This is the second post in my three-post series that documents my adventures in Iceland in August. The first post about the Blue Lagoon and Reykjavik is here.
Iceland’s South Coast
Departing from Reykjavik, I journeyed through the rich farmlands and onward to majestic mountains. The weather was superb for outdoor exploring. Highway 1 condition was very good. Out in the countryside, there is plenty of open space and beautiful scenery.
I visited the informative Lava Center with its interactive exhibition about geology and the volcanic systems in Iceland. I then explored the South Coast over two full days with an overnight stay in Kirkjubaejarklaustur. Distance traveled: About 375 km or 233 miles.
My eastbound journey took me to impressive volcanoes, awe-inspiring mountains, powerful waterfalls, glaciers (one of them is Europe’s largest ice cap), headland, a nature reserve, black sand beaches, beautiful Skaftafell National Park, fascinating basalt columns and stunning glacial lagoons.
Here are 14 natural marvels on the South Coast of Iceland in pictures. Have a look and let me know in the comments if you have a favourite.
Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon with its immense floating icebergs. I took an amphibian boat excursion that brings me face to face with these breathtaking natural wonders. Some of the icebergs have black streaks from volcanic ash.
I’m fascinated by icebergs so here are more photos of what’s floating in the Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon. Click on any image in the following gallery to see its bigger version.
I walked up a hill to look down at the glaciers and glacial lagoons. The boats in the lagoon and people waiting by the shore are tiny next to the icebergs.
Public Art
Would you agree that the above natural marvels are Nature’s gifts of her stunning artworks to us humans? One natural ‘artwork’ that looks man-made is Kirkjugólf or The Church Floor. It is a coastal eroded and shaped columnar basalt outcrop, where the top of vertical basalt columns can be seen. The hexagonal ‘tiles’ look like man-made flooring, but there has never been a church or any other building on the site. I found one beautiful heart-shaped top.
Weekend Coffee Share
I experienced two amazing days on the South Coast of Iceland. From Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon, I headed west for more natural wonders.
I’d love for you to share your week’s highlights and/ or photos of public art around the world in the Comments or InLinkz #134 below.
Copyright © 2024 natalietheexplorer.home.blog – All rights reserved.
Natalie the Explorer 
Natalie, these are all outstanding, but I do love the Glacier Gallery best. I saw basalt columns when we visited the Giant’s Causeway in Ireland. They are a true wonder and it is hard to believe nature created them. The waterfalls are magnificent. Did you take the walk behind?
Were you with a tour group or did you plan and drive yourself? Can you recommend places to stay along the route? So many questions. Along with Australia and New Zealand, Iceland is on the top of my travel list, so I appreciate your insights.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Suzanne, I took the walk behind Seljalandsfoss and the walk up to the platform above Skógafoss. There are at least two more impressive waterfalls in my next post. I did a combo of self-drive and local guided tours such as the amphibian boat tour at the Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon. I stayed at hotel Klaustur on the south coast and would recommend it. When you plan to visit Iceland, feel free to DM me any questions.
I also want to visit New Zealand and Australia. However, this year I chose Iceland for several reasons such as: Direct flights from Toronto, closer to Canada, shorter flight duration and closer time zone mean no jet lag, driving on the right side, easy to navigate (one main Highway 1 or the Ring road to reach the above sights), and many natural marvels to visit within nine days.
I’m glad you have Iceland on top of your travel list. Some of Iceland’s natural wonders such as glaciers which feed glacial lagoons have receded due to climate change so who knows how long we can see them as beautiful as they are now. Plus Iceland is a destination to visit when our balance and mobility are still good.
LikeLike
Natalie, our daughter visited in winter, and has already suggested that we might not want to do that because of driving conditions and mobility issues as you noted. Summer seems just as beautiful and a lot more navigable. Your photographs are incredible.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Suzanne, Winter in Iceland has short daylight hours and the cold weather may limit how much you can do outdoors before seeking shelter to get warm. Summer in Iceland never gets hot. Some attractions are seasonal, for example, Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon boat tours are available from May to October.
LikeLike
Absolutely stunning scenery Natalie – the ice and the glaciers are spectacular. It’s so very different to the scenery in Australia and I find it fascinating and I’d definitely love to see it myself one day. I imagine it’s even more impressive in real life.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Leanne, Although I’ve seen icebergs and glaciers in Canada, I still love the glacial lagoons in Iceland. They are stunning IRL. I highly recommend a visit.
LikeLike
These pictures are incredible and it’s too hard to pick a favourite-. I do love the puffins though. You were so lucky yo see them as well as all the other great natural sights.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Darlene, You’re right that I was so lucky to see the puffins. During their nesting time at the Nature Reserve, access to see them would be closed. I saw puffins when I was in Newfoundland, however, the cliffs in Iceland are much much closer to the viewing area.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah, beautiful Iceland! I’ve been twice and love the landscapes there. I can never decide whether I prefer Seljalandsfoss or Skógafoss, while Reynisfjara is also a favourite 🙂 But I’ve not yet made it to Jökulsárlón and would really love to one day. Your photos make me want to see it for myself even more, it looks stunning!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sarah, Most visitors to Iceland do the Golden Circle as it’s closer to Reykjavik. I highly recommend a visit to Jökulsárlón. It’s an easy way to see stunning icebergs and glaciers in one location. The calm lagoon is great for people who are afraid of open waters or prone to seasickness. I’ve seen stunning icebergs in Newfoundland, Canada however they were out in the open ocean.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve done more than the Golden Circle but ran out of time to get that far. One of our visits was in the winter and you only get a few hours of daylight. My favourite area of what I’ve seen so far in the Snaefelsness Peninsula – have you been there? But I want to get up to the north next time. I have friends in Reykjavik, I think another visit is overdue!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, I’ve been to the Snaefelsness Peninsula. I hope to share some pics from the Golden Circle and Snaefelsness Peninsula in my next post. I want to explore North Iceland next time too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Puffins! I like the photo of the puffins. Also I am in awe of Skógafoss waterfall that looks so powerful and majestic. What a sight!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ally, I love puffins. I spent quite a bit of time watching them at the nature reserve in Iceland. They were very close to me so it was such a delightful experience. Skógafoss waterfall is awe-inspiring and visitors would get wet from the powerful water spray.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow, that’s amazing! I hope I get to see it for myself one day! Thank you for sharing! PS: I love Puffins!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dawn, I love puffins, too. I spent quite a bit of time watching them and taking many pictures. I’ve seen puffins in Canada, however, the puffins in Iceland were much closer to me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
These are absolutely gorgeous photos, Natalie. I love traveling and exploring with you. Thank you for sharing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Donna, Thank you for traveling and exploring with me virtually. I’m truly grateful for the privilege to visit Iceland.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much for taking us along on this quite spectacular journey.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re very welcome, Margaret. Thank you for joining me virtually.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow, what can we say that hasn’t already been said about these breathtaking sights. What an amazing experience you had. How do you take it all in? I would want to cry just being overwhelmed with all of the beauty. The puffins reminded me of Moji and what she might look like if she could fly, both legs spread out because of her big belly. So cute.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Marsha, I am grateful for the amazing experience I had. So much beauty in one small country. I adore those puffins. They were very close to me and if I extended my arm, they might get on it but I respected their natural habitat and just watched them for a long time.
LikeLiked by 1 person
They were that tame? Wow, they are the cutest things. You got some great pictures of them. Lots of personality.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Those puffins are very cute and curious. I was lucky to see them up close. During nesting season, that area is closed.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You lucked out on that one!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The waterfalls and puffins for me! I’ve seen Gullfoss but not the others. Looks like you had a fantastic holiday.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, I had a fantastic holiday. I think I have two more waterfalls to share in my next post and one of them is Gullfoss.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Those are some really stunning photos from Iceland, Natalie!! I loved them all but especially those of the ice formations in the glacial lagoon. Absolutely fantastic!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Susanne, for your comment. I’m glad you loved my Iceland photos. I took all of them with my old cellphone camera. The glacial lagoon is definitely a highlight for me.
LikeLike
Wow, Natalie. The weather was perfect on this excursion. Hard to pick a favorite. The puffins are adorable and the glaciers and icebergs phenomenal. Nature’s treasures, indeed!
LikeLike
Hi Liesbet, I lucked out with the weather for most of my time in Iceland. Seeing those puffins and icebergs in the glacial lagoon on a beautiful day made me very happy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amazing Natalie I have so many of the same photos! Brings back memories. Iceland is just stunning.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I had a wonderful time in Iceland. I’m glad you did, too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great photos! The waterfalls and basalt columns are what I typically think of when I think about trips to Iceland. So beautiful. The glacier and surroundings are magnificent as well. Have a wonderful weekend!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Trent. Glad you liked my photos. I saw many small waterfalls on the cliffs and green slopes on the South coast and was told in spring, there are even more of them. It’s fascinating how those basalt columns are formed. Have a great weekend!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I would be hard pressed to pick a favorite but those waterfalls are incredible! I am loving those adorable puffins too. I have always wanted to see one in person and not just in a book.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have at least two more impressive waterfalls to share in my next post. It’s a delightful experience to see those puffins in person. I saw puffins in Newfoundland, Canada and just loved them. The puffins in Iceland were a lot closer to see. I enjoyed watching them for a while.
LikeLike
Amazing pictures. I think Iceland just got on my bucketlist.
LikeLike
Iceland has many natural wonders to explore and experience. I hope you get to visit Iceland soon.
LikeLike
Natalie,
Iceland is a fascinating country and so are your pictures. It’s difficult to pick a favorite, but the “Church Floor” is the most interesting to me. Eager to see what’s up next from your visit. Have a great week! Joe
LikeLike
Joe, I was curious about the Church Floor basalt outcrop and went for a walk just before sunset to see it. Nature is truly amazing. Thank you for stopping by.
LikeLiked by 1 person
First of all, Beautiful photos, WOW! Now I want to visit there. And having the people in the waterfall shot really shows the scale and size of the water fall. Great job!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Jeanne. I’m glad you liked my photos. Iceland has many natural wonders.
LikeLike
Thank you for sharing these amazing natural wonders. WOW!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome, Maria. I’m glad you enjoyed my post.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your post just got Iceland on the list of places to visit. Thank you for the wonderful photos and insights, Natalie.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome, Sofia. If you like nature and the outdoors, visit Iceland. It’s a photographer’s dream for nature pictures.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Absolutely 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I couldn’t choose a favorite. All the pictures are outstanding. What an amazing adventure in Iceland.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Karen. I’m glad you enjoyed my pictures. I had an amazing time in Iceland.
LikeLike
I am so happy you got to enjoy these beautiful gifts from nature! I’ve never been to a place with glaciers or icebergs. The Lava Center also sounds interesting.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Astrid. Even though I’ve seen glaciers and icebergs in Canada, I still loved seeing them in Iceland. The Lava Centre is informative. I tried the simulators of earthquakes to feel different earthquake strengths and learned about the volcanic systems in Iceland.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s so interesting indeed! Do they get earthquakes in Iceland? We don’t get them here and when the people in the northen province of Groningen do, they’re mild and due to natural gas having been extracted there.
LikeLike
There are frequent earthquakes in Iceland but thankfully most of them are not strong enough to be noticeable and cause damages.
LikeLiked by 1 person
More amazing pictures from Iceland….the Canadian tourist board are not going to be happy with you 🤪 Love the basalt columns, there are some here in Scotland that join up with Ireland. Also on the bucket list. The Giant’s Causeway. Which I intend to visit.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha, to my defense, I did feature natural marvels, including icebergs and rock formations, in Canada last summer. It’s fascinating how the basalt columns are formed. The Giant’s Causeway is not too far for you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Marvelous photos and photography! Thanks so much!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome Lizl. I’m glad you enjoyed my pictures. Thank you for your positive feedback.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow. Those are true marvels. So very beautiful. What an amazing trip you had. Very nice.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Patrick for your positive comments. I’m glad you enjoyed my pictures. More to come in my next post.
LikeLike
Stunning photos! Icebergs or puffins… nope, can’t choose.
Excited for the next post!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Janet. I’m glad you liked my photos. Working on my next post 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you for sharing your journey. Those puffins are so cute. Apparently there are areas here in teh PNW where you can see puffins.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome, Kirstin. The puffins would love the PNW coastline.
LikeLike
Mind-blowingly beautiful, Natalie. I particularly love the photo of the flying Puffin…beautiful.
My loungeroom is looking rather dull.
Best wishes,
Rowena
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m glad you enjoyed my post and photos, Rowena. Iceland’s South Coast is stunning. I have a 3rd post on West Iceland coming up. Stay tuned 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I very much look forward to seeing your photos of Iceland’s South Coast, Natalie. Your beautiful photos of the snow and ice in Iceland actually came to me while was being tortured in the dentist’s chair having my teeth cleaned. It’s such a horrid procedure and suddenly I was in Iceland and feeling uplifted. Funny how the mind works!
Best wishes,
Rowena
LikeLiked by 1 person
Rowena, I’m glad my Iceland’s South Coast pictures helped you forget the dental procedure for a little while. The dental office should have something beautiful and soothing on display to distract their patients 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Natalie, you want us to choose our favourites from these stunning photos?!Impossible, I love them all and as a huge fan of puffins I adored the picutres featuring these. What an amazing trip and nourishment for the soul! You are right about nature’s art and the ‘floor’ pattern reminds me of The Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland. When I saw it for the first time I just could not believe nature had created these perfectly formed patterns of ‘40,000 interlocking basalt columns’. You posts make me want to go and book a ticket to Iceland straight away! xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nature’s truly amazing, Annika. I’m glad you loved my photos. I didn’t write much text to let the pictures speak for themselves.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a great trip you had Natalie, very similar route to how we did it. Did you drive yourself around? My husband went behind one of the waterfalls and got a bit wet but enjoyed the experience! The nature is amazing and those puffins are fabulous to see in real life plus the grey sand! Thanks for sharing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Self drive and a few local tours, Debbie. I got wet at the waterfalls I visited, too. I was lucky to see the puffins as that area is closed during nesting season. I’ve seen puffins in Atlantic Canada but the puffins in Iceland were very close to me. It was a delightful experience to watch them.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You were truly lucky to see puffins there! Or maybe I was not lucky enough!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your visit and comment. It was a delightful experience to see those Icelandic puffins up close. I was lucky to be there after their nesting season and the area was open for visits.
LikeLiked by 1 person