Prepare for an epic road trip with my 3-day South Iceland itinerary! Southern Iceland is a beautiful region famous for its waterfalls, beaches (though not the sandy, tropical kind you’re accustomed to), and glacier lagoons. My husband and I spent a few days road-tripping through this part of the country during our honeymoon trip, and it was truly unforgettable.

Here’s exactly what to see and do during a 3-day trip to South Iceland!

3-Day South Iceland Itinerary

Day 1 – Reykjavík to Vík

Seljalandsfoss + Gljúfrabúi

A visit to South Iceland would be incomplete without stopping to see Seljalandsfoss, located a little less than two hours from Reykjavík. It’s one of the most iconic waterfalls in Iceland because you can actually walk behind it, which is a really cool and unique experience. Wear waterproof clothing and sturdy shoes, because you’ll definitely get sprayed with water while admiring the falls.

I also recommend continuing another 10-15 minutes down the walking path to see Gljúfrabúi. This beautiful waterfall is tucked into a canyon, making it a true hidden gem. Sturdy shoes will come in handy here because you’ll cross a shallow stream of water to access Gljúfrabúi.

Skógafoss

From Seljalandsfoss, continue east along the Ring Road for about 30 minutes until you reach Skógafoss. This impressive waterfall is another must-visit, and it’s a breathtaking sight. We spent 20-30 minutes here enjoying the views, but there are also stairs leading alongside the falls so you can admire them from above.

Vík

The final stop for night one of this South Iceland itinerary is Vík, a charming village about 30 minutes down the coast from Skógafoss. Head to Black Crust Pizzeria to try some of the viral pies you’ve probably seen on social media. I don’t think the charcoal-infused crusts taste different or necessarily better than your average crust, but they’re fun to try, and the pizza is really yummy.

Then, it’s time to check into your hotel to freshen up. My husband and I technically stayed in Dyrhólaey (at Hotel Dyrhólaey), but it was just 15 minutes away from Vík. If you’re visiting Iceland in the summer months, don’t rush your relaxation time. With the midnight sun, you can take a power nap and still have plenty of light to go on another adventure before calling it a day!

Reynisfjara Beach

Reynisfjara Beach is a great place to end your night in Vík, because it’s less than 15 minutes from the heart of town. The beach is famous for its black sand and striking basalt columns. While this spot can get busy, it’s still fun to explore for a bit. There’s also plenty of space to spread out and escape the crowds. Keep an eye out for puffins—you might see some flying around!

Day 2 – Vík to Höfn

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon + Diamond Beach

A zodiac boat tour is an excellent way to experience Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. The drive there from Vík is almost two and a half hours, so I recommend hitting the road first thing in the morning. You can also kayak in Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, but the zodiac boat covers a lot more ground (or, in this case, water). My husband and I really enjoyed our tour experience with Arctic Adventures. Our guide was friendly and knowledgeable, the weather was wonderful, and we even saw some seals!

After the lagoon, hop across the street to the famed Diamond Beach. The black sand beach earned its name from the ice chunks that wash ashore from Jökulsárlón Glacier. Winter is the ideal time of year for large pieces of ice, but it’s still worth seeing in the summer.

Höfn

Continue east about an hour to Höfn, your home base for the night. Swing by Hafnarbuðin if you’re craving a casual but delicious dinner. This cozy diner serves up exceptional sandwiches, burgers, and seafood.

In terms of accommodations, I suggest Aurora Cabins. Each standalone cabin features everything you need for a weekend trip, including a comfortable bathroom, bedroom, kitchen, a small sitting area, and an outdoor seating area with a grill. My husband and I loved having access to a grill and used it multiple times during our stay.

My only complaint is that the cabin did get a bit stuffy at night, and opening the windows let in a lot of bugs. With that in mind, a fan of some kind would be a nice addition. Otherwise, Aurora Cabins is a beautiful property!

Note: While staying in Höfn, my husband and I took a day to head east and visit Stuðlagil Canyon and Seyðisfjörður. If you prefer to stay in the southern region, I recommend exploring Vatnajökull National Park!

Day 3 – Höfn to Reykjavík

Viking Village

Before hitting the road to begin your 5.5-hour-long drive back to Reykjavík, consider swinging by Viking Village on the Stokksnes Peninsula. While I don’t think it’s an essential destination you should go out of your way to see, it’s a fun pitstop regardless. The “village” is actually an abandoned film set, and the mountainous background will make you feel like a true Viking as you stroll around!

Lunch in Vík

Vík is about halfway between Höfn and Reykjavík, making it the perfect place to take a break from driving to stretch your legs and grab some lunch. The Soup Company is a great option for something simple, reasonably priced, and delicious. Each order of soup includes a free second bowl, so you can try more than one flavor—the lentil soup was my personal favorite.

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I highly recommend taking a few days to explore South Iceland!

Check out my other Iceland travel guides:

Must-Try Icelandic Foods | Iceland Food Guide

Sky Lagoon or Blue Lagoon? Iceland Travel Guide

Top 10 Things to Do in Reykjavík | Iceland Travel Guide

Top 7 Snæfellsnes Peninsula Things to Do | 1-Day Snæfellsnes Peninsula Itinerary

Reykjadalur Hot Springs | Iceland Hiking Guide

Should You Book a Reykjavík Food Tour? Iceland Food Tour Review