Private South Coast Itinerary
Seljalandsfoss
Seljalandsfoss is one of the best known waterfalls in Iceland. It is a small but beautiful waterfall that cascades down the front of a cliff – and that makes it possible to walk behind the waterfall to view the scenic countryside of Iceland through the water.
The waterfall droacps 60 m (197 ft) and is part of the Seljalands River that has its origins in the volcano glacier Eyjafjallajökull.
Skógafoss
The Skógafoss waterfall is situated on the Skógá River in the south of Iceland at the cliffs of the former coastline. It is one of Iceland’s most beautiful waterfalls, with a width of 25 meters and a drop of 60 meters.
The water from Skógafoss plummets over the edge of the cliff and falls into a deep pool at its base, creating a huge plume of spray. On a sunny day it is common to the waterfall bathed in a vivid rainbow.
In Iceland there are many myths and legends, and one of these involves Skógafoss. It is believed that many years ago, a settler named Þrasi buried his treasure chest full of gold under the waterfall. Maybe you will be the lucky one to find Þrasi’s treasure chest on this tour!
Sólheimajökull Glacier
The Sólheimajökull glacier is the southwestern glacier tongue or outlet glacier of the Mýrdalsjökull ice-cap. It is about 8km long and 2km wide and is the 4th largest glacier in Iceland.
It is a magnificent glacier that has many cracks and crevasses, and ash layers caused by the regular volcano eruptions in the area. There is a small and beautiful lagoon in front of the glacier.
Sadly, like most Icelandic glaciers, Sólheimajökull is rapidly receding. 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 river Jökulsá runs from Sólheimajökull filled with glacial meltwater, which is rich with smelly sulphuric acid from the subglacial areas. For this reason, the river is sometimes called the “stinky river”.
Reynisfjara
Reynisfjara is a magnificent black pebble beach which features an amazing cliff of regular basalt columns resembling a rocky step pyramid, which is called Gardar.
Just offshore are the stunning basalt sea stacks called Reynisdrangar. 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.
Just to the west of Reynisfjara, the large rock arch of the Dyrhólaey peninsula is visible.
The area has a rich birdlife, including puffins, fulmars and guillemots.
The waves at Reynisfjara are especially strong and unpredictable, and fatal accidents have occurred at this beach, so people are advised to take extra care when visiting the area.
Vík
The village of Vík is the southernmost village in Iceland, around 180km southeast of Reykjavík.
Despite having only around 300 inhabitants, Vik is the largest settlement for more than 50kms in each direction and is therefore an important service center for the inhabitants of, and visitors to, the coastal strip between Skógar and the west edge of the Mýrdalssandur glacial outwash plain.
The most iconic landmark in Vik (or at least the most photographed!) is the red-roofed wooden Reyniskirkja church which was built in 1929. Because of its beautiful location, the church is very popular for weddings. Also, because of its high position just out of town and Vik’s close proximity to Katla volcano, the church is the evacuation spot in case of a volcano eruption and the subsequent flood of glacial meltwater.
The South Coast Tour duration is about 9 to 10 hours, including stops at the 5 main sites and even one or two extra stops depending on time available.
With Iceland Everywhere Tours, you are led by an experienced guide who gives you information about each destination. While driving between destinations you will be told about what you see through the window and you will get an insight into our local history, culture and nation.
Iceland Everywhere Tours travels with small groups in comfortable minibuses and our guides work hard to ensure that you receive personal service and an excellent experience.
Some of the destinations on the South Coast Tour are slightly difficult to access (for example, the walk from the parking lot to the base of Sólheimajökull glacier takes around 20 minutes) so this tour might not be suitable for everyone. 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.
