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South Coast & Iconic Glacier Hike Full Day Tour

Explore Iceland's magnificent South Coast, including waterfalls and black sand beaches, and top it off with a walk on a glacier. Stunning views, guaranteed!

Reykjavík
All Year Around
12 hours
Moderate

Starting at 20.817 ISK

Tour Operator: Holiday Tours

About

South Coast's greatest hits

  • Marvel at the Skógafoss waterfall, famously featured in Game of Thrones, where fantasy meets the power of nature. 
  • Feel the wind on your face and walk on the Reynisfjara black sand beach, renowned as one of the top 10 most beautiful places on Earth. It captured hearts worldwide. And for a reason!  
  • Walk behind the iconic Seljalandsfoss waterfall and take in its grandeur from every angle. You might get wet but the smile on your face and the photos will be worth it.  
  • Learn the enchanting secrets of Gljúfrabúi, a sheltered waterfall that is waiting to be discovered by you.    
  • Adventure awaits underneath the vast Icelandic sky. After safety instructions, walk on centuries' old ice, peek into a crevasse, drink glacier water on a Sólheimajökull glacier hike.  

Waterfalls, black sand beaches, and vistas on repeat

Step aboard a comfortable minibus, feel the warm welcome from your driver-guide, and spend the next few hours journeying through Iceland's South Coast with plenty of stops (and surprises!) in between. Depending on the weather, time of day, and season, your driver guide may change the order in which you will visit the stops. This is the beauty of travelling in a small group — you have the flexibility to avoid the crowds and make unexpected discoveries.


"Well planned to avoid crowds." 5-star review on Tripadvisor  


Reykjavik to Skógafoss Waterfall

Meet Skógafoss, a fantastic 60-meter waterfall where the Skógá River concludes its journey over ancient sea cliffs. The coastline here took a step back, unveiling this breathtaking vertical cascade. The energy and might of the falls weave a constant mist, sometimes painting vibrant rainbows on sunny days. It's like nature's own magic show!


Glacier hike on Sólheimajökull 

Get ready for the tour's highlight: a thrilling 2.5-hour hike, with 1.5 hours spent right on the Sólheimajökull, an outlet glacier from the fourth-largest Icelandic glacier, Mýrdalsjökull. 

After gearing up for safety (crampons, helmet, ice axe), your highly trained guide will take you on the ice.  Ever wanted to peer inside a crevasse or taste glacier water while learning about the history and geology of Iceland's glaciers? This is your chance. And yes, it's safe! 


"What an experience, we loved it so much. It was like walking on a different planet, and such a stunning landscape..." 5-star review on Tripadvisor 


Reynisfjara black sand beach

After a quick ride, we'll pull over at the enchanting Reynisfjara black sand beach. Imagine this: once your foot touches the black sand, you will know why it was voted among the world's top 10 most beautiful non-tropical beaches. Being close to basalt columns, a domed cave, the famous black sand, and the iconic Reynisdrangar rock formations will give you plenty of thrills and serve as magnificent drops for your photos. 

You should stay clear of the ocean, the waves are extremely dangerous.   


Seljalandsfoss waterfall

On the way back to Reykjavik we'll stop at the must-see Seljalandsfoss waterfall. This beauty sits beneath the famous Eyfjallajokull, the volcano that made headlines in 2010. Get behind-the-waterfall view when you take a walk behind its thundering cascade.


Gljúfrabúi (or Canyon Dweller) waterfall

Close by you will find Gljúfrabúi, whose name is translated from the Icelandic as Canyon Dweller. It is one of the hidden gems of the South Coast, and thus an excellent spot for photographers and those seeking to admire nature in peace. Cameras at the ready... 


Return to Reykjavik full of life-long memories, and why not choose another tour with us, such as the Golden Circle & Secret Lagoon Minibus Tour


Choose the South Coast & Iconic Glacier Hike Full Fay Tour if you

  • Want to see a lot in one day 
  • Are looking for an idyllic escape
  • Want to venture into the icy realm of Sólheimajökull glacier 
  • Always dreamed of walking behind a waterfall
  • Are excited about stepping on a black sand beach 
  • Want to educate yourself about the geology, history, and culture of Iceland 

Book now

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What's included?

  • The order or availability of attractions may change due to road or weather conditions. 
  • Guided glacier hike, with free safety gear (helmet, crampons, ice axe) included
  • Flexibility of a small group 
  • Free pick up and drop off in Reykjavik 
  • Free pick up and drop off outside Reykjavik also possible. Email info@holidaytours.is to enquire 
  • Informative, supportive, and often funny English-speaking driver guide 
  • Plenty of opportunities to take photos and selfies
  • Toilet breaks 
  • Free Wifi 
  • Cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the departure for a full refund

Exclusions

  • Food & drinks but we make a stop so you can grab a bite 
  • Boredom

What do I need to bring?

What to bring

  • Sturdy hiking or walking boots that support your ankles on the glacier hike. You'll wear crampons sized EU 36 / US 5.5 / UK 3.5 or larger provided by us.
  • Waterproof and windproof outer layer


Recommended

  • Reusable water bottle
  • Camera
  • Sunglasses
  • We make stops during the tour for food and snacks (and toilet breaks), and you can also bring snacks or a packed lunch

Know before you go

Who it's for

  • Kids are welcome but must be 10 years or older 
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Not stroller accessible 
  • Not recommended if you have a back problem
  • Not recommended if you are pregnant (congratulations, though!)  
  • Not recommended if you have a heart condition 


Clothing

On this tour, it is important to be WELL EQUIPPED! On this tour, shoes are of utmost importance!

Please make sure that you bring sturdy hiking or walking boots with ankle support. You will not be going on the glacier if you are wearing sports shoes, tennis shoes, flip-flops and sandals, high-heels shoes etc.!


Pick up information

Please be ready at your pick-up spot at 8:00am. Pick up takes place between 8:00 and 8:30am. For pick up enquiries outside Reykjavik, email info@holidaytours.is 


Weather warning 

If the weather conditions are not safe, the glacier hike may be cancelled. We'll keep you informed about the changes, and what happens next


Group size

This tour and activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers.


Safety

  • Safety is our top priority for glacier hikes. While the hike is designed for beginners, some routes are icy and steep. If you dislike walking, this might not be for you. We supply safety gear, but mobility is vital for a safe trip. 
  • Your driver guide, who will accompany you on the hike, will assess your ability on-site. Remember, safety guides their decisions so if it's a 'no' from your guide, this is because they have your safety in mind 


Cancellation policy

  • You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the departure for a full refund
  • If you're unsure about your fitness for the hike, please contact us at info@holidaytours.is

Itinerary

Day 1: Reykjavik
Day 1: Skógafoss Waterfall

A majestic 60-meter (196 ft) cascade, where the Skógá River plunges over ancient sea cliffs.

Day 1: Sólheimajökull Glacier

An outlet glacier stemming from the larger Mýrdalsjökull ice cap in southern Iceland.

Day 1: Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

A famous Icelandic shoreline distinguished by its striking black volcanic sand, basalt columns, and iconic Reynisdrangar sea stacks.

Day 1: Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

A breathtaking cascade on Iceland's south coast, known for its 60-meter (196 ft) drop and the unique opportunity for visitors to walk behind the falling water.

Day 1: Gljúfrabúi Waterfall

A hidden gem in Iceland, partially concealed within a canyon.

Day 1: Reykjavik

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