South Iceland Full Day Trip: Glacier Lagoon and Northern Lights4.8(2,640 Reviews)15 hours
From€214.46per person
Listing ID : 20034
4.8(2,640 Reviews)
South Iceland Full Day Trip: Glacier Lagoon and Northern Lights
15hDuration
EnglishSpeaking Guide
Mobile ticketAccepted
About this experience
Duration15 hours
Group SizeSmall Group
Starts AtReykjavik
LanguagesEnglish
South Iceland Day Tour
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon & South Coast Tour from Reykjavik
Icebergs, black sand beaches, waterfalls, and the raw beauty of Iceland's southern shore in a single day.
The Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon tour takes you deep into the heart of Iceland's most iconic landscape, where ancient glacial ice meets the North Atlantic and volcanic black sands frame a scene unlike anywhere else on Earth. Traveling in a small group ensures an intimate, unhurried experience across one of Europe's most dramatic coastlines.
South Iceland unfolds gradually as you leave Reykjavik behind, revealing lush farmland, brooding volcanic mountains, and the immense dark outwash plains that signal your approach to the glacier country. Each stop along the route adds a distinct layer to your understanding of how Iceland's geology and climate shape its terrain.
The journey rewards travelers who appreciate both grand spectacle and quiet detail. From the wind-defying waterfall at Foss á Síðu to the centuries-old turf church at Hof, the route weaves natural wonders together with cultural landmarks that rarely feature in shorter itineraries.
Seasonal conditions transform the experience entirely. Summer brings the possibility of walking into Fjadrargljufur canyon, while winter offers the chance to witness the Northern Lights on the return drive to Reykjavik, making any time of year a compelling reason to join this tour.
Tour Highlights
Float alongside glittering icebergs at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and watch seals and Arctic Skuas inhabit this otherworldly environment.
Walk Diamond Beach and see crystal-clear ice fragments scattered across jet-black volcanic sand before they drift back out to sea.
Stand behind the curtain of Seljalandsfoss waterfall, a 60-meter cascade that lets visitors pass directly behind its falling water.
Witness Foss á Síðu, where powerful coastal winds can reverse the flow of the waterfall, sending water upward rather than down.
Visit Fjadrargljufur canyon in summer, a sinuous gorge carved by glacial meltwater that cuts dramatically through the lava plateau.
Explore the Hof turf church, a centuries-old sod-roofed structure that blends seamlessly into the Icelandic hillside around it.
Between September and April, the tour keeps watch for the Northern Lights on the evening return, offering a potential finale to an already full day.
Itinerary Overview
1
Reykjavik Departure & South Coast Drive
Pick-up from Reykjavik marks the start of a scenic drive along Iceland's South Coast. The route passes fertile farmland, dramatic cliffs, and the village of Vik í Mýrdal, with its church perched above the Reynisdrangar sea stacks.
2
Fjadrargljufur Canyon & Foss á Síðu (Seasonal/Conditions Permitting)
Subject to seasonal access, the canyon stop reveals a winding gorge with sheer walls rising above a river-carved floor. Foss á Síðu follows shortly after, where the wind frequently lifts the waterfall into a striking upward arc.
3
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
The centerpiece of the day, this glacial lagoon is filled with icebergs calved from the Breidamerkurjökull glacier. An optional amphibian boat ride brings guests closer to the ice formations at an additional cost.
4
Diamond Beach & Hof Turf Church
Diamond Beach sits directly across the lagoon outlet road, where ice pieces wash ashore and contrast sharply with the black sand. The nearby Hof turf church offers a moment of historical reflection before the return journey begins.
5
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall & Return to Reykjavik
The final natural stop is Seljalandsfoss, where a path leads behind the waterfall itself. The drive back to Reykjavik in winter includes an active watch for Northern Lights activity.
What Is Included
Included
Small group guided tour from Reykjavik
Professional English-speaking guide
Transportation in a comfortable vehicle
Stops at all listed sights along the South Coast
Northern Lights watch during winter season (September to April)
Not Included
Food and beverages throughout the day
Optional amphibian boat ride at the lagoon
Personal travel insurance
Gratuities for guides
Important Information
This tour operates year-round. Seasonal stops such as Fjadrargljufur canyon and Northern Lights sightings depend entirely on weather, daylight, and natural conditions beyond the operator's control.
Duration
Approximately 14 to 16 hours including all stops and return transfer to Reykjavik.
Meeting Point
Pick-up is arranged from designated locations in Reykjavik. Confirm your exact pick-up point at the time of booking.
What to Bring
Wear warm, layered clothing and waterproof outer layers regardless of season. Sturdy, non-slip footwear is recommended for uneven terrain near waterfalls and beaches.
Cancellation
Cancellation policies vary. Review the terms at the time of booking and consider flexible booking options if travel plans may change.
Accessibility
The tour is rated very easy in terms of physical difficulty. Some outdoor terrain such as beaches and canyon viewpoints may be uneven; guests with mobility concerns should contact the operator in advance.
Age Range
The tour is suitable for all ages. Children are welcome, and the activity level is accessible for most fitness levels given the very easy difficulty rating.
Reserve Your Place on This Tour
Availability on this small-group tour is limited. Secure your seat in advance to avoid missing one of Iceland's most comprehensive South Coast experiences.
Is the Fjadrargljufur canyon stop guaranteed on every tour?▼
Fjadrargljufur canyon is a seasonal stop available primarily in summer when road access is open and conditions permit. The operator cannot guarantee the stop on every departure.
Can I see the Northern Lights on this tour?▼
Northern Lights sightings are possible between September 1st and April 1st on the return drive to Reykjavik. Visibility depends on clear skies and sufficient aurora activity, which cannot be predicted or guaranteed.
What is the optional boat ride at Jökulsárlón and does it cost extra?▼
An amphibian boat ride takes guests directly among the icebergs for a closer view. It is optional and carries an additional cost not included in the base tour price.
Are meals provided during the tour?▼
Food and beverages are not included. A refreshment stop is made in Vik í Mýrdal where guests can purchase meals independently, including local lamb soup and black dough pizza.
How physically demanding is this tour?▼
The tour is rated very easy. Most sightseeing involves short walks on relatively flat ground, though some surfaces such as black sand beaches and canyon paths can be uneven.
What should I wear for this tour in winter?▼
Warm, layered clothing and a waterproof outer layer are essential in winter. Insulated and waterproof footwear is strongly recommended, as conditions near waterfalls and beaches can be wet and cold.
Glacier LagoonSouth IcelandJökulsárlónDiamond BeachSeljalandsfossNorthern LightsReykjavik Day TourSmall Group TourFjadrargljufur CanyonIceland WaterfallsVik IcelandIceberg Tour
This tour operates along Iceland's South Coast, departing from Reykjavik and traveling southeast toward Vatnajökull National Park, the largest national park in Europe. Key stops span the municipalities of Rangárþing eystra and Skaftárhreppur, covering landmarks including the Reynisdrangar sea stacks near Vik, the Fjadrargljufur canyon in the Eastern South Iceland Lowlands, the Hof turf church in the Skaftá district, and the Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon at the edge of Breiðamerkurjökull glacier. The route traverses the Ring Road (Route 1), Iceland's primary coastal highway, passing through a region defined by active volcanoes, glacial outwash plains known as sandur, and some of the country's most photographed natural formations.
Iceland South Coast Tour | Glacier Lagoon | Small Group | Day Trip from Reykjavik | Jökulsárlón | Diamond Beach | Seljalandsfoss | Northern Lights | Vatnajökull | Winter and Summer Iceland
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