Iceland’s South Coast in Winter

Melina Renee

5 years ago

You’ve probably seen photos of the black sand beaches, the gorgeous waterfalls, the lush landscape. These are the photos of the summer landscape in Iceland that stop people in their tracks and get them thinking about tourism in Iceland. But, let’s shake things up–have you ever thought about visiting Iceland in winter? Maybe you don’t know what to expect. Let me tell you, the landscape on the South Coast in particular is totally flipped upside down: instead of summery green lusciousness, you get a white winter wonderland–and it’s equally as gorgeous. Take a look at my photos* of the most popular spots on the South Coast. Let’s go!

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach:

Approaching the Reynisfjara shore/black sand beach.

I really could not believe I was standing on a black sand beach 😀

Very proud to be standing on basalt columns. These are formed by lava cooling slowly over time.

Skógafoss Waterfall

I believe you can go behind this waterfall in the warmer months.

A good amount of time and effort was spent on trying not to slip and fall.

I really don’t know why these stairs of death were open to the public. We crawled up and slid down. Made for an epic leg day!

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

Don’t you just feel like you’re right there?!

Sólheimajökull Glacier

This was also a fun game of “try not to slip and fall,” with a bonus round of “don’t get blown off the mountain!”

This glacier retreats 50 meters per year!

I was probably complaining about the wind.

Hope you enjoyed, please visit Iceland during the winter months! It’s cold, but not arctic. It’s windy all year long. It’s so majestic and otherworldly. Dress in layers and bundle up–you won’t regret it!

*My photos have not been professionally edited. Enjoy the sights for what they actually look like :).