Express Glacier and Highland Adventure: Two-Day South Coast and Thorsmork Tour
Walk ancient ice, cross glacial rivers, and discover Iceland's wildest highland landscapes in two unforgettable days.
This two-day itinerary is built for travelers who want depth without sacrificing variety, combining a certified glacier hike on Sólheimajökull with deep highland exploration in Thórsmörk on a single seamless journey. The route covers Iceland's most celebrated South Coast landmarks while pushing further into terrain that few standard tours reach. A professional photo package ensures every defining moment is captured and delivered.
Day one moves along Iceland's South Coast, pausing at Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss before arriving at Sólheimajökull, a glacier tongue that retreats visibly each year. Guides trained in glaciology lead the hike across blue ice formations and explain the forces driving change in Iceland's frozen landscapes. An optional ice climbing upgrade is available for those seeking a more vertical challenge.
Day two shifts to Thórsmörk, a highland valley flanked by the Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull ice caps and accessible only by super jeep river crossings. The day includes a canyon hike through Stakkholtsgjá, a wilderness BBQ at Langidalur Hut, and a summit ascent of Valahnúkur for 360-degree panoramic views before returning to Reykjavik.
Tour Highlights
Guided glacier hike on Sólheimajökull with certified ice guides, including exploration of crevasses and glacial formations shaped over centuries.
Walk behind the curtain of Seljalandsfoss and stand at the base of Skógafoss, two of Iceland's most dramatic and accessible waterfalls.
Super jeep river crossings into Thórsmörk, a highland valley unreachable by conventional vehicles and largely untouched by mass tourism.
Hike into Stakkholtsgjá Canyon, a moss-lined gorge with a hidden cave waterfall that rewards those willing to wade through shallow glacial streams.
Summit Valahnúkur peak for sweeping views across braided glacial rivers, surrounding glaciers, and the raw highland terrain of Thórsmörk.
A 50-shot professional photo package per person is included, with edited portraits, group shots, and landscape images delivered within 14 days.
Wilderness BBQ at Langidalur Hut featuring Icelandic lamb, fresh fish or vegetarian options, rúgbrauð, and skyr in the heart of the highlands.
Itinerary Overview
Pickup from your South Iceland hotel is followed by a scenic drive to Seljalandsfoss, where a path leads behind the waterfall's curtain for an unusual perspective. The route continues to Skógafoss, a 60-meter cascade with a staircase to the top and frequent rainbow conditions in clear weather.
Crampons and safety gear are provided at the glacier car park before your group steps onto the ice with a certified guide. The 3.5-hour hike explores ridges, crevasses, and meltwater channels while the guide explains the glacier's history and its ongoing recession. An optional ice climbing experience is available for those wanting a more technical challenge on vertical ice walls.
Accommodation along the South Coast provides a quiet base between the two days of activity. The overnight stay is included in the tour, positioning you for an early start into the highlands.
A super jeep departs from the South Coast, crossing glacial rivers and navigating 4x4 tracks into Thórsmörk. The first stop is Gígjökull Glacier, permanently altered by the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruption, where black volcanic sand frames the icefall. The Stakkholtsgjá Canyon hike follows, leading approximately 2 kilometers to a hidden cave waterfall deep inside the gorge.
Lunch is served at Langidalur Hut, a mountain lodge in the core of Thórsmörk. The BBQ menu draws on local ingredients including Icelandic lamb and fish alongside traditional accompaniments such as rúgbrauð and skyr.
A two-hour roundtrip hike ascends Valahnúkur, delivering 360-degree views over glaciers, river deltas, and highland ridges. The group then returns to Reykjavik with a hotel drop-off in the early evening.
What Is Included
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in South Iceland and Reykjavik
- Certified glacier guide on Sólheimajökull
- Crampons and glacier safety equipment
- Super jeep transport into Thórsmörk
- Stakkholtsgjá Canyon guided hike
- Wilderness BBQ lunch at Langidalur Hut
- Guided ascent of Valahnúkur peak
- One overnight stay on the South Coast
- 50-shot professional photo package per person, delivered within 14 days
Not Included
- Optional ice climbing upgrade
- Personal travel insurance
- Gratuities for guides
- Personal spending and souvenirs
- Meals not specified in the itinerary
Important Information
Reserve Your Place on the Glacier and Highland Adventure
Availability for this two-day summer itinerary is limited by small group sizes and guided glacier capacity. Secure your dates to avoid missing out on one of Iceland's most complete South Coast and highland experiences.
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