Reykjavík: Iconic Glacier Hike, South Coast & Waterfalls

Traveling to Iceland offers a chance to see some of Europe’s most dramatic landscapes, and this tour promises a full day of it. While we haven’t personally joined the tour, reviews and detailed descriptions paint a vivid picture of what to expect. It’s a long, action-packed day with a mix of iconic waterfalls, striking black sand beaches, and a once-in-a-lifetime glacier hike.

What we love about this experience is how it combines the best of Iceland’s natural highlights into one day — a perfect choice if time is limited but you want a meaningful taste of the country’s wild beauty. Plus, the expert guides seem to make all the difference, making sure you get the most out of every stop while keeping safety a priority.

One potential hitch? The tour’s duration means you’ll be on your feet quite a bit, and it’s not ideal if you’re looking for a relaxed, leisurely exploration. But if you’re ready for an active day that mixes adventure with sightseeing, this tour ticks many boxes. It suits travelers eager to see Iceland’s most Instagram-worthy sights while enjoying some genuine outdoor adventure.

Key Points

• Comprehensive South Coast Experience: Visit waterfalls, black sand beaches, and a glacier in one day.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides enhance safety and storytelling, making the journey more meaningful.
• Active Adventure: Includes a 2.5-hour glacier hike, perfect for those who enjoy outdoor activities.
• Flexible Itinerary: Stops are adjusted seasonally and weather permitting to optimize your experience.
• Value for Money: At $195, it offers a full day of diverse, iconic sights with safety gear included.
• Small Group: Limited to 15 participants, ensuring a more intimate experience and personal attention.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Overview of the Tour

This tour is designed to show you the highlights of Iceland’s South Coast in a single day. Starting early from Reykjavik, you’re picked up from numerous convenient locations throughout the city. The 11-hour trip is well-paced, featuring a mix of breathtaking scenery, fascinating geology, and outdoor activity, all led by a friendly, knowledgeable guide.

Transportation & Comfort

Travel is by a comfortable minibus equipped with WiFi, which is a nice touch if you want to update your social feeds or just enjoy the scenery without fuss. The small group size (max 15) means you’ll get a more personalized experience and easier access to the guide for questions or photos.

The Scenic Drive

The journey itself is part of the experience, with scenic views passing by on the way to each stop. The drive through the Icelandic landscape is fascinating, with plenty of opportunities to soak in the rugged terrain, volcanic formations, and sweeping vistas. Your guide will share insights into Icelandic geology and culture, adding context to the stunning scenery.

Itinerary Breakdown: Why Each Stop Matters

More Great Tours Nearby

Skógafoss Waterfall

Your first major stop is Skógafoss, one of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls. Dropping 60 meters over ancient cliffs, this waterfall’s sheer power is awe-inspiring. The reviews frequently mention the rainbows that appear in the mist, creating a picture-perfect moment. It’s a striking start to the day, and many visitors find the scale of Skógafoss invigorating.

What you’ll love: The chance to stand right at the base and feel the spray, plus the option to hike up the staircase for a panoramic view. “On sunny days, mist from the falls creates vivid rainbows, making this spot a magical start,” one reviewer notes.

Glacier Hike on Sólheimajökull

The highlight for many is the glacier hike, lasting about 2.5 hours, with 1.5 hours spent on the ice. Equipped with crampons, helmets, and ice axes, you’ll walk on an ancient glacier, exploring crevasses and ice formations. Guides are experienced and attentive, making sure everyone stays safe while soaking in the surreal icy landscape.

Why it’s special: It’s a rare opportunity for most travelers to walk on a glacier, let alone explore inside crevasses or visit ice caves (if conditions allow). Several reviews highlight how the guide’s safety focus and patience made the experience accessible even for first-timers.

Pro tip: Proper outdoor gear is essential. Waterproof hiking shoes and clothing are recommended since terrain can be icy and steep. Some reviews mention the importance of sturdy boots and rain gear for comfort and safety.

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

Next, you’ll visit Reynisfjara, arguably one of the most famous black sand beaches in the world. The dramatic basalt columns, Reynisdrangar sea stacks, and roaring waves offer a striking contrast to the icy landscape. This is a favorite photography spot, but caution is advised due to strong waves.

Expect: To walk along volcanic sand and marvel at the natural formations that have been carved by wind and water. “The waves were no joke,” a reviewer mentions, emphasizing the need for caution.

Waterfalls & Hidden Gems

On the return route, you’ll stop at Seljalandsfoss, where you can walk behind the cascading water for an unusual perspective. Nearby, Gljúfrabúi, a lesser-known waterfall tucked inside a canyon, offers a tranquil escape and excellent photo ops.

What’s special: The behind-the-waterfall walk at Seljalandsfoss is a memorable experience, providing a different view and great photo opportunities. Expect some getting wet, but that’s part of the fun.

Other Notable Stops

Throughout the day, your guide will make scenic stops at the Eyjafjallajökull volcano, a reminder of Iceland’s volcanic activity and its influence on the landscape. The stop here is brief but gives you a chance for photos and to learn about its history.

The tour maintains flexibility, adjusting stops based on weather and seasonality, which many reviewers appreciate. One described it as “well-planned” with just enough time at each location.

The Experience: What You’ll Actually Do

Expect an early start with pickup between 8 and 8:30 AM, followed by a scenic drive through Iceland’s dramatic landscape. Once at each site, your guide will provide context, safety instructions, and plenty of opportunities to photograph or simply soak in the views.

The glacier hike is the centerpiece, so you’ll want to come prepared. Your guide will instruct you on crampon use and safety procedures, and you’ll explore crevasses, ice caves (if accessible), and taste glacier water. Several reviews praise guides for their patience and expertise, making what might seem intimidating quite approachable.

The stops at waterfalls and black sand beaches are leisurely, with enough time for photos and short walks. The return journey includes a drive back to Reykjavik, with a few more scenic viewpoints along the way.

The Value of the Tour

At $195 per person, this tour offers a comprehensive visit to some of Iceland’s most iconic sights. The price includes all safety gear for the glacier hike, expert guiding, and round-trip transportation, making it good value for a full day of activity and sightseeing.

Compared to trying to see all these sites independently, the convenience and expertise offered here save you time and effort. Plus, you’ll benefit from the guide’s insights, which enhance your understanding of Icelandic geology and culture.

Considerations

While reviews consistently praise the guide’s competence and friendliness, some mention the day can be physically demanding, especially the glacier hike. It’s not suitable for young children, pregnant women, or travelers with certain health issues or low fitness levels. Weather can also influence accessibility — if conditions are poor, the glacier hike might be moved or canceled for safety.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers who want a full-day adventure that covers Iceland’s most photogenic sites with a knowledgeable guide. It’s suitable for those with a reasonable level of fitness who don’t mind active outdoor pursuits. If you’re fascinated by glaciers, waterfalls, or volcanic landscapes, you’ll find plenty to love here.

If you prefer a more relaxed pace or wish to spend more time exploring each site in depth, you might want to consider extending your trip or choosing a more leisurely tour. But for a well-organized, exciting day that packs in the essentials, this tour delivers.

This tour offers a dynamic way to experience the South Coast of Iceland, mixing stunning scenery with outdoor adventure. The glacier hike is a true highlight, offering a rare chance to walk on ice as ancient as the planet itself. Meanwhile, iconic waterfalls and black sand beaches give you a taste of Iceland’s unique volcanic landscape.

The guides seem to make all the difference, with their expertise and attention to safety earning high praise from travelers. The small-group format ensures a more personal and engaging experience, perfect for those who enjoy sharing adventures with like-minded travelers.

While the day is full and active, it’s also incredibly rewarding. If you’re after a memorable, photo-rich, and varied tour that captures Iceland’s essence, this experience is an excellent choice — especially if you value safety, expert insights, and a dash of outdoor thrill.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, pick-up and drop-off are included in Reykjavik, with comfortable minibus transport and WiFi onboard.

How long is the glacier hike?
The hike lasts approximately 2.5 hours, with 1.5 hours spent on the glacier itself.

What should I bring?
Bring sturdy hiking shoes, outdoor clothing, and your camera. Waterproof gear is recommended, especially for waterfalls and potentially rainy weather.

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, the tour is not suitable for children under 8 years old due to the physical demands of the glacier hike and icy terrain.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The guides monitor conditions closely. If the glacier becomes inaccessible, the hike may be moved to a nearby valley, and some stops might be adjusted or shortened.

How much free time is there at each stop?
Stops range from 15 minutes at Hvolsvöllur to 45 minutes at Reynisfjara, enough for photos, walking, and short visits.

Whether you’re after a scenic journey, an outdoor adventure, or both, this tour balances all those elements beautifully. It’s perfect for travelers looking to see a lot in a single day while enjoying the expertise of guides who know Iceland inside and out.

You can check availability for your dates here: