Breakfast near accommodation
Look for some good breakfast options near your accommodation. Consider stocking up on snacks for the day while you wait for Heather
11-Day Iceland Ring Road Adventure
July 14-24, 2025
🌊 Day 3: South Coast Wonders
July 16
"Nature is not a place to visit. It is home."
Day Summary
Welcome Heather to your adventure as you explore Iceland's dramatic South Coast! Today features iconic waterfalls, including one you can walk behind, dramatic black sand beaches, and breathtaking coastal landscapes. From the thundering Skógafoss to the hauntingly beautiful black sand beaches with their towering sea stacks, today's journey showcases the raw power and beauty of Iceland's southern shoreline.
Total Driving: ~175 km (109 miles), 2 hours 35 minutes
- Country Dream guesthouse, Selfoss to Seljalandsfoss Waterfall: ~60 km (37 miles), 45 minutes
- Seljalandsfoss Waterfall to Skógafoss Waterfall: ~30 km (19 miles), 25 minutes
- Skógafoss Waterfall to Vikurfjara Black Sand Beach: ~40 km (25 miles), 40 minutes
- Vikurfjara Black Sand Beach to Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach: ~10 km (6 miles), 10 minutes
- Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach to Dyrhólaey Peninsula: ~15 km (9 miles), 15 minutes
- Dyrhólaey Peninsula to The Barn, Norðurfoss: ~20 km (12 miles), 20 minutes
Daily Schedule
Meet Heather
Heather joins your journey today. Make sure you have a good meetup plan
Drive to Seljalandsfoss
Head east along the Ring Road (Route 1) to your first waterfall destination.
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
Experience the unique opportunity to walk behind this 200-foot waterfall. The path that circles behind the curtain of water offers an unforgettable perspective, though prepare to get a little wet!
Drive to Skógafoss
Continue east along Route 1 to your next waterfall destination.
Skógafoss Waterfall and Hiking Trail
Witness the power of this massive 200-foot waterfall and climb the 527 steps to the viewing platform at the top for panoramic views. This is also the starting point for the famous Fimmvörðuháls hiking trail.
Lunch at Skógar Museum café
Enjoy a lunch break at the museum café offering soups, sandwiches, and traditional Icelandic refreshments.
Drive to Vikurfjara Black Sand Beach
Continue along the Ring Road to the impressive black sand beaches.
Vikurfjara Black Sand Beach
Explore this less crowded alternative to Reynisfjara with dramatic black sand and oceanic views. This beach was specifically recommended by your friends as a highlight of the South Coast.
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
Visit Iceland's most famous black sand beach with its impressive basalt columns and Reynisdrangar sea stacks rising from the ocean.
Dyrhólaey Peninsula
Visit this small peninsula with a large sea arch and lighthouse. In July, you'll have a good chance to spot puffins nesting on the cliffs.
Drive to The Barn
Make the short drive to your accommodation for the night.
Check in at The Barn
Arrive at your accommodation for the night, a charming farmhouse hostel with mountain views.
Dinner at Suður-Vík Restaurant
Enjoy dinner at this popular restaurant in Vík offering a variety of Icelandic and international dishes.
Key Highlights of the Day
- Walking behind the curtain of Seljalandsfoss waterfall
- Climbing to the top of Skógafoss for panoramic views
- Experiencing the unique black sand beaches of Iceland's south coast
- Spotting puffins at Dyrhólaey (in season)
Accommodations
The BarnNorðurfoss, 871, Iceland
Cost: $304.77
Room Type: Double Room, Shared Bathroom, Mountain View
Note: Hostel-style accommodation in a converted barn with shared facilities and beautiful views.
Alternative Activities
- Kvernufoss Waterfall: Hidden waterfall near Skógafoss with much fewer tourists. Requires a short 20-minute hike each way through a gorge with some scrambling over rocks.💎 Hidden Gem
- Sólheimajökull Glacier Viewpoint: Easy access viewing point for one of Iceland's most accessible glaciers. For a more immersive experience, guided glacier hikes are available (require pre-booking).
- Thakgil Canyon: Beautiful canyon area with green valleys and hiking trails of various lengths. Much less visited than other South Coast attractions.💎 Hidden Gem
- Vík i Myrdal Church: Picturesque white church on a hill overlooking the village of Vík and the black sand beaches. Offers great photo opportunities.
- Zipline Tour in Vík: Four-line zipline tour offering thrilling aerial views of South Iceland's black beaches, cliffs, and the Mýrdalsjökull glacier.
Bad Weather Alternatives
- Skógar Museum: Comprehensive folk museum showcasing Icelandic history and culture with both indoor and outdoor exhibitions including historic turf houses.
- Lava Centre: Interactive exhibition about Iceland's volcanic activity with earthquake simulators and exhibits on the country's most famous eruptions.
- Skogar Swimming Pool: Indoor/outdoor swimming pool with hot tubs, located near Skógafoss. A great way to relax in bad weather.
Hot Springs
- Seljavallalaug: One of Iceland's oldest swimming pools (built 1923), nestled in a mountain valley near Seljalandsfoss. Accessible via a 20-minute hike.Location: Near SeljalandsfossCost: Free
- Gljúfrabúi Hot Spring: A small natural hot spring at the base of the hidden Gljúfrabúi waterfall, just a short walk from Seljalandsfoss.Location: Near SeljalandsfossCost: Free
- Secret Lagoon (Gamla Laugin): Iceland's oldest swimming pool in Flúðir offering a natural hot spring experience. Perfect for unwinding after a day of waterfalls and black sand beaches.Location: Flúðir (on the way back to accommodation)Cost: 3,000 ISK (~$22) per person✨ Evening Relaxation
Notes
- Most restaurants along the South Coast close early (around 9pm), so plan dinner accordingly.
- Consider stocking up on some groceries as options are limited after Selfoss.