HIDDEN WATERFALLS

QUIET CORNERS OF THE SOUTH COAST

The South Coast of Iceland is one of the country’s most photographed regions, and for good reason. The land falls quickly from glacier-capped volcanoes to a long, flat coastal plain, and the rivers that drop from the highlands have carved an extraordinary collection of waterfalls along the way. Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss are the best known, both visible from the main road and visited by every coach tour passing through.

Less well known are the falls and canyons that sit just minutes off the main route. A short walk through a narrow gorge leads to Gljufrabui, hidden almost entirely inside a cleft in the cliff. A field path behind Skogafoss reaches Kvernufoss, dropping into a quiet, moss-lined amphitheatre most travellers never see. Further inland, smaller cascades and glacier-fed canyons sit largely undiscovered, accessible only with the right local knowledge and a willingness to step away from the main road.

PRIVATELY ROUTED ALONG THE SOUTH COAST

Private Travel Iceland plans the South Coast with deliberate detours and quieter timing, designed to take in the famous landmarks at the right moments and the lesser-known waterfalls when no one else is there. Each day is privately guided, with routing built around the rhythm of the coach traffic, the light and your own pace.

Stops are made at canyons, smaller falls and viewpoints away from the busiest pull-offs, with time built in for short walks, photography and uninterrupted viewing. Pacing is entirely yours, whether you would like a focused day from a Reykjavik base or a longer southern journey staying at hand-picked properties along the coast.

Where appropriate, dining can be arranged at carefully chosen restaurants and farm stays along the route, and the day can be combined with other South Coast experiences, including glacier viewpoints, black sand beaches and quiet geothermal locations.