Glacier Hike and South Coast Waterfalls Day Tour
Walk on ancient ice, stand beneath thunderous waterfalls, and explore Iceland's most dramatic coastline in a single unforgettable day.
This South Coast glacier hike and waterfall tour combines the raw power of Iceland's most celebrated waterfalls with a guided walk on Solheimajokull, a living glacier shaped over thousands of years. The route covers coastal cliffs, black sand beaches, and ice terrain in one carefully paced eight-hour journey.
The day begins along the South Coast, where Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss deliver two of Iceland's most photographed natural spectacles. Both waterfalls are accessible on foot, and Seljalandsfoss allows visitors to walk behind the curtain of falling water, offering a perspective few natural landmarks provide.
The coastal section continues at Dyrholaey headland, where towering basalt cliffs frame sweeping ocean views, and Reynisfjara black pebble beach presents a striking contrast of dark shoreline against white surf. These landscapes were shaped by volcanic activity and glacial movement over millennia, and the evidence is visible at every turn.
The glacier portion of the tour takes place on Solheimajokull, the southernmost outlet glacier in Iceland. A 15 to 20 minute walk from the base brings the group onto the ice, where guides lead participants across crevasses, sink holes, and ice ridges. The route also passes visible markers of glacial retreat, giving context to the pace of change over the past 15 years.
Tour Highlights
Stand beneath Skogafoss and walk behind the curtain of Seljalandsfoss, two of Iceland's most iconic waterfalls.
Walk on Solheimajokull glacier, an outlet of the vast Myrdalsjokull ice cap covering nearly 600 square kilometres.
Cross crevasses, sink holes, and ice ridges under the guidance of experienced glacier walking instructors.
Visit Reynisfjara, the renowned black pebble beach with dramatic basalt column formations along the shoreline.
Explore Dyrholaey headland, where coastal cliffs offer panoramic views over the South Coast and Atlantic Ocean.
Learn about Katla volcano, one of Iceland's largest, which lies partially beneath the Myrdalsjokull ice cap.
All glacier equipment is provided, including crampons, helmet, and harness, with a full safety briefing before the walk.
Itinerary Overview
The tour departs from Midgard Base Camp and heads west along the South Coast toward the first waterfall stops. The drive itself passes through wide glacial plains with views of the ice caps to the north.
The group visits both major waterfalls, starting with Seljalandsfoss where a path leads behind the falling water. Skogafoss follows, with its broad curtain of water dropping 60 metres into the river below.
The coastal section includes a stop at Dyrholaey for cliff views and a visit to Reynisfjara black pebble beach. The basalt columns and sea stacks at Reynisfjara are among the most distinctive geological features on the South Coast.
On arrival at the glacier car park, guides provide a full safety briefing and fit participants with crampons, helmets, and harnesses. The walk from the base to the glacier edge takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes through a glacially formed landscape.
The glacier walk covers varied ice terrain, including crevasses, sink holes, and ridges, with guides explaining the ice environment and its formation. Visible markers of glacial retreat over the past 15 years provide a clear illustration of long-term change.
After descending from the glacier, the group returns to Midgard Base Camp, completing the full South Coast loop. Total tour duration is approximately eight hours from departure to return.
What Is Included
Included
- Guided glacier walk on Solheimajokull
- Crampons, helmet, and harness provided
- Safety briefing and ice walking instruction
- Guided visits to Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss
- Stops at Dyrholaey and Reynisfjara beach
- Transport from Midgard Base Camp
Not Included
- Meals and beverages
- Personal travel insurance
- Hiking boots or snow shoes (must be worn by participant)
- Personal warm clothing and layers
- Gratuities for guides
Important Information
Reserve Your Place on This Tour
Guided departures from Midgard Base Camp cover the full South Coast circuit including glacier access, equipment, and expert guidance throughout the day.
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