Tall waterfall cascading down rocky cliffs in winter with visitors in red jackets standing at its base in Iceland
Snow-covered cliffs and black sand beach with dramatic sea stacks rising from the ocean in winter Iceland
Aerial view of black sand beach coastline with snow-capped mountains and small town in Iceland winter
Lone figure standing before massive Skógafoss waterfall in winter, surrounded by mist and snow
Black sand beach with snow-dusted cliffs and sea stacks along Iceland's south coast in winter
Seljalandsfoss waterfall cascading over snow-covered cliffs in winter with Icelandic plains in the background
Two riders on horseback crossing a snow-covered black sand beach with dramatic sea stacks in Iceland
Person standing before massive Skógafoss waterfall with rainbow and snow-covered ground in winter Iceland

Reykjavik, Iceland

Winter South Small-Group Coast Day Trip: Waterfalls, Glaciers & Black Beaches

10 hoursMin 1 guests
Duration10 Hours
Group SizeSmall Group
Starts AtReykjavik, Iceland
LanguagesEnglish
Iceland South Coast Winter Tour

Winter South Coast Small-Group Day Tour from Reykjavik

Waterfalls, black sand beaches, and glaciers wrapped in the quiet drama of an Icelandic winter.


The Winter South Coast Day Tour from Reykjavik brings you face to face with Iceland's most iconic natural scenery during its most atmospheric season. Snow-covered lava fields, thundering waterfalls edged with ice, and volcanic black sand beaches combine into a single unforgettable full-day journey.

Departing from Reykjavik with a knowledgeable driver-guide, the tour follows Iceland's legendary South Coast highway through a landscape shaped by fire, ice, and the relentless North Atlantic. The small-group format ensures a more personal experience with greater access to each stop along the route.

Winter adds a layer of drama to every location visited on this tour. Ice formations cling to cliff faces beside waterfalls, glaciers reveal deep blue crevasses, and the possibility of northern lights on the return drive keeps anticipation alive well into the evening.

From the hidden canyon of Gljufrabui to the basalt columns of Reynisfjara and the sculpted ice of Solheimajokull Glacier, the South Coast in winter offers a version of Iceland that few visitors who stick to summer will ever witness.

Tour Highlights

Walk behind the curtain of Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, framed in winter ice and cascading from 60 meters above.

Stand before Skogafoss, one of Iceland's largest waterfalls at 25 meters wide, where winter mist can produce stunning rainbows.

Explore Solheimajokull Glacier and observe the blue ice, crevasses, and dramatic glacial formations up close.

Visit Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach and take in the basalt column formations and the striking Reynisdrangar sea stacks.

Discover the hidden waterfall Gljufrabui, tucked inside a narrow canyon adorned with ice and rock in winter.

Pass through Vik i Myrdal, Iceland's southernmost village, nestled between mountains and the wild Atlantic coast.

On the return drive to Reykjavik, favorable conditions may offer a chance to witness the northern lights above the winter sky.

Tour Itinerary

1
Reykjavik Pickup and South Coast Drive

Your journey begins with a hotel pickup in Reykjavik. The route south passes through snow-dusted lava fields and below glacier-capped volcanoes, setting the tone for the day ahead.

2
Seljalandsfoss and Gljufrabui Waterfalls

The first major stop is Seljalandsfoss, where a path leads behind the waterfall itself. A short walk further reveals Gljufrabui, a hidden waterfall enclosed within an ice-lined canyon.

3
Skogafoss Waterfall

Skogafoss impresses with its sheer scale, dropping 60 meters and spanning 25 meters in width. In winter, the surrounding cliffs are often coated in frost, and the mist below may produce visible rainbows on clear days.

4
Vik Village and Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

The group pauses in the coastal village of Vik for a lunch break before heading to Reynisfjara. The black volcanic sand, towering basalt columns, and Reynisdrangar sea stacks rising from the ocean make this one of the most visually striking stops of the day.

5
Solheimajokull Glacier

Solheimajokull is among Iceland's most accessible glaciers and offers a close look at blue ice formations and deep crevasses. Winter conditions intensify the visual impact of the glacial landscape.

6
Return to Reykjavik

The group heads back along the South Coast as daylight fades. Clear skies during the return drive create the possibility of northern lights sightings before drop-off at your accommodation.

What Is Included

Included

  • Small-group guided day tour
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off in Reykjavik
  • Transportation throughout the tour
  • Professional driver-guide
  • Visits to Seljalandsfoss, Gljufrabui, Skogafoss, Reynisfjara, and Solheimajokull

Not Included

  • Food and beverages
  • Glacier hiking equipment or guided glacier walk
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Gratuities for guide

Important Information

Winter conditions on the South Coast can change rapidly. Guests should dress in warm, waterproof layers and wear sturdy footwear suitable for icy and uneven terrain.
Duration
Approximately 10 hours including travel time and all stops along the South Coast.
Meeting Point
Hotel pickup is provided from your accommodation in Reykjavik. Confirm your pickup location at the time of booking.
What to Bring
Warm waterproof clothing, sturdy non-slip footwear, sunglasses, and a camera. Layering is strongly recommended for winter conditions.
Cancellation
Please review the cancellation policy at the time of booking. Winter weather conditions may occasionally affect tour schedules.
Accessibility
This tour involves walking on uneven, potentially icy surfaces. It is rated easy but may present challenges for guests with significant mobility limitations.
Age Range
Suitable for participants of most ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Please confirm any age restrictions at booking.

Reserve Your Place on the Winter South Coast Tour

Spots on this small-group tour are limited. Secure your seat and experience Iceland's South Coast in its most dramatic and atmospheric season.

Book Now

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you walk behind Seljalandsfoss Waterfall in winter?▼
The path behind Seljalandsfoss is sometimes closed in winter due to ice buildup on the rocks and trail. Your guide will advise on conditions upon arrival and confirm whether access is safe on the day of your tour.
Is there a chance of seeing the northern lights on this tour?▼
Northern lights sightings depend on clear skies and sufficient solar activity. On the return drive to Reykjavik in the evening, conditions occasionally allow for aurora sightings, though they cannot be guaranteed.
Is food included in the tour?▼
Food and beverages are not included. A lunch break is scheduled in the village of Vik, where guests can purchase meals at local establishments.
What should I wear on the winter South Coast tour?▼
Warm, waterproof and windproof outer layers are essential. Thermal base layers, a hat, gloves, and sturdy waterproof footwear with good grip are strongly recommended given the icy and wet conditions near waterfalls and on the beach.
Do I need glacier hiking experience for the Solheimajokull visit?▼
The standard tour stop at Solheimajokull involves viewing the glacier from the access point rather than hiking on the ice itself. No prior glacier experience is required for this portion of the tour.
Where does the tour begin and end?▼
The tour begins with a hotel pickup in Reykjavik and concludes with a drop-off at your accommodation or a designated location in the city. Confirm your exact pickup address when booking.
Iceland Winter TourSouth Coast IcelandReykjavik Day TripSeljalandsfossSkogafossReynisfjara BeachSolheimajokull GlacierBlack Sand BeachNorthern LightsSmall Group TourIceland WaterfallsWinter Travel Iceland
Last updated: 2025-07-14 | Product ID: winter-south-coast-reykjavik

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.

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