Glacier Hike, South Coast Waterfalls & Black Sand Beach
Description
Experience the magic of Iceland’s South Coast on this unforgettable day trip from Reykjavik. Discover dramatic landscapes, iconic sights, and the power of nature, including a guided glacier hike on Sólheimajökull. The highlight is exploring Sólheimajökull, an ever-changing outlet glacier shaped by Iceland’s volcanic forces. Equipped with crampons, harness, helmet, and ice axe, you’ll explore the glacier’s icy surface, deep crevasses, and striking formations while your certified guide shares insights into this remarkable environment. Visit the stunning Seljalandsfoss waterfall and, conditions permitting, walk behind the cascading water. Continue to Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, where volcanic sands, Atlantic waves, basalt columns, and Reynisdrangar sea stacks create one of Iceland’s most dramatic coastlines. Return to Reykjavik with unforgettable memories from an authentic Icelandic adventure filled with nature and discovery.
Tour Options
Itinerary
One of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls, Seljalandsfoss offers a truly unique perspective. When conditions allow, you can walk behind the curtain of falling water and experience the power of nature from a completely different angle. Surrounded by dramatic cliffs and beautiful scenery, it is a memorable stop along Iceland’s South Coast.
Reynisfjara is one of Iceland’s most spectacular and dramatic coastal landscapes. Here, black volcanic sand meets the powerful waves of the Atlantic Ocean, with towering basalt columns and the famous Reynisdrangar sea stacks rising from the water. A must-see destination that showcases the raw beauty of Iceland’s coastline.
Sólheimajökull is an ever-changing outlet glacier extending from Mýrdalsjökull, one of Iceland’s largest glaciers. After making your way through the dramatic glacial landscape, you’ll step onto the ice equipped with crampons and safety gear. Explore centuries-old glacial ice, fascinating ice formations, and deep crevasses while learning about the forces that continue to shape this incredible natural wonder. This is where you will hike on the ice, exploring glacial features and learning about it’s formation.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
We can also pick up in Selfoss on the South Coast We have 30 minute window. Pick-up starts at 8am, but you might have to wait for up to 30 minutes for the bus to arrive.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Minimum age is 10 years
Reviews(807)
Very disappointed in this tour for the lack of info valuable and quite honestly also safety. It is labeled as a beginner and/or easy hike when the tour changed a week ago making it a 50 minute hike TO THE GLACIER each way. This was info that should have been shared with those of us that booked this tour many months ago. 2 of our party of 4 could not even make it to the glacier due to this significant change. They really did not get the tour they paid for. The other two of us felt we went that far we didn’t want to miss it. But this was info that should have been offered when the change occurred as we have since heard other tours were made aware. This is not a reflection on the guide as Jose was outstanding but the company Glaciers and Waterfalls was remiss causing a real financial loss for some and a potential safety issue for the false pretenses of a beginner type hike
Thank you for sharing your feedback. We are sorry to hear that the longer and more challenging approach to the glacier affected your experience. The conditions around Sólheimajökull have changed significantly in recent years as the glacier has retreated, and the route to reach the glacier has become considerably longer and more demanding. Unfortunately, this is something beyond our control. When you booked your tour, the approach was easier than it is today. Since then, we have updated the experience from “easy” to “moderate” to accurately reflect the current conditions. We also contact all guests before their tour to inform them about the changes, including the longer approach and increased physical demands. We completely understand that this may not be what you expected when you originally booked, and we are sorry if the updated conditions made the experience more difficult than anticipated. At the same time, we have made these changes to ensure that our tour description accurately reflects what guests can expect today. We appreciate your feedback and hope you were still able to enjoy the glacier and the incredible South Coast scenery.
My girlfriend and I did took this tour on our second day in Iceland and had an absolutely wonderful experience. Our guide Sven was prompt with picking us up, kept a tight schedule, and provided insightful commentary throughout the tour regarding the natural and cultural history of Iceland. On our way to the south coast Sven took us for a quick 15 minute stop at a gas station / convenience store. Here you can use the bathroom and purchase some snacks and pre-made sandwhiches. It is recommended to purchase food here as there is no food or drinks untill you reach the black sand beach about halfway through the tour, there is no food/drink at the glacier. In addition, food and drink at the black sand beach and waterfalls was extremely expensive in our opinion ($35 USD for a hamburger and fries) which as a huge shock coming from USA We started the tour with an amazing 3-4 hour glacier hike where we actually walked on the glacier ice. Bring layers because the hike to the glacier can be a bit warmer and then the temerpature can drop 10-15 degrees once actually on the glacier, especially if it starts to get cloudy. We were provided crampons and an ice axe for safety and stability while hiking on the ice. Sven even took us for a brief stop where we could drink some stream water straight from the glacier! Keep in mind, you should have a moderate level of physical fitness for this part of the tour and be comfotable with hiking some steep, rocky inclines - we noticed some older folk going a bit slower and more carefully but they still made it just fine. After the glacier we drove over to the black sand beach for 1 hour which was very beautiful. After the beach we stopped at 2 different waterfalls for 30 minutes each. Waterproof/resistant clothing and shoes is necessary if you wish to get close to the waterfalls as they throw off a lot of mist and waterspray. If you do not wish to get too close, regular clothing is just fine. Overall this tour was an amazing experience that I would recommend to anyone visting iceland. Value for the price is great in my opinion as this was a full 11-12 tour with only about 15-20 people in our group and Sven does his best to accomodate everyone and avoid larger tour groups at the different stops.
Thank you for such a detailed and thoughtful review! We’re delighted that you and your girlfriend had such a great experience on the South Coast and that Sven helped make the day memorable. It’s great to hear that you appreciated the smaller group, Sven’s commentary, and the way he managed the timing throughout the day. Being able to adjust the timing and avoid larger crowds where possible can make a big difference, especially on a long day with so much to see. Your advice about food, clothing and footwear is also very useful for future guests. The glacier environment can be surprisingly different from the conditions at the coast, and the approach to the glacier involves some steeper and uneven terrain, so being prepared makes the experience much more enjoyable. We’re especially happy that the glacier hike itself was such a highlight — walking directly on the glacier is something you don’t easily forget! Thank you again for recommending us and for taking the time to share such a comprehensive review. We’ll be sure to pass your kind words on to Sven!
Sven and Aynar were had every thing so well planned out! Definitely wear hiking shoes!! And water proof gear, that waterfall goes everywhere! Such a beautiful place and itinerary! Perfect number of people. Thank you!
Thank you so much for the lovely review! We’re delighted to hear that Svenni and Einar helped make the day so well organized and enjoyable. And yes — hiking shoes and waterproof clothing are definitely a good idea, especially around the waterfalls! 😊 We’re also glad the group size felt just right for you. Thank you for joining us and for sharing your experience!
The glacier hike is amazing. The views were amazingly beautiful. The waterfalls were really majestic and the black beach is quite fascinating. Our guide Kristoff is very friendly, funny and really good. He knows a lot and we find it very interesting and informative. Overall the tour is really good. Thumbs up.
Thank you so much for the fantastic review! We’re thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the glacier hike, waterfalls and black sand beach. It’s wonderful to know Kristoff made the day even better with his knowledge, humour and friendly personality. We’ll be sure to pass your kind words on to him. Thank you for the thumbs up and for joining us!
We had a great tour with our guide Svenni. He had a lot of history and information for our group. We felt safe on the glacier and the order of our events was perfect!
Thank you for the great review! We’re delighted to hear you had such a good day with Svenni. It’s wonderful to know you enjoyed the history and information along the way, felt safe on the glacier, and that the timing and order of the stops worked perfectly for you. Thank you for joining us!
Really cool tour with the glacier walk being the highlight. Lorenzo was a great guide that took great care of us. Highly recommended.
One of the best tours I did during my stay in Iceland. The glacier hike was spectacular, and I got lucky enough to be there during a sunny day. The hike was not difficult and absolutely beginner friendly. The rest of the trip included Reynisfijara, the black sand beach, and two waterfalls, Skogafoss and Seljalandfoss, all incredible and worth a visit. Special mention to Lorenzo, the guide, he was very informative and attentive towards the group! I would definetely recommend the tour
It was a very enjoyable day! Lorenzo took good care of the group.
Lorenzo was a great guide - he brought us onto a beautiful glacier hike
Al, our guide, truly made the trip a wonderful experience for all of us. He was always cheerful, knowledgeable, and very patient. I really appreciated his insights on the road, and most of all, his leadership during the glacier hike, an experience I don't believe any of us on the trip had ever had before. That glacier hike was the best! I had not expected it to be that interesting or exhilarating as it was, and now I am hooked, and would like to go on another glacier adventure. Thank you, Al, for welcoming all of us tourists, for your kindness, and for sprinkling the tour with enjoyable background information about this incredible land of fire and ice.
