5-Day South Coast Self-Drive to Jökulsárlón

Trip at a glance

Best forFirst-time visitors who want the Golden Circle, the South Coast and a glacier lagoon, with two nights in the same hotel by the glacier and a last evening in Reykjavík

HighlightsÞingvellir, Gullfoss, Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Reynisfjara, Jökulsárlón, Diamond Beach

Total drivingAbout 950–1,050 km in 5 days, depending on where your glacier hotel is

Longest dayDay 4: about 255–325 km, 3.5–4.5 hours of driving

Start and endKeflavík Airport, any day of the week

What's included with us

Your own trip map, on web and phoneAfter booking you get a private map of your trip on icelandmap.is: each day's route, your hotels, fuel stations, toilets, places to eat and the extra stops below, ready on your phone before you land.

Lesser-known stops picked by localsEach day includes quieter places that most visitors drive past, chosen by our team and marked on your map.

A local team in IcelandWe are a local travel agency in Iceland. Message or call us before and during your trip; we answer in English and help if plans change on the road.

Day-by-day guideDriving times, road and weather notes, and where to stop for fuel and food each day.

One free date changeChange your travel dates once for free up to 30 days before arrival (subject to availability).

No booking feesThe price you see includes hotels, car, breakfast, taxes and card fees.

Day by day

Open a day for stops and tips. Add tours to any day; the price updates in the booking box.

DAY1

Arrival and the Golden CircleAbout 250 km, 3.5–4 hours of driving · 1 optional tourOvernightHella areaDetails ▾Close ▴

Keflavík Airport – Þingvellir – Geysir – Gullfoss – Hella area

Pick up your car at Keflavík Airport and drive to Þingvellir National Park, where you can walk between the North American and Eurasian plates. Continue to the Geysir geothermal area, where Strokkur erupts every few minutes, and on to Gullfoss waterfall. If you still have energy, stop at Kerið crater on the way south. You sleep in the Hella area, close to the start of the South Coast.

STOPS ON THE WAY

Þingvellir National ParkWalk through Almannagjá and see the rift valley. Parking fee applies.Guide →

Geysir geothermal areaStrokkur erupts every 5–10 minutes. Café and toilets at the Geysir Centre.Guide →

Gullfoss waterfallTwo viewpoints; the lower path can be icy or closed in winter.Guide →

Kerið crater (optional)A short walk around a red volcanic crater. Entry fee.Guide →

Local tip: If your flight lands early in the morning, take a short rest stop in Reykjavík or at Þingvellir's service centre before the longer drive.

Local tip: lesser-known stopsUrriðafoss · Iceland's largest waterfall by volume, two minutes off the Ring Road by the Þjórsá bridge.Brúarhlöð · A narrow canyon where the Hvítá river runs between rock pillars, right beside road 30 between Flúðir and Gullfoss.

ADD A TOUR THIS DAY (OPTIONAL)

Laugarás Lagoon: Birki Standard EntryNear the Golden Circle route; fits day 1 only with an early arrival.+8,500 ISK pp

DAY2

South Coast waterfalls and ReynisfjaraAbout 180–260 km, 2.5–4 hours of driving (depending on where your hotel is) · 2 optional toursOvernightSkaftafell / Kirkjubæjarklaustur areaDetails ▾Close ▴

Hella – Seljalandsfoss – Skógafoss – Sólheimajökull – Dyrhólaey – Reynisfjara – Vík – Skaftafell / Kirkjubæjarklaustur area

The South Coast's best-known stops are all along today's road. Walk behind Seljalandsfoss and look into the narrow gorge of Gljúfrabúi, then climb the steps beside Skógafoss. See the glacier tongue at Sólheimajökull, the sea arch at Dyrhólaey and the basalt columns at Reynisfjara. After lunch in Vík, the road crosses the lava fields of Eldhraun and the wide sands in front of Vatnajökull to your hotel between Kirkjubæjarklaustur and Skaftafell, where you stay two nights.

STOPS ON THE WAY

SeljalandsfossThe path behind the waterfall is wet and closes when icy. Parking fee.Guide →

GljúfrabúiA waterfall hidden in a gorge, a 10-minute walk from Seljalandsfoss. Waterproof shoes help.Guide →

SkógafossAbout 500 steps lead to the viewpoint at the top.Guide →

Sólheimajökull glacierA short walk to the glacier edge. Do not go onto the ice without a guide.Guide →

DyrhólaeySea arch and lighthouse. In May and June part of the area can close for nesting birds.Guide →

Reynisfjara black sand beachStay well back from the water: sneaker waves are dangerous here.Guide →

Vík í MýrdalThe last village with a supermarket and several restaurants before Kirkjubæjarklaustur.Guide →

Local tip: Fill up with fuel in Vík or Kirkjubæjarklaustur. There are long stretches without services east of Vík.

Local tip: lesser-known stopsKvernufoss · A waterfall in a small gorge about 15 minutes on foot from the Skógar museum. You can walk behind it. The path is icy in winter.Loftsalahellir · A cave in the cliffs between Dyrhólaey and Reynisfjara, once used for local meetings, with a view along the coast.

ADD A TOUR THIS DAY (OPTIONAL)

Sólheimajökull Glacier HikeAdds about 4 hours to day 2, a long day; better as an alternative to the day 3 hike.+14,424 ISK pp

Katla Ice Cave Tour from VíkAdds about 3 hours to day 2; better on day 4.+28,847 ISK pp

DAY3

Skaftafell, Jökulsárlón and Diamond BeachAbout 120–250 km, 1.5–3.5 hours of driving (shorter from a hotel near Skaftafell) · 6 optional toursOvernightSkaftafell / Kirkjubæjarklaustur areaDetails ▾Close ▴

Skaftafell – Fjallsárlón – Jökulsárlón – Diamond Beach – back to your hotel

A day with short drives and time to walk. In the morning, hike from the Skaftafell visitor centre to Svartifoss, the waterfall framed by dark basalt columns. Then drive east to Fjallsárlón, a quieter glacier lagoon, and on to Jökulsárlón, where icebergs float from the glacier to the sea. Across the road, ice lies on the black sand of Diamond Beach. This is the day for a glacier hike or, in winter, an ice cave tour.

STOPS ON THE WAY

Skaftafell Nature ReserveVisitor centre with toilets, café and trail maps. Parking fee.Guide →

SvartifossAbout 1.5 hours return on a well-marked uphill path.Guide →

FjallsárlónA smaller lagoon where the glacier comes down to the water.Guide →

Jökulsárlón glacier lagoonSeals are often seen near the lagoon's mouth. Parking fee.Guide →

Diamond BeachIce on black sand, on both sides of the river mouth. Keep away from the waves.Guide →

Local tip: Staying two nights here means no packing today, and you can return to Jökulsárlón in the evening light when most day tours have left.

Local tip: lesser-known stopsHofskirkja · The last turf church built in the old style (1884), at the farm Hof in Öræfi, a minute from the Ring Road.Breiðárlón · A quieter glacier lagoon west of Jökulsárlón, reached by a gravel track. Check the track before driving it. (Summer only (about June–September))

ADD A TOUR THIS DAY (OPTIONAL)

Skaftafell Glacier HikeBest add-on for day 3.+13,763 ISK pp

Skaftafell Ice Cave & Glacier HikeOctober–April+19,652 ISK pp

Vatnajökull Ice Cave Tour from JökulsárlónWinter (Oct–Apr)+23,900 ISK pp

Crystal Ice Cave Tour with Super JeepWinter (Oct–Apr)+21,890 ISK pp

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Kayaking TourMay–September+18,500 ISK pp

Vatnajökull Glacier Airplane Tour from SkaftafellAll year, weather permitting+32,900 ISK pp

DAY4

Fjaðrárgljúfur, the coast again, and ReykjavíkAbout 255–325 km, 3.5–4.5 hours of driving (shorter from a hotel near Kirkjubæjarklaustur) · 2 optional toursOvernightReykjavíkDetails ▾Close ▴

Kirkjubæjarklaustur – Fjaðrárgljúfur – Vík – Reynisfjara or Dyrhólaey – Seljalandsfoss – Reykjavík

Drive back west. Walk the rim of Fjaðrárgljúfur, a deep, winding canyon near Kirkjubæjarklaustur, and break the drive in Vík. If the weather was poor on day 2, this is your second chance for Reynisfjara, Dyrhólaey or the waterfalls. In the evening you arrive in Reykjavík for a last night in the city, with its restaurants, bars and the old harbour.

STOPS ON THE WAY

KirkjubæjarklausturFuel, a shop and a short walk to Systrafoss waterfall.Guide →

Fjaðrárgljúfur canyonA path along the rim with viewpoints, about 1 hour return. It can close in spring to protect the ground.Guide →

Vík í MýrdalLunch stop. The Lava Show is in Vík if you want to add it.Guide →

ReykjavíkPark at or near your hotel; street parking in the centre is paid.Guide →

Local tip: This is the longest drive of the trip. Leave by 9 am, and in winter plan to be past Vík before dark.

Local tip: lesser-known stopsKirkjugólf · Flat-topped basalt columns that look like a church floor, a few minutes' walk from the road in Kirkjubæjarklaustur.Systrafoss · A waterfall right above Kirkjubæjarklaustur. In summer you can walk up beside it to the lake Systravatn.

ADD A TOUR THIS DAY (OPTIONAL)

The Icelandic Lava Show in Vík+6,590 ISK pp

Zipline in Vík+13,900 ISK pp

DAY5

A lava cave or lagoon on the way to the airportAbout 50–130 km, 45 minutes to 2 hours of driving · 2 optional toursOvernightEnd of tripDetails ▾Close ▴

Reykjavík – (Raufarhólshellir) – (Blue Lagoon) – Keflavík Airport

Your last day depends on your flight. The direct drive from Reykjavík to Keflavík Airport takes about 45 minutes. With time to spare, walk into Raufarhólshellir lava tunnel, 35 minutes east of the city, or relax in the Blue Lagoon, 20 minutes from the airport. Return the car at Keflavík Airport.

STOPS ON THE WAY

Raufarhólshellir lava tunnel (optional)Guided visits only; see the add-ons.

The Blue Lagoon (optional)Book a time slot in advance. Volcanic activity on the Reykjanes peninsula can close it at short notice.Guide →

Local tip: For an early-morning flight, skip the extras: Reykjavík to the airport is about 50 km. Allow at least 2.5 hours at the airport, plus time to refuel and return the car.

Local tip: lesser-known stopBridge between continents · A footbridge over a fissure between the North American and Eurasian plates, a short detour on the way to the airport.

ADD A TOUR THIS DAY (OPTIONAL)

Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel Tour35 minutes east of Reykjavík; fits day 5 with an afternoon or evening flight.+8,900 ISK pp

Blue Lagoon: Comfort ticketEntry, silica mud mask, towel and one drink. 20 minutes from the airport; we book a time that fits your flight.+16,990 ISK pp

Driving distances and times are rounded estimates from main-road distances, without stops. Tour prices are per person.

Hotels

Hotels as listed or similar. If a listed hotel is full, we book one of the same standard in the same area and tell you before we confirm. We aim to book nights 2 and 3 in the same hotel; if it has no room for both nights, we book two hotels of the same standard in the area.

Night 1: Hotel in the Hella area or similar
Night 2: Hotel between Kirkjubæjarklaustur and Skaftafell or similar
Night 3: Same hotel as night 2, where available
Night 4: Hotel in Reykjavík or similar

Double or twin room. Single rooms and triple rooms on request. Breakfast: included every morning.

BudgetGuesthouses and simple hotels, some with shared bathrooms

Comfort3-star hotels with private bathroom

Superior4-star and boutique hotels where available

Your rental car

1–2 travellers: compact car with automatic gearbox (Toyota Yaris or similar). 3–4 travellers: Kia Sportage or similar.
1–2 travellers: 4x4 SUV with automatic gearbox (Suzuki Vitara or similar). 3–4 travellers: Kia Sportage 4x4 or similar.
Larger 4x4 (for example Kia Sportage) or 4x4 in summer at extra cost
Picked up and returned at Keflavík Airport
Unlimited kilometres
CDW, super CDW (SCDW), theft protection (TP) and gravel protection (GP)
Pick-up and return at Keflavík Airport
24% VAT

Included

4 nights in hotels or guesthouses at your chosen level, with breakfast
Rental car for 5 days, picked up and returned at Keflavík Airport
Car insurance as described above
Day-by-day route with stops, driving times and local tips
Trip map on icelandmap.is with fuel stations, toilets, restaurants and stops along the way
Lesser-known stops chosen by our local team, marked on your trip map
Help from our local team before and during your trip

Not included

Flights
Fuel
Parking fees at sights (for example Þingvellir, Seljalandsfoss, Skaftafell and Jökulsárlón)
Entry fees (for example Kerið)
Lunches and dinners
Optional tours and lagoon entry, unless you add them
Travel insurance

How it works

1Choose and bookPick your date, travellers, hotel level, car and tours. You see the full price before you book, and pay a 20% deposit by card.

2We confirmWe book every hotel, the car and your tours, and confirm by email within 24 hours.

3Get your travel packVouchers, your route map and the day-by-day guide, by email and on your phone.

4Drive, with us on callA local is a message away if the weather or your plans change.

Seasons and driving

May to September for long days and the easiest driving. October to April for northern lights and ice caves (4x4 included).

From October to April the car is a 4x4. In December and January there are only 4 to 5 hours of daylight, and days 2 and 4 have 3.5 to 4 hours of driving, so start early and plan stops around the light. Roads can close in storms; check road.is and vedur.is each morning.

Payment and cancellation

Book at least 14 days before arrival
20% deposit when you book
Balance due 45 days before arrival. Bookings made less than 45 days before arrival are paid in full.

If you cancelCancellation fee

More than 30 days before arrival10% of the total price (you get half of your deposit back)

30 to 15 days before arrival50% of the total price

14 to 8 days before arrival75% of the total price

7 days or less before arrival, or no-show100% of the total price

One free date change up to 30 days before arrival, subject to availability.
We recommend travel insurance that covers cancellation (illness, flight changes).

Good to know

Is 5 days enough for the South Coast and Jökulsárlón?

Yes, for the main sights. You spend two nights between Kirkjubæjarklaustur and Skaftafell, so you get one full day at the glacier lagoons instead of driving there and back in a day, and you end with a night in Reykjavík. For more time, add a night in Vík or Reykjavík.

Can we do this trip in winter?

Yes. From October to April we include a 4x4, and you can add an ice cave tour on day 3. Daylight is short in December and January, so days 2 and 4 need an early start. We check the forecast with you if storms close roads.

Do we need a 4x4 in summer?

No. The whole route is on paved main roads, with no mountain (F) roads, so a compact car is fine from May to September.

Which hotels will we stay in?

You choose Budget, Comfort or Superior. We book hotels in the Hella area, between Kirkjubæjarklaustur and Skaftafell (two nights in the same hotel where available) and in Reykjavík, and send the hotel names with your confirmation. If a hotel is full, we book one of the same standard nearby and tell you first.

Can we change the route or add nights?

Yes. Add an extra night in the booking box, or message us with what you would like to change, such as an extra night in Reykjavík or a different hotel level.

Want to change something?

Add a night, swap a hotel or fit the trip around your flights. We are a local travel agency in Iceland and plan every self-drive trip by hand.

Ask a local

South Coast & Glacier Lagoon in 5 Days

Trip at a glance

What's included with us

Day by day

Hotels

Your rental car

Included

Not included

How it works

Seasons and driving

Payment and cancellation

Good to know

Want to change something?