Why this road
There is really only one road here, so the question is not which road but how to drive it. The detours to Seljalandsfoss and Reynisfjara add only a little to the direct route, and together with Skógafoss they make the most varied stretch of Iceland's south: two big waterfalls you can get close to, the volcano that stopped European air traffic in 2010 and a beach of black sand with basalt columns and sea stacks. Without stops it is about 2 to 2.5 hours of driving.
The route
- ASelfoss
Cross the Ölfusá and head east on the Ring Road, through wide pasture with horses on both sides.
- 1Hella
A small town on the Ytri-Rangá river. On clear days you see the volcano Hekla to the north-east.
- 2Seljalandsfoss
Turn left onto the short side road. The waterfall drops from an old sea cliff and a path leads all the way behind it. A few hundred metres north, Gljúfrabúi hides in a narrow gorge.
- 3Skógafoss
Back on the Ring Road under the glacier Eyjafjallajökull to the next big fall. Walk up close, or climb the long stair beside it for the view from the top.
- 4Reynisfjara
Turn right towards the coast just before Vík. Black sand, a cave of basalt columns and the sea stacks of Reynisdrangar out in the surf.
- BVík
Over the last ridge and down into the village, with its church on the hill and the sea stacks seen from the other side.
Stops worth it
Forty minutes, with waterproofs: the path behind the fall is wet and can be slippery. In winter it is sometimes closed because of ice.
Stand in front of it for the spray and the rainbow, or climb the stair to the top and follow the river a little way upstream.
The beach is famous and dangerous: sudden big waves run far up the sand and have killed people. Stay well back from the water and never turn your back on the sea.
Light and the best time
The road runs east and slightly south, with the cliffs and waterfalls on your left and the sea on your right. The cliffs face south, so they are in sun from late morning through the afternoon. Skógafoss faces south too: on sunny days you get a rainbow in its spray, best around midday. Seljalandsfoss faces west, which is why the classic photo from behind it is taken in the evening, with a low sun shining through the water. In June and July that means late evening, when the coach groups are gone.
May to September is the best time, with long days and the most services open. The road is open all year, but winter storms can close it, especially around the Eyjafjöll mountains and near Vík. Midday in summer is busy at all three stops; an early start or a long summer evening is calmer.
By vehicle
Easy driving on a paved road. Watch for cars braking suddenly for photos, and only stop in the car parks.
Very popular with campervans. The wind here can be strong enough to push a high vehicle sideways, check the forecast and keep both hands on the wheel.
A straight, fast road with strong side winds. Pack rain gear, the south coast gets a lot of rain.
Good to know
There is no toll on this route. Some car parks along the coast are paid, so check on site. Before you set off, check road conditions on road.is and the weather and warnings, including the wave warnings for Reynisfjara. Driving off the road is forbidden in Iceland. Fuel and food are in Hella and Vík, and at a few stops in between.
Route checked against OpenStreetMap on 2 November 2026. Roads, closures and rules change: always check before you go and follow local signs.
Questions
How long does it take to drive from Selfoss to Vík?
About 2 to 2.5 hours of driving without stops on this route. With the waterfalls and the beach, plan most of a day.
Can you walk behind Seljalandsfoss?
Yes, a path leads behind the waterfall. It is wet and slippery, and in winter it is sometimes closed because of ice.
Is Reynisfjara beach dangerous?
Yes. Sudden large waves run far up the beach and have dragged people into the sea. Stay well back from the waterline and follow the warning signs.
Do I need a 4x4 for the south coast?
No. The Ring Road and the side roads to the waterfalls and Reynisfjara are paved. Roads marked F, into the highlands, are a different matter and not part of this drive.
Can I drive Iceland's south coast in winter?
Yes, but expect ice, storms and short days, and roads can close for a while in bad weather. Check road.is before every day of driving.