Small-Group South Coast & Glacier Hike Tour from Reykjavik

About this experience

Discover Iceland’s breathtaking south coast on this full-day adventure from Reykjavík! Marvel at the thundering waterfalls of Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss, take a guided glacier walk on Sólheimajökull, and explore the dramatic black sand beach of Reynisfjara, home to towering basalt sea stacks.

Start your journey with a scenic drive along Iceland’s rugged coastline. We stop at Skógafoss, a stunning 60-meter waterfall, and visit Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, where powerful waves crash against volcanic black sands - home to iconic basalt sea stacks.
You will gear up for an easy glacier hike on Sólheimajökull, where you’ll explore blue ice, deep crevasses, and dramatic formations.

We also stop at Seljalandsfoss, where you can walk behind the cascading water for a unique view. On the way back to Reykjavík, relax and enjoy stunning views of Iceland's iconic South Coast.

Itinerary

1. Tour stop

   No car required! Start your memorable journey to the iconic south coast with convenient pickup from select stops in Reykjavik.

2. Tour stop

   We make a brief stop at the Lava Centre in Hvolsvollur where guests can use the restroom and purchase food & drinks to go

3. Tour stop

   Feel the power of one of Iceland’s most iconic falls as Skógafoss crashes 60 meters into a wide misty basin. Walk right up to the spray for photos, or climb the staircase beside the waterfall for sweeping views over the valley and the South Coast

4. Tour stop

   Step onto Iceland’s most famous black-sand beach, where basalt columns rise like a natural cathedral and the Atlantic surf roars in. You’ll see the Reynisdrangar sea stacks offshore and the striking geology that makes this coastline so dramatic - plus important safety guidance for the powerful “sneaker waves.” Leisurely stroll along the black sand beach known for its famous basalt columns and caverns. Witness the Reynisdrangar cliffs and basalt rock stacks that rise from the sea.

5. Tour stop

   Next, enjoy a truly unforgettable walk on ice with a beginner-friendly guided hike on Sólheimajökull Glacier, a stunning outlet of Mýrdalsjökull on Iceland’s South Coast. In a small group, you’ll meet your certified glacier guide at the parking lot, gear up with crampons, an ice axe, and helmet, and walk across a dramatic landscape to the glacier. We walk through a quiet mossy valley to access the glacier from above, where you will have stunning panoramic views of Sólheimajökull and the surrounding landscape before stepping onto the ice. Then you’ll spend about 1.5 hours hiking on the glacier, weaving between ice ridges, crevasses and shimmering blue formations. Along the way, your guide will share stories about climate, history, and the area, with plenty of time for photos and taking in the views. It’s a fun, safe and unforgettable way to experience Iceland’s ice world - no previous glacier experience required.

6. Tour stop

   A picture-perfect waterfall with a pathway that can let you view the cascade from behind for an unforgettable perspective. In winter the trail can be icy or closed, but the stop is still spectacular from the front, with dramatic cliffs, mossy rock, and constant shifting light. In the winter months Seljalandsfoss is lit up, making it a stunning illuminated last stop of the day.

7. Tour stop

   We will make our way back to the capital where you will be dropped off at your selected pick-up point.

Know before you go

• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Minimum age is 8 years old and minimum shoe size is 35 EU
• Please bring warm outdoor clothing, waterproof jacket and pants, packed lunch, gloves, hat and good hiking shoes
• Please note that the order of the itinerary can be altered if weather conditions change
• For the glacier hike: In order to safely fit our specialized glacier crampons, guests must have a shoe size between 35-50 EU
• Hiking boots with ankle support are mandatory for the glacier hike portion of the adventure (available to rent for a fee)
• This glacier hike is rated as easy to moderate - no prior experience is required - however; guests should be prepared to hike ~6km over uneven terrain with moderate elevation changes