South Coast: Waterfalls & Black Sands

Two horses, one dark and one white, standing in a field of dry grass with dark mountains in the background.

The Ring Road’s Best Stretch

The drive along the South Coast is arguably the most scenic in Iceland. On one side, you have the wild North Atlantic Ocean; on the other, endless walls of mountains and glaciers.

A large natural rock arch standing in the sea under a moody, cloudy sky.

Our Philosophy

Dyrhólaey: The Arch

Before reaching the town of Vík, make the turn up to the Dyrhólaey promontory.

The View: From the top (accessible by car), you get a panoramic view of the endless black coastline.

The Arch: See the massive stone arch standing in the ocean. In summer, this is also a prime spot for puffin watching.

Ocean waves crashing against dark hexagonal basalt columns on a black sand beach.

A dark SUV driving along a wet coastal road next to steep, moss-covered green cliffs.

Reynisfjara: Beauty & Danger

Famous for its basalt columns and jet-black sand, this beach is beautiful but demands respect.

Basalt Columns: The hexagonal rock formations (Gardar) look like a man-made organ pipe wall.

Sneaker Waves: Never turn your back on the ocean here. The waves are unpredictable and can pull you in. Keep a safe distance!

A massive waterfall cascading over a high cliff with a tiny person standing at the base for scale.

Skógafoss: The Curtain of Water

One of the biggest waterfalls in Iceland, Skógafoss is perfectly rectangular and incredibly powerful.

Get Close: You can walk right up to the wall of water on the flat pebble riverbank (prepare to get soaked).

The Climb: A staircase on the right side leads to an observation platform at the very top of the falls.

Also check our guides.

The map below shows the live location of our shuttle bus in real time.

Snæfellsnes Peninsula: Iceland in Miniature
North Iceland: The Volcanic Diamond Circle
South Coast: Waterfalls & Black Sands

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