Waterfall with a double rainbow
A man standing on a glacier with the perfect backdrop on the glacier
The glacier guide and a boy are making a "Viking face" on the glacier.
Standing in front of the glacier outlet.
People standing in a moulin
Woman screaming like a Viking on the glacier.
Rainbow in the spraying from the waterfall.
Experimenting with fun photo angles.
Playing with illusion on the glacier, "little man - big man".
Woman sitting around icicle skulptures.
People climing out of a large crevasse

Private Glacier Hike and South Coast Full-Day Tour Iceland

10 hoursMin 1 guests
Duration11 Hours
Group SizePrivate Tour
Starts AtReykjavík
LanguagesEnglish
South Coast Iceland Private Tour

Glacier Hike and South Coast Private Tour

Walk behind waterfalls, cross black sand beaches, and set foot on ancient ice in a single unforgettable day.


This glacier hike South Coast Iceland private tour combines the region's most iconic natural landmarks into one full-day experience, with a hands-on glacier hike as the centerpiece. Suitable for beginners and rated easy in difficulty, the itinerary is designed for travelers who want depth without the physical demands of a challenging expedition. All glacier equipment is provided, and a knowledgeable guide accompanies you throughout the 11-hour journey.

The South Coast of Iceland concentrates an extraordinary variety of landscapes within a relatively compact corridor. In the span of a single day, the scenery shifts from thundering waterfalls and fertile plains to volcanic black sand beaches and the pale blue surface of glacial ice.

Sólheimajökull glacier, an outlet of the Mýrdalsjökull ice cap, offers a rare opportunity to explore glacial formations up close. Strapping on crampons and gripping an ice axe, visitors navigate the glacier's ridges and crevices while learning about how the ice was formed and how it continues to change.

Reynisfjara's black sand beach adds a striking contrast to the day. The beach is framed by dramatic basalt columns and the Reynisdrangar rock stacks rising from the Atlantic, a landscape that feels both ancient and alive.

Tour Highlights

Hike on the surface of Sólheimajökull glacier with crampons and an ice axe provided on-site.

Walk behind the curtain of Seljalandsfoss waterfall, one of Iceland's most distinctive natural features.

Stand at the base of Skogafoss, a 65-meter-tall waterfall stretching 25 meters wide across the cliff face.

Visit Reynisfjara black sand beach and witness the powerful Atlantic waves and basalt column formations.

Travel as a private group with a dedicated guide for a personalized experience at every stop.

Cover all the essential South Coast landmarks in a single well-structured 11-hour itinerary.

Learn about glacial geology and ice formation directly from your guide while walking on the glacier.

Itinerary

1
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

An Icelandic classic with a rare distinction: a path leads around and behind the falling water for most of the year. The experience of standing inside the cascade makes this stop unlike any standard waterfall visit.

2
Skogafoss Waterfall

At 65 meters tall and 25 meters wide, Skogafoss is among the largest waterfalls in Iceland. Local legend claims a chest of gold is hidden behind its falls, left by the first Viking settler in the region.

3
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

This striking beach on the South Coast draws visitors to its jet-black volcanic sands, towering basalt columns, and the Reynisdrangar sea stacks rising just offshore. The Atlantic waves here can be powerful and are worth observing with care.

4
Glacier Hike on Sólheimajökull

Sólheimajökull is an outlet glacier of Mýrdalsjökull, Iceland's fourth-largest ice cap, located approximately 158 kilometers from Reykjavík. Equipped with crampons, an ice axe, and a helmet, you will hike across the glacier surface, exploring its formations and learning about its ongoing changes.

What Is Included

Included

  • Private professional guide for the full day
  • Glacier hiking equipment: crampons, ice axe, helmet
  • Transportation throughout the tour
  • Guided glacier hike on Sólheimajökull
  • Visits to Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls
  • Stop at Reynisfjara black sand beach

Not Included

  • Meals and beverages
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Gratuities for your guide
  • Personal spending at stops

Important Information

This tour involves hiking on a glacier. Participants should wear warm, layered clothing and sturdy waterproof footwear. All glacier-specific equipment is supplied on location.
Duration
Approximately 11 hours from departure to return.
Meeting Point
Departure from Reykjavík. Exact pickup details will be confirmed at booking.
What to Bring
Warm waterproof layers, sturdy hiking boots, gloves, and a change of socks. A packed lunch or snacks are recommended.
Cancellation
Please refer to the booking confirmation for the applicable cancellation and refund policy.
Accessibility
Rated easy difficulty. The glacier hike involves walking on uneven ice terrain. Participants should be in reasonable physical health.
Age Range
Suitable for most ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Minimum age requirements for the glacier section may apply.

Reserve Your Private South Coast Experience

This private full-day tour offers a structured yet personal way to explore Iceland's South Coast, from waterfall viewpoints to the surface of a living glacier. Spaces are limited for private groups, so securing your spot in advance is recommended.

Book Now

Frequently Asked Questions

Is prior glacier hiking experience required?▼
No prior experience is needed. The tour is rated easy and the guide will instruct participants on how to use crampons and an ice axe before the hike begins.
What glacier equipment is provided?▼
Crampons, an ice axe, and a helmet are all supplied at Sólheimajökull. Participants do not need to bring their own glacier gear.
Can I walk behind Seljalandsfoss waterfall year-round?▼
The path behind Seljalandsfoss is accessible for most of the year, but it is occasionally closed in winter due to ice forming on the walkway. Your guide will advise on conditions during the tour.
How far is Sólheimajökull from Reykjavík?▼
Sólheimajökull is approximately 158 kilometers, or about 98 miles, from Reykjavík. It is one of the most accessible glaciers in Iceland and is reachable within about two hours by road.
Is this tour suitable for children?▼
Children are welcome on the tour and must be accompanied by an adult. Minimum age requirements may apply specifically to the glacier hike section, and it is advisable to confirm this at the time of booking.
What should I wear for the glacier hike?▼
Warm, layered waterproof clothing and sturdy waterproof hiking boots are strongly recommended. Gloves and a warm hat will also be useful, as temperatures on the glacier can be considerably colder than at lower elevations.
South Coast IcelandGlacier HikeSólheimajökullSeljalandsfossSkogafossReynisfjaraBlack Sand BeachPrivate TourIceland WaterfallsDay Tour from ReykjavíkIce HikingIceland Adventure
Last updated: 2025-01-01 | Product ID: glacier-south-coast-private-tour

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

10 hours

Languages

English - 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.

ToursXplorer

Extraordinary experiences,
beautifully gifted

Extraordinary experiences, beautifully gifted
Nearby IconAsk Vera