Reykjavik Combo: South Coast, Glacier Hike & Northern Lights

Discover Iceland in a Single Day: South Coast, Glacier Hike & Northern Lights Tour

The Reykjavik Combo: South Coast, Glacier Hike & Northern Lights offers an action-packed 16-hour adventure for those eager to see some of Iceland’s most iconic sights. Priced at $266 per person, this tour combines a scenic drive along the south coast, a guided glacier walk, and a late-night search for the elusive Northern Lights. The tour is ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive experience and are comfortable with long days, as it departs from Reykjavík and returns around 7:00 PM.

What makes this tour stand out is its small-group size, with a 1:19 guide-to-client ratio, ensuring personalized attention and expert guidance. The tour covers waterfalls, black sand beaches, basalt columns, and sea stacks, culminating in a chance to witness the Northern Lights—weather permitting. While the glacier hike is a highlight, it’s important to note that Northern Lights sightings are never guaranteed, though the guides do their best to find clear skies. This experience suits active travelers with an interest in Iceland’s natural wonders who are prepared for a full day of exploration.

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Key Points

• Includes a glacier hike on Sólheimajökull with certified guides and equipment
• Visit iconic waterfalls: Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, plus Reynisfjara black sand beach
• Drive along the scenic south coast with views of volcanoes and glaciers
• Evening Northern Lights chase from Reykjavík, weather permitting
• Group size limited to 19 guests for a personalized experience
• Total duration is approximately 16 hours, starting early morning and returning in the evening

Starting from Reykjavík: Easy Pickup and Transport

The tour begins with pick-up in Reykjavík at authorized locations, making it straightforward to join. The transportation features free WiFi onboard, so you can share your trip or review photos during the drive. The journey takes you along Iceland’s south coast, revealing spectacular volcanoes and glaciers from the comfort of your vehicle.

The route is designed to maximize sightseeing with minimal downtime. The small-group setting ensures that everyone enjoys the experience without feeling rushed or lost among large crowds. The tour’s pacing balances sightseeing, walkways, and time at each stop to give ample opportunity for photos and exploration.

Visiting Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss Waterfalls

The first major stops are Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, two of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls. Seljalandsfoss offers a unique experience where you can walk behind the waterfall along a pathway, providing a memorable perspective of the cascading water. Skógafoss is known for its powerful flow and the possibility of rainbows on clear days, with a pathway of 527 steps leading to a higher vantage point.

Both waterfalls provide excellent photo opportunities, but the tour emphasizes that time at each waterfall may be limited due to other group members and logistics. Photographers should plan to prioritize their shots early, especially at Seljalandsfoss, where the behind-the-fall view is a highlight.

Exploring Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach and Basalt Columns

Next, the tour takes you to Reynisfjara, Iceland’s iconic black sand beach. Here, you’ll see bizarre basalt columns and Reynisdrangar sea stacks rising from the Atlantic Ocean. The cave formations and sea stacks create dramatic scenery, perfect for photography.

The Reynisfjara stop is relatively brief but packed with visual interest. Visitors can stroll along the black sand, observe the basalt formations, and take in the powerful Atlantic waves. Be cautious of the rough surf and strong wind—appropriate footwear and warm clothing are recommended.

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Glacier Hike on Solheimajokull Glacier

The highlight for many is the glacier walk on Sólheimajökull, guided by a certified glacier guide. The guide provides specialized equipment such as crampons and safety gear, ensuring a secure and informative trek across the icy surface.

During the walk, you’ll learn about the glacier’s formation, movements, crevasses, and cracking sounds as the ice shifts. The route is designed to expose you to the glacier’s dynamic landscape, making it a memorable adventure. Participants need sturdy hiking shoes with ankle support, and warm, waterproof clothing is essential to stay comfortable in the icy environment.

Visiting Skógafoss and Potential Volcano Views

After the glacier, the tour stops at Skógafoss, where a scenic pathway offers views of the waterfall and, on clear days, volcanoes like Eyjafjallajökull and Hekla. The viewpoints highlight Iceland’s volcanic activity and impressive geological features.

This stop also offers a chance to enjoy the rainbows that often appear in the spray of the falls—an ideal moment for photos. The timing at Skógafoss is flexible but brief due to the overall schedule and group size considerations.

Scenic Drive with Volcano and Glacier Views

Throughout the day, the drive along the Iceland south coast provides stunning vistas of glaciers, volcanoes, and rugged coastline. The guide shares insights into Iceland’s geological features, volcano activity, and landscape formation, enriching the experience.

On a clear day, you’ll glimpse Eyjafjallajökull, Hekla, and even volcanoes around the Westman Islands. The comfort of the vehicle allows for enjoying the scenery without fatigue, making this drive a highlight in itself.

Evening Northern Lights Chase from Reykjavík

After returning to Reykjavík around 7:00 PM, the tour sets out again for an Northern Lights tour. The guide takes you into the Icelandic countryside to search for the auroras, with the option to see green, white, yellow, and sometimes purple lights.

While Northern Lights sightings are weather-dependent, the guides put forth their best effort to locate the best viewing conditions. Travelers should be prepared with warm layers, headwear, gloves, and patience. The experience offers a peaceful and magical end to the day, with the sky often transforming into a canvas of dancing lights.

Practical Details: What’s Included and What to Prepare

The tour price covers pick-up in Reykjavík, glacier hike with equipment, knowledgeable guides, and the Northern Lights tour. Free WiFi on board adds convenience, and the small-group size ensures personalized attention.

Participants must bring food, drinks, hiking shoes, and rain gear. The tour is not suitable for children under 8, pregnant women, or individuals with mobility impairments. Shoe size limits apply for attaching crampons: participants need a minimum size of 35 EU and a maximum of 50 EU.

Realistic Expectations and Review Insights

The average rating of 4.4 from 66 reviews reflects overall satisfaction, especially with the guide’s friendliness and knowledge. The glacier hike is consistently praised as a standout activity. However, some reviews mention schedule constraints at waterfalls and the cancellation of the Northern Lights on certain days. Travelers should note that Northern Lights viewing is not guaranteed but remains a key part of the experience.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most?

This combination tour appeals most to adventure lovers who want to combine sightseeing, active exploration, and nighttime Aurora hunting. It fits well for those comfortable with long days and walking in variable weather. It’s an excellent choice for travelers seeking a comprehensive Iceland experience in a single day with the convenience of guided logistics.

Reykjavik Combo: South Coast, Glacier Hike & Northern Lights – Final Thoughts

This 16-hour tour delivers a thorough introduction to Iceland’s natural beauty, from majestic waterfalls to icy glaciers and the magical auroras. The small-group format ensures personalized attention, and the expert guides enhance understanding of each location’s significance.

While the Northern Lights are never guaranteed, the effort to see them adds a touch of excitement to the evening. This tour is especially suited for those who want a full day of exploration combined with a chance to witness the Northern Lights, making for a memorable Icelandic adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Northern Lights tour guaranteed?
No, the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon and cannot be promised. Guides do their best to find clear skies.

What is included in the tour price?
The tour includes pick-up in Reykjavík, glacier hike with equipment, certified guides, and the Northern Lights tour. WiFi is also available onboard.

How long is the glacier hike?
The glacier walk on Sólheimajökull is part of the overall tour, with guides providing equipment and instructions for a safe and informative experience.

What should I bring for the glacier hike?
Participants need to bring sturdy hiking shoes with ankle support, warm layers, and rain gear. The guide supplies crampons and safety equipment.

Is this tour suitable for children?
The minimum age for participation is 8 years old. The tour is not recommended for pregnant women or those with mobility issues.

What are the stop durations at major sights?
Stops at waterfalls and Reynisfjara are relatively brief, allowing for photos and quick exploration. The schedule balances sightseeing with travel time.

Can I visit other Icelandic highlights on this tour?
Yes, on a clear day, views of Eyjafjallajökull, Hekla, and the Westman Islands volcanoes are visible from certain viewpoints.

How long does the entire tour last?
The combined experience lasts approximately 16 hours, starting early in the morning and ending around 7:00 PM in Reykjavík.

What are the main highlights of this tour?
Key highlights include Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss waterfalls, Reynisfjara black sand beach, the glacier hike, and the Northern Lights.

Is vegetarian or special dietary accommodation available?
Food and drinks are not included in the tour price, so travelers should bring their own snacks and meals.

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