The South Coast of Iceland is spectacular and breathtaking. A place shaped by volcanoes, glaciers and the unforgiving North-Atlantic. A place to see stunning waterfalls, soaring mountains and glacial lagoons.
While in Iceland, most tourists participate in a round trip called the Golden Circle. This route features several of the most famous natural sights in Iceland, including stunning waterfalls, the well-known geysers and the Thingvellir national park. While this is definitely a tour which you have to take to be able to say that you know Iceland, there are other parts which are not visited as much as the Golden Circle in eastern Iceland. One of these „secret“ hints is the beautiful south coast.
Nature on the South Coast
Tourists coming to Iceland want to see nature, nature and even more nature. On the south coast, they get exactly what they are looking for. A mix of rough wilderness, pure nature and breathtaking sceneries creates an atmosphere you will never forget. Not many people can for example say that they have been walking up and down a black sand beach or that they recreated the journey of Walter Mitty, but exactly this will apply to you once you visit the south coast of Iceland.
The Top Attractions
Iceland is often referred to as the country of waterfalls. In this regard, the south coast will not be a disappointment. The seaside of Iceland´s southern shores are full of waterfalls of every kind. The most famous ones are called Seljalandsfoss, Gljúfrabúi and Skógafoss. We know that you have already forgotten these names right now, but the sights themselves are far more remarkable. You might have seen pictures of these natural landmarks, as photographers in general love the south coast of Iceland. Furthermore, these cataracts could not differ more. You can walk behind the first one, have to search for the second one as it is naturally hidden in a cave and you might remember the last one from the movies with Thor and Walter Mitty.
But not only fans of waterfalls will get their money worth, but also people who follow the media closely. A few years ago, the eruption of the volcano Eyjafjallajökull led to a total shutdown of air transport, millions of tourists and businessmen and -women were trapped at the airports in Europe. The volcano is part of a mountain chain and rises majestically over the south coast of Iceland.
Last, but not least, is the famous black sand beach. The crushed volcanic stones created hundreds of thousand of years ago have settled at this exact location, only keeping their unique color. While the beach is wonderful to take photographs, swimming might be a little bit too cold for normal human beings.
Why you should visit the South Coast
Amongst the incredible nature, the south coast of Iceland offers even more attractions. Events like horse riding on the black sand beach or tours through the glaciers allow you to create memories which you will never forget. Additionally, this part of Iceland is not as frequently visited as the goals around the Golden Circle, so you will enjoy the lonely nature even more.
