Iceland 2-Day Trip: Ice Cave, Glacier Lagoon & Northern Lights

Discover Iceland’s South Coast on a 2-Day Adventure

The Iceland 2-Day Trip: Ice Cave, Glacier Lagoon & Northern Lights offers a comprehensive exploration of Iceland’s most iconic sights in the South Coast region. Priced at $765.07 per person, this tour balances exciting activities with comfortable accommodations, including spa access at a 4-star hotel. Starting in Reykjavik, it covers remarkable stops like Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, Vatnajökull Glacier, and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.

With a rating of 5.0 based on 1 review, this trip is highly regarded for its well-organized itinerary, expert guidance, and the opportunity to see the Northern Lights. The tour is designed for those who want a deeper, more relaxed experience beyond the typical day trip, offering hotel pickup, free Wi-Fi, and ice cave exploration included in the package.

Key Points

• Two-day tour with detailed visits to Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, and Reynisfjara
• Ice cave expedition inside Vatnajökull Glacier with all necessary equipment
• Overnight stay at Fosshótel Glacier Lagoon, featuring spa access
• Includes hotel pickup, free Wi-Fi, and expert local guides
• Breathtaking views of Jökulsárlón Iceberg Lagoon and Diamond Beach
• Opportunity to see the Northern Lights on the second night

Starting the Journey: Pickup and Logistics in Reykjavik

The tour begins promptly at 8:30 am with pickup and drop-off at your hotel or a nearby bus stop in Reykjavik. This convenience saves travel planning and lets travelers relax from the start. The group size is capped at 25 travelers, ensuring a comfortable, intimate experience with plenty of room for questions and personalized guidance.

Transportation is in a spacious vehicle equipped with free Wi-Fi, so you can stay connected while enjoying the scenic drive along Iceland’s South Coast. The itinerary balances travel time with enough stops for rest, food, and photos, making the journey as enjoyable as the destinations.

Exploring the Waterfalls: Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss

The first day features visits to two of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls. Seljalandsfoss is a 60-meter-high waterfall renowned for the unique experience of walking behind the cascade, offering a distinctive view of the landscape. Just a short walk away, Gljufrabui Waterfalls hide behind a moss-covered cliff inside a grotto, adding a sense of discovery to the morning.

Next, the powerful Skógafoss waterfall commands attention at the foot of Eyjafjallajökull volcano. Standing before this 25-meter-wide, 60-meter-high cascade provides opportunities for close-up views and panoramic photos from above. Both waterfalls are free to visit, and the guides help ensure you get the best angles and insights into their natural features.

Visiting Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach and Basalt Columns

After the waterfalls, the tour moves to Reynisfjara, the famous Black Sand Beach. The dramatic basalt columns and Reynisdrangar sea stacks create an otherworldly scene, often featured in Icelandic landscapes. The roaring Atlantic waves crash against the shore, making it a lively and visually striking location. The guides share stories rooted in Icelandic folklore, adding depth to the visit.

Expect about 2 hours here to explore the beach, take photographs, and absorb the rugged beauty of the coastline. The area is popular, so expect some crowds, but the guides help you find the best spots for photos and quiet moments.

Scenic Drive Past Lava Fields to Vatnajökull National Park

As the day winds down, the tour heads towards Vatnajökull National Park. The journey includes views of moss-covered lava fields and black sand deserts, emphasizing Iceland’s dynamic landscape. The area surrounds the largest glacier in Europe, Vatnajökull, which dominates the horizon.

The stop here offers a preview of the ice caves and the vast glacier landscape. The guides point out notable natural features, preparing you for the next day’s glacier adventure. The scenic drive itself is a highlight, showcasing the country’s constantly changing terrain.

Inside Europe’s Largest Ice Cave

The second day is dedicated to exploring the Vatnajökull Glacier, focusing on its blue ice caves. These icy chambers form naturally each winter through melting and refreezing processes, creating surreal crystalline formations. The ice cave expedition lasts approximately 4 hours, with all necessary equipment provided.

Walking on the glacier requires a basic level of physical fitness, as the activity involves glacier hiking. The guides classify the activity as “easy”, but travelers should be comfortable on uneven surfaces. The experience offers stunning crystal-blue ice walls and a chance to witness a natural wonder that is both fragile and awe-inspiring.

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Iceberg Photography

After the ice caves, the tour returns to the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Here, enormous icebergs drift in the 200-meter-deep turquoise waters. The sight combines serenity and majesty, and it’s an ideal spot for landscape photography. Visitors can observe the slow movement of ice formations, some of which have calved from the glacier.

The 2-hour stop allows ample time to walk along the lagoon, capture images, and appreciate the scale of this frozen landscape. The nearby Diamond Beach enhances the experience, where ice chunks wash ashore against black sand, creating shimmering contrasts perfect for photos.

Sunset at Diamond Beach and Return to Reykjavik

Across from Jökulsárlón lies Diamond Beach, where glittering ice fragments scatter across the black sand. The beach’s surreal scenery attracts photographers and nature lovers alike. Visitors spend about 1 hour here, enjoying the views and snapping pictures of the ice against the dark sands.

In the late afternoon, the group begins the return journey to Reykjavík, arriving around 8:00 pm to 9:00 pm. The guides may adjust the timing or stops depending on weather and road conditions to ensure the best overall experience.

Hotel Stay with Spa Access and Amenities

The tour includes one night’s accommodation at Fosshótel Glacier Lagoon, a 4-star hotel with private bathrooms, continental breakfast, and free Wi-Fi. The hotel features spa facilities, including hot tubs, a sauna, and a gym, providing a relaxing end to an active day.

The hotel’s location near the glacier allows for peaceful rest and the chance to unwind after a full day of exploration. The spa access is a valued perk, especially after walking on glaciers and exploring waterfalls.

Northern Lights and Nighttime Possibilities

While the tour does not guarantee seeing the Northern Lights, the possibility exists on the second night, depending on weather conditions. The presence of clear skies and solar activity can turn the night into a magical display of shimmering lights. The guides advise guests to keep an eye on the sky for this rare and beautiful phenomenon.

Practical Details: Booking, Cancellation, and Suitability

The tour is most often booked 60 days in advance, reflecting its popularity. It’s suitable for most travelers, with a glacier walk rated as “easy” by guides, though physical fitness is recommended for walking on ice. The maximum group size of 25 helps maintain a personalized experience.

Guests can cancel up to 3 days before the tour for a full refund, offering flexibility for unforeseen plans. The package includes expert guidance, luggage allowance, and free Wi-Fi, adding convenience and value.

The Value of a 2-Day Deep Dive into Iceland’s South Coast

This tour provides a comprehensive look at Iceland’s natural beauty beyond quick day trips. The combination of waterfalls, beaches, glaciers, ice caves, and glacier lagoon ensures a varied experience. The overnight stay facilitates a more relaxed pace and the chance to enjoy spa amenities after days of adventure.

While it’s a premium experience with a price of over $765, the all-inclusive approach—including hotel, ice cave expedition, and guidance—makes it worth considering for travelers who want a balanced, memorable exploration of Iceland’s stunning landscapes.

Iceland 2-Day Trip: Ice Cave, Glacier Lagoon & Northern Lights — Who Will Love It?

This tour is ideal for travelers seeking a thorough immersion into Iceland’s iconic sights with minimal hassle. It suits those interested in ice caves and glaciers, as well as photographers eager to capture iceberg and northern lights scenes. The comfortable accommodations and guided experience make it suitable for those who prefer a well-organized trip.

However, travelers should be physically comfortable walking on uneven glacier surfaces and be prepared for the potential variability of weather, which can influence the chance to see the Northern Lights or access certain locations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The price covers hotel pickup and drop-off, guidance from a professional local guide, ice cave expedition, accommodation at Fosshótel Glacier Lagoon, spa access, continental breakfast, and free Wi-Fi.

Can I see the Northern Lights during this tour?
While the tour offers the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights on the second night, it is not guaranteed. Visibility depends on weather conditions and solar activity.

What is the physical requirement for the ice cave expedition?
The activity is classified as “easy” by glacier guides, but guests should be physically fit enough to walk on the glacier and participate in glacier activities.

How long do stops last at each location?
Stops vary from about 30 minutes at Gljufrabui Waterfalls to 4 hours for the glacier exploration, with additional time allocated for sightseeing, photography, and breaks.

What is the accommodation like?
Guests stay in a 4-star Fosshótel Glacier Lagoon, which features private bathrooms, continental breakfast, and spa facilities including hot tubs and a sauna.

When should I book this tour?
It is most often booked about 60 days in advance, reflecting its popularity, and should be canceled at least 3 days before the scheduled date for a full refund.