Because of the sheer amount of natural wonders compacted within reasonable driving distance from each other, there is major appeal in opting for a private driving transfer that allows for plenty of sightseeing stops. Iceland’s south coast is replete with breathtaking rugged scenery not to be missed on your way to Jökulsárlón, the glacial lagoon that draws thousands of travelers each year with its floating icebergs, volcanic beaches, and abundance of arctic wildlife such as seals.

Nearby, icebergs that have been polished by tumbling in the sea are deposited onto a black sand beach in crystalline chunks, earning Breiðamerkursandur the much more pronounceable nickname of “Diamond Beach.” Seals can also be seen around the lagoon year-round but congregate in the highest numbers around the river mouth during the winter months.

While exploring the surrounding sights, you can go on an ice cave hike with a trusted guide, use a clear winter night to chase the ephemeral northern lights, or try to capture a photo of them dancing along the lagoon’s surface.

You can extend your time on the south coast by staying in the nearest fishing village, Hofn, known for fresh seafood and easy access to the glacial activities of Vatnajökull National Park. This makes for a great base from which to explore the ice and gives you panoramic sea and mountain views when you’re warming up inside with expertly prepared seafood.

Visit Seljalandsfoss or Skógafoss

On your way across the south coast, it is absolutely worth detouring to some of the country’s most iconic waterfalls, namely Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss. Seljalandsfoss includes a cave trail behind the falls themselves so that you can look out through the roaring waters, though keep in mind this trail often shuts due to high winds, excess rain, or snowfall in order to keep travelers safe.

Visiting Skógafoss allows you to walk up quite close to the base of the falls or take a rocky path up to view them from above. (Pro tip: If facing the falls from below, look to your right to see if you can make out the shape of a troll in the boulder formations. According to Icelandic folklore, mountainous trolls only roam at night and are turned to stones such as these if ever touched by sunlight. A great idea to keep kids entertained; a local may be able to help you find him!)

Prepare for variable weather

Regardless of when you plan your trip to Iceland, come prepared for quick turns in the weather. It is always worth bringing waterproof jackets, shoes, and plenty of warm layers to explore this arctic island.

Bus from Reykjavik to Jökulsárlón

It is possible to take a bus route along the south coast to visit Jokululsarlon, but this can take up to 9 hours, and prices for the combined transit tickets cost $93-$131 (€85.60-€120.60. The most common bus route leaves from Reykjavik on the South Coast to Skogar bus and then requires a transfer to the 51 bus in Skogar, which will stop in Vík í Mýrdal before continuing to Jökulsárlón. Most people then take a taxi to get closer to the glacial lagoon itself. This route is long and does not allow for sightseeing stops as a private transfer will.

Group tour services from Reykjavik to Jökulsárlón

Another option for traveling between Reykjavik and Jökulsárlón is to join a group bus tour of the south coast. A variety of companies in Iceland operate these tours, and the prices vary depending on how many stops they make and the size of the group. This tour can be a good option for budget travelers if you opt for a bigger bus size, but keep in mind that unlike with a private car service, there will not be flexibility in the locations you see or how long you get to spend at each stop (this can be limited in large groups especially.)

Take a boat tour of Jökulsárlón

One of the best ways to explore the lagoon and see the adrift icebergs up close is with a boat tour, which runs many times throughout the day during the high season in summer. This is a great way to see seals up close, as they often relax on top of the icebergs and may not always be visible from a distance.

Visit Diamond Beach

This nearby black sand beach is dotted with icebergs that have made it out to sea and been thrust back onto the shore in a polished, almost-clear state. This gives the beach the appearance of being scattered with larger-than-life gemstones.

Go ice caving

For the more adventurous traveler, experienced guides offer tours of the famous crystal blue ice caves set into the Vatnajokull glacier. Be sure to book your guided caving experience well in advance of your trip, as often, these tours take on smaller groups and can fill up in the busy summer months.

Hike on the glacier

As with ice caving, glacier walks should only be attempted with professional guides. These walks are unique in that they will never offer the same experience twice due to the constant shrinking of the glacier. The glacier retreats further each year due to the effects of climate change, though it is still incredibly large, claiming an area of about 11.2 square miles (18 square kilometers). These glacier walks are challenging, but they offer unmatched panoramic views of the icy scenery and the lagoon below.

However, summer in Iceland is vibrantly green and offers warmer temperatures (around 57°F/14°C) with significantly more daylight. In the middle of summer, you can experience the midnight sun and nearly 24 hours of light. The summer months may be better for those adventurers seeking longer hikes and more time spent outdoors, but autumn and winter might be preferable for aurora borealis hunters.