South Coast of Iceland Tour with Glacier Hike and Waterfalls

Explore Iceland’s South Coast: Waterfalls, Glacier, and Black Sands in One Day

This 12-hour tour offers an exciting way to experience some of Iceland’s most striking natural sights. For $339 per person, travelers are picked up from various Reykjavik locations and taken on an adventure that combines powerful waterfalls, a guided glacier hike on Sólheimajökull, and a relaxing walk along Víkurfjara’s black sands. This tour is ideal for those who want a full day of diverse landscapes with expert guidance, though it requires moderate fitness and suitable weather conditions.

The tour’s highlights include feeling the force of Urriðafoss, walking behind Kvernufoss, exploring icy crevasses on the glacier, and enjoying the dramatic sea stacks at Reynisdrangar. With a well-paced itinerary, travelers get a thorough taste of Iceland’s southern scenery, making this a compelling choice for adventure and nature lovers alike.

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Key Points

• Price: $339 per person for a 12-hour day trip
• Highlights: Waterfalls, glacier hike, black sand beaches, sea stacks
• Stops: Urriðafoss, Kvernufoss, Sólheimajökull, Víkurfjara
• Includes: Guided tour, glacier hike equipment, transportation
• Not included: Meals and personal expenses
• Departure: Multiple pickup locations in Reykjavik, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance

Starting from Reykjavik to the Impressive Urriðafoss Waterfall

The tour begins with a pickup from a choice of 16 locations in Reykjavik, including bus stops, hotels, and the city’s cultural sites. After about 70 minutes in the van, the first stop is Urriðafoss, one of Iceland’s most powerful waterfalls. This site offers a dramatic display of water roaring through the lowlands, and it’s often less crowded than other waterfalls, making for a peaceful start to the day.

The guide provides insights into Iceland’s natural forces, and you get around 20 minutes to enjoy the sight. This waterfall’s strength and volume make it an impressive introduction to the landscape’s raw energy. Visitors appreciate how the tour combines this lesser-visited spot with more iconic attractions later in the day.

Discover the Hidden Kvernufoss Waterfall in a Narrow Gorge

Next, the journey takes you to Kvernufoss, a waterfall tucked away in a narrow gorge. This hidden gem allows visitors to walk behind the cascading water, creating a unique perspective and photo opportunity. The 30-minute stop here is perfect for capturing the scene and appreciating the natural beauty away from larger crowds.

The walk behind Kvernufoss offers a different angle on Iceland’s waterfalls, emphasizing the landscape’s sculpted features. The guide leads visitors through the gorge, sharing stories about the area’s geology and formation. Many find this part of the tour especially memorable for its intimacy and striking scenery.

The Highlight: Guided Glacier Hike on Sólheimajökull

The most adventurous part of the tour is the guided glacier hike on Sólheimajökull, lasting approximately 3.5 hours. After a 40-minute transfer, the group suits up with provided hiking shoes and safety equipment. The guide leads you onto the glacier to explore icy crevasses, sculpted ridges, and volcanic ash that forms the glacial surface.

Venture into scenic icy landscapes that feature stunning volcanic and glacial interplay, with the guide explaining the formation and dynamics of the ice. The hike offers plenty of opportunities for photos and appreciating Iceland’s natural power. The equipment ensures safety, and the guide’s expertise helps beginners feel comfortable and confident on the ice.

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A Walk Along Víkurfjara’s Black Sand Beach and Sea Cliffs

After the glacier adventure, the tour winds down with a 30-minute stop at Víkurfjara, a less crowded black sand beach. Here, visitors stroll along the dark sands and observe dramatic sea cliffs. The iconic Reynisdrangar sea stacks rise sharply from the ocean, adding to the striking coastal scenery.

This part of the tour offers a tranquil setting to relax and take in Iceland’s coastal beauty. The black sands and sea stacks are perfect for photography, and the guide points out interesting features along the shore. Many appreciate this quieter, scenic area after the more energetic parts of the day.

Flexible Itinerary with Key Stops and Efficient Pacing

The tour follows a carefully planned schedule to maximize sightseeing while maintaining a comfortable pace. Other stops include Vik, where travelers have 30 minutes to explore and enjoy the scenery, and the 2.5-hour return trip to Reykjavik. This structure allows travelers to experience diverse landscapes without feeling rushed.

The entire experience is designed for convenience, with pickup and drop-off included at multiple Reykjavik locations. The transportation is in a comfortable van, and the guided commentary throughout helps visitors understand each site’s significance.

Practical Tips: What to Bring and Weather Expectations

Participants are advised to wear comfortable shoes, warm clothing, and bring a camera or weather-appropriate gear. The glacier hike involves walking on ice, so hiking shoes and waterproof gear are recommended. Since weather can change quickly, layering clothing is ideal.

It’s important to note that high-heeled shoes, walking frames, open-toed shoes, and food or drinks are not allowed inside the vehicle. The tour involves walking and moderate hiking, so a moderate fitness level is required. It’s not recommended for children under 8 or individuals with certain mobility issues.

What Sets This Tour Apart from Other Icelandic South Coast Trips

This tour emphasizes a balance of adventure and scenic stops in a well-structured day. The guided glacier hike on Sólheimajökull is a major highlight, offering an up-close experience of Iceland’s icy wilderness with all necessary equipment provided.

Unlike some tours that only visit well-known sites, this itinerary includes less crowded waterfalls like Urriðafoss and Kvernufoss, providing visitors with more intimate encounters with Iceland’s natural beauty. The combination of powerful waterfalls, glacier exploration, and the serenity of black sand beaches gives a comprehensive snapshot of the South Coast’s diverse landscapes.

Clear and Transparent Pricing with Options for Flexibility

At $339 per person, this tour offers good value for a full-day experience that covers multiple iconic and hidden sites. The price includes guided tours, glacier hiking gear, and transportation, but excludes meals and personal expenses.

Travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, adding flexibility for planning. The tour’s inclusion of live English-speaking guides helps clarify the geography and history of each stop, enriching the experience.

Who Will Enjoy This Iceland South Coast Tour Most

This 12-hour adventure is perfect for active travelers with a moderate level of fitness who want a comprehensive exploration of Iceland’s stunning southern landscapes. It suits those eager to see waterfalls, glaciers, and black sand beaches in one day, especially if they appreciate guided experiences with expert insight.

However, travelers with mobility issues or young children under 8 may find some parts challenging due to walking and hiking requirements. The tour’s pacing and outdoor focus make it ideal for those comfortable with variable weather and physical activity.

Final Thoughts on the South Coast Adventure

This guided tour offers a well-rounded way to discover Iceland’s South Coast in a single day, combining spectacular waterfalls, an exciting glacier hike, and stunning coastal scenery. The inclusion of less crowded sites like Urriðafoss and Kvernufoss adds a special touch, alongside the iconic Reynisdrangar sea stacks.

While it involves a fair amount of walking and weather-dependent conditions, the expert guidance and well-designed itinerary ensure a safe and enriching experience. For travelers wanting a full immersion in Iceland’s natural beauty, this tour provides a practical and memorable option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in the tour price?
Yes, transportation in a comfortable van is included with pickup and drop-off at multiple Reykjavik locations.

What should I bring for the glacier hike?
Participants should bring comfortable shoes, warm and weather-appropriate clothing, and a camera. The tour provides hiking shoes and safety equipment for the glacier.

Are children allowed on this tour?
The tour is not suitable for children under 8 years due to walking and hiking requirements.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What makes this tour different from other South Coast tours?
This tour combines less crowded waterfalls, a guided glacier hike, and visits to black sand beaches, offering a diverse and well-paced experience of Iceland’s landscapes.

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