Explore Iceland's South Coast as we continue our epic road trip...
(Top Left) Vik, (Bottom Left) Icebergs at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, (Centre) Diamond Beach, (Top Right) Sólheimasandur Abandoned DC Plane, (Bottom Right) Fjarðarárgljúfur Canyon
If you enjoyed the Golden Circle, then wait to see what we have planned! Because without a doubt there is so much to see on Iceland's South Coast! The first 3 stops are Seljalandsfoss, Gljúfrabúi, and Skogafoss waterfalls but check out my blog "Chasing Waterfalls" for more information about those! Otherwise we will pick up our journey at the Sólheimasandur Abandoned DC Plane... Sólheimasandur Abandoned DC Plane: The DC Plane Wreck is a famous site located in South Iceland, its rusting shell laying on the black sands. The aircraft which is a Douglas R4D-8 Super DC-3, was originally in possession of the US Navy. No one is quite sure why the plane crashed, with several theories flying about. Some blame it on ice damaging the plane’s structure; others say that the thrusters were not working correctly. Some say that it was a mishap of the pilot who believed the thrusters were not working when they were. Anyway the walk to the plane is about 3.5km across a flat and fairly featureless desert; it will take you about 45 minutes each way. You can also take a shuttle bus from the car park for about €20. It takes 15 minutes each way, and runs most days throughout the year, approximately every 35 minutes.
Sólheimasandur Abandoned DC Plane:
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach: Just around the corner from Vik, you will find Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach and it is one of the most famous beaches on the South Coast of Iceland. Its beautiful black sand, powerful waves, and the nearby Reynisdrangar sea stacks make Reynisfjara a truly unique place to visit. It is actually one of the most well-known black sanded beaches in the whole world. Play in the sand, enjoy some sun (if there is any!) or check out the stacks in the cliff. One thing they do say here is be very careful of the waves, they have what's called sneaker waves which can creep up on you, either making you wet or worse case, pulling you into the sea...
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
Vik:
Vik is a small picturesque town in the south of Iceland. There are only about 700 habitants here so there's not too much going on. But it's a great places to stop to recharge, relax a bit before continuing further along the south coast. It is located only about 10 minutes or so from Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach; you can even see the famous sea stacks from here, and Vik also has its own black sand beaches...
Gönguleið um Eldhraun - Mossy Lava Fields:
The impressive Eldhraun lava field is the biggest lava flow in the world. It occurred during the Laki eruption of the late 1700s. The enormous site is over 565km² (218miles²). It is also where the Apollo 11 crew trained for their moonwalk. There is a viewpoint here and a very short circular route; and it's important not to step on the moss, this whole site has been in the making for over 300 years...
Fjarðarárgljúfur Canyon:
Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon was created by progressive erosion by flowing water from glaciers through the rocks over a long period of time. The canyon is up to 100m deep and 2km long. The walk up to the viewpoint takes around 30 minutes round trip (15 minutes each way). There is a possibility to walk down from the parking place and get a totally different view standing right next to those big rocky massive walls with endless view into the valley. This place became famous through Justin Bieber's music video "I'll Show You" which then attracted a lot of tourists and visitors to the area.
Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
Svartifoss:
On the way to the Skaftafell region, you will pass the distinct looking Lómagnúpur Mountain. Just a quick stop here for a picture before we hike to Svartifoss. The waterfall tumbles down 20m (80 ft) over a cliff, which is bordered on both sides by tall black basalt columns. It resembles pipes of a giant organ, which is where the waterfall gets its name; Svartifoss therefore is what inspired the architectural structure and design of the Hallgrimskirkja cathedral in Reyykjavik. The hike to Svartifoss is about 2km or 45 minutes (one way). On the way to Svartifoss you will come across three other waterfalls; Þjofafoss (Thieves’ Fall), Hundafoss (Dogs’ Fall) and Magnusarfoss (the Falls of Magnus). Once you get to Svartifoss, there is a small bridge close to the waterfall that allows you to get closer. Svartifoss Waterfall - South Iceland Tours
Skaftafell & Svínafellsjökull Glacier:
Combine Svartifoss with a hike to the Skaftafell Glacier or to the Svínafellsjökull Glacier. Skaftafellsjökull is an outlet glacier next to Skaftafell mountain, the glacier ice runs down a deep valley from the north part of Öræfajökull glacier the glacier is about 10km long and about 2km wide. The surroundings by Skaftafellsjökull glacier are beautiful with steep mountains and the glaciers of Öræfajökull and Vatnajökull in the background. For the first time seeing a glacier, it was incredible!
Diamond Beach:
The “diamonds” on Diamond Beach can be different in size and shape. Since the icebergs are formed by nature, you can never really know what to expect when visiting the beach. You can often find seals on the Diamond Beach. The view is indeed mesmerizing and reminds you of how beautiful nature is. Diamond Beach is probably one of the most beautiful and famous beaches in the world. The spellbinding and magical ice-speckled beach is sure to captivate you the moment you visit there. Make sure you head just over the other side of the road to check out the nearby Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.
Diamond Beach
Jökulsárlón & Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon:
First lets check out Jökulsárlón, Iceland's biggest glacier lagoon. It is filled with massive, incredible and beautiful looking icebergs. In the distance you can see the glacier, and you may even be lucky enough to see plenty of wildlife, like birds and seals! There are even boat tours available.
Check out the link here to buy yourself some tickets: Jökulsárlón Amphibian Boat Day Tour | Arctic Adventures.
We actually took a boat tour but at the Fjallsárlón glacier lagoon, just round the corner. Embark on a tour: after suiting up you will be met by an experienced guide that will lead you through mossy otherworldly landscapes to the lagoon and your boat. After take-off you will be circling icebergs of all shapes and sizes that every so often turn or flip over creating a spectacle, grab the opportunity and taste the ancient ice. The tour continues towards Vatnajokull Glacier, the largest glacier in Europe: it is the same size as Corsica and if it was to cover Iceland equally with ice, the whole country would be 30m thick! Visible you can see 40m, under the water it continues a further 100m, the lagoon itself is about 130m deep! They will sail you up to the glacier wall or as close as it is safe to go. Occasionally huge icebergs can be seen and heard breaking off the glaciers edge, falling dramatically into the lagoon before drifting away quietly and then melting slowly. Guides make sure that you receive personal yet professional service, including a good insight into the history and the nature of the area, the glaciers, and icebergs. The cost of the tour was about €67, but whichever glacier lagoon you go to, it is definitely worth it!
A collection of photos from both Jökulsárlón & Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon:
To book a tour of your own, visit: Classic Boat Tour - Fjallsárlón Iceberg Lagoon (fjallsarlon.is)
And there we have it! What an epic adventure it has been exploring Iceland's South Coast! Through sun, wind and rain, we've experience it all! Remember to check out my blog "Chasing Waterfalls" to find out more about Seljalandsfoss, Gljúfrabúi, Skogafoss.
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