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South Coast & Glacier Hike Tour from Reykjavík

About 12 hoursGroup: Small groupEasy to moderateSmall-group minibus from ReykjavíkAge 8+All year
5.0(10 reviews)

A full day South Coast tour that combines the classic waterfalls with a guided glacier hike. You walk behind Seljalandsfoss, see Skógafoss, put on crampons on Sólheimajökull glacier, and finish at the black sand beach of Reynisfjara.

SeljalandsfossSkógafossSólheimajökull glacier hikeReynisfjara black sand beach
  • A guided glacier hike on Sólheimajökull with crampons, harness and ice axe included
  • Walk behind the curtain of water at Seljalandsfoss
  • Skógafoss, a 60 metre waterfall you can climb the stairs beside
  • Reynisfjara's black sand and basalt columns to finish the day
  • Small groups of up to 18 in a minibus with WiFi

Your day, stop by stop

Click a stop for photos and practical tips.
1Pick-up in ReykjavíkBoard the minibus between about 8am and 8:45am.
2Seljalandsfoss waterfallSeljalandsfossA waterfall you can walk behind.
Seljalandsfoss waterfallSeljalandsfossSeljalandsfoss

Seljalandsfoss drops 60 metres from what was once the edge of the coastline, before sea levels fell after the last ice age. The Seljalandsá river is fed by meltwater from Eyjafjallajökull, the volcano that erupted in 2010 and grounded flights across Europe. It is one of the few waterfalls in Iceland with a path behind the falling water, so expect to get wet and bring a waterproof jacket. A slim, tall waterfall with a path running behind the curtain of water, one of the few falls in Iceland where you can do this.

Walking · short path, can be wet and slippery behind the falls
Read our Seljalandsfoss guide →
3Skógafoss waterfallSkógafossA wide 60 metre waterfall with a staircase to the top.
Skógafoss waterfallSkógafossSkógafoss

Skógafoss falls in one broad curtain about 60 metres high and 25 metres wide, right beside the village of Skógar. On sunny days the spray usually throws a rainbow, sometimes a double one, across the pool at its base. A staircase of 527 steps leads to a viewpoint at the top, where you can see the river before it drops.

Walking · optional staircase, several hundred steps
Read our Skógafoss guide →
4Hikers among crevasses, seen from aboveSólheimajökull glacier hikeA guided walk on the glacier with crampons and ice axe.
Hikers among crevasses, seen from aboveTwo hikers below an ice wallHikers walking through an ice trench

The main activity of the day: a guide fits you with crampons, harness and an ice axe and leads a walk out onto the glacier tongue, explaining the ice formations and features along the way.

Age · minimum 8 years oldEquipment · crampons, harness and ice axe provided
Read our Sólheimajökull guide →
5The basalt cave at Reynisfjara black sand beachReynisfjaraBlack sand beach with basalt columns and sea stacks.
The basalt cave at Reynisfjara black sand beachReynisfjaraReynisfjara

Reynisfjara is a black sand beach with the sea stacks of Reynisdrangar rising out of the water offshore. At the western end, a cliff of hexagonal basalt columns, stacked like organ pipes, stands beside the cave Hálsanefshellir. It is also one of the most dangerous beaches in Iceland, because of sudden, powerful waves that run far up the sand. Keep well back from the water and follow the warning signs.

Safety · stay well above the waterline; sneaker waves happen without warning
Read our Reynisfjara guide →
6Return to ReykjavíkDrop-off around 8pm.

About the South Coast glacier hike tour

This tour packs the South Coast's best-known waterfalls and a real glacier hike into one long day. Pickup is early, around 8am from Reykjavík, and you're back around 8pm, so it's a full day out rather than a quick taster.

You start at Seljalandsfoss, where a path lets you walk in behind the falling water, then continue to Skógafoss, a wide 60 metre waterfall with a long staircase up one side for anyone who wants the view from the top. From there the group heads to Sólheimajökull for the main event: a guided walk on the glacier itself, with all safety gear provided. The day finishes at Reynisfjara, the black sand beach with its basalt columns and sea stacks.

The glacier hike needs a reasonable level of fitness and is rated easy to moderate; the minimum age is 8, and pregnant women more than 6 months along shouldn't take part. It runs all year, but conditions differ a lot by season: summer brings long daylight and mild rain, while winter means short days, ice underfoot away from the glacier, and warmer layers matter more. Jeans are best left at home since they stay wet and cold once soaked.

Make it your own

Optional extras, at extra cost
  • Hiking boot rental
  • Waterproof jacket and trousers rental
  • Hat and gloves to buy
  • Neck warmer to buy
  • Cap to buy

Included

  • Round-trip transport from Reykjavík
  • WiFi on the minibus
  • Glacier equipment: crampons, harness and ice axe
  • English-speaking guide

Not included

  • Food and drinks

What to bring

  • Warm base layers
  • Waterproof outer layer
  • Ankle-supporting hiking boots
  • Hat and gloves
  • Avoid jeans, which stay wet and heavy

Good to know

  • About 12 hours, pickup 8–8:45am, back around 8pm
  • Minimum age 8 for the glacier hike
  • Not suitable for pregnant women past 6 months
  • Groups of up to 18 with one guide
  • Runs all year; winter has short daylight and icy paths away from the glacier

Questions people ask

Do we need our own crampons or hiking gear?

No, crampons, harness and ice axe are provided; you just need suitable clothing and boots.

Is this a long day?

Yes, around 12 hours door to door, so it's a full day rather than a short excursion.

Can children come on the glacier hike?

Yes, from age 8, as long as they're comfortable walking on uneven, icy ground.

What if the weather is bad?

The glacier hike runs in a wide range of conditions, but the guide can adjust the route for safety in very poor weather.

Reviews

Reviews from travellers who took this tour. A local reads every review before it is shown.
5.0Based on 10 reviews
5 stars10
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1 star0
Beautiful

absolutely great day with beautiful locations and great weather on the glacier. would not have liked to miss this on our trip! we will be back for more of Iceland!

Jane M. · January 2026
Jonas and the south coast were great!

This tour was a fantastic experience for our whole family. Jonas the guide was the best and the south coast was the most beautiful I have ever seen.

Kristine · May 2025
Incredible

The South Coast views were incredible, and the glacier hike was an unforgettable experience. Our guide was knowledgeable and kept us entertained the whole day. This tour is ideal for anyone wanting to combine scenic views with an exciting hike.

Michael B.
Amazing!

This tour offered so much variety—from waterfalls to glaciers. The hike on the glacier was amazing, and our guide made us feel safe and well-prepared. Each stop was breathtaking, and it was an unforgettable way to see the South Coast.

Stephanie T.
The glacier hike was absolutely great!

The glacier hike was a highlight of our Iceland trip. The South Coast stops were beautiful, and our guide made everything easy. I would recommend this tour to anyone looking for an adventurous day full of stunning sights!

John P.
Fantastic day

This tour was a fantastic way to see Iceland’s natural beauty! The glacier hike was well-organized and exciting, and the South Coast scenery was breathtaking. Our guide was fantastic, sharing stories and making sure we had a great experience.

Claire R.
From21,830 ISKPer person

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