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Off the beaten track, with easy reach from Keflavik airport, lies the South Coast Lighthouse Trail. It is a travel route that draws visitor’s attention to the villages and the area by the coast not far from the Golden Circle. On the Lighthouse Trail, you visit three villages: Þorlákshöfn, Eyrarbakki, and Stokkseyri, each with its own uniqueness. The Lighthouse Trail highlights the history and culture of the area as well as activities and nature. The route is about 45 – 49 km, depending on the preferences of transport, reaching from the cove Selvogur to the lighthouse Knarrarósviti. You can download a map of The South Coast Lighthouse Trail here.

The Lighthouse Trail allows you to unwind with the help of nature‘s stillness and at the same time the Atlantic Ocean‘s energy. During the summer you can experience the midnight sun while you listen to the sea and birds. During winter you can see the starry sky shine, the moon reflecting in the ocean, and the northern lights dancing above you.

The name stems from the three lighthouses that form the route; Selvogsviti and Knarrarósviti, which mark the beginning and end of the route, in addition to the third lighthouse, Hafnarnesviti in Þorlákshöfn. The South Coast Lighthouse Trail offers a wonderful variety for travelers. To get the strongest impressions you should probably stop the car and experience the coastline in different ways and take time to go on the walking paths, run, bike, or even go horseback riding.

The coastline will expose you to the unpredictability of the weather in Iceland, the wind, the ocean, and stunning natural experiences, so be prepared. There are several simple, easily accessible places along the coastline where you can stop, stretch your legs, or just admire the natural features or the view.

During the travel on the Lighthouse Trail, you can soak up the significant history of fishing, trade, and life in the area that has shaped the villages along the coast over the centuries. There are plenty of different activities that you can experience. In the villages, you can get in close contact with the ocean and nature by going kayaking or rib-boat tours and relax in the swimming pools afterward. Other experiences include horse rentals and visit the stables, visit museums and galleries, or ATV tours.

A feast of flavors awaits while traveling the coastline as all villages have restaurants with the possibility of a delicious dining experience from local ingredients. Iceland has been known for its top-quality seafood so experience the finest and freshest that we offer in one of the coastal village’s restaurants. What is a more ideal short break than getting some delicious food!

Many walking paths lie next to the coastline and there are outdoor recreation areas on The South Coast Lighthouse Trail, that allow you to soak up nature while resting.

The South Coast Lighthouse Trail is ideal to take straight after you land in Iceland as you can drive the route directly from the airport to the South Coast. Thereby you can enjoy what the route has to offer immediately and straightaway get your insight into the lovely south coast, its activities, cuisine, and accommodation. The road leads off highway 1 and therefore easy to get on to the trail all year round. It is always a clever idea to familiarize yourself with the conditions and the roads before setting off, as well as to check if it is high or low tide to ensure the utmost safety.

Allow plenty of time for the trip − stops are welcome whether you want to walk or just to enjoy the view. For those who take the time, there is a lot to be discovered.

Highlights

ÁRNES

ÁRNES

Árnes is a small village with inhabitants of ca 50. In Árnes, there is a small convenience store, a swimming pool, a campsite, and a guesthouse.  &he
ÁSAHREPPUR

ÁSAHREPPUR

Ásahreppur is a community on the western edge of Rangárvallasýsla and takes its name from  “the ásar”, natural ridges in the area. On the Ring Road th
BORG

BORG

There is a growing community in Borg in Grímsnes, where there is a wide range of services for locals and tourists, including schools, kindergartens, s
BRAUTARHOLT

BRAUTARHOLT

A small village. Swimming pool, shop, community center and camp site.
EYRARBAKKI

EYRARBAKKI

Eyrarbakki, pop. 585 is a friendly village that used to be the largest commercial community and main harbor on the South Coast of Iceland. Many preser
FLÓAHREPPUR

FLÓAHREPPUR

Flóahreppur is a peaceful municipality situated in South Iceland, between the two large Salmon Rivers Hvítá and Þjórsá. Flóahreppur is famous for its
FLÚÐIR

FLÚÐIR

Flúðir is a rapidly growing community in the center of the Hrunamannahreppur district, about 25 minutes off the main Ring Road. The area is considered
HELLA

HELLA

Inhabitants in Rangárþing ytra (Westen Rangárþing) are 1526 (the year 2016). The borders of the district are by Ásahreppur district, from the river Þj
HVERAGERÐI

HVERAGERÐI

Hveragerði has long been a famous destination for tourists with many hotels and restaurants. Both summer and winter, Icelanders and foreigners alike h
HVOLSVÖLLUR

HVOLSVÖLLUR

Hvolsvöllur – Rangárþing eystra, with a population of about 2000, is a vast district in central South Iceland and ranges from the highlands to the sea
HÖFN

HÖFN

Hornafjörður is a blooming community close to the biggest glacier in Europe, Vatnajökull in the south eastern part of Iceland. The district’s most den
KIRKJUBÆJARKLAUSTUR

KIRKJUBÆJARKLAUSTUR

SkaftárhreppurSkaftárhreppur district is the center of the south of Iceland and the perfect location to stay while taking day tours to see many of Ice
LAUGARÁS

LAUGARÁS

The development of the small village Laugarás started when geothermal activity was discovered in the area. There are numerous horticultural farms in t
LAUGARVATN

LAUGARVATN

Laugarvatn is a shallow lake, about 2 km2 in size, and is located in the inlands of Árnessýsla, midway between Þingvellir, Gullfoss and Geysir, 100 km
REYKHOLT

REYKHOLT

The development of the small village Reykholt started in the first half of the 20th century, when geothermal activity was discovered in the area. Ther
SELFOSS

SELFOSS

Selfoss, pop. 8.832 is the largest town in South Iceland and the main center of trade and industry. The distance from the capital is 57 km, and variou
SKÓGAR

SKÓGAR

Skógar is a small village with about 25 inhabitants. Despite its small size, it has various accommodation and restaurant possibilities. Skógar used to
SÓLHEIMAR ECO-VILLAGE

SÓLHEIMAR ECO-VILLAGE

Sólheimar is considered the oldest Eco-Village in the world. Sólheimar was established as a children's home 80 years ago. Still, today Sólheimar focus
STOKKSEYRI

STOKKSEYRI

STOKKSEYRIStokkseyri, pop. 559 is a charming village renowned for its beautiful seashore, breaking ocean waves and birdlife, and rich in handicrafts a
VÍK

VÍK

Mýrdalshreppur is one of the three municipalities within Katla Geopark, a UNESCO Global geopark. Vík in Mýrdalshreppur is situated in the center of th
ÞORLÁKSHÖFN

ÞORLÁKSHÖFN

The main town in Ölfus is Þorlákshöfn, west of Eyrarbakki. The town is important as a port because the only viable harbour on Iceland's southern coast
ÞYKKVIBÆR

ÞYKKVIBÆR

Residential area by Hólsá and south of Safamýri. Before, Þykkvibær was flooded in every way. People had to wade up to the waist or deeper to get betwe
ÖLFUS

ÖLFUS

Ölfus municipality is located on the southwest coast of Iceland, approx. 50 km from Reykjavík capital. The population is slightly over 2000 inhabitant