South Coast Odyssey: Waterfalls, Glaciers & Horse Riding
A full-day journey through Iceland's most dramatic southern landscapes, from thundering waterfalls to black sand shores.
This South Coast Iceland tour from Reykjavik guides you through a series of iconic natural landmarks that define the country's volcanic and glacial character. Spanning 12 hours, the itinerary covers cascading waterfalls, a glacier tongue, a black sand beach, and a horseback riding experience along the shore. The difficulty level is easy, making it accessible to a wide range of travelers.
Iceland's South Coast compresses an extraordinary variety of landscapes into a single stretch of highway. Towering cliffs give way to flat black sands, and glacier tongues creep down from ice caps formed by ancient volcanoes. Each stop along this route offers a distinct perspective on how geological forces have shaped the island over millennia.
The tour weaves together natural wonders and cultural encounters, including a stop in the village of Vik for lunch and an afternoon horseback ride on the black sand beach. Icelandic horses, a breed unique to the island, are known for their smooth gait and calm temperament, providing an approachable experience even for those new to riding.
Optional add-ons allow guests to extend the day with glacier hiking, snowmobiling, or a visit to the Lava Tunnel, depending on personal interest and seasonal availability. In summer, the Dyrhólaey promontory opens as a nesting site for puffins and other seabirds, offering a remarkable wildlife dimension to the journey.
Tour Highlights
Walk behind the curtain of Seljalandsfoss, a 60-meter waterfall fed by the Eyjafjallajökull glacier.
Photograph Skógafoss from its base or climb the adjacent staircase for a panoramic view of Iceland's southern lowlands.
Stand at the edge of Sólheimajökull, a glacier tongue descending from the Mýrdalsjökull ice cap, with optional hike or snowmobile access.
Explore Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, framed by basalt columns, sea stacks, and the powerful surf of the North Atlantic.
Ride Icelandic horses along the windswept black sand shore, connecting with a centuries-old equestrian tradition.
Visit Dyrhólaey in summer to observe puffins and other seabirds nesting on the dramatic coastal cliffs.
Pass through Vik, a seaside village surrounded by black sand beaches, cliffs, and rolling hills in southern Iceland.
Itinerary
The first major stop is Seljalandsfoss, where a path loops behind the 60-meter cascade, offering an immersive vantage point rarely possible at waterfalls elsewhere. The falls are fed by the Seljalandsá River, which originates from the Eyjafjallajökull volcano. A raincoat is recommended for the walk behind the falls.
A short drive east leads to Skógafoss, one of Iceland's most photographed waterfalls, dropping 60 meters near the town of Skógar. Visitors can view the falls from the base, where mist often generates rainbows on clear days, or ascend the staircase alongside for an elevated view. The waterfall is fed by the Skógá River, sourced from glaciers on Eyjafjallajökull.
The tour continues to Sólheimajökull, a glacier tongue extending from the Mýrdalsjökull ice cap, where guests can observe glacial formations at close range. Optional glacier hiking and snowmobiling are available for those wishing to venture onto the ice under expert guidance. The site offers a direct encounter with Iceland's active glacial landscape.
Reynisfjara presents a stark and visually striking scene, with its black volcanic sand, basalt column formations, and the Reynisdrangar sea stacks rising from the ocean. The nearby Hálsanefshellir basalt cave adds further geological interest to the visit. Caution is advised near the water due to unpredictable surf conditions.
The group stops in Vik, a small coastal village situated approximately 180 kilometers southeast of Reykjavik. The village offers cafes and local restaurants where guests can rest and eat before the afternoon activities. The setting, surrounded by cliffs and black sand, provides a distinctive backdrop for a midday break.
The afternoon features a horseback riding session along the black sand beach aboard Icelandic horses, a breed known for its unique five-gaited movement and calm disposition. The experience connects participants with Icelandic equestrian culture in a landscape shaped by volcanic activity. The ride concludes before the group returns to Reykjavik.
What Is Included
Included
- Transportation from and back to Reykjavik
- Professional guide throughout the tour
- Stops at Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls
- Visit to Sólheimajökull glacier
- Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach visit
- Horseback riding on the black sand beach
- Stop in Vik village for lunch break
Not Included
- Lunch and personal meals
- Optional glacier hike on Sólheimajökull
- Optional snowmobiling
- Optional Lava Tunnel exploration
- Personal travel insurance
- Gratuities for guides
Important Information
Reserve Your Place on the South Coast
Iceland's South Coast offers a concentration of natural landmarks found nowhere else on Earth. Secure your spot on this full-day tour and experience waterfalls, glaciers, black sand beaches, and horseback riding in a single journey from Reykjavik.
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