours) 2. There are no landmasses between Reynisfjara beach and the continent of Antarctica, so you can imagine how the waves can build momentum. Available. To this day, visitors consider South Iceland to be the ideal spot for hiking, paragliding, Super Jeep tours and sightseeing, among other activities. On Icelands south coast are five beautiful and remarkable destinations that you will visit during this tour. rhs Restaurant. Yes, there are guided tours that offer ice climbing opportunities on some of the glaciers along the South Coast, such as this, Yes, there are several restaurants and cafes in the towns and villages along the South Coast, such as Vik and, Yes, private South Coast tours are available for groups or individuals who prefer a more personalized experience. A culinary feast awaits fans of the langoustine, a small lobster species of which only the tails get eaten.