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2. Touring Iceland’s South Coast
Second, only to the Golden Circle, the South Coast is one of Iceland’s most popular sightseeing routes. Like the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, It’s somewhat of a microcosm of Iceland.
This region has beautiful waterfalls, a spectacular coastline, glacier-capped volcanoes, stretches of black sands, geological marvels, and islands adding to its beauty. It culminates in the far east with the magnificent Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon.
Traveling from the capital, you’ll initially pass through some lovely countryside and geothermal areas before reaching the shoreline.
In clear weather, you may be able to see the volcanic archipelago of the Westman Islands jutting out to sea on your right. You can also have glimpses of the glaciers Myrdalsjokull and Eyjafjallajokull to your left before reaching the first destinations.
You’ll then spot the unmissable Seljalandsfoss, a 197-feet tall (60 meters) waterfall that descends in a narrow cascade before a gaping cavern.
Seljalandsfoss waterfall is unique due to the path that goes right behind it. In summer, this allows you to see the waterfall and South Coast from a mesmerizing perspective.
A short walk from Seljalandsfoss falls, you’ll find the Gljufrabui waterfall. It’s a hidden gem that many visitors miss out on, as it’s hidden in a mountainside cleft.
Continuing along Route 1 heading east, you’ll pass the aforementioned Solheimajokull glacier tongue and reach another waterfall, Skogafoss.
Though the same height as Seljalandsfoss, Skogafoss waterfall is far more powerful, thundering to the ground with a great cloud of spray. A staircase next to it allows you to marvel over it from many different angles.
The next major stop is at Dyrholaey, a magnificent rock arch that curves out into the ocean, large enough for ships (and small planes, as a few brave pilots have proven) to travel through.
If you’re traveling to Iceland between May and September, look out for puffins, which nest among the rocks in the thousands and have little fear of people.
The coastal geology becomes no less spectacular at the nearby Reynisfjara Beach. It’s renowned for its jet black sand, powerful waves, and sea-stacks towering offshore, known as Reynisdrangar.
Icelandic folklore says these basalt pillars are frozen trolls caught in sunlight as they attempted to drag a ship to shore.
The village of Vik sits just inland from Reynisfjara and is often the final stop on day tours of Iceland’s South Coast.
However, those that continue on pass through more diverse scenery of lava fields, estuaries, and black sand deserts before reaching Vatnajokull. At this point, the landscapes to your left will turn into dramatic mountains, dozens of glacier tongues, and countless waterfalls.
Finally, you’ll reach what is referred to as ‘the Crown Jewel of Iceland’s Nature,’ the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon.
Here you’ll find an enormous lake filled with towering icebergs groaning, rotating, and splitting apart as they make their slow journey from a glacier tongue to the ocean.
You can spend hours at the shores of Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, marveling over the views here, made all the more delightful by the many resident seals.
When these icebergs finally reach the ocean, they wash up on a beautiful stretch of black sand coastline called Diamond Beach.
As noted, most South Coast day tours will take you to Vik and back, allowing plenty of time at the great sites en route. There are a wide variety of South Coast tours to choose from, so you can find one tailored to your interests.
It’s possible to reach Jokulsarlon in a day, such as with this excursion, although you’ll have less time at the other attractions.
This 2-day trip offers the best of both worlds, and if traveling in winter, this 3-day tour is a great option. It also includes the Golden Circle and a trip to the ice caves. You’ll learn more about them in the next and final point in this list of top 10 tours of Iceland.
If you’re spending some time around the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon in summer, there are some great options to explore it more personally.
The most affordable option is to book a tour on an amphibious boat that will take you right amongst the icebergs. For an extra small cost, you could instead look at this zodiac tour.
Those who like to keep active will find this kayaking trip very enjoyable.
All three excursions will not just get you closer to the ice but allow you to see the lagoon’s seals up close.
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