Aerial view of Skógafoss waterfall in Iceland with tourists walking along the black sand riverbank
View from behind Seljalandsfoss waterfall cave on Iceland's South Coast with tourists on the path below
Black sand beach Reynisfjara with basalt columns and sea stacks on Iceland's south coast
Tour group posing in front of minibus at Skógafoss waterfall on Iceland South Coast tour
Group of tourists with helmets and harnesses hiking on Solheimajokull glacier in Iceland
Aerial view of Seljalandsfoss waterfall with tourists on paths below, surrounded by green cliffs in Iceland
Black sand beach at Reynisfjara with dramatic sea stacks and crashing waves on Iceland's South Coast
Black sand beach Reynisfjara with basalt sea stacks and cliffs on Iceland's South Coast
Aerial view of Reynisdrangar black basalt sea stacks rising from ocean near Iceland's South Coast cliffs
Group of tourists with harnesses and helmets posing on Solheimajokull glacier with glacial lagoon behind
Tour group posing at Skógafoss waterfall on Iceland's South Coast with rocky riverbed and misty cascade

Full-Day South Coast Iceland Tour with Solheimajokull Glacier Hike

11 hoursMin 7 guests
Duration11 Hours
Group SizeSmall Group
Starts AtReykjavík
LanguagesEnglish, Spanish, French
Iceland South Coast Day Tour

South Coast Tour and Glacier Hike on Sólheimajökull

Waterfalls, black sand beaches, and a guided glacier adventure — all in one unforgettable day from Reykjavík.


This South Coast Iceland glacier hike tour brings together the region's most celebrated landscapes — cascading waterfalls, volcanic black sand shores, and the living ice of Sólheimajökull — into a single expertly guided 11-hour journey.

Departing from Reykjavík, the route crosses the ancient lava fields of Hellisheiði before revealing sweeping southern farmland with views toward the storied volcano Hekla. The drive itself sets the tone for a day defined by geological drama and raw natural beauty.

Along the way, travellers pass beneath the shadow of Eyjafjallajökull, the volcano that brought European air travel to a halt in 2010 and remains one of Iceland's most recognized natural landmarks. The southern landscape carries a quiet power that is felt long before the first stop.

The day is structured to move between contrasting environments — thundering waterfalls, a windswept black sand coast, and the silent, textured surface of a glacier — giving each location the time and context it deserves.

Tour Highlights

Stand at the base of Skógafoss, a 60-metre waterfall that has appeared in major film and television productions, and walk the staircase alongside it for elevated views.

Walk behind the curtain of Seljalandsfoss, a rare opportunity to pass through the spray and view the landscape from within the waterfall itself.

Hike on the surface of Sólheimajökull glacier with a certified glacier guide, exploring crevasses, ice formations, and the scale of Iceland's glacial terrain.

Visit Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, known for its dramatic basalt columns, sea caves, and the striking offshore basalt stacks called Reynisdrangar.

Travel past Eyjafjallajökull and through the shadow of Mýrdalsjökull, Iceland's fourth largest glacier, which looms over the southern route.

Reach the top of Sólheimajökull glacier for a shared group surprise, a tradition that adds a celebratory moment to the hike experience.

Travel through Hellisheiði lava fields with open views of the Icelandic highlands and southern lowland farms stretching toward the coast.

Itinerary

1
Departure from Reykjavík

Pick-up from your selected location in Reykjavík. The route heads through the Hellisheiði lava field and across southern farmland, with views toward Hekla and Eyjafjallajökull on clear days.

2
Skógafoss Waterfall

The first major stop is Skógafoss, a 60-metre waterfall and one of Iceland's most photographed natural landmarks. A staircase beside the falls offers a higher vantage point over the surrounding landscape.

3
Sólheimajökull Glacier Hike

A certified glacier guide leads the group across the surface of Sólheimajökull, an outlet glacier of Mýrdalsjökull. The hike includes ice formations, glacier features, and a shared group tradition at the summit.

4
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

The tour continues to Reynisfjara, where basalt column formations, sea caves, and the offshore stacks of Reynisdrangar define a coastline unlike any other in Iceland.

5
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

The final stop is Seljalandsfoss, where a path leads behind the waterfall itself. The experience offers a close encounter with the falls and a distinctive perspective on the surrounding cliffs.

6
Return to Reykjavík

The group returns along the south coast route back to Reykjavík, completing an 11-hour circuit of Iceland's most celebrated southern landscapes.

What Is Included

Included

  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Reykjavík
  • Guided glacier hike on Sólheimajökull
  • Certified glacier guide throughout the hike
  • Glacier hiking equipment (crampons and ice axes)
  • Transportation in a comfortable vehicle
  • Professional tour guide for the full day

Not Included

  • Meals and beverages
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Gratuities for guides and drivers
  • Any items of a personal nature

Important Information

This tour involves physical activity on glacier terrain. Participants should be in reasonable physical condition and wear appropriate layered clothing. Weather on the south coast changes rapidly — preparation is essential.
Duration
11 hours including all stops, the glacier hike, and return transfer to Reykjavík.
Meeting Point
Pick-up from your selected accommodation or designated pick-up point in Reykjavík.
What to Bring
Warm layered clothing, waterproof outer layers, sturdy footwear, sunglasses, and sunscreen. A packed snack or lunch is recommended as meal stops are not included.
Cancellation
Cancellation policies vary. Please review the terms at time of booking for specific conditions and any weather-related provisions.
Accessibility
The glacier hike involves uneven terrain and is not suitable for guests with significant mobility limitations. The difficulty level is rated easy, though some fitness is required.
Age Range
The glacier hike is generally suitable for participants aged 8 and above. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times during the hike.

Reserve Your Place on the South Coast

Spaces on this guided day tour are limited. Confirm your spot today and experience Iceland's south coast from waterfalls to glacier in a single remarkable day.

Book Now

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need previous glacier hiking experience?▼
No prior glacier experience is required. The hike is rated easy and is led by a certified glacier guide who will provide all necessary instruction and equipment before and during the hike.
Is glacier hiking equipment provided?▼
Yes, crampons and ice axes are provided as part of the tour. Participants should still bring suitable layered clothing and sturdy footwear for the conditions.
Can visitors walk behind Seljalandsfoss waterfall year-round?▼
The path behind Seljalandsfoss may be closed during winter months due to ice and safety conditions. Access depends on current weather and trail status at the time of the visit.
What is the pick-up procedure in Reykjavík?▼
Pick-up is arranged from your selected location in Reykjavík. Specific pick-up details including timing and exact location will be confirmed at the time of booking.
Is Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach safe to visit?▼
Reynisfjara is a spectacular but powerful beach with unpredictable sneaker waves. Visitors are advised to remain alert, follow all guide instructions, and never turn their back to the ocean.
What is the surprise at the top of the glacier?▼
The surprise is a group tradition that occurs when the hike party reaches the summit of Sólheimajökull. Details are intentionally kept undisclosed to preserve the experience for all participants.
Iceland South CoastGlacier HikeSólheimajökullSkógafossSeljalandsfossReynisfjaraBlack Sand BeachDay Tour from ReykjavíkMýrdalsjökullEyjafjallajökullGuided Tour IcelandIceland Adventure
Last updated: 2025-07-15 | Product ID: south-coast-glacier-hike-solheimajokull

Activity

Availability

You can book up to the start time, as long as there are places remaining. Book now to guarantee your spot.

Additional Information

Physical: Wheelchair Not accessible

Duration

11 hours

Languages

English - Speaking Guide

Spanish - Speaking Guide

French - Speaking Guide

Additional Information

Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.

Cancellation Policy

Select Date

Meeting Point

Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.

Activity Site

Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.

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