The south coast is a popular winter route because many of its main sights stay reachable from the Ring Road. In winter it has waterfalls such as Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss, black beaches, and glaciers. Daylight is short in midwinter, so there are only a few hours to see sights.
What the south coast offers in winter
The Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon and the nearby Diamond Beach are striking in winter.
Ice caves and northern lights
Winter is the season for natural ice caves under the Vatnajokull glacier, visited on guided tours. The facts on ice caves in Iceland cover natural ice caves under the Vatnajokull glacier in winter. The northern lights can appear on clear winter nights along the coast.
Winter driving and safety
Winter driving needs care: roads can be icy or closed, and the weather changes fast. A four-wheel-drive vehicle, winter tyres, and checking road.is and safetravel.is are advised. Waterfall paths and beaches can be icy and slippery.
Planning a winter trip and South Coast tours
Many travellers join guided day tours in winter to avoid driving in difficult conditions. You can compare South Coast tours to see the current options.
Check the timing
The Driving Distance Calculator helps turn a visit to South Coast in Winter into a realistic self-drive day.
