The black sand coast
A private road, open only to UMI guests, leads down to the shore. Go early for sunrise or late for sunset.
UMI Hotel · South Coast
Activities
Waterfalls, glaciers and black sand, most of it within 40 minutes of your door.
Between the glacier and the sea
UMI sits at the foot of Eyjafjallajökull, with the Atlantic in front and the best of the South Coast on either side. Spend the day out, then come back to the quiet.
15 min
The black sand coast
On foot
16 min
Skógafoss
By car
19 min
Sólheimajökull
By car
22 min
Seljalandsfoss
By car
Self-drive
Places to see
Ordered by drive time from UMI. In winter, paths can be icy, so bring ice cleats.
Seljavallalaug
One of Iceland's oldest swimming pools, built into the hillside in 1923 and fed by a warm spring. A 20-minute walk from the car park.
View on map →
Kvernufoss
A quieter waterfall in a mossy gorge behind the Skógar museum. The path leads behind the falling water.
View on map →
Skógafoss
Sixty metres of falling water. Climb the steps beside it, then follow the river trail upstream.
View on map →
Sólheimasandur plane wreck
The US Navy plane that came down on the black sand in 1973. About 4 km each way on foot.
View on map →
Sólheimajökull
A glacier tongue of Mýrdalsjökull. Walk up to the edge of the ice, or join a guide and step onto it.
View on map →
Seljalandsfoss & Gljúfrabúi
A path leads behind the falling water. Next door, Gljúfrabúi hides inside a narrow canyon. Bring a rain jacket.
View on map →
Westman Islands
A 35-minute ferry from Landeyjahöfn. Walk up the volcano Eldfell and visit the Eldheimar museum.
View on map →
Reynisfjara & Dyrhólaey
Basalt columns, sea stacks and the great arch at Dyrhólaey, with puffins in summer.
View on map →Book with UMI
Guided tours
Handpicked tours on the South Coast, many less than an hour from the hotel.
Glacier walk on SólheimajökullCrampons, ice axe and an experienced guide. Easy walks or longer hikes with ice climbing.
19 min · Year-roundBook →
Katla ice caveSuper jeep from Vík across the black sands and into the blue ice beneath Mýrdalsjökull.
From Vík · Year-roundBook →
Snowmobile on MýrdalsjökullRide across the ice cap with wide views over the South Coast and the ocean below.
GuidedBook →
ATV on SólheimasandurQuad bikes across the black sand to the plane wreck. Short express rides if you only have an hour.
17 minBook →
Þórsmörk by super jeepA green valley between three glaciers, reached across glacial rivers.
Full dayBook →
Westman IslandsFerry, volcano and village. A full day out on Heimaey.
Full dayBook →
LandmannalaugarRhyolite mountains in every colour and a natural hot spring. Highland roads open in summer.
Summer · Full dayBook →
Jökulsárlón & Diamond BeachIcebergs drifting to the sea, and ice on the black sand across the road.
Full dayBook →
No booking fees · Best price guaranteeAll tours →
September – April
The northern lights
When
September to April, on clear, dark nights.
Forecast
Clear skies matter more than a high number. A Kp of 2 to 3 is often enough here. Check the cloud cover map on vedur.is.
Where
Look north, over Eyjafjallajökull. There are no town lights around UMI, so you often only need to step outside.
Hours
Usually 22:00 to 02:00, but it can start soon after dark. Give your eyes 15 minutes to adjust.
Photos
Night mode on something steady, or a tripod: wide lens, ISO 1600 to 3200, 5 to 15 seconds.
Even a mild night feels cold when you stand still. Bring a warm layer, a hat and gloves.
Aurora forecastGood to know
Can I book tours through UMI?
Yes. Tours are booked through our tour desk with no booking fees and a best price guarantee. You can book online before you arrive, or ask us at reception.
Where can I get fuel?
In Hvolsvöllur, 43 km west, or in Vík, 42 km east. There is no fuel on Route 1 between them.
How do I check the roads and weather?
Check road conditions on umferdin.is and the forecast and wind warnings on vedur.is before you set off.
Is Reynisfjara safe?
Only from a distance. The waves are strong and unpredictable. Keep well back from the water and never turn your back on the sea.
Can I drive to the highlands myself?
Highland F-roads are for 4x4 vehicles only, involve river crossings and usually open from late June. A guided tour is the easier way in.
Stay the night
Come for the sights. Stay for the quiet.
After a day of waterfalls, glaciers and black sand, come back to dinner, a warm sauna and a room with a view of it all.
Book your stay
