The Perfect One Day Itinerary For Iceland's South Coast with Kids
/If you’re planning a trip to Iceland with kids, the South Coast must be a part of your family itinerary. Imagine waterfalls that don’t look real, black sand beaches, dramatic cliffs.
Like I said - the south coast is iconic iceland
Exploring the South Coast can be lot for one day—unless you plan it well. So, this one day South Coast itinerary from Selfoss with kids is exactly how we did it, including what worked, what we skipped, and what I would do again. (You can do the South Coast from Reykjavik, but you need to plan more driving time)
We started early, moved at a steady pace, and built in flexibility. It this day feel manageable instead of overwhelming.
This guide includes:
Estimated timing and drive times
How long to spend at each stop
Parking costs and logistics
Real tips for doing this with kids
One stop we skipped (but you may want to include)
If you’re trying to plan a South Coast Iceland itinerary with kids, this is a realistic version that we did ourselves.
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Check out my Instagram Highlight with Photos and Videos from The Golden Circle
Here is the best family friendly itinerary for Iceland’s South Coast:
Table of Contents
Click any Hike Below to Jump to it’s description and see images!
Golden Circle Route + Timing Overview
Seljavallalaug (Optional Stop)
Plan your Golden Circle Itinerary!
Helpful Items: Must Haves for A Trip To Iceland
Map of the The South Coast Stops
Use this map to see where each stop on the South Coast is located. If you’re looking for a full itinerary, my 10-day Iceland itinerary is coming soon! Check out my full Golden Circle Itinerary!
South Coast Route + Timing Overview
How long does the South Coast take?
Total time needed: 11–12 hours from Selfoss | 12–14 hours from Reykjavík
The South Coast is a full day, especially if you’re trying to hit all of the major stops like Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, and Reynisfjara Beach. Unlike the Golden Circle, the South Coast covers much more distance, which means longer stretches of driving between stops.
We found that most stops were quick and easy, but the day adds up fast. If you want to move at a slower pace or spend more time at places like Reynisfjara or Dyrhólaey, consider starting earlier or cutting one or two stops.
Is the South Coast worth it with kids?
Absolutely.
If you’re traveling to Iceland with kids, the South Coast is one of the most rewarding days you can do. You get waterfalls, black sand beaches, cliffs, and downed airplanes — all in one route.
Can you do the South Coast in one day?
Yes—but it’s a long day.
We did the full South Coast itinerary from Selfoss in one day. We didn’t try to do everything and even cut a stop to give us more time at other places.
Is driving the South Coast easy?
Yes, for the most part its all highway. The main roads are paved, well-marked, and easy to follow. The only rough roads we encountered were pull-offs or gravel parking areas.
NOTE: The weather can change quickly, so always check conditions before heading out. It could be sunny and then 5 minutes later a blizzard - not an exaggeration.
Your South Coast day will look something like this:
8:00 AM – Depart Selfoss
8:30–8:50 AM – Ægissíðufoss (30 min drive)
Quick, easy waterfall stop with very few crowds.Coffee Stop – American School Bus
Perfect quick break for coffee and pastries.9:50–10:30 AM – DC-3 Plane Wreck (35 min drive)
Unique black sand stop, but more effort to reach.10:40–11:10 AM – Gljúfrabúi (10 min drive)
Hidden waterfall inside a canyon—expect to get wet.11:10–11:40 AM – Seljalandsfoss
Walk behind the waterfall. One of Iceland’s most iconic stops.12:10–12:55 PM – Kvernufoss (30 min drive)
Short hike to a quieter waterfall you can also walk behind.12:55–1:40 PM – Skógafoss (2 min drive)
Massive waterfall with optional stair climb.1:40–2:30 PM – Lunch (Skógar area)
Warm break and reset.(Optional) 2:50–4:00 PM – Seljavallalaug (20 min drive)
Mountain pool hike—only if you have time and energy.4:30–5:00 PM – Dyrhólaey (30 min drive)
Cliff views, lighthouse, and sweeping coastline.5:20 PM – Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach (20 min drive)
Explore the beach and stay for dinner.~7:45–8:15 PM – Return to Selfoss (2 hr 25 min drive)
Long but scenic drive back.NOTE: If you’re starting your South Coast day from Reykjavík, add at least 1–1.5 hours driving each way
Ægissíðufoss
Ægissíðufoss
Ægissíðufoss
Time: 8:30–8:50 AM
Drive from Selfoss: 30 minutes
Time at stop: 15–20 minutes
Cost: Free
Parking: Roadside
If you’re starting your South Coast Iceland itinerary from Selfoss, this is one of the best first stops you can make.
Ægissíðufoss was stunning. The parking area was so close to the falls and there were very few people there.
Ægissíðufoss is wide, powerful, and completely underrated compared to some of the more famous waterfalls along the Iceland South Coast route. When we got to the falls there was no one else there. We took our time, flew the drone a little, threw snowballs, and didn’t feel rushed at all. However, this is not a stop where you need to spend a lot of time. You park, walk a few steps, take it in, and keep moving.
If you want you could get your coffee and treats from the American School Bus Cafe first and bring it to the falls to enjoy.
Check out my Instagram Highlight with Photos and Videos from The South Coast
this is at skogafoss, but it’s so cute I wanted to include it somewhere
American School Bus Cafe
American School Bus Café
Drive from Ægissíðufoss: 3 minutes
Time at stop: 15–25 minutes
Cost: Varies by order
Parking: Huge, free parking lot
One of the best parts of a South Coast Iceland itinerary with kids is finding little stops that break up the drive, and the American School Bus Café was such a fun one. It’s exactly what it sounds like, a converted American school bus serving coffee, pastries, and quick bites right along the route.
This was the perfect start of day for us. I went in by myself and grabbed a couple cappuccinos and pastries for the car ride.
The quirky roadside stops like this are part of what makes exploring Iceland so fun. I have a video showing the inside of the bus on my Instagram Highlights.
the waffles were excellent and so was the coffee
DC-3 Plane Wreck
DC-3 Plane Wreck was hands down our kids favorite stop of the day. and it was wayyyy easier than hiking to the plane on the beach
DC-3 Plane Wreck
Time: 9:50–10:30 AM
Drive: 35 minutes
Time at stop: 30–40 minutes
Cost: ~1000 ISK parking
Parking: Designated lot
This was our kid’s favorite stop of the entire South Coast Day. The DC-3 airplane wreck in Eyvindarholt is one of the easier and more family-friendly plane wreck stops along Iceland’s South Coast, especially compared to the more famous one on Sólheimasandur.
Parking here costs about 1000 ISK (paid via the Parka app), and there is a small but well-maintained parking area right near the site. There is also a clean restroom in the parking lot, but no cafe or shops.
From there, it’s an incredibly short and manageable 200m walk to reach the wreck, which makes it even easier with kids.
The wreck itself sits in an open field with mountain views in the background, and you can walk all the way around it and explore up close. It’s a quick stop, but a unique one, and a good option if you want to see a plane wreck without committing to a long hike and crowds.
Helpful Items: Must Haves for A Trip To Iceland
Gljúfrabúi
Time: 10:40–11:10 AM
Drive: 10 minutes
Time at stop: ~30 minutes
Cost: Included with Seljalandsfoss parking
Parking: Shared lot
Gljúfrabúi feels like one of those hidden spots you only find if you know where to look.
Located just a short walk from Seljalandsfoss, this waterfall is tucked inside a narrow canyon, and you don’t fully see it until you step inside. Getting there involves walking through a shallow stream and stepping over rocks- you WILL GET WET!
You will get wet here. There’s no way around it. Waterproof shoes or at least quick-drying layers make a big difference.
My kids didn’t want to walk back into the canyon with me, so I went alone. However, this is a wildly popular spot, so there was a crowd standing in a line to take a photo on the big rock to my right…I skipped the line and asked asked a stranger to take my photo on the small rock.
Seljalandsfoss
Seljalandsfoss
Time: 11:10–11:40 AM
Time at stop: ~30 minutes
Cost: ~800 ISK parking
Parking: Large shared lot
Seljalandsfoss is one of the most iconic waterfalls in Iceland, and it’s included in almost every South Coast Iceland itinerary for a reason.
This is the waterfall you can walk behind, and it’s just as impressive as it sounds. The path loops around the back of the waterfall, giving you a completely different perspective than most other stops along the Iceland South Coast. It’s immersive, loud, and unforgettable. (We went in early April and the path behind the falls was closed!)
we absolutely LOVEd this tour and would do it again and again!
If you choose to walk behind Seljalandsfoss, this will be one of the wettest stops of the day. Between the mist, wind, and spray, you should expect to get soaked.
I suggest waterproof layers, extra socks, and realistic expectations! We did stop at the restrooms here and they were very clean. The cafe is decent, but very expensive. I suggest driving a little ways down the road to Faxi Bakery and picking up snacks and coffee.
Check out my Instagram Highlight with Photos and Videos from The South Coast
Kvernufoss
you can walk behind this Kvernufoss!
Kvernufoss
Time: 12:10–12:55 PM
Drive: 30 minutes
Time at stop: ~45 minutes
Cost: 500 ISK for parking
Parking: Skógar Museum lot
Kvernufoss is one of the best hidden gems along the South Coast of Iceland, and easily one of our favorite stops of the day. Most people head straight for the famous Skogafoss, but less than 2 minutes away is this gorgeous waterfall.
It’s located just behind the Skógar Museum, and getting there requires a short, easy walk that feels very manageable even with kids. Unlike some of the larger, more crowded waterfalls, Kvernufoss feels quieter and more relaxed.
the very short hike to Kvernufoss is stunning
You can also walk behind this waterfall, similar to Seljalandsfoss, but with fewer people and a much calmer atmosphere.
If you’re planning a South Coast itinerary with kids, don’t miss this stop. They will love walking behind the waterfall and petting the Icelandic Horses!
Skógafoss
We got the rainbow and a shot with no one else in it!! A miracle!
Skógafoss
Time: 12:55–1:40 PM
Drive: 2 minutes
Time at stop: ~45 minutes
Cost: 1,000 ISK for parking
Parking: Large lot
Skógafoss is one of the most powerful and recognizable waterfalls in Iceland, and it’s a must on any Iceland South Coast itinerary.
As soon as you walk up to it, you feel the scale. The waterfall drops straight down with an incredible amount of force, and on clear days, you’ll often see rainbows forming in the mist. We were able to see the rainbow for a few minutes!
One of the best things about Skógafoss, especially with kids, is how accessible it is. You can walk right up to the base without any hiking.
There’s also a staircase to the top, which offers a completely different view. If your kids have the energy, it’s worth climbing at least part of the way. We didn’t do it because we wanted more time other places, but if we had visited in peak summer we absolutely would have.
you will get wet, but it’s worth it!
Seljavallalaug
Seljavallalaug (Optional Stop)
Time: 2:50–4:00 PM
Drive: 20 minutes
Time at stop: 1–1.25 hours
Cost: Free
Parking: Rough lot
Seljavallalaug is one of the oldest swimming pools in Iceland, tucked into a narrow valley surrounded by mountains.
It’s a unique stop along the South Coast of Iceland, but it does require more time and effort than most other stops on this itinerary.
From the parking area, you’ll need to walk about 15–20 minutes to reach the pool. The path is relatively easy. However, we chose to skip this stop, and it was the right decision for our day. By this point, we were ready to keep moving toward the coastline.
If you have older kids or extra time, this can be a fun addition. Otherwise, it’s one of the easier stops to leave out without feeling like you missed something essential.
as you walk back toward the parking lot at skogafoss, there is this incredible view of the mountains and a little creek. We took a lot of photos here.
Dyrhólaey
Dyrhólaey
the black sand beaches clashing with the brown mountains of iceland
Time: 4:30–5:00 PM
Drive: 30 minutes
Time at stop: ~30 minutes
Cost: Free
Parking: Gravel lot
Dyrhólaey offers some of the most dramatic coastal views along the South Coast of Iceland. It is arguably one of the most scenic viewpoints along Iceland’s South Coast and a perfect quick stop to break up the drive.
From the cliffs, you’ll get sweeping views of the black sand beaches, dramatic rock formations rising out of the ocean, and the iconic stone arch that gives the area its name. There’s also a small lighthouse perched at the top. It’s squatty square shape is distinctly Icelandic.
In the summer months, be sure to look for Puffins! Dyrhólaey is one of the best places to see Puffins on the South Coast as this is one of the largest nesting areas in Iceland!
This is an easy stop in terms of logistics. You can drive right up to viewpoints, walk short distances, and take in the scenery without much effort.
Views from the top of Dyrhólaey
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
Time: 5:20 PM – Dinner
Drive: 20 minutes
Time at stop: ~30 minutes + dinner
Cost: 1,000 ISK to park
Parking: Large lot
Reynisfjara is one of the most famous stops on any South Coast Iceland itinerary, and it’s often at the top of the list for people exploring the region. The black sand, powerful waves, and dramatic coastline make it one of the most visually striking places in Iceland.
However, this is also one of the most important places to approach with caution. The waves here are extremely strong and unpredictable, and it’s critical to keep a very safe distance from the water—especially with kids.
It’s also important to know that as of 2026, the large basalt columns that many people associate with Reynisfjara are no longer accessible due to damage from waves.
this is the back of the cave you see in all the photos!
Even with that change, this is still a nice stop. We walked around the beach for a while, watched the waves crash heavy on the coast, and loafed around.
We ended our visit here with dinner at the café. After hours of driving and exploring, having a warm place to sit and eat before the long drive back made a huge difference. If you go, definitely get the soup and chocolate cake! Or maybe the fish and chips…everything was delish!
no photos will ever do this spot justice
Tips for Doing the South Coast with Kids
Start early—this is a full day even without long stops
Don’t try to do everything (skipping stops made our day better)
Pack snacks or plan your lunch stop ahead (I put 2 cafes on the map to break up the day)
Dress in layers—weather changes quickly and wind can be intense
Check road conditions before you go
If you’re planning a trip to Iceland with kids, spending one day exploring the South Coast is absolutely worth it. This route is one of the easiest ways to experience some of the most iconic landscapes in the country without needing multiple hotel changes or complicated logistics.
Whether you’re following this as a South Coast Iceland itinerary from Selfoss or using it to plan your Ring Road trip, the key is to keep your plan flexible and focus on the stops that matter most for your family.
Iceland might feel intimidating at first, but it’s no more complicated than planning a trip to Puerto Rico with kids—it just looks different.
by the time we made it to black sand beach, the kids were over taking photos!
If you’re building your Iceland itinerary, this is one day you shouldn’t skip—and one that proves you can absolutely experience Iceland with kids without it feeling overwhelming.
Check out my Instagram Highlight with Photos and Videos from the South Coast
If you’re looking for another destination that’s surprisingly easy with kids, Barbados is one of our favorite places for a completely different kind of trip.c
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