Looking for the perfect 1-day road trip from Vík to Höfn? This scenic drive along Iceland’s South Coast is packed with unforgettable sights, including fairytale canyons, glacier lagoons, black sand beaches, and some of the country’s most spectacular mountain sceneries.
This itinerary follows the exact route we drove in June 2025, sharing our favorite stops, photos, and highlights along the way to help you plan your own adventure.
It’s a long day, but it’s easy to fit everything in during Iceland’s summer, when the Midnight Sun gives you hours of extra daylight to explore.
Before We Started…
After exploring Iceland’s Golden Circle and the South Coast’s beautiful waterfalls, we spent the night in Vík before continuing our journey east toward Höfn.
We left our guesthouse in Vík around 7:30 am under cloudy skies with light rain coming and going. We hoped the weather would improve as we headed east.
With our cameras packed, the car fueled up, snacks and water ready, and our itinerary ready, we set off for another unforgettable day on Iceland’s South Coast.
Stop 1: Charming Vík Church – A Peaceful Start to the Day
Before leaving Vík, the first stop was the famous red-roofed church overlooking the village.
On arrival, the church was completely quiet with hardly anyone around. For a few minutes, the sun broke through the clouds, creating a beautiful double rainbow over the green valley below. From the hilltop, there were panoramic views of Vík, Reynisfjara Beach, and the dramatic black coastline stretching into the distance. The plan had been to photograph the church surrounded by blooming lupines under blue skies, but the rain, cold, and strong winds had other ideas. Even so, it was the perfect way to begin the day.
Highlights
- Iconic red-roofed church
- Panoramic views of Vík
- Reynisfjara Beach in the distance
- Beautiful mountain and valley scenery
Arrival: 8 am
Stop 2: Mýrdalsjökull Glacier and Eldhraun Lava Fields – A Landscape Shaped by Fire and Ice
Looking back from the Ring Road, Vík looked like a little postcard tucked beneath the misty green hills. Endless fields of purple lupines stretched toward the mountains, while Mýrdalsjökull Glacier peeked through the clouds in the distance.
It was hard to resist making a few stops along the way, of course, only where it was safe to pull over…. to admire the scenery and capture a few photos.
After about a 45 mins drive from Vík, the scenery changed as the route reached the vast Eldhraun lava fields. The soft gray-green woolly fringe moss covered the ancient black lava rocks, creating a strange landscape that almost felt like another planet. This moss is very fragile and takes around 100 years to recover, so it’s important to stay on marked paths and help protect this beautiful landscape.
More info on Charming Vik and Iceland’s South Coast Drive Along Route 1 here.
Highlights
- Easy roadside stops along Route 1
- Views of Mýrdalsjökull Glacier
- Endless purple lupines (summer)
- Moss-covered lava fields
Arrival: Around 9 am
Stop 3: Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon – A Fairytale Walk
Arrival: 9:30 am
The next stop was Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon…. another fairytale-like place, just 10 mins from Eldhraun lava fields.
Walking trails offer a breathtaking landscape of deep canyon walls, bright green moss-covered cliffs, small waterfalls, and a winding river far below. The whole place felt peaceful and almost unreal. It was another beautiful reminder of how incredible Iceland’s landscapes can be. More info here.
Highlights:
- Dramatic moss-covered canyon walls
- Winding river views
- Scenic walking trails
- Waterfalls and incredible viewpoints
- Unique rock formations and lush green landscapes
Stop 4: Hamrafoss and Fossálar Waterfalls: Roadside Surprises
Leaving Fjaðrárgljúfur around 10:30 AM, the route continued southeast along Route 1. Along the way, Hamrafoss and Fossálar waterfalls appeared as beautiful roadside surprises.
One thing that quickly becomes clear while driving through Iceland is that even the views from the road are spectacular. An ordinary drive can easily turn into a scenic adventure, with waterfalls, mountains, glaciers, and ever-changing landscapes waiting around every corner.
Highlights:
- Beautiful roadside waterfalls
- Cascading water over rugged rock formations
- Scenic views along Route 1 and Perfect photo stops
- Peaceful natural surroundings
Arrival: 10:40 am
Stop 5: Lómagnúpur Scenic Spot: A Quick Stop with a Big View
The next stop was Lómagnúpur Scenic Spot after a scenic 40 mins drive from Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon along the Ring Road. The landscape changed dramatically along the way, with the green hills disappearing and giving way to enormous black sand plains and glacier-covered mountains rising in the distance.
A quick stop at Lómagnúpur offered a chance to admire the towering cliffs and surrounding scenery. Although it was a short stop, the views were unforgettable.
Highlights:
- Massive mountain cliffs and Excellent photo stop
- Black sand plains and Glacier views
Arrival: Around 11:00 am
Stop 6: Skeiðarársandur – Driving Through Another World
Soon after leaving Lómagnúpur, the route crossed the vast Skeiðarársandur black sand plains.
The road stretched like a tiny ribbon across the endless black landscape, with glacier-covered mountains rising in the distance. The dramatic scenery made it feel like driving through another world.
More details and photos of our South Coast drive along Iceland’s Ring Road here.
Highlights:
- Vast black sand plains
- Stunning glacier views
- Dramatic mountain scenery
- Unique volcanic landscape
- Scenic drive along Route 1
- Excellent photo stops
Arrival: 11:10 am
Stop 7: Skeiðará Bridge Memorial – Nature’s Incredible Power
Continuing south along the Ring Road (Route 1), the next stop was the Skeiðará Bridge Memorial.
The remains of the old bridge serve as a reminder of the enormous glacial floods that have shaped this landscape.
Standing there, with Vatnajökull Glacier visible in the distance, it was easy to appreciate the raw power of Iceland’s nature.
Highlights:
- Historic bridge ruins from glacial floods
- Views of Vatnajökull Glacier and dramatic surrounding
- Unique stop along Route 1
Arrival: Around 11:30 am
Stop 8: Svínafellsjökull Glacier – Close-Up View of a Glacier
After a 10 mins drive along the Ring Road, the route reached Svínafellsjökull Glacier.
Seeing Svínafellsjökull Glacier up close for the first time was unforgettable. The blue ice, dark volcanic ash, and dark volcanic mountain ridges surrounding the glacier created an incredible contrast. A small milky-gray glacial lagoon sits at its base, adding even more beauty to the landscape. We spent some time enjoying the views before continuing toward Skaftafell.
More info and photos here.
Highlights:
- Close-up glacier views
- Blue ice formations
- Small glacial lagoon at the glacier’s base
- Dramatic mountain scenery
- Short walk to the viewpoint
Arrival: Around 12:00 pm
Stop 9: Skaftafell – Into the Heart of Vatnajökull National Park
The next stop was Skaftafell, where snow-covered peaks and wide glacial plains surrounded the landscape in every direction
Located inside Vatnajökull National Park, Skaftafell is famous for its hiking trails, waterfalls, and glacier views.
Although there was not enough time for a long hike, a short walk from the visitor center toward the glacier viewpoint offered beautiful views of the surrounding mountains, glacial landscapes, and massive ice formations in the distance. It was a simple walk, but easily one of the highlights of the day.
More info and photos here.
Highlights:
- Glacier and mountain views
- Short walk to glacier viewpoints and Scenic hiking trails
- Waterfalls and natural landscapes
- Part of Vatnajökull National Park
Arrival: Around 1:15 pm
Stop 10: Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon – Floating Icebergs Everywhere
After a 40 mins scenic drive along the Ring Road (Route 1), the route reached one of Iceland’s most famous attractions… Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.
Countless icebergs floated peacefully across the turquoise-blue glacier lagoon after breaking away from the nearby glacier. Some were bright white, while others glowed in beautiful shades of blue. Watching them slowly drift toward the ocean was fascinating, and it was hard to stop taking photos.
A boat tour through the lagoon offered an even closer view of the floating icebergs and the massive glacier in the distance. Seeing these enormous pieces of ice surrounded by calm blue water and towering mountains was an unforgettable experience.
It’s easy to understand why this is one of Iceland’s most famous natural attractions. More info and photos here.
Highlights:
- Turquoise-blue glacier lagoon
- Floating icebergs
- Boat tour through the glacier lagoon
- Blue glacier ice
- Close-up glacier views
- Seals (if you’re lucky)
- Incredible photography
Arrival: Around 3:40 pm
Stop 11: Diamond Beach – Ice on Black Sand
Just across the road from Jökulsárlón is Diamond Beach.
Here, chunks of glacier ice wash onto the black volcanic sand, creating one of Iceland’s most beautiful landscapes.
The contrast between the crystal-clear ice and the dark sand creates one of Iceland’s most remarkable landscapes. Some pieces sparkled like diamonds in the sunlight, giving the beach its well-known name.
See more of Diamond Beach, including photos, here.
Highlights:
- Crystal-clear ice
- Black sand beach and Ocean views
- Fantastic photography
Arrival: Around 4 pm
Stop 12: Jón Eiríksson Monument – A Quiet Roadside Stop
After leaving Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach, the route continued east along Route 1 for about a 30 mins drive to the Jón Eiríksson Monument. The simple monument sits against Iceland’s dramatic landscape, with open fields, mountains, and the vast scenery of the South Coast surrounding it.
Highlights:
- Unique monument with scenic mountain views
- Easy photo stop along Route 1
Arrival: 6:30 pm
Stop 13: Höfn – A Charming Fishing Town by the Sea
After a full day exploring glaciers, icebergs, and black sand landscapes, the next stop was Höfn, a charming fishing town surrounded by mountains and the Atlantic coastline.
A quick stop at the harbor offered beautiful coastal views and a chance to see the unique Höfn Universe sculpture before continuing to the final stop of the day.
Highlights:
- Quiet fishing town, Harbor and coastal views
- Höfn Universe sculpture
- Mountain scenery
Arrival: Around 7:00 PM
Stop 14 – Final stop: Stokksnes & Vestrahorn – Ending the Day with an Iconic View
The final stop of the day was Stokksnes, home to the famous Vestrahorn Mountain.
The cold temperatures and strong winds made it challenging to step outside, but after bundling up, the short walk was completely worth it. The dramatic combination of the mountain, black sand dunes, grassy coastline, and mirror-like reflections created an unforgettable landscape.
Every time the weather changed, the views looked a little different. It was the perfect place to end another amazing day on Iceland’s south coast.
Highlights:
- Iconic Vestrahorn mountain views
- Black sand dunes
- Mountain reflections (when conditions are right)
- Dramatic coastal scenery
- Changing light and weather
- Amazing photography opportunities
Arrival: Around 7:45 pm
Mapping Our Journey: From Vík to Höfn
To give a better sense of the route, this map shows the journey along Iceland’s Ring Road (Route 1) from Vík to Höfn. The route passes through the Eldhraun lava fields, Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, Lómagnúpur, Skeiðarársandur, Skaftafell, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Diamond Beach, and finally Stokksnes near Höfn.
Is This Itinerary Realistic?
Yes, but it’s best during summer.
We completed this drive in late June, when Iceland enjoys nearly 24 hours of daylight. Starting early gave us plenty of time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed.
During winter, shorter daylight hours and changing weather conditions make fitting all of these stops into one day much more difficult.
Conclusion: An Unforgettable Day in Iceland
What a beautiful day exploring Iceland! From waterfalls and canyons to glaciers and icebergs, from black sand beaches to stunning mountains, every stop had something special.
Ending the day at Stokksnes, with Vestrahorn in the background, was the perfect finish. It was a long drive, but the summer daylight gave us plenty of time to enjoy it all. Definitely one of our favorite drives in Iceland!
Leave a Reply