Epic Road Trip: Exploring Iceland’s South Coast to Vík

As the Icelandic dawn painted the sky, we eagerly packed our bags, fueled ourselves with a warm cuppa, and embarked on an unforgettable journey along the renowned Ring Road (Route 1). Our destination? The picturesque town of Vík í Mýrdal, nestled on Iceland’s dramatic South Coast. This leg of our adventure promised breathtaking landscapes, powerful waterfalls, and an unparalleled encounter with ancient glaciers.

Navigating the Ring Road: Essential Gas Station Tips for Iceland

Before our trip, a common anxiety plagued many travelers, including myself: the fear of running out of gas in Iceland’s vast, rural expanses. Stories circulated about unmanned gas stations, incompatible U.S. credit cards (chip and signature not working with chip and PIN-only machines), and the necessity of purchasing special gas cards in Reykjavik. Let me assuage those fears immediately: based on our experience, these concerns are largely overblown.

From one cautious traveler to another, please don’t let this worry you excessively. We never once experienced a gas shortage or encountered issues finding a working gas station. The Ring Road, while scenic, is punctuated by surprisingly frequent gas stations, even in more remote areas. Furthermore, with most of your driving being open-road cruising without constant stopping and starting traffic, your vehicle’s fuel efficiency might pleasantly surprise you. As a general rule, we adopted the habit of refueling whenever our tank hit half-full, and we never struggled to find a station in any town we passed through.

Credit Card Compatibility: A Common Misconception

The “chip and PIN” dilemma is a frequently discussed topic. While many Icelandic gas station machines are indeed set up for PIN verification, we found solutions that worked seamlessly. With my travel partner’s Capital One Venture card, simply pressing ‘enter’ when prompted for a PIN often allowed the transaction to proceed. For added peace of mind, my Navy Federal Flagship Rewards credit card offered the convenience of setting a personal PIN, which proved invaluable on the few occasions when the ‘enter’ bypass didn’t work. This feature allowed me to use my card without any hassle. Therefore, having a credit card with an activated PIN capability is a smart move, but not an absolute necessity for every card.

Another crucial tip for gas stations in Iceland: you’ll often be asked to pre-authorize a specific amount of fuel. While we learned that approximately 5000 ISK usually covers about half a tank, the simplest method is to select the ‘fill tank’ option. This works much like in the U.S. – a temporary hold is placed on your card, and after the transaction is complete, your account is only charged for the actual amount of fuel dispensed a few days later. Due to this authorization process, I highly recommend using a credit card rather than a debit card to avoid any potential holds on your checking account funds.

In summary, managing your fuel on Iceland’s Ring Road is far less daunting than popular anecdotes suggest. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, have a credit card ready (ideally one with PIN capability or a known ‘enter’ bypass), and you’ll navigate the country’s roads with ease and confidence.

Driving Through the Clouds: A Unique Icelandic Phenomenon

Iceland’s weather is notoriously dynamic, and our mornings often began shrouded in a mystical fog or dense cloud cover. Sometimes the sun would eventually break through, burning off the mist to reveal stunning vistas; other days, the clouds would persist, lending an ethereal atmosphere to the landscape. On our drive south, we spotted a majestic mountain peak completely swallowed by clouds. Moments later, we found ourselves directly within that thick, white veil.

Driving through such dense fog, particularly on a winding mountain road, was an experience that ranged from awe-inspiring to genuinely unnerving. Visibility was severely limited, creating a tunnel-like perception where only a few meters ahead were discernible. It was a stark reminder of nature’s power and the importance of cautious driving. Later, on our return journey from Vík under clear skies, we were able to fully appreciate the dramatic elevation and curves of the road we had navigated sight unseen. It was a thrilling, if slightly frightening, aspect of our adventure!

South Coast Wonders: Waterfalls and Glaciers en Route to Vík

Our journey to Vík, the southernmost village in mainland Iceland, was punctuated by several iconic stops. This charming, albeit small, town serves as a fantastic base for exploring the region’s natural marvels. Along the way, we made sure to experience some of the South Coast’s most renowned attractions:

• Keldur: Keldur offers a fascinating glimpse into Iceland’s architectural past, home to some of the country’s oldest intact turf houses. Unfortunately, this historical site is only open seasonally, typically from June 15th to August 15th. We visited outside these dates, but if your travels align, it’s highly recommended for a unique cultural immersion.
• Seljalandsfoss: This captivating waterfall is famous for the unique opportunity it provides: visitors can walk directly behind the cascade.
• Skógafoss: A truly magnificent and powerful waterfall, standing tall with an impressive drop.
• Sólheimajökull Glacier: An accessible outlet glacier that promises an exhilarating guided ice walk experience.

Seljalandsfoss: Walking Behind the Veil

Upon arriving at Seljalandsfoss, we were greeted by typical Icelandic weather: a blend of clouds, rain, and strong winds. This waterfall holds a special allure because it allows visitors to walk a path behind its roaring curtain of water. From our vantage point, we could see tiny, colorful figures making their way along the slippery path, emerging completely soaked but undoubtedly thrilled. Given our packed itinerary and the desire to stay relatively dry and warm for the long day ahead, we opted to admire Seljalandsfoss from the front. For those planning to venture behind, waterproof gear from head to toe is an absolute must to fully enjoy this unique perspective without succumbing to the chill.

Skógafoss: A Powerful Icon of the South Coast

Just a short drive further along Route 1 brought us to the spectacular Skógafoss. This majestic waterfall impressed us with its sheer power and grandeur. Unlike Seljalandsfoss, we found it easier to approach Skógafoss closely without getting completely drenched, though the lingering mist still added a refreshing dampness to the air. A prominent staircase leads visitors to the very top of the waterfall, offering panoramic views of the cascading water and the surrounding landscape. However, due to tight scheduling and our upcoming glacier tour, we regrettably had to forgo the climb, capturing a few quick photos before rushing off to our next adventure. If time permits, ascending the staircase is highly recommended for a different perspective of this natural wonder.

Sólheimajökull Glacier Walk: An Otherworldly Experience

If you embark on a trip to Iceland, one guided excursion stands out as an absolute must-do: a glacier walking tour. Iceland is dotted with numerous glaciers, and Sólheimajökull, an outlet glacier or “finger” of the larger Mýrdalsjökull ice cap, offers one of the most accessible and incredible experiences. Walking on this ancient ice mass felt utterly surreal.

As we began our ascent onto the ice, I couldn’t help but remark on how much it resembled a scene from a science fiction movie. Our knowledgeable guide then confirmed my suspicions, revealing that parts of the acclaimed film “Interstellar” were indeed shot right here! This vast, alien landscape has also served as a dramatic backdrop for several James Bond movies and even Batman films, adding an extra layer of cinematic magic to the experience.

The lower sections of the glacier present a striking, almost monochromatic appearance, coated in a layer of black dirt and volcanic ash. This unique coloration is a testament to Iceland’s active geological history, where volcanic eruptions frequently deposit ash onto the ice, creating a stark contrast with the pristine white and blue ice found deeper within the glacier.

Our guide, Jan, led us through this magnificent frozen world, pointing out fascinating ice formations and explaining the glacier’s dynamics. One of the most exhilarating parts of the tour was venturing into a hidden ice cave. From the surface, it didn’t look particularly deep, but descending into its icy depths revealed a surprisingly vast chamber. Initially, a flicker of trepidation crossed my mind about the stability of the cave, but Jan’s calm demeanor and obvious expertise quickly put me at ease. His thorough knowledge of the glacier and careful assessment of the conditions ensured our safety throughout the exploration.

The entire glacier walk lasted about 3.5 hours, and every moment was absolutely worth it. The tour operators provide all necessary safety equipment, including crampons to grip the ice and ice picks for stability. A truly memorable highlight was drinking fresh, icy cold water directly from a running stream on top of the glacier and even having a taste of the ancient ice inside the cave! Dressing in warm layers is highly recommended, as temperatures on the glacier can be significantly colder than the surrounding areas.

Vík í Mýrdal: Coastal Charm and Culinary Discoveries

After an exhilarating day of exploration, we settled into Vík í Mýrdal for the night. As evening approached, the persistent clouds gave way to a stunningly clear sky, revealing the town’s charming beauty against a backdrop of dramatic cliffs and the expansive ocean. We stayed at Hotel Edda Vík, part of the Icelandair Hotels family, which provided a comfortable and welcoming retreat. While Iceland is generally known for its high prices, the buffet breakfast at Hotel Edda Vík was genuinely exceptional and, despite the cost, offered excellent value and a delicious start to our next day.

Dining in Vík: A Glimpse into Icelandic Prices

Vík, being a relatively small town, naturally offers a more limited selection of dining options compared to larger cities. This can be both a blessing and a curse; while choices are fewer, it often means local establishments focus on quality. Fortunately, several restaurants near our hotel boasted excellent reviews.

For dinner, we chose Sudur Vík. Famished after a day of adventure, everything on the menu looked incredibly appealing. We each indulged in a flavorful seafood soup, followed by delicious pizzas and refreshing local beers. While this might sound like standard pub fare, the cost was a stark reminder of Iceland’s unique economic landscape. A similar meal in the United States might typically cost around $50; in Vík, our bill came to a staggering $104! It’s an important point for travelers to remember: dining out in Iceland, particularly in tourist-heavy areas, can be quite expensive. Budgeting accordingly for food is crucial for any trip here.

A helpful tip for navigating dining choices in Iceland: unlike many other countries, Yelp is not widely used. Instead, TripAdvisor is the go-to platform for restaurant reviews and recommendations. Be sure to download the TripAdvisor app before your journey to easily find highly-rated eateries wherever you go.

Continue Your Icelandic Adventure

Our journey along Iceland’s South Coast to Vík was an enthralling experience, filled with natural wonders, unique challenges, and unforgettable moments. From navigating the Ring Road with confidence to marveling at towering waterfalls and walking on ancient glaciers, this region truly embodies the spirit of Iceland’s dramatic beauty. Prepare for a trip that will captivate your senses and leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

For more insights into our incredible Iceland in 5 days series, click here to explore further adventures and plan your ultimate Icelandic getaway!