One of the most common questions our guests ask is: “What should we do with a full day on the South Coast?” After hosting hundreds of visitors, here is our tried-and-tested itinerary for a perfect day trip from Sky Retreat.
8:00 AM — Breakfast and Coffee
Start your day with a hearty breakfast. If you have stocked your cabin kitchen, enjoy a peaceful morning with views of the mountains. Or drive 8 km to Faxi Bakery for freshly baked pastries and coffee with a view of Eyjafjallajokull.
9:00 AM — Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
Just a few minutes from the retreat, begin your day at one of Iceland’s most photogenic waterfalls. Take the path behind the waterfall for the full experience (waterproof jacket recommended!). While you are there, walk 500 meters to the hidden gem Gljufrabui — a stunning waterfall tucked inside a rocky gorge.
10:30 AM — Skogafoss Waterfall
Drive east along Route 1 to the magnificent Skogafoss. The 60-meter waterfall is spectacular from below, but do not miss the 527-step climb to the top for panoramic coastal views. This is where the Fimmvorduhals trail begins — one of Iceland’s most famous hikes.
11:30 AM — Skogar Folk Museum
Right next to Skogafoss, this excellent museum showcases centuries of Icelandic rural life. Walk through preserved turf houses and visit the Freya Cafe for homemade cake and coffee in a charming vintage setting.
12:30 PM — Lunch at Gamla Fjosid
Head to this beloved farm restaurant housed in a renovated cowshed. Their Icelandic lamb is sourced from the family farm right beneath Eyjafjallajokull. Book ahead if possible — this place is popular for good reason.
2:00 PM — Solheimajokull Glacier Walk
Join a guided glacier hike on the Solheimajokull outlet glacier. The 3-hour tour takes you across otherworldly ice formations, into crevasses, and past brilliant blue ice. Suitable for beginners — all equipment is provided. Book in advance through local tour operators.
5:00 PM — Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
Continue east to the famous black sand beach. The hexagonal basalt columns, thundering Atlantic waves, and Reynisdrangar sea stacks create an otherworldly atmosphere. Stay well back from the water — the sneaker waves here are genuinely dangerous.
6:00 PM — Vik Village
The charming village of Vik is a perfect spot to stretch your legs. Browse the Icelandic Lava Show (if you have time — it is fascinating), pick up souvenirs, and enjoy the views of the Reynisdrangar stacks from the village church hilltop.
7:30 PM — Drive Back to Sky Retreat
The drive back along Route 1 is beautiful in any light. In winter, keep your eyes on the sky — the Northern Lights often appear during the drive home.
8:30 PM — Hot Tub Under the Stars
End your perfect day soaking in your private hot tub at Sky Retreat. In summer, enjoy the midnight sun. In winter, watch for the aurora. Either way, it is the ideal ending to an unforgettable day on the South Coast.
This itinerary covers about 200 km round trip and works best as a full day. You can easily adjust — skip the glacier hike for a more relaxed pace, or add a stop at Dyrholaey for puffin watching in summer.
Plan your South Coast adventure: Book your stay at Sky Retreat
