One-Way Distance
~370 km
Reykjavík to Jökulsárlón via Route 1; about 4.5 hours non-stop
South Coast Drive: Waterfalls to Glacier Lagoon in Iceland
From thundering waterfalls and black sand beaches to icebergs on a glacial lagoon—Iceland's South Coast packs the country's most dramatic scenery into a single drive.
Updated February 1, 2026By the Iceland.org Travel Team
Distance
~370 km one way
Reykjavík to Jökulsárlón • Route 1
The South Coast drive follows Route 1 east from Reykjavík for approximately 370 km to Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. The entire route is paved and no 4WD is required, though winter tires (studded) are essential November–April. Total driving time without stops is roughly 4.5 hours one way, but plan 2–3 days for a proper experience. Fuel stations are at Selfoss (57 km from Reykjavík), Hella (94 km), Hvolsvöllur (106 km), Vík (187 km), Kirkjubæjarklaustur (256 km), and Höfn (457 km). The longest gap without fuel is the 200 km stretch between Kirkjubæjarklaustur and Höfn, with a small station at Skaftafell. The route passes beneath Eyjafjallajökull volcano (erupted 2010) and crosses the vast Skeiðarársandur outwash plain, where sandstorms can strip car paint during high winds — consider SAAP gravel insurance for your rental.
Safety + sourcing
Last updated: 2026-02-01
Sneaker waves at Reynisfjara are extremely dangerous. Never turn your back on the ocean. Sandstorms can occur on the outwash plains—check weather warnings.
Sources to check
Key Stops
6+ major sites
Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Reynisfjara, Vík, Skaftafell, Jökulsárlón
Recommended Days
2–3 days
Stay overnight in Vík or Höfn for a comfortable pace
What to Expect
Seljalandsfoss (120 km, ~1.5 hrs from Reykjavík)
60-meter waterfall with a path behind the cascade (open spring–autumn, slippery in winter). Adjacent Gljúfrabúi hidden waterfall is 5 min walk south. Free parking. Allow 30–45 min.
Skógafoss (150 km, ~2 hrs from Reykjavík)
Powerful 60-meter waterfall with 527 steps to the top platform. Starting point of the Fimmvörðuháls trail (25 km) to Þórsmörk. Free. The Skógar Folk Museum next door costs 2,500 ISK. Allow 30–60 min.
Reynisfjara (180 km, ~2.5 hrs from Reykjavík)
Black sand beach with hexagonal basalt columns at Hálsanefshellir cave and Reynisdrangar 66-meter sea stacks offshore. Extreme sneaker wave danger — never turn your back on the ocean. Free. Allow 30–45 min.
Skaftafell / Vatnajökull NP (327 km, ~4 hrs)
Glacier hikes on Svínafellsjökull (from ~10,000 ISK with guide). Svartifoss basalt column waterfall is a 5.5 km round-trip hike from the visitor centre. Parking 750 ISK. Allow 2–4 hrs.
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon (370 km, ~4.5 hrs)
Icebergs calve from Breiðamerkurjökull into a 25 km² lagoon up to 248 m deep — Iceland's deepest lake. Zodiac boat tours (~6,000 ISK) run May–October. Free to view from shore. Allow 30–90 min.
Diamond Beach (371 km, directly across Route 1)
Icebergs from Jökulsárlón wash onto the black volcanic sand, glittering like gemstones. Best photographed at sunrise/sunset with low-angle light. Free. Allow 20–40 min.
Getting There
From Reykjavík, head east on Route 1 toward Selfoss. The first major waterfall, Seljalandsfoss, is about 120 km from the capital (1.5 hours). Continue east along Route 1 past Skógafoss, Vík, and the vast sandur plains to reach Jökulsárlón (4.5 hours from Reykjavík without stops). The entire route is on paved Route 1. Fuel up at Selfoss, Vík, and Kirkjubæjarklaustur. Return the same way or continue east to complete the Ring Road.
Best Time to Visit
The South Coast is spectacular year-round. Summer (June–August) offers the longest daylight, boat tours on Jökulsárlón, and puffin colonies at Dyrhólaey. Winter (November–February) brings ice caves inside Vatnajökull, Northern Lights, and fewer crowds—but shorter days and potential road closures. Spring (April–May) sees waterfalls at peak flow from snowmelt. The road is maintained year-round, but always check conditions at road.is before departing.
Planning help
South Coast Drive FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.