Route south-iceland
Reykjavík → Höfn
South Coast (Reykjavík to Höfn)
The full South Coast — 460 km of Route 1 from Reykjavík to Höfn, covering every major stop. Best as a 3–4 day road trip.
Key facts
- Distance
- 460 km (one way)
- Recommended duration
- 3–4 days
- Start
- Reykjavík
- End
- Höfn
- Distance
- 460 km
- Driving time
- 6 h pure / 3–4 day road trip
- Best months
- may, jun, jul, aug, sep, oct
- 4×4 needed?
- No
- Winter accessible?
- Yes
- Road note
- Route 1 throughout. Plowed first in winter; storm exposure east of Vík.
Suggested 4-day plan
Day 1 — Reykjavík to Vík
Seljalandsfoss + Gljúfrabúi → Skógafoss → Sólheimajökull → Dyrhólaey → Reynisfjara → overnight Vík.
Day 2 — Vík to Höfn
Eldhraun → Kirkjubæjarklaustur → Skaftafell (Svartifoss hike) → Jökulsárlón → Diamond Beach → overnight Höfn.
Day 3 — Around Höfn
Stokksnes / Vestrahorn → glacier hike or ice cave tour → langoustine dinner in Höfn.
Day 4 — Höfn back to Reykjavík
Long drive day. Stop wherever you cut short on day 1.
Frequently asked questions
Can you do the South Coast in winter?
Yes, with caveats. Plan flexibility for weather closures. Wind chill is significant. Always check road.is.
Do you need to overnight in Vík?
Strongly recommended for a 3+ day South Coast trip. Splits the drive and gives you Reynisfjara at off-peak hours.