Waterfalls to Ice: Your Complete South Iceland Road Trip + Map 🚗
South Iceland feels made for a road trip. One minute you’re sipping coffee in colourful Reykjavik, the next you’re standing in a rift valley with steam on the breeze. Keep rolling and it’s waterfalls you can walk behind, cliffs stacked like Lego, and a beach so black the ice looks like diamonds scattered on velvet. This route keeps things relaxed: Golden Circle first, then down the coast past Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss and Vík, finishing at Jökulsárlón and Diamond Beach with time for hot pools, bakery runs and photo stops you didn’t plan for. Long summer days or winter nights with a chance of aurora, it’s the kind of drive that makes you pull over just to stare. Pack layers, bring a thermos, and let the landscape do the heavy lifting. 🇮🇸🚗
South Iceland Road Trip
🚗 Quick Trip Facts
- Trip length: 5 days, round trip from Reykjavik
- Total driving: ~900–1,000 km depending on detours
- Driving style: Good paved roads on Route 1. Build in extra time for wind, weather and photo stops.
- Best time: May–September for long days; Oct–Apr for Northern Lights with winter conditions.
- Car hire: Regular car is fine for this route in summer. In winter, check conditions daily and consider 4×4.
🚗 Recommended Car Rental: DiscoverCars
🗺️ 5-Day Itinerary
Day 1 — Reykjavik roll-in 🌆
Shake off the flight with an easy wander and a hot pool. Reykjavik is compact, colourful, and perfect for a slow first day. Duck into cafés for cinnamon buns, stroll the harbour for seabirds and salty air, and climb for a city view that helps you get your bearings. If energy allows, finish with a soak and an early night. Tomorrow is for geysers.
📍 Things to do
- ⛪ Ride the lift up Hallgrímskirkja for city and sea views.
- 🤳 Find the Sun Voyager sculpture and snap the skyline.
- 🎶 Peek inside Harpa for glass-and-light photos.
- 🐟 Stroll the Old Harbour for boats, murals, and warm chowder.
- 🌳 Walk up to Perlan hill for sunset light over the bay.
- 🖼️ Street art hunt along Laugavegur and side streets.
- 🧖♀️ Soak at a city pool like Sundhöllin or Laugardalslaug.
- 🍺 Craft beer or hot chocolate by the harbour, then early to bed.
🔹 Tinker’s Tip: Stock snacks and fuel tonight so you can roll straight out in the morning.
🔥 Recommended Tour: Blue Lagoon Visit
🗺️ Must-Read: Reykjavik, Iceland: An In-Depth Guide for First-Time Visitors
Recommended Tours and Tickets From Get Your Guide
Powered by GetYourGuide
Day 2 — Golden Circle slow & scenic 🌋💦
Leave the city for rift valleys, spouting geysers and a thundering two-tier waterfall. Go unrushed: short walks beat rushing between car parks. Add a crater detour and a countryside soak if the weather plays nice.
📍 Things to do
- 🏞️ Þingvellir: walk the Almannagjá gorge, see the Oxarárfoss falls, read a little about the world’s oldest parliament.
- 🥽 Optional adventure: snorkel Silfra in crystal water between tectonic plates.
- 🌋 Geysir area: watch Strokkur erupt every few minutes, explore steamy boardwalks.
- 🌈 Gullfoss: walk both viewpoints for spray rainbows and river roar.
- 🔴 Detour to Kerið crater for a quick loop around the red-rim bowl.
- 🍅 Greenhouse lunch among vines at a countryside tomato spot.
- 🧖 Soak at a rustic hot pool near Flúðir before heading south to sleep around Selfoss or Hella.
👉 Good to know: The classic loop is compact, but crowds ebb and flow. Swapping the order can make it feel calmer.
🗺️ More info: The Ultimate Guide to Iceland’s Golden Circle
Day 3 — South coast waterfalls to Vík 💧🖤
Today is peak south coast drama. You’ll walk behind a waterfall, peer into a mossy canyon, climb steps for a giant cascade, and end on a volcanic beach with basalt columns and moody sea stacks. Keep an eye on wind and waves and give the ocean plenty of space.
📍 Things to do
- 🌈 Seljalandsfoss: take the path behind the curtain for that misty grin.
- 🪨 Gljúfrabúi: step into the little gorge five minutes away for a secret-feeling fall.
- 🪜 Skógafoss: climb the staircase for views and start a short stroll on the riverside trail.
- 🌿 Kvernufoss: quieter waterfall in a grassy gorge near Skógar.
- ✈️ Sólheimasandur plane wreck hike if you fancy a long, flat out-and-back.
- 🐦 Dyrhólaey: lighthouse headland with arches and bird cliffs in season.
- 🖤 Reynisfjara black beach: basalt columns and sea stacks. Stay well back from the waterline.
- ⛪ Vík: roll into town, visit the hilltop church for a soft evening view.
🔹 Tinker’s Tip: Pack a lightweight waterproof and a spare pair of socks in the car. Waterfalls like to share.
🗺️ Guide to South Iceland: The Ultimate South Iceland Travel Guide: Top 10 Must-See Places 🇮🇸
Day 4 — Vík → Jökulsárlón & Diamond Beach ❄️🧊
The drive east feels otherworldly: lava fields, glacier tongues, and a national park full of crunchy basalt and rushing falls. End with floating icebergs and glittering shards on black sand that look unreal in any light.
📍 Things to do
- 🌋 Eldhraun lava field pull-offs for lunar photos and a leg stretch.
- 🏞️ Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon boardwalks if conditions allow.
- 🥾 Skaftafell in Vatnajökull National Park: hike to Svartifoss with basalt columns; add a short glacier-view loop.
- 🧗 Optional guided glacier hike or ice cave tour in season.
- 🛶 Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon: watch seals and icebergs drift by; boat tours if you want to get closer.
- 💎 Diamond Beach: cross the road and wander among ice crystals on jet-black sand.
- 🦞 Dinner near Höfn for famous langoustine, then stay near the lagoons or in town.
💡 Fact: The lagoon and the beach are separated only by the bridge and road, so you can bounce between them for different light.
🗺️ Guide to Glacier Lagoon: Discovering the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon & Diamond Beach
Day 5 — Coastal meander back to Reykjavik 🚙✨
Return west with easy pauses for anything you missed in prettier light. This is a flex day, perfect for hot springs, gentle hikes or a final coffee with a view. Aim to reach the capital before dinner to avoid a tired late-night arrival.
📍 Things to do
- 🧖 Morning soak at a countryside hot spring if you skipped it earlier.
- 🏊 Detour to Seljavallalaug pool for a short valley hike and atmospheric swim.
- 🌊 Revisit Reynisfjara or Dyrhólaey if yesterday was windy.
- 🐴 Pull over for Icelandic horses photos if you see a safe farm pull-in.
- 🌋 Pop into the Lava Centre in Hvolsvöllur for an engaging volcano primer.
- 🌿 Hveragerði hot river hike if legs are keen and weather is kind.
- 🧁 Back in Reykjavik: cinnamon bun, city pool, and a celebratory dinner.
🔹 Tinker’s Tip: Refuel whenever you’re at half a tank on the south coast. Distances are long and stations are sparse.
🗺️ Guide to Glacier Lagoon: Discovering the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon & Diamond Beach
Access to the map
No sign up required and totally FREE. Literally just using Google Maps to plot your route! Saves you messing! We don't gatekeep here! Enjoy.
Map will be located under "YOU" and then under "MAPS".
ℹ️ Add the map to your Google Maps app.
After opening Google maps, click YOU and then scroll down to MAPS. It should be located there. Any issues, just get it touch, it’s no problem!
🛑 Pit Stops & Side Detours
- Kerið crater on the Golden Circle, a short, colourful walk.
- Friðheimar tomato greenhouse for soup among vines.
- Secret Lagoon hot pool near Flúðir.
- Dyrhólaey arch and lighthouse viewpoints near Vík.
- Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon boardwalks east of Kirkjubæjarklaustur.
- Sólheimasandur plane wreck hike if you fancy a long, flat trudge.
- Fjallsárlón mini-lagoon near Jökulsárlón, often quieter.
🍽️ Local Eats Worth Chasing
- Kjötsúpa: homely lamb soup that tastes like a hug.
- Icelandic hot dog (pylsa): get “everything” on it.
- Plokkfiskur: creamy fish stew with rye bread.
- Langoustine: especially good around Höfn near the lagoons.
- Skyr cake: cheesecake’s Icelandic cousin.
- Rugbrauð ice-cream or buttered slices: sweet, dense rye you’ll dream about.
- Kleinur: twisted doughnuts for the glove compartment.
🎶 Road Trip Playlist
- Sigur Rós • Björk • Of Monsters and Men • Kaleo • Ásgeir • Ólafur Arnalds • Vök • FM Belfast • M83 • London Grammar
🔹 Tinker’s Tip: Download offline – signal can drop out.
🎙️ Podcasts to Queue Up
- The Reykjavik Grapevine Podcast for local chat and culture
- Atlas Obscura for odd little stops to add on the fly
- You’re Dead To Me episodes on Vikings and sagas
- Radiolab for wonder while you watch the landscape change
- Stuff You Should Know for easy listening between sights
🎒 Road Trip Essentials
- Windproof layers, hat, gloves, sturdy boots.
- Swimsuit and small towel for hot pools.
- Reusable water bottle and thermos.
- Sunglasses for low sun glare.
- Phone mount, offline maps, power bank.
- Microspikes in winter and a snow brush.
- Snacks you can eat one-handed.
🔹 Tinker’s Tip: Check the road and weather each morning and refuel when you can, not when you must.
Rent a Car
Access to the map
No sign up required and totally FREE. Literally just using Google Maps to plot your route! Saves you messing! We don't gatekeep here! Enjoy.
What to know How to Plan or Save for a Trip? Here are our best:
FAQs
How many days do I need for this route?
Five days is a sweet spot to see Reykjavik, the Golden Circle, Vík, Jökulsárlón and Diamond Beach without rushing. You can squeeze a taste into three, or stretch to seven for more hot pools and extra hikes.
Do I need a 4x4 for the south coast?
In summer a regular 2WD is fine for paved routes like this. In winter, roads can be icy and windy, so a 4×4 gives more stability. Check conditions each morning, allow extra time, and drive gently.
How do I get the FREE map?
The free map is available via Google Maps with no signup required. After clicking the “View Map” link, go to “Your Places” > “Maps” in the Google Maps app to find the route. Save it for offline use, especially in areas with spotty signal.
Can I see the Northern Lights on this trip?
Yes, in the darker months from roughly September to April. You’ll need clear skies, patience, and low light pollution. Pull over safely, turn off headlights, and give your eyes 20 minutes to adjust.
Is Reynisfjara beach safe to visit?
It’s stunning but the waves are powerful. Stay well back from the waterline, keep children close, and follow the signs. Avoid standing on wet sand near the edge or climbing low rocks by the surf.
Travel Planning Resources
Ready to book your next trip? These trusted resources have been personally vetted to ensure a smooth travel experience.
Book Your Flights: Kick off your travel planning by finding the best flight deals on Trip.com. Our years of experience with them confirm they offer the most competitive prices.
Book Your Hotel: For the best hotel rates, use Booking.com . For the best and safest hostels, HostelWorld.com is your go-to resource. Best for overall Hotel ratings and bargains, use TripAdvisor.com!
Find Apartment Rentals: For affordable apartment rentals, check out VRBO. They consistently offer the best prices.
Car Rentals: For affordable car rentals, check out RentalCars.com. They offer the best cars, mostly brand new.
Travel Insurance: Never travel without insurance. Here are our top recommendations:
- EKTA for Travel Insurance for all areas!
- Use AirHelp for compensation claims against flight delays etc.
Book Your Activities: Discover walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more on Get Your Guide. They have a vast selection of activities to enhance your trip. There is also Tiqets.com for instant mobile tickets.
Book The Best Trains: Use Trainline to find the most affordable trains or Rail Europe for rail passes!
Travel E-SIMS: Airalo Worldwide! Use your mobile phone anywhere!
Need More Help Planning Your Trip? Visit our Resources Page to see all the companies we trust and use for our travels.
You May Also Like
Share this post
Note: This post contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Author
Nick Harvey
Hi, I am Nick! Thank you for reading! The Travel Tinker is a resource designed to help you navigate the beauty of travel! Tinkering your plans as you browse!
Get Social
Entry Requirement Checker
Popular Posts
Join the Community
Shop Our Google Maps
Travel Itinerary Generator
Other Resources
Destinations
Get Your Free Travel Starter Kit!
Sign up with your email to receive step-by-step planning checklists, free guides, and a wealth of money-saving tips to help you plan your trip like an expert!
