| Base | Best for | Distance and note |
|---|---|---|
| Selfoss, Hveragerði | Golden Circle | Hveragerði is 45 km east of Reykjavík |
| Hella, Hvolsvöllur | Between the Golden Circle and the western South Coast | Vík is 58 minutes from Hvolsvöllur |
| Skógar | Skógafoss, the museum | Hotels and a camping ground; Seljalandsfoss is about 30 km west |
| Vík | Reynisfjara, Lava Show, ice cave tours | About 190 km from Reykjavík |
| Kirkjubæjarklaustur | Between the South Coast and Skaftafell | Skaftafell is 70 km east |
| Höfn | Jökulsárlón and the east | About 455 km from Reykjavík |
Choosing by itinerary
Visit Iceland divides the south into bases that follow the road. Selfoss and Hveragerði serve the Golden Circle, Hella and Hvolsvöllur sit between it and the western South Coast, Vík is near Reynisfjara, Kirkjubæjarklaustur lies between the South Coast and Skaftafell, and Höfn leads to Jökulsárlón and East Iceland. Route 1 is paved and reaches most of these places. A plan with one night in Vík and one near Skaftafell or Höfn keeps the daily drives short; a trip on the same road with one base forces long return drives. See the 7 days in Iceland itinerary.
Vík
Vík is Iceland's southernmost village, in the centre of the Katla UNESCO Global Geopark, and it offers guesthouses, camping and a swimming pool. Reynisfjara is about 11 minutes away by car, and the Lava Show at Víkurbraut 5 has free parking (see Vík and the Lava Show). The Katla ice cave tour meets in Vík, so sleeping there avoids the long drive from Reykjavík; see ice cave tours.
Skógar, Hella and the west
Skógar's overnight options include Hotel Drangshlíð, Hotel Skogá and the Skógar camping ground, next to Skógafoss. Hella and Hvolsvöllur suit travellers who want to see the Golden Circle and the western South Coast without changing base each night. Hotel Rangá in South Iceland has rooms from €431 to €1,367 by room type and an on-site observatory (hotel site, read 7 November 2026); see best luxury hotels in Iceland.
Skaftafell, Höfn and the east
Skaftafell has a campsite open year-round, and the nearest towns are Kirkjubæjarklaustur 70 km west and Höfn 130 km east. From Höfn you reach Jökulsárlón on Route 1. One fee of ISK 1,110 covers parking at the lagoon and the Diamond Beach. See Skaftafell and Jökulsárlón.
Tour or own car
If you stay in Reykjavík instead, a guided South Coast day tour of about 10 hours stops at Skógafoss, Sólheimajökull, Vík, Reynisfjara and Seljalandsfoss, with 30 to 50 minutes at each stop; see South Coast day tours. Sleeping on the coast gives you more time at each place, and Skógafoss parking is ISK 1,000 per car and Reynisfjara ISK 1,000 per 4 hours. Compare the cost of a car in Iceland car rental.
When to book and winter notes
Visit Iceland advises booking 6 to 8 months ahead for summer, and notes that highland access is seasonal. In winter, daylight is about four to five hours in December, and snow and ice can close roads, so choose bases that shorten the daily driving. Check conditions at safetravel.is before leaving.
Mistakes to avoid
- Staying in Reykjavík for Jökulsárlón: it is about 380 km away each way.
- Skipping a night in Vík when you plan the ice cave tour.
- Assuming a booked room is flexible: check cancellation terms on Booking.
- Driving after dark in winter without checking the road forecast.
FAQ
Where is the best base for the South Coast?
Vík, for Reynisfjara, the Lava Show and the ice cave tour.
How far is Vík from Reykjavík?
About 190 km (Visit Iceland).
Where should I stay for Jökulsárlón?
Near Skaftafell, Kirkjubæjarklaustur or Höfn, which is about 455 km from Reykjavík.
Is there camping in South Iceland?
Yes: Vík, Skógar and Skaftafell all have campsites.
The Iceland Authority editorial team, 7 November 2026.
