2-Day Ice Cave & South Coast: Glacier Hike and Glacier Lagoon

Exploring Iceland’s South Coast becomes effortless with the 2-Day Ice Cave & South Coast: Glacier Hike and Glacier Lagoon tour by Troll Expeditions. Priced at $645.39 per person, this adventure offers a comprehensive look into some of Iceland’s most breathtaking natural attractions. The tour spans approximately two days, including hotel pickup, overnight accommodation, and breakfast, making it ideal for travelers seeking a hassle-free, immersive experience beyond Reykjavik.

The journey is led by knowledgeable guides who navigate the scenic highlights of the region, from iconic waterfalls to vast glaciers and shimmering lagoons. The tour also includes glacier equipment, ice cave exploration, and guided glacier hikes, providing an active way to experience Iceland’s dramatic landscapes. With a maximum group size of 18, the tour balances personal attention with a lively group atmosphere, making it suitable for most travelers, provided they are comfortable with outdoor activities.

Key Points

• Two-day guided tour covering Iceland’s South Coast highlights, including glacier hikes and ice caves
• Round-trip transportation from Reykjavik in a comfortable minibus with WiFi on board
• Includes overnight stay with breakfast and all taxes, fees, and safety equipment for glacier activities
• Stops at Seljalandsfoss, Skogafoss, Skaftafell National Park, glacier lagoon, and black sand beaches
• Suitable for most travelers, but bring hiking boots and dress warmly for outdoor activities
• Weather-dependent activities; Northern Lights are not guaranteed

Traveling Beyond Reykjavik with Confidence

This tour begins with pickup from your hotel or closest bus stop in Reykjavik at 8:00 am. The transportation is in a modern, comfortable minibus equipped with WiFi, making the long drives between stops more enjoyable. The group size is capped at 18 travelers, ensuring a friendly, personalized experience while maintaining a lively atmosphere.

The round-trip transit takes you to the most photogenic spots along Iceland’s South Coast, with the logistics arranged to maximize your time exploring rather than waiting or navigating on your own. The hotel overnight stay and breakfast mean you can relax without worrying about additional arrangements, and the included safety equipment allows for an active, safe glacier adventure.

Exploring the Iconic Waterfalls: Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss

The tour’s first stops at Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss showcase Iceland’s famous waterfalls. Seljalandsfoss captures attention for its unique feature—the ability to walk behind the cascade—offering a memorable photo opportunity and a close-up view of the water’s powerful flow. Travelers are advised to bring raincoats to stay dry during the brief hike behind the falls.

Skogafoss is a striking 60-meter waterfall tucked inside a gorge. Its commanding height creates a thunderous sound, and the staircase above the falls provides incredible panoramic views. Both waterfalls are free to visit, and the stops are typically about 30 minutes each, giving plenty of time to photograph and enjoy the scenery.

Hiking on a Glacial Outlet in Skaftafell National Park

One of the tour’s highlights is the hike on a large outlet glacier at Skaftafell National Park. After meeting highly trained glacier guides, you strap on safety equipment for a minimum two-hour glacier walk. The blue ice caves are a spectacular feature, formed naturally and only accessible during winter when temperatures are low enough for their formation.

The guides share their expertise, helping you appreciate the natural beauty and uniqueness of the ice caves. The equipment provided ensures safety and comfort during the hike, which is suitable for most travelers in good health and prepared for outdoor conditions.

Visiting the Glacial Lagoon and Black Sand Beaches

The second day begins at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where enormous icebergs float in a 200-meter-deep lagoon fed by Breiðarmerkurjökull, an outlet glacier of Europe’s largest ice cap. The enormous ice chunks create a constantly changing landscape, and walking along the lagoon offers breathtaking views.

On the opposite side, Fellsfjara features smaller ice rocks that wash ashore and sparkle like diamonds on a black sand beach. This location offers a striking contrast of colors and textures, perfect for photos and a peaceful walk.

Just across the highway, Reynisfjara Beach continues the black sand theme, with massive waves crashing against basalt columns and rock pillars in the water. The cliffs are also a nesting site for puffins and other seabirds during the summer months, adding an ecological interest.

The Scenic Diversity of the South Coast

Beyond waterfalls and glaciers, the tour showcases Iceland’s diverse landscapes. The stops include Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss for their iconic waterfalls, Skaftafell National Park for glacier exploration, Jökulsárlón for the lagoon’s floating ice, and Reynisfjara for its dramatic black sand beaches.

Each location offers unique perspectives—whether it’s the powerful sound of waterfalls, the glitter of ice rocks, or the vastness of the glacier lagoon. The day’s itinerary is designed to balance active exploration with relaxed moments, ensuring travelers don’t feel rushed.

The Glacier Hike and Ice Cave Experience

The glacier hike on day one is a core feature, with guides leading you onto large outlet glaciers. The safety equipment provided ensures a secure experience, and the blue ice caves are a highlight, showcasing naturally formed, vivid blue ice structures.

This activity is suitable for most travelers, but being comfortable with outdoor activities and having good footwear is recommended. The ice caves are naturally formed and change from year to year, so photos reflect the current winter season, but the formations may vary.

Practical Tips for the Tour

Travelers should bring waterproof hiking boots—which can be rented for 3,000 ISK—or wear sturdy, slip-resistant footwear. Dressing warmly is essential, especially in winter, as outdoor activities can be chilly and wet. The tour supplies waterproof jackets and pants for rent as well.

The tour starts promptly at 8:00 am, so punctuality is important. As the activities are weather-dependent, poor conditions might lead to a change of plans or a full refund, but the operator offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour.

The group size and experienced guides, like Kuba, Sitka, or Johan, ensure a friendly and informative experience. Many reviews praise the guides’ knowledge, friendliness, and extra effort, such as adding side excursions or making personalized stops.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This 2-day Iceland adventure suits travelers who want an active, comprehensive experience of the South Coast’s natural wonders. It’s ideal for those comfortable with outdoor activities and prepared for variable weather conditions. The overnight stay makes it possible to explore more comfortably without rushing.

While the tour is designed to maximize sightseeing, travelers should be aware that Northern Lights sightings are not guaranteed. The scenic waterfalls, glaciers, and lagoons in daylight make this tour a compelling choice for anyone eager to see Iceland’s famous landscapes in a balanced, guided package.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?
Most travelers in good health can participate, especially since the glacier hike and ice cave exploration require physical activity. Comfortable, slip-resistant hiking boots are recommended.

Can I see the Northern Lights during this tour?
Northern Lights are not guaranteed, as their visibility depends on weather and solar activity. The hotels are in locations that maximize the chances, but sightings cannot be assured.

What should I bring for the glacier hike and ice cave visit?
Bring waterproof hiking boots (or rent at 3,000 ISK), warm clothing, and waterproof jackets and pants if needed. Dress in layers, as outdoor conditions can be cold and wet.

What happens if the weather is bad?
Activities are weather-dependent. If conditions prevent certain stops or activities, the tour may be canceled or adjusted, with a full refund offered if canceled due to poor weather.

This 2-Day Ice Cave & South Coast tour by Troll Expeditions offers a well-rounded exploration of Iceland’s stunning landscapes, balanced with comfort, safety, and expert guidance—creating a memorable adventure for those eager to see the Land of Fire and Ice.