Private Glacier Hike and South Coast Sightseeing

Reykjavik , Iceland

Private Glacier Hike and South Coast Sightseeing

Active

(3 reviews)

12h - 13h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Hiking on a glacier is what is making this tour special. This tour is the perfect mix sightseeing and adventure. For the Sightseeing part, you will explore the South Coast of Iceland. Homeland of hundreds of waterfalls, volcanoes and glaciers. And speaking of glaciers, this is where the adventure part of this tour will take place: You are going to hike on a glacier.

During this excursion, your guide will first gear you up with all appropriate gears, and after briefing you about safety and technics on the glacier, he will take you on ice for around an hour.

Available options

SuperJeep - 4 people maximum

Toyota LandCruiser<br/>Pickup included

Minivan - 6 people maximum

Mercedes V-Class<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

WiFi on board

Glacier equipment: Crampons, Helmets, Harnesses and Ice Axe

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Seljalandsfoss is among the most famous and most visited waterfalls in Iceland, and a must-see on the South Coast.
60m high, the unique feature of this waterfall is the cave located behind it. Thanks to this cave, you have the opportunity to walk behind and around the waterfall. This is a wonderful experience.
Please note that in the wintertime, the path behind the waterfall can be closed for safety reasons, but the waterfall itself can still be visited.

It will take us about 2 and a half hour, coffee break included, to get to this waterfall from Reykjavík

Stop 2 Pass by

The volcano of Eyjafjajökull, covered by a glacier, is located just a few kilometers away from the road and visible on a clear day.
It is the volcano that erupted in 2010, and blew so much ash in the air that air traffic over Europe had to come to a complete stop.

Stop 3

Just like the one with visited before, Skógafoss is in the top 5 of the most famous and visited waterfalls in Iceland. Which is a very good rank considering we have over 10 thousand named waterfalls in the country and even more unnamed ones. It is also 60m high, but much more powerful than the previous one. With stairs located next to it, you can climb your way up to a viewing platform to see it from the top, or choose to see it from ground level and feel all its power!

We will get there after around 30 minutes of driving

Stop 4

Almost all the beaches in Iceland are made out of black sand, but when people talk about the black sand beach, as if there was only one in the country, this is the one they are talking about.
Cliffs, sea stacks, basaltic organs, caves and more. All of it on one beach.

It takes about 40 minutes to reach the Black Sand Beach from previous visit

Stop 5

Now is time for the best part of the day: A glacier hike on Sólheimajökull.

Your guide will gear you up with all the necessary equipment: Crampons, Harnesses, Helmets, and Ice Axes. Following that, he will tell you everything you need to know to walk safely on ice.

What follows will be an experience of a lifetime, you will walk on ice that is thousands of years old.

We will have to drive about 30 minutes from the last visit Reynisfjara to get to the glacier. The whole glacier hike usually takes about 3 hours but can be up to 4 hours

What's not included

Lunch

Personal equipment for the glacier hike: Hiking boots, gloves, weatherproof clothes

Available languages

Guide guide

EN FR

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

3 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

The glacier hike is designed to be accessible to most people. Although, one should be able to walk one hour on moderate terrain

The glacier hike required to be outside, exposed to the elements for 3 hours more or less. It is customer's responsibility to dress according to the weather.

People doing the glacier hike must be wearing hiking boots.

The tour duration is 12 to 13 hours including driving times, visits, and the glacier hike.

About Reykjavik

Reykjavik is the world's northernmost capital city, known for its vibrant cultural scene, stunning natural surroundings, and unique Icelandic charm. It offers a blend of modern amenities and ancient geothermal wonders, making it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking both adventure and relaxation.

Top Attractions

Hallgrímskirkja

This iconic church is a landmark of Reykjavik, known for its distinctive architecture and towering spire. It offers panoramic views of the city from its tower.

Architecture/Religious 1-2 hours Moderate (ISK 1000 for the tower)

Harpa Concert Hall

A stunning modern concert hall with a glass facade that reflects the surrounding landscape. It hosts a variety of performances and events.

Architecture/Entertainment 1-2 hours Free to enter, performance tickets vary

Blue Lagoon

A geothermal spa known for its milky-blue waters rich in minerals. It's a popular spot for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Nature/Relaxation Half a day Expensive (ISK 49,900 and up)

Reykjavik Art Museum

A museum showcasing contemporary Icelandic and international art. It's housed in a striking building with a glass facade.

Museum 1-2 hours Moderate (ISK 1400)

Perlan Museum

A unique museum located in a glass dome that offers a variety of exhibits, including a glacier exhibit and a planetarium.

Museum 2-3 hours Moderate to Expensive (ISK 3,990 and up)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Plokkfiskur

A traditional Icelandic fish stew made with mashed potatoes, white fish, onions, and béchamel sauce.

Main Course Contains fish and dairy

Hákarl

Fermented shark, a traditional Icelandic delicacy known for its strong smell and taste.

Snack Contains fish

Skyr

A thick, creamy Icelandic yogurt-like dairy product, often served with berries or cream.

Dessert Contains dairy

Rúgbrauð

A dense, dark rye bread traditionally baked underground using geothermal heat.

Bread Vegan

Popular Activities

Glacier hiking and ice climbing Whale watching Snowmobiling on a glacier Caving and lava tunnel exploration Visiting geothermal spas like the Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon Enjoying a traditional Icelandic massage or spa treatment Taking a leisurely walk around Tjörnin Lake in Reykjavik Visiting museums and galleries

Best Time to Visit

June to August

This is the warmest time of the year with long daylight hours, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The city is lively with numerous festivals and events.

8°C to 13°C (46°F to 55°F) 46°F to 55°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Icelandic
Widely spoken: English, Danish, German
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Icelandic Króna (ISK)

Time Zone

GMT+0

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Iceland is a very safe country with low crime rates. However, it's always important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure your safety.

Important Precautions:

• Keep your valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas
• Be cautious when using ATMs, and only use ATMs located in secure, well-lit areas
• Research tour operators and rental companies before booking to ensure they are reputable and legitimate

Getting there

By air

Keflavík International Airport • 50 km (31 miles) from Reykjavik

By bus

BSÍ Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

The bus system is efficient and affordable, with frequent services and easy-to-use ticketing.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Bustravel, Uber (limited availability)

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown Reykjavik Hlemmur Vesturbær

Day trips

Golden Circle

230 km (143 miles) from Reykjavik • Full day

A popular day trip route that includes three of Iceland's most famous attractions: Þingvellir National Park, Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss Waterfall.

South Coast

150-200 km (93-124 miles) from Reykjavik • Full day or overnight

A scenic drive along Iceland's south coast, offering a variety of attractions, including waterfalls, black sand beaches, and glaciers.

Snæfellsnes Peninsula

240 km (149 miles) from Reykjavik • Full day or overnight

A scenic peninsula known as 'Iceland in Miniature' due to its diverse landscapes, including mountains, glaciers, lava fields, and beaches.

Festivals

Reykjavik Arts Festival • Late May to early June Iceland Airwaves • Early November Reykjavik Winter Lights Festival • Late January to early February

Pro tips

Visit the Blue Lagoon or another geothermal spa for a relaxing and rejuvenating experience
Explore Reykjavik's street art and murals, which can be found throughout the city
Take a day trip to the Golden Circle or another nearby attraction for a taste of Iceland's natural wonders
Try traditional Icelandic food, such as lamb soup, fish stew, and fermented shark
Visit a local brewery or distillery and sample Icelandic craft beer or spirits