From Reykjavik: South Coast, Waterfalls & Glacier Hike

Reykjavik , Iceland

From Reykjavik: South Coast, Waterfalls & Glacier Hike

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(315 reviews)

12h

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

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Discover Iceland’s breathtaking south coast on this full-day adventure from Reykjavík! Marvel at the thundering waterfalls of Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss, take a guided glacier walk on Sólheimajökull, and explore the dramatic black sand beach of Reynisfjara, home to towering basalt sea stacks.

Start your journey with a scenic drive along Iceland’s rugged coastline. Stop at Skógafoss, a stunning 60-meter waterfall, before gearing up for an easy glacier hike on Sólheimajökull, where you’ll explore blue ice, deep crevasses, and dramatic formations.

Next, visit Reynisfjara Beach, where powerful waves crash against volcanic black sands - home to iconic basalt sea stacks. The final stop is at Seljalandsfoss, where you can walk behind the cascading water for a unique view. On the way back to Reykjavík, enjoy stunning views of Eyjafjallajökull and Hekla volcanoes on clear days.

Available options

08:00 AM

Pickup included

What's included

Specialized glacier gear (helmet, harness, walking ice axe, glacier crampons)

Certified glacier guide

Pickup/Drop off from select Reykjavik hotels

A visit to Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, Seljalandsfoss & Skogafoss Waterfalls

Glacier walk on Solheimajokull Glacier

Detailed itinerary

Start your memorable journey on the south coast with a pickup from one of the selected stops in Reykjavik.

Stop 2

Our first stop to start the day is at Seljalandsfoss waterfall, one of Iceland’s greatest attractions. Here you have the opportunity to walk behind the magnificent wall of water and feel the power generated by the fall.

We will also visit Gljúfrabúi and take a short hike between the two waterfalls.

Both are excellent places for a memorable photo shoot.

Stop 3

Next step on our journey is a giant step for those that have never set foot on a glacier. Hear the ancient ice crack as you safely enjoy your hike on the glacier tongue with our certified glacier guide.

Stop 4

After the thrill of the glacier, we head for Reynisfjara where you can leisurely stroll along the black sand beach known for its famous basalt columns and caverns. Witness the Reynisdrangar cliffs and basalt rock stacks that rise from the sea.

Stop 5

We end this great day tour with a stop at the majestic Skógafoss waterfall. Here you can walk right up to the 60-meter high thundering waterfall and feel the spray on your face. You can even walk up the 527 steps to gain a bird’s eye view of the cascading water and rainbows.

We will make our way back to the capital where you will be dropped of at your selected point.

What's not included

Food and drinks

Hiking boots with ankle support

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.7

184 reviews

5★

147

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.8

131 reviews

5★

119

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Minimum age is 8 years old and minimum shoe size is 35 EU

Please bring warm outdoor clothing, waterproof jacket and pants, packed lunch, gloves, hat and good hiking shoes

Please note that the order of the itinerary can be altered if weather conditions change

For the glacier hike: In order to safely fit our specialized glacier crampons, guests must have a shoe size between 35-50 EU

Hiking boots with ankle support are mandatory for the glacier hike portion of the adventure (available to rent for a fee)

This tour is rated as easy, but guests should be prepared to walk ~3-4km over uneven terrain

Important notes

Please inform the operator (info@adventures.is) where you would like to be picked up for your tour no later than 48 hours prior to your tour departure. Pick up is offered from selected Reykjavik pick up points. Please find a full list of available pick up points by visiting https://adventures.is/information/pick-up/

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