10 Lesser-Known Places Worth Visiting on Iceland’s South Coast

Beyond its iconic waterfalls, 10 lesser-known places make Iceland’s South Coast even more rewarding to explore. Hidden canyons, quiet waterfalls, volcanic caves, and scenic hiking trails offer a different perspective on one of the country’s most visited regions away from the busiest viewpoints and tour buses.

Better still, most of these hidden gems fit naturally into a self-drive itinerary, allowing you to travel at your own pace and discover places many visitors never see.

Suggested South Coast Road Trip

If you have 2–3 days to explore Iceland’s South Coast, the following route allows you to combine famous landmarks with several quieter detours along the way.

Travel tip: Don’t feel pressured to visit every stop. Iceland’s weather changes quickly, so leaving room for spontaneous detours often leads to the most memorable experiences.

Quick Planning Guide

1. Nauthúsagil Ravine

Hidden just a few minutes from Seljalandsfoss, Nauthúsagil is a narrow moss-covered canyon that leads to a secluded waterfall deep inside the gorge. The hike may be short, but stream crossings, wet rocks, and a chain-assisted section make it far more adventurous than a typical waterfall walk.

Quick Info

• Time needed: 45–90 minutes
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Best season: Late spring to early autumn
• Tip: Waterproof hiking boots are highly recommended.

Nearby highlights: Seljalandsfoss, Gljúfrabúi, and Þórsmörk.

2. Þakgil

Just outside Vík, Þakgil feels like a completely different world from Iceland’s famous black sand beaches. Surrounded by green valleys and rugged mountains, it’s a peaceful destination known for scenic hiking trails and one of the country’s most beautiful campgrounds.

Quick Info

• Time needed: Half a day or longer
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Best season: June to September
• Tip: Check road conditions before driving the gravel access road.

Combine it with: Reynisfjara, Dyrhólaey, Hjörleifshöfði, or Yoda Cave.

3. Múlagljúfur Canyon

Often overlooked by travelers heading to Jökulsárlón, Múlagljúfur Canyon rewards hikers with sweeping views of waterfalls, glacier outlets, and a dramatic green gorge. It’s one of the South Coast’s most scenic hikes without the crowds found at more famous locations.

Quick Info

• Time needed: 2–3 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Best season: Late spring to early autumn
• Tip: Bring sturdy hiking shoes, as sections of the trail can be muddy.

Continue east to: Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Jökulsárlón.

4. Stjórnarfoss

Located near Kirkjubæjarklaustur, Stjórnarfoss is a charming two-tier waterfall surrounded by lush greenery. While smaller than many of Iceland’s famous waterfalls, its peaceful setting makes it a worthwhile stop during a South Coast road trip.

Quick Info

• Time needed: 15–45 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy
• Best season: Year-round
• Tip: Early morning or overcast days offer the best lighting for photos.

Worth visiting together with: Foss á Síðu and Dverghamrar.

5. Foss á Síðu

Visible directly from Route 1, Foss á Síðu is famous for the way strong winds occasionally blow the falling water sideways, creating Iceland’s famous “reverse waterfall” effect. Even on calmer days, it’s one of the South Coast’s most picturesque roadside waterfalls.

Quick Info

• Time needed: 10–30 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy
• Best season: After rainfall or snowmelt
• Tip: Stay within the designated viewing area, as the surrounding land is private farmland.

A short detour also brings you to: Dverghamrar and Stjórnarfoss.

6. Dverghamrar (Dwarf Cliffs)

Dverghamrar is a fascinating cluster of basalt columns formed by ancient lava flows. Beyond its striking geology, Icelandic folklore associates the site with dwarfs and hidden people, adding an extra layer of mystery to this quiet roadside stop.

Quick Info

• Time needed: 20–45 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy
• Best season: Year-round
• Tip: Stay on the marked paths to help protect the fragile rock formations.

Next stop: Continue east or revisit nearby Foss á Síðu before heading toward Skaftafell.

7. Hjörleifshöfði

Rising above the vast black sands of Mýrdalssandur, Hjörleifshöfði is a volcanic headland that offers one of the South Coast’s most rewarding panoramic hikes. Beyond the scenery, the area is also linked to Iceland’s early Viking history, making it an interesting stop for both hikers and history enthusiasts.

Quick Info

• Time needed: 2–4 hours
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Best season: Spring to autumn
• Tip: The summit can be very windy, so bring a windproof jacket.

Continue your adventure: Visit nearby Yoda Cave before heading back toward Vík.

8. Yoda Cave (Gígjagjá)

Hidden at the base of Hjörleifshöfði, Gígjagjá is better known as Yoda Cave thanks to its naturally shaped entrance that resembles the famous Star Wars character. While the cave itself is relatively small, it’s a fun photography stop and easy to combine with nearby attractions.

Quick Info

• Time needed: 30–60 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy
• Best season: Year-round
• Tip: Visit early in the morning or later in the evening for softer light and fewer visitors.

Also nearby: Reynisfjara, Dyrhólaey, and the village of Vík.

9. Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck

One of Iceland’s most recognizable landmarks, the abandoned Douglas DC-3 plane wreck sits alone on the black sand plains of Sólheimasandur. Although no one was seriously injured in the 1973 emergency landing, the aircraft has remained here ever since, becoming a unique destination for photographers and road trippers.

Unlike many roadside attractions, reaching the wreck requires either a 4 km walk each way or taking the shuttle bus from the parking area.

Quick Info

• Time needed: 1–3 hours
• Difficulty: Easy
• Best season: Year-round
• Tip: Dress warmly—the open plain is often much windier than expected.

Learn more: If you’re planning to visit, check out Go Car Rental’s detailed guide to the Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck before your trip.

10. Loftsalahellir Cave

Perched on the slopes of Geitafjall near Dyrhólaey, Loftsalahellir Cave isn’t famous for its size but for the spectacular coastal view framed by its entrance. Looking out from inside the cave, you’ll see the Atlantic Ocean, Dyrhólaey Arch, and the surrounding wetlands forming a natural picture frame.

The short uphill walk makes it a peaceful alternative to some of the South Coast’s busier viewpoints.

Quick Info

• Time needed: 45–90 minutes
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Best season: Spring to autumn
• Tip: Sunrise and sunset offer the most beautiful light for photography.

Discover more: Combine your visit with Dyrhólaey, Reynisfjara, or read Go Car Rental’s guide to Loftsalahellir Cave before setting off.

Driving Tips for Exploring the 10 Lesser-Known Places on Iceland’s South Coast

Exploring the South Coast by car gives you the flexibility to visit places that many guided tours skip, but a little preparation goes a long way.

• Allow extra time. Even short distances can take longer than expected because you’ll want to stop for viewpoints, waterfalls, and scenic photo opportunities.
• Check road conditions daily. Weather in Iceland can change quickly, even during summer. Before setting out, check road updates and forecasts, especially if your route includes gravel roads.
• Pack for changing weather. A waterproof jacket, sturdy hiking shoes, and warm layers are useful year-round, as conditions can shift dramatically throughout the day.
• Respect nature and private land. Stay on marked trails, avoid walking across fragile moss, and follow signs near farms and protected areas.
• Fuel up when you can. Service stations become less frequent as you travel farther east, so it’s a good habit to refill before your tank gets too low.

Final Thoughts

While Iceland’s iconic waterfalls and black sand beaches deserve a place on every itinerary, some of the South Coast’s most memorable experiences are found just beyond the usual stops. Whether you’re hiking through Nauthúsagil, standing above Múlagljúfur Canyon, exploring Yoda Cave, or photographing the Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck, these lesser-known destinations reveal a quieter, more adventurous side of Iceland.

The freedom of a self-drive itinerary lets you slow down, take scenic detours, and discover places that many travelers never see. Sometimes, the best memories come from the roads less traveled.

🏔️ Ready to Explore Iceland Beyond the Tourist Trail?

Start planning your South Coast road trip and discover hidden waterfalls, volcanic landscapes, and unforgettable stops at your own pace. 

Read more: Best Car from Go Car Rental Iceland in 2026: Real Booking Insights