Driving the South Coast: Route 1 from Reykjavík to Jökulsárlón
By Stefán · Iceland Roads · Written by a local who drives these roads
What the South Coast actually is
The South Coast refers to Route 1 from Reykjavík east to Höfn, passing the iconic waterfalls, black sand beaches, and glacier views that fill Iceland travel photos. It's the Ring Road at its most scenic and most accessible: paved, well-marked, serviced year-round. The 380 km from Reykjavík to Jökulsárlón takes 5.5 to 6.5 hours without stops, but most visitors spread it over 2-3 days to visit Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Vík, and the glacier lagoons without turning the trip into a highway dash.
The landscape changes as you drive east. Near Reykjavík the terrain is low moss-covered lava fields. Past Hvolsvöllur you reach the flat coastal plain beneath Eyjafjallajökull and Katla, with waterfalls dropping from the cliffs where the old coastline once stood. Vík sits at the southernmost point, exposed to wind from every direction. East of Vík the coast turns to black sand and basalt, then climbs gradually toward Skaftafell and the glaciers that spill down from Vatnajökull.
Road surface and conditions
Route 1 through the South Coast is fully paved and maintained year-round. The road is wide and straight on the coastal plain, with occasional single-lane bridges near rivers. Gritting trucks prioritize this route in winter, so it clears faster than secondary roads.
The hazards aren't potholes or gravel - they're wind, black ice on bridges (especially at Skeiðará and other glacier-fed rivers), and blowing snow that erases visibility in winter storms. The flat, treeless plain gives wind nothing to slow it down, and gusts around Vík and Dyrhólaey can shove a light car sideways without warning. Check live wind readings at today's conditions before driving exposed sections.
Wind exposure
The coastal plain is open to Atlantic storms with no terrain to block them. Vík and Dyrhólaey see the strongest gusts. If stations there show 15+ m/s sustained wind, expect to feel every gust while driving.
Bridge ice
Single-lane bridges over glacier rivers (Skeiðará, Núpsvötn) cool faster than the surrounding road and ice over first. Slow down on bridges even if the rest of Route 1 looks clear.
Seasonal closures
Route 1 itself stays open year-round, but F-roads from the coast (F208 to Landmannalaugar, F249 to Þórsmörk) close around mid-September and don't reopen until late June or early July.
Key stops and distances
Seljalandsfoss (128 km) and Skógafoss (156 km)
About half an hour apart, both signposted, short walks from the car parks. Seljalandsfoss has a path behind the falls, Skógafoss is taller and worth the stair climb for the view from the top. Budget the better part of a morning to reach them from Reykjavík and see both properly.
Vík (188 km)
Southernmost town, main service hub for the middle South Coast. Fuel, food, accommodation. Reynisfjara black sand beach is 10 minutes west. Wind can be extreme here - check before walking out on exposed beaches.
Kirkjubæjarklaustur (263 km)
Small town with fuel and food. Quieter stop than Vík. Gateway to Lakagígar and Skaftafell, both signposted from here.
Skaftafell (327 km)
Visitor center in Vatnajökull National Park. Fuel at Freysnes just east of it - the last pump before a long stretch. Trails to Svartifoss waterfall and glacier viewpoints. Worth at least 2-3 hours if you're stopping.
Jökulsárlón (378 km)
Glacier lagoon where icebergs drift from Breiðamerkurjökull glacier to the sea. Pull-outs on both sides of Route 1. Diamond Beach (icebergs on black sand) is across the road.
F-road detours: when they're worth it
Two highland F-roads branch north from the South Coast: F208 to Landmannalaugar and F249 to Þórsmörk. Both involve rough gravel, unbridged river crossings, and sections steep enough that a 2WD physically won't make it. If you're not confident with river depth judgment and gravel handling, these are tours-only trips, not casual detours.
F208 runs from near Kirkjubæjarklaustur to Landmannalaugar, a geothermal area with multicolored rhyolite mountains and hot springs. The route crosses rivers and climbs through pumice desert - beautiful, remote, and unforgiving if you misjudge a crossing. F249 (Þórsmerkurvegur) leads to Þórsmörk, a green valley ringed by glaciers and deeply cut rivers; the Krossá crossing at the end of it is the one most rental agreements exclude outright, and its depth changes through the day with glacial melt. Do not confuse it with F210 (Fjallabaksleið syðri), a longer and rougher route with several unbridged rivers that does not reach Þórsmörk. Both roads typically open late June and close early September; check F-road status for exact dates and current conditions.
Weather patterns to expect
The South Coast is wetter and windier than inland Iceland but milder in temperature. Rain is frequent year-round, driven by Atlantic low-pressure systems that hit the coast first. Snow at sea level is less common than on the north coast or highlands, but winter brings ice and blowing snow that cuts visibility fast.
Wind is the defining feature. Vík and the coastal plain have no shelter, and gusts of 20+ m/s are normal in winter storms. Summer is calmer but not calm - check forecasts and station readings every morning, not once before you leave Reykjavík. See today's conditions for live readings.
Services and fuel
Petrol stations and food are available at Hvolsvöllur, Vík, Kirkjubæjarklaustur, Freysnes (by Skaftafell), and Höfn. Most gaps run 60 to 80 km, but the longest is about 133 km, between Freysnes and Höfn, past Jökulsárlón with nothing in between. That is the one to plan around: fill up at Freysnes even if the gauge looks fine, because there is no second chance until Höfn. Vík has the most complete services (supermarket, restaurants, accommodation); Kirkjubæjarklaustur is smaller but has essentials.
Mobile coverage is good on Route 1 itself but drops once you turn onto F-roads or coastal tracks. Download offline maps and have a backup plan if you're heading off the Ring Road.
When to drive the South Coast
May to September offers the most daylight and predictable weather. F-roads are only passable late June to early September, so if Landmannalaugar or Þórsmörk is part of your plan, aim for that window.
Winter driving (November to March) is possible on Route 1 itself but brings short daylight (4-7 hours), wind, and ice. Route 1 stays open most days, but storm closures happen - build slack into your itinerary and check conditions daily. F-roads are closed and impassable all winter regardless of conditions elsewhere.
Common questions
Is the South Coast drive safe for inexperienced winter drivers?
The paved Route 1 section stays open most winter days and is Iceland's most-serviced road. The challenge isn't the road itself - it's wind exposure near Vík and Dyrhólaey, and black ice on bridges. Check conditions daily and skip the F-road detours unless you're confident with gravel and river crossings.
How long does it take to drive from Reykjavík to Jökulsárlón?
Around 5.5 to 6.5 hours of driving for the 380 km, so plan a full day if you're stopping at waterfalls and viewpoints. Most visitors split it over 2-3 days to actually see Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Reynisfjara, and the glacier lagoons without rushing.
Do I need a 4x4 to drive the South Coast?
Not for Route 1 itself - a 2WD handles the paved Ring Road fine in normal conditions. You need a 4x4 if you're taking F-road detours like F208 to Landmannalaugar or F249 to Þórsmörk, which involve unbridged river crossings and rough gravel.
What are the main stops between Reykjavík and Jökulsárlón?
Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, Vík (southernmost town, services), Reynisfjara black sand beach, Kirkjubæjarklaustur, Skaftafell in Vatnajökull National Park, and Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. Each is signposted from Route 1.
When is the best time to drive the South Coast?
May to September for the most predictable weather and daylight. Winter driving is possible but brings wind, ice, and short daylight - November to March averages 4-7 hours of daylight. F-roads from the coast (F208, F249) only open late June to early September.
What weather should I expect on the South Coast?
Wind is the constant - the flat coastal plain has nothing to block Atlantic gusts, especially around Vík and Dyrhólaey. Rain is frequent year-round. Snow is less common at sea level than inland, but winter can bring blowing snow and ice. Check station readings at Vík before driving exposed sections.
Are there services and fuel along the South Coast?
Yes - petrol stations and food at Hvolsvöllur, Vík, Kirkjubæjarklaustur, Freysnes (by Skaftafell) and Höfn. Most gaps run 60 to 80 km, but Freysnes to Höfn is about 133 km with nothing in between, so fill up at Freysnes whatever the gauge says. Vík is the main service hub for the middle stretch.
See also: East Fjords driving Westfjords driving
Related: winter driving · renting a car · F-road status · today's conditions · route planner