South Coast or Snæfellsnes: Comparing Iceland’s Top Scenic Routes

The South Coast is a legendary Icelandic road trip, covering 200 miles (320 kilometers) along the Ring Road. It is Iceland’s most popular route due to its easy accessibility on paved roads, with tourist spots positioned conveniently close to the highway. This region’s breathtaking scenery is one of a kind, showcasing everything from thundering cascades and black-sand beaches to the icy magic of a glacial paradise.

While some travelers rush the entire South Coast Iceland self-drive in one day, at least two full days is recommended.

Highlights of the South Coast

From thundering waterfalls to shimmering ice lagoons, the South Coast Iceland self-drive delivers drama and geological grandeur on an epic scale. Here are some of the unmissable experiences on the South Coast of Iceland to add to your itinerary.

• Seljalandsfoss Waterfall: This stunning, 197-foot (60-meter) high cascade is famous for the pathway that allows visitors to walk completely behind the falling curtain of water (weather permitting).

• Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach: Home to dramatic basalt columns, the Hálsanefshellir sea cave, and the towering Reynisdrangar sea stacks, this is the most famous black-sand beach on the South Coast.

• Skógafoss Waterfall: This powerful 197-foot (60m) wall of water is instantly accessible off the Ring Road. Climb 500 steps to the platform above, or enjoy the magnificent spray (and frequent rainbows) from the base.

• Skaftafell Nature Reserve (part of Vatnajökull National Park): An ideal area to stretch your legs, this reserve features hiking trails, including one leading to the unique basalt-column framed Svartifoss Waterfall.

• Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach: South Coast's grand finale. Icebergs calved from the Vatnajökull ice cap float in Iceland's deepest lake before washing ashore on the volcanic black sands of Diamond Beach.

• Vatnajökull Glacier (Glacier Hiking): For a true adventure, strap on some crampons and venture onto the blue ice. Whether you choose the accessible Sólheimajökull outlet (closer to Reykjavík) or the vast wilderness near Skaftafell, walking atop Iceland’s largest ice cap is unforgettable.

Snæfellsnes Peninsula: Iceland in Miniature

At the westernmost region of Iceland lies the quiet wonders of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. It’s often called “Iceland in Miniature” as it compresses so many signature landscapes into one compact area. The peninsula is dominated by Snæfellsjökull, a glacier-topped stratovolcano, famously immortalized in Jules Verne’s Journey to the Center of the Earth. 

Although it lies off the main Ring Road, the two-hour drive from Reykjavík to Snæfellsnes is straightforward. Many visitors loop the peninsula as a relaxed one- to two-day tour.

Highlights of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula

The road trip from Reykjavík to Snæfellsnes is extraordinary, rolling through unspoiled lava fields, ancient volcanoes, and pristine black beaches. These are the essential stops you cannot miss while exploring this enchanting corner of the west.

• Kirkjufell Mountain and Kirkjufellsfoss: This steeple-shaped peak is one of Iceland’s most photographed mountains, beautifully paired with the nearby Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall.

• Snæfellsjökull Glacier: This magnificent, glacier-capped stratovolcano is the centerpiece of the national park and is beautifully viewed from coastal towns like Arnarstapi and Hellnar. It’s also accessible for guided glacier hiking and climbing tours.

• Vatnshellir Cave: An incredible opportunity to descend 115 feet (35 meters) into an 8,000-year-old lava tube located deep inside Snæfellsjökull National Park.

• Lóndrangar Basalt Cliffs: These twin basalt pinnacles are the eroded remnants of a volcanic crater, home to nesting seabirds (including puffins) during summer.

• Djúpalónssandur Beach: A dramatic black-pebble beach, famous for spectacular views, ancient "lifting stones,” and the scattered remnants of a shipwreck.

• Búðakirkja: The photogenic and starkly beautiful Búðir Black Church that sits almost alone against a backdrop of the windswept Búðahraun lava field on the southern coast of the peninsula.

South Coast vs Snæfellsnes: Key Differences

When choosing between the South Coast and Snæfellsnes Peninsula, it’s all about the type of adventure you seek.

Choose the South Coast if you’re drawn to epic scale and blockbuster scenery. This stretch delivers Iceland’s most famous natural features: the towering spray of waterfalls like Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss, the expansive black-sand shores of Reynisfjara, and the vast expanse of the Vatnajökull ice cap culminating in Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach. It’s one of Iceland’s most visited regions, and with good reason.

Opt for the Snæfellsnes Peninsula if you’d rather enjoy diversity in a compact, less crowded setting. Known as “Iceland in miniature,” the peninsula packs many of the country’s hallmark landscapes into a self-contained loop. The glacier-volcano Snæfellsjökull dominates the region, while rugged coastal cliffs, basalt sea stacks, and the iconic Kirkjufell flank fishing villages and lava fields. The pace feels quieter, the detour more off-beat.

In short: pick South Coast for scale-drama and major highlights; choose Snæfellsnes for variety, compactness, and a deeper sense of space.

Tips for Planning Your Trip from Reykjavík

Here are some top tips when planning a self-drive from Reykjavik.

• Don't Rush the Road Trip: For the South Coast, allocate at least two days if you’re heading out to Vík, and three days if you aim to continue all the way to Jökulsárlón. For Snæfellsnes, budget two days for a relaxed, comprehensive loop, though it's doable in a day tour.

• Car Rental is Essential: A Snæfellsnes or South Coast Iceland self-drive offers maximum flexibility. A standard vehicle is sufficient for most summer trips, but a 4x4 may be necessary for winter travel or F-roads. Car rental is available on the websites of ODDSSON Midtown and ODDSSON Downtown.

• Check Road and Weather Conditions: Conditions can change rapidly, especially in winter. Always check the official sites for road conditions (road.is) and weather forecasts (vedur.is) before departing, as closures can occur on both routes.

• Understand Daylight Hours: In summer (June–August), the midnight sun allows for long sightseeing days. In winter (November–February), be prepared for as little as 4–6 hours of usable daylight, which dictates early starts and limited stops.

• Pack for All Seasons: Regardless of the time of year, Iceland requires layers. Be sure to include waterproof outer layers, windproof jackets, and sturdy, water-resistant hiking boots.

ODDSSON: The Perfect Reykjavík Base for Either Route

For travelers tackling the South Coast or Snæfellsnes, Reykjavík serves as the crucial starting and ending point. ODDSSON Downtown is ideal for city center access and nightlife, while ODDSSON Midtown offers quicker highway access for early morning road trips. Crucially, both hotels are recognized pickup locations for major tour operators and provide easy access to the routes heading from Reykjavík to Snæfellsnes or the South Coast.

FAQs About South Coast vs Snæfellsnes

What is the difference between Golden Circle and South Coast?

The famous Golden Circle is a short day tour near Reykjavík featuring three main geological sites. The South Coast is a multi-day linear route known for epic glacial landscapes, black sand beaches, and numerous waterfalls.

Is the Snæfellsnes Peninsula worth visiting?

Yes, it is highly recommended as "Iceland in Miniature," offering incredible geological diversity with less crowding than the South Coast.

Is South Coast, Iceland worth it?

Yes; it is essential for first-time visitors as it contains Iceland's most famous and beautiful landmarks, like Reynisfjara and Jökulsárlón.

How long to spend at Snæfellsnes?

Allow at least one full, long day for the loop, but two days (one overnight stay) is ideal for a relaxed and comprehensive exploration.

Is the Blue Lagoon part of the South Coast route?

No; it is located on the Reykjanes Peninsula near the airport. It requires a separate visit or a short day tour from Reykjavík.