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Iceland · South Iceland

Vík and the south coast travel guide

Waterfalls, glaciers and black-sand beaches

Reynisfjara black-sand beach. Photo: Strwiki2017, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

2h 30mflight from London
KEFnearest main airport
10° in Julwarmest month
1° in Jancoolest month

Iceland's south coast is a parade of famous sights along Route 1: the waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, the Sólheimajökull glacier and Reynisfjara's black beach near the village of Vík.

It's a long day trip from Reykjavík, so spending a night or two is far better.

Good forWaterfallsGlacier walksPhotographyRoad trips

What Vík is known for

  • Seljalandsfoss

    Walk behind a waterfall.

  • Reynisfjara

    Black sand and basalt columns.

  • Glaciers

    Walks on Sólheimajökull.

  • Puffins

    At Dyrhólaey in summer.

Top things to do in Vík and the south coast

  1. 1

    Seljalandsfoss

    Bring waterproofs.

    Find tours and tickets
  2. 2

    Skógafoss

    Climb the steps to the top.

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  3. 3

    A glacier walk

    Crampons and a guide on Sólheimajökull.

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  4. 4

    Reynisfjara beach

    Keep well back from the waves.

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See all tours and tickets in Vík

Where to stay in Vík and the south coast

Find a hotel in Vík

Best time to visit Vík and the south coast

Best value: Jan–May, Sep–Nov. May to September for driving; winter for ice caves and aurora.

  • Best valueGood weather, smaller crowds
  • PeakBusiest, highest prices
  • QuietCheapest, cooler or wetter
0.6 C1°J0.6 C1°F1 C1°M2.8 C3°A5.1 C5°M8.3 C8°J10 C10°J9.7 C10°A7.6 C8°S4.4 C4°O2 C2°N0.7 C1°D
Bar height is the average temperature in Vík and the south coast, °C, 2001–2025 (NASA POWER).

Getting there and around

About 2h 30m from London to KEF, and flights from most UK airports.

A car is best; Route 1 is paved. Tours run from Reykjavík.

Find flights to Vík (KEF)

Shows the cheapest fares for next month on Aviasales, our flight partner. We may earn a commission, at no cost to you. Flight times are straight-line estimates for a direct flight from Heathrow.

Good to know

  • Sneaker waves at Reynisfjara are deadly.
  • Fuel up when you can.
  • Check road.is before driving.
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Vík and the south coast FAQ

How far is Vík from Reykjavík?

About 2 h 30 min by car.

Can I do it in a day?

Yes, but it's long.

More places in Iceland

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