South West Iceland
Iceland is filled with the most beautiful coastline I’ve ever seen. I’ve never stopped to think about it, but Ring Road – the most popular and visited road in Iceland – stretches along the Atlantic Ocean. This means as you drive and see volcanoes and waterfalls on one side, you see beautiful crashing waves on the other.
South & West Iceland are easily accessible by driving yourself or joining an overnight tour. Many people opt to stay in Reykjavík and take day tours while others (like us) choose to sleep in different regions to be closer to the sights.
As mentioned in my previous post, Icelandic weather can change on a dime. Because of this (and our fear of storms), we decided to join an organized tour and play it safe. Plus, it was a nice break from having to think at all! We simply sat back, relaxed, and enjoyed the pretty scenery.
Iceland’s south and west areas are not heavily populated but are quite beautiful. Additionally, while heading south, if you’re into chess, be sure to stop in Selfoss and see the Bobby Fischer Center.
Golden Circle Or South Iceland?
While taking Ring Road heading South and West you’ll pass several sites that check off both boxes. We absolutely loved The Lava Tunnel (one of our trip highlights) and Kerid Crater. However, both were part of our Golden Circle leg.
Driving Around South & West Iceland
If you’re self-driving I suggest putting everything into Google Maps before departure and playing around with it there. This will allow each day’s itinerary to emerge organically. Next, email it to yourself so you’re ready to go upon arrival.
One important thing to note – as mentioned in my “Know Before You Go” tips, be sure to include “parking lot” for each waterfall or you may accidentally end up in the wrong place. Lastly, while Wi-Fi is plentiful, you’ll need an internet connection (from your carrier) for Google Maps when driving between stops.
Don’t Go Chasing Waterfalls… Unless You’re In South & West Iceland!
Iceland has many beautiful waterfalls each with its own vibe. If you’re visiting in the winter remember it can (and will) get icy so be careful walking around and stay on the designated paths.
Is Special Footwear Needed?
While special footwear like crampons are not “needed” at the waterfalls they will definitely help with the ice. It makes sense to bring them, not use them, and return them when you get home vs wishing you had them. Check out our packing list for some easy to pack selections. With that said, some waterfalls have a crampons vs. no crampons path so keep your eyes peeled for that too (see, they make it so easy for tourists!).
Waterfalls Are… Wet!
It’s not surprising that waterfalls are wet. However, it is surprising that the spray is so powerful you can get drenched just looking at them! Depending on your sprinkle tolerance (and the weather), you may want to gear up and wear a raincoat or rain pants. We loved Frogg Toggs’ lightweight options which were both easy to pack and heavy on the zippered pockets (my kryptonite). We also wore waterproof boots the whole time.
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
Seljalandsfoss is one of the first waterfalls you’ll see driving south on Ring Road. With that said it’s an impressive one! This waterfall is part of the Seljalandsá River, which begins under the famous Eyjafjallajökull Volcano. The exciting part about Seljalandsfoss is walking behind it, but womp womp, this option closes when it’s icy and sadly it was icy when we visited. Thus began my lesson on being powerless against Icelandic weather and having to go with the flow.
But Wait! There’s More!
While there, be sure to follow the path past Seljalandsfoss and check out the additional waterfalls (including Gljúfrafoss), little caves, and beautiful rock formations. Your kids will like the caves more than the waterfalls.
Eyjafjallajökull Volcano
The base of Eyjafjallajökull Volcano aka the volcano that shut down Europe in 2010 is the perfect place to stop for a quick picture. Known as E-15 by everyone who can’t say Eyjafjallajökull, it now looms over the street quietly sleeping. Fun fact – you have to stand back to fit all the letters in your picture!
Skógafoss Waterfall
The stunning Skógafoss is famous for its hundreds of steps to conquer for an aerial view. Want to know my opinion? It was nicer (on my thighs and eyes) from the ground. Here I’ll save you the 527 steps…
As you approach the gorgeous waterfall it will draw you in making you want to get as close as you can. This desire is even stronger when there’s a full rainbow arc crowning the waterfall! At this moment I guarantee you’ll be happy wearing waterproof pants. Be sure to look for the pretty house nestled next to the waterfall too.
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
Reynisfjara Beach is super cool because of the black sand, basalt columns, cave, and crazy CRAZY CRAZY! crashing waves. We were completely mesmerized watching the water and had so much fun hopping between rocks, feeling the smooth stones, and playing the floor is (literally) lava. With that said, be mindful of condition warnings and believe them! People often miscalculate the undertow and get violently sucked into the water. Much like Bodhi at the end of Point Break – there’s no coming back.
Vik Church
Vik’s small, beautiful, red and white hilltop church is one of the most photographed sites in Iceland. It’s a quick stop and worth it. It’s not only pretty but offers a beautiful view of the area including the other side of Reynisfjara Beach.
Icelandic Horses
As you drive down the coast you’ll see farms with the famous Icelandic horses along the way. Many people (respectfully) stop to say hello and take pictures. I loved looking at the variety of horse colors in each grouping and seeing how calm they were when tourists bothered them (me). Be sure to look around if you stop, you’ll often see a small little waterfall popping out nearby as well.
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Jökulsárlón is a glacial lake – or lagoon – created by the water running off the Breiðamerkurjökull glacial tongue from the Vatnajökull Glacier. With its huge ice chunks, icebergs, and wildlife it’s an incredible place to stop and sightsee.
There are a few vantage points to enjoy, each with a different view. You can either head down to the lagoon shore or climb up a small hill for an aerial view. Both were spectacular. From above I saw a seal sunning himself on an ice sheet (ignoring the tourist paparazzi). From below I saw seals playfully swimming and the current moving ice chunks all over the place. I loved it here and could have stayed staring at the lagoon for hours. Now that I’m home I’m addicted to the lagoon’s live camera.
Monster Truck Ride To The Base of Vatnajökull Glacier
From Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, we boarded a monster truck and drove thirty minutes to the Vatnajökull glacier’s edge. Part of this ride was paved and part was “fun” off-roading through bumpy dirt and puddles (my kids loved it!).
Vatnajökull Glacier’s Natural Ice Cave
Holy moly was this cool. After a twenty minute walk to the glacier base we arrived at the ice cave’s entrance. We donned our provided micro spikes and helmets and toured with mouths agape. Before us was an incredible, stunning, naturally formed(!) ice cave.
The height varied throughout the cave from high (tall people could stand) to low (kids had to crawl). Our guide shared that the ice cave melts and reforms each year so this ice cave will be different next winter.
Fun fact – you can capture the gorgeous blue color in your picture by shining the light from one phone onto the ice while taking the picture with another.
Vatnajökull Glacier Hike
As we exited the ice cave, our guide gave us a thrill and walked us down the glacier. This was equal parts scary and cool (pun intended).
While I was sad before the trip that my son’s young age prevented us from a proper glacier hike, I can confidently say that this small taste was more than enough for me! Furthermore, from up here we could see down into the ice cave we just exited stunned at how deep we were in the belly of the glacier.
Glacier Water From The Source!
As we returned to the truck, our guide stopped us and encouraged us to bend down and drink directly from the glacier runoff. It was the coldest, clearest, most delicious water we ever tasted and my kids LOVED this super cool out-of-the-box opportunity.
Diamond Beach
Across the street from Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, you’ll find Diamond Beach. If you’re like my little son, you may also be sad to find out the “diamonds” on the beach are in fact ice, not gems (sorry).
Furthermore, the ice is broken off chunks from the glacier – carried through the lagoon by the current – ending up on the black sand shore. Because it’s so cold these giant marooned “diamonds” don’t melt, they just glisten in the sun.
While there I implore you to take a cheesy picture proposing with an iceberg. Also – stop, look, and soak in this incredible occurrence for a moment. It was cool watching big chunks of ice emerge from the crashing waves and get pushed onto the sand.
Skeiðará Bridge Monument
The Skeiðará Bridge was once the longest-spanning bridge in Iceland. When a volcano erupted in 1996, it melted part of Skeiðarárjökull (an outlet glacier from Vatnajökull) causing a massive flood. Within this flood were huge icebergs. The ice chunks were so enormous and the current was so strong that it knocked down the bridge. All that remains is this twisted graffiti tagged metal reminding us – once again – of nature’s power.
Food Breaks
There are minimal restaurants along the road so be sure to stock up on snacks and Skyr (Icelandic yogurt) when you can. You’ll find a few supermarkets and gas stations along the way and a proper rest stop in Vik.
Stop And Smell The Glaciers
Iceland’s scenery is downright gorgeous, especially on the coast. Be sure to look out the window (not at your phone) as you tour. Go slow, pull over, take it all in, and snap lots of pictures. Enjoy the mountains and glaciers from different angles and soak in the size and beauty from every vantage point.
The Mint Chip Mama’s South Iceland And West Iceland Tips Work For Winter In Iceland And Summer In Iceland:
Be sure to check out The Mint Chip Mama‘s entire Family Friendly Iceland Vacation series, my travel gear, and my full itinerary here where you can book everything directly in one place!
Part 1: Iceland – Know Before You Go, Part 2: What To Pack For Iceland, Part 3: Reykjavík, Part 4: South Iceland & West Iceland, Part 5: The Golden Circle
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Hello from Canada! I will definitely be using your links for our upcoming trip to Iceland. We are a family of four and I think you have mapped out a great family itinerary. What tour did you do for the south and west portion of your trip? When I click on the link a few pop up and the stops don’t exactly match. I was wondering if you did more than one tour in. Thank you very much for sharing all your stories and ideas. A huge help.
Hi Cathy! Thank you for your kind words! I didn’t mention the company we used on purpose. 🙂 I was a little disappointed with them. I picked this specific company solely because their minimum age was the youngest one I could find and it matched my youngest (7 at the time) – allowing us to do the ice cave tour. There are always pros and cons with group tours… I would just go for the one that looks the best to you and that hits all the places you want to go. Hopefully your experience will be wonderful! Please ask away if you have any additional questions. South Iceland is gorgeous and I have no doubt you will have an amazing trip!