The Destination
The air smells of salt and damp moss as you step out of the car. To your left, a waterfall cascades over a cliff, its mist catching the low sun in a prism of color. To your right, black sand stretches to the horizon, where waves crash against basalt columns that look like organ pipes. This is Iceland's south coast—a 200-kilometer stretch of raw, elemental beauty that has become one of the most Instagrammed and YouTubed landscapes on Earth. And for good reason.
What makes this region so special right now is its accessibility married to its grandeur. Within a two-hour drive from Reykjavik, you can stand behind a curtain of water at Seljalandsfoss, walk between tectonic plates at Þingvellir, and watch icebergs calve into a lagoon at Jökulsárlón. It's a greatest-hits album of geological wonders, and it's drawing creators from around the world who want to capture that "another planet" feeling. But here's the thing: the south coast is not just about the famous stops. The real magic—and the real viral content—lives in the moments between them.
Getting There & Getting Around
You'll fly into Keflavík International Airport, about 45 minutes from Reykjavik. Most travelers rent a car—and I strongly recommend a 4x4, even in summer, because weather can turn in minutes and many gravel roads require high clearance. Companies like Blue Car Rental or Lotus offer decent rates if you book early. Budget around $100–$150 per day for a standard SUV, more for a 4x4 in peak season.
Driving the Ring Road (Route 1) is straightforward, but don't underestimate the distances. Reykjavik to Jökulsárlón is about 4.5 hours one way. You'll want at least three days to do the south coast justice—two if you're sprinting. Campervans are a popular option for budget travelers; companies like Happy Campers or Go Campers rent them for about $80–$120 per night. They let you sleep at campsites (around $15–$25 per person) and wake up to views no hotel can offer.
Best time to visit? June through August gives you nearly 24 hours of daylight—perfect for creators who want to shoot golden hour at midnight. But the shoulder seasons (May and September) offer fewer crowds and dramatic light. Winter brings snow, ice, and the chance of Northern Lights, but also shorter days and road closures. I've done both; summer is easier, but winter footage is more dramatic.
The Experience
Let's start with the big hitters. Seljalandsfoss is the waterfall you can walk behind—but go early (before 9 a.m.) or late (after 8 p.m.) to avoid the busloads. Skógafoss is even more massive; climb the stairs on the right for an aerial view that's killer for drone footage (just check local drone regulations—they're strict near national parks). At Reynisfjara, the black sand beach, DO NOT turn your back on the waves. They're unpredictable and have killed people. Stay well above the waterline, and capture the basalt columns and sea stacks from a safe distance.
Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and the adjacent Diamond Beach are the crown jewels. The icebergs glow blue against black sand, and you can take a Zodiac boat tour ($80 per person) that gets you close to the glacier. For a hidden gem, drive 10 minutes east to Fjallsárlón—it's quieter, smaller, and just as beautiful. You can walk right up to the icebergs (carefully) without paying for a tour.
Food? Skip the overpriced tourist cafes at the major stops. Instead, pack a picnic from the Bonus supermarket in Reykjavik (grab skyr, rye bread, and smoked lamb). For a splurge, try the tomato soup and bread buffet at Fridheimar farm—it's a geothermal greenhouse and a unique dining experience. Locals will tell you that the best fish and chips in the south is at Hafnarbúðin in Vík, a tiny shop that sells fresh cod with a view of the sea.
Costs & Budget
Iceland is expensive—let's not pretend otherwise. But you can manage it.
Budget traveler (per day):
- Accommodation: camping $20, hostel dorm $50
- Food: self-catered $20, one cheap meal out $25
- Activities: free hikes, one paid attraction $30
- Total: $95–$125
Mid-range (per day):
- Accommodation: guesthouse or hotel $150–$250
- Food: one nice restaurant meal $50, groceries $15
- Activities: glacier hike $120, boat tour $80
- Total: $350–$500
Splurge (per day):
- Accommodation: luxury hotel like Hotel Ranga $500+
- Food: fine dining $100+ per meal
- Activities: helicopter tour $600, private guide $400
- Total: $1,200+
Hidden fees to watch: gas is about $8 per gallon, tolls on some tunnels (like the one near Hvalfjörður), and parking fees at popular sites (around $5–$10). Also, if you rent a car, buy the full insurance—winds can shred doors, and gravel chips are common.
For Travel Creators
This is a filmmaker's paradise, but you need to plan. The south coast is a victim of its own popularity—Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss are packed by 10 a.m. For clean shots, arrive at sunrise (which in summer is around 3 a.m.—yes, really). Winter sunrise is more civilized, around 10 a.m., but you'll have limited daylight.
Best spots for footage:
- The path behind Seljalandsfoss: use a wide-angle lens and a waterproof camera bag. The mist will soak you.
- The top of Skógafoss stairs: drone-like perspective without a drone. Go at sunset for golden light.
- Reynisfjara from the east side of the beach: fewer people, better angles of the sea stacks.
- Jökulsárlón at sunrise: the ice glows, and the light is soft. Bring a tripod for long exposures of the icebergs.
- The lesser-known Kvernufoss waterfall: a 20-minute walk from Skógafoss, almost no tourists, and you can walk behind it.
Storytelling angles: Don't just shoot the landmarks. Film the journey—the sheep crossing the road, the fog rolling in, the farmer selling lamb hot dogs from a trailer. These human moments connect with viewers more than another waterfall shot. Also, interview locals if you can; a ranger at a national park or a guide on a glacier walk adds authenticity.
Permissions: Filming at public sites is generally fine, but drone regulations are strict. You need a permit for drones in national parks (like Vatnajökull), and you cannot fly over people or wildlife. Check the Icelandic Transport Authority website before you fly.
Should You Go?
Absolutely—but with caveats. If you're a solo traveler or backpacker who loves dramatic landscapes and doesn't mind crowds at the main stops, this is a must. Families will enjoy it, but keep kids close at Reynisfjara and on glacier hikes (book a guide for safety). Luxury travelers can find high-end lodges and private tours, but the real riches are in the raw nature.
What surprised me most was how much the south coast rewards those who go off the beaten path. The famous sites are spectacular, but the quiet moments—a misty morning at a unnamed waterfall, the crunch of volcanic gravel under your boots—are what stay with you. If you're a creator, this is your canvas. Just bring waterproof everything, respect the elements, and leave no trace. The south coast will give you back more than you give it.
