After a hearty buffet breakfast at our guesthouse, we checked out at 9 AM and hit the road for Iceland’s stunning South Coast.
🪨 Kerið Crater: A Splash of Crimson
Our first stop was Kerið Crater Lake, a 50-minute drive away. Entry was 600 ISK per person – a small fee, though we felt a bit conflicted about paying to see nature. Bucky grumbled something about “charging for puddles,” but quickly changed his tune when he saw the view.
Kerið is a vivid volcanic crater believed to have formed when a magma chamber collapsed about 6,000 years ago. Its slopes are a striking red – thanks to fresh iron deposits – and the lake inside glows aquamarine from mineral-rich rocks. It’s about 180 feet deep and surrounded by lava fields from Iceland’s Western Volcanic Zone.
We walked the path around the rim, marveling at the contrast between crimson rock, teal water, and bursts of green vegetation.
💦 Seljalandsfoss: Behind the Curtain
Next, we drove 1 hour and 10 minutes to Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, one of Iceland’s most iconic cascades. Parking was 1000 ISK, and the falls are just a short walk (600 meters) from the lot.
Seljalandsfoss tumbles from a cliff that once marked Iceland’s ancient coastline, fed by meltwater from the Eyjafjallajökull Glacier – yes, the one that famously disrupted European air travel in 2010.
The magic here? You can walk behind the waterfall! The path winds through a cavern behind the curtain of water, offering a misty, magical view. It was cloudy when we visited, so not quite postcard-perfect, but still a highlight. Bucky forgot his poncho and got thoroughly misted.
🌫️ Gljúfrabúi: The Hidden Gem
Just a 4-minute walk from Seljalandsfoss lies Gljúfrabúi, the “Canyon Dweller.” This waterfall hides inside a narrow canyon, dropping 131 feet into a mossy pool.
To reach it, you need to wade through a shallow stream – waterproof boots and a solid raincoat are a must. We watched brave souls emerge soaked and smiling.
🌈 Skógafoss: Rainbows & Legends
After a 30-minute drive, we arrived at Skógafoss, a mighty waterfall visible from Route 1. Parking was again 1000 ISK, but the signage was confusing – only offering app or website payment options. Turns out, there’s a hidden terminal near the washrooms. Cue tourist chaos.
Skógafoss drops 60 meters and produces so much spray that rainbows appear whenever the sun peeks out. The land below is flat, so you can walk right up to the wall of water – and get drenched.
There’s a staircase with 428 steps leading to a viewpoint at the top. We climbed it, but honestly, the best view is from the bottom. The top offers a peek at nesting seabirds and the river, but not much drama.
Nearby is the Skógasafn folk museum, home to turf houses and a legendary gold ring said to belong to Þrasi Þórólfsson, a Viking giant who buried treasure behind the falls. Locals once grabbed the ring but lost the chest. The ring now lives in the museum.
🍽️ Dinner at Laufey Bistro: A Hidden Culinary Gem
We checked into South Iceland Guesthouse (more on that below) and headed to Laufey Bistro for dinner from 5–6 PM. Don’t be fooled by the self-service setup – this place serves restaurant-quality food at reasonable prices.
We had the Icelandic fish stew (topped with bernaise and pepper cheese. Served with rye bread and butter) – beautifully presented, flavorful, and comforting.
The braised shank of lamb was also delicious, with demi-glace, potato salad and poached rutabaga.
You order at a kiosk, pick up when your name is called, and help yourself to water and sauces. Bucky tried to sneak back for seconds.
🛏️ South Iceland Guesthouse: Cozy with Caveats
We checked in to our quadruple room (queen bed + 2 bunk beds). The guesthouse has shared bathrooms and a kitchen with free coffee and tea.
It was very clean, but we hit a few snags:
- No toilet paper or working Wi-Fi on arrival – Had to call the owner, who sent help within 2 hours
- No milk for coffee — seems they expect espresso-style drinks, not long American brews
Still, the beds were comfy, and Bucky found a cozy corner to curl up in.
🌌 Northern Lights Attempt: Cloudy with a Chance of Disappointment
Solar winds were high that night, so we ventured out at 1 AM hoping to catch the Northern Lights. Sadly, heavy cloud cover blocked the show.
Tomorrow, we head east toward glaciers and black sand beaches. Bucky’s fluff is dry, his spirit is high, and his poncho is packed.
Note: We’re not affiliated with any of the places or services mentioned. No króna, cookies, or cuddles were exchanged for these reviews — just our honest, slightly soggy thoughts. 🌈🦫