South Coast, Glacier Hike & Jokulsarlon: 2-Day Summer Minibus Tour from Reykjavik
Waterfalls, black sand beaches, glaciers, and icebergs — Iceland's south coast in two immersive days.
This 2-day South Coast Iceland tour takes small groups from Reykjavik through some of the island's most arresting landscapes, combining iconic waterfalls, volcanic shorelines, a glacier hike, and a visit to Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon into one well-paced itinerary. The route follows Iceland's celebrated Ring Road southeast, revealing a terrain that shifts from green valleys to black-sand coastlines and ancient ice. Difficulty is rated easy, making it accessible for most fitness levels.
Day one covers the western and central south coast, stopping at Seljalandsfoss — where a path behind the curtain of falling water offers a perspective few waterfalls allow — and Skogafoss, whose 60-metre drop generates a permanent mist cloud that catches rainbows on clear days. The black sand beach of Reynisfjara, with its hexagonal basalt columns and powerful Atlantic surf, rounds out the afternoon before the group settles in for the night.
Day two moves further east toward Vatnajokull, Europe's largest glacier by volume. A guided glacier hike on one of its outlet glaciers, complete with crampons, helmets, and ice axes, offers direct contact with ice that has been accumulating for centuries. The day continues to Jokulsarlon, a 200-metre deep glacial lagoon where icebergs calve from Breidamerkurjokull and drift slowly toward the sea, and to Diamond Beach, where ice fragments wash ashore against the black sand.
Throughout both days, an experienced guide provides context on Iceland's geology, ecology, and the ongoing changes affecting its glaciers. Puffin colonies nest on the sea cliffs near Reynisfjara between June and August, adding a wildlife dimension to the coastal stops. The Skaftafell area, through which the tour passes on day two, has served as a filming location for productions including Game of Thrones and Batman Begins.
Tour Highlights
Walk behind the curtain of Seljalandsfoss and discover the hidden gorge waterfall Gljufrabui nearby.
Stand on Reynisfjara black sand beach beside towering basalt columns and the Reynisdrangar sea stacks.
Hike on an outlet glacier of Vatnajokull with full safety equipment provided by certified glacier guides.
Cruise among the icebergs of Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon on a boat ride during the summer season.
Explore Diamond Beach, where ice fragments in every shape and shade wash ashore on black volcanic sand.
Spot puffins and other seabirds nesting on the cliffs above Reynisfjara from June through August.
Climb the 527 steps beside Skogafoss for panoramic views over the south coast toward Vestmannaeyjar.
Itinerary Overview
The tour departs Reykjavik and heads directly to Seljalandsfoss, where a well-maintained path circles behind the 60-metre falls. A short walk leads to Gljufrabui, a secondary waterfall concealed inside a narrow basalt gorge — reaching it requires crossing stepping stones over a shallow stream.
Skogafoss falls into a wide gorge carved by the river Skoga before it continues to the sea. A staircase of 527 steps ascends alongside the gorge to a viewing platform above the falls, offering a broad coastal panorama on clear days.
The group visits Reynisfjara, notable for its geometric basalt columns, powerful unpredictable surf, and the Reynisdrangar sea stacks rising offshore. Puffins and other seabirds nest in the cliffs above the beach throughout the summer months.
Certified glacier guides from Troll Expeditions provide helmets, harnesses, crampons, and ice axes before leading the group onto the glacier for approximately one and a half hours. The Skaftafell area surrounding the glacier has served as a backdrop for several major film and television productions.
Jokulsarlon is a 200-metre deep lake fed by the ongoing retreat of Breidamerkurjokull, an outlet glacier of Vatnajokull. Icebergs calve from the glacier face and drift across the lagoon; a boat ride is available during summer to bring visitors closer to the ice.
Directly across the road from the lagoon, ice fragments carried into the Atlantic by the outflow channel wash back onto a black sand beach. The interplay of translucent ice and dark sand creates a visual contrast that changes constantly with the light and tide.
What Is Included
Included
- Minibus transport from Reykjavik throughout both days
- Experienced licensed tour guide
- Glacier hike with certified glacier guides
- Safety equipment for glacier hike (helmet, harness, crampons, ice axe)
- Boat ride on Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon (summer season)
- All entrance fees and activity fees listed in the itinerary
Not Included
- Accommodation during the overnight stop
- Meals and beverages
- Personal travel insurance
- Gratuities for guides
- Any optional activities not specified in the itinerary
Important Information
Book This Tour
Secure your place on this two-day south coast and glacier itinerary. Small group sizes mean availability is limited, particularly during the peak summer season when puffins are present and boat rides on Jokulsarlon are operating.
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