From Reykjavik: Explore the Waterfalls of the South Coast

Six waterfalls in one day give you a striking tour of Iceland’s South Coast, from famous stops such as Skógafoss to smaller falls away from the main road. A geologist guide adds context to the rock and volcanic forces behind the scenery, not just directions for the next photo stop.

I like the mix of well-known and less-familiar places, and the small group of up to six makes a long day feel more personal. One thing to consider: it is a 10-hour outing with substantial driving, and the advertised Stóra-Dímon hike is not shown as a timed stop in the detailed schedule, so ask how it fits your departure.

Key points

• Six waterfall stops: Visit Thorstein’s Grove, Gluggafoss, Gljúfrabúi, Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, and Kvernufoss.
• Geology comes with the views: Your guide explains features of Iceland’s land and waterfalls along the route.
• A small group: The tour is limited to six participants, rather than a large coachload.
• A hilltop view: Stóra-Dímon is included among the tour highlights, with a hike up the small hill.
• Plan for a full day: Expect about 10 hours, including long drives from Reykjavik and a 30-minute lunch break.
• Bring your own food and gear: Snacks and drinks are not included; waterproof clothing and sturdy hiking shoes are recommended.

From Reykjavik to the South Coast

The day starts at Bus Stop 8 by Hallgrimskirkja in Reykjavik. From there, you travel south along Iceland’s Ring Road in a Jeep or SUV, with the first listed drive taking about two hours and 15 minutes.

That long opening drive is part of the bargain and part of the day’s character. You are covering a wide stretch of the country, not hopping between nearby city sights. If you have only one day for the South Coast, the vehicle does the hard work of linking a number of stops that would be difficult to reach in a single day without your own transport.

The group is capped at six, which is a practical advantage on a trip with frequent stops. You spend less time coordinating a crowd and have more opportunity to ask the guide questions. The trade-off is that a small-group tour may feel more conversational and less anonymous than a large bus outing. If you prefer to keep to yourself, that is worth bearing in mind.

Geoadventures ehf provides the tour, and a professional geologist leads it. Jasmine has guided some departures and is named for her explanations of volcanoes and waterfalls. The guide’s background is a useful part of the experience: the day is not only about collecting waterfall photos, but also about understanding the forces that shaped the places you see.

English and German are available. If you have a preference, check the language for your chosen departure before booking.

Thorstein’s Grove and Gluggafoss

Thorstein’s Grove is the first stop, after the drive south. You get about 30 minutes to visit, walk, and take photos. Its inclusion helps set the tone: this tour is not limited to the most famous roadside sights.

The name may sound like a grove rather than a waterfall, but Thorstein’s Grove is one of the places included in the waterfall route. The tour description presents it as a less-familiar stop, so it is a chance to see a quieter side of the South Coast rather than repeating only the headline attractions.

A short five-minute drive brings you to Gluggafoss, also known as Merkjárfoss. You have another 30 minutes here. The two stops are close together in the day’s schedule, but they are separate visits, with time to walk around and look carefully rather than simply stepping out for a quick photo.

Your guide’s geology background can make these early stops more rewarding. The waterfalls are the obvious draw, but the tour is also designed to explain the region’s geological quirks. That added context matters when you are seeing several falls in a row: it can help you notice how each place differs, rather than treating them as interchangeable photo stops.

Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi

After about 30 minutes on the road, you reach Seljalandsfoss, one of Iceland’s best-known waterfalls. The scheduled visit lasts about half an hour. Expect this to be a popular stop, and use the time to take in the falls as well as get your photos.

Gljúfrabúi follows, with another 30-minute visit. Its position immediately after Seljalandsfoss makes for an efficient pairing: you see two distinct waterfalls without a long transfer between them. The tour’s appeal lies in that balance between iconic places and stops that are less likely to appear on a standard sightseeing route.

Waterproof clothes are a sensible choice, not an optional extra for the over-prepared. The tour specifically recommends waterproof clothing and sturdy shoes, and the day includes multiple walks near waterfalls. Conditions vary, so pack for the weather rather than relying on a sunny forecast from Reykjavik.

This part of the route can be especially satisfying if you like time to look around rather than race from one stop to another. Each waterfall visit is allotted about 30 minutes. That is enough for a walk and photographs, but it is not an open-ended stay. Keep an eye on the time and follow your guide’s instructions about when to return to the vehicle.

Lunch, Skógafoss, and Kvernufoss

A 30-minute lunch break is scheduled in the Southern Region. Food and drinks are not included, so bring what you need for the day. With a full schedule and a long return journey ahead, packing lunch and water helps you make the most of the stop without having to depend on finding a place to buy food.

After lunch, the drive to Skógafoss takes about 30 minutes. This is one of the South Coast’s famous waterfalls and a major stop on the tour. You have around 30 minutes to visit, walk, and take photos. It is a natural highlight for anyone who wants to see the classic sights as well as the quieter falls.

Kvernufoss is only about five minutes away by vehicle. The tour gives you another half hour there. Like the earlier stops, this is an opportunity to see a less-familiar waterfall close to a famous one. That pairing is one of the day’s strengths: you do not have to choose between the well-known attractions and places that feel less routine.

From Kvernufoss, the drive back to Reykjavik takes about two and a half hours. The return leg is long, and after a day of walking and changing weather, you may be ready for a rest. The tour brings you back to Bus Stop 8 by Hallgrimskirkja.

The Stóra-Dímon question

The tour highlights a hike up Stóra-Dímon, a small hill with a view over the South Coast. That sounds like a rewarding change of pace from waterfall visits, giving you a higher vantage point over the surrounding scenery.

There is one planning detail to clear up. The detailed stop-by-stop schedule names the six waterfall visits and a lunch break, but does not list Stóra-Dímon as a separate timed stop. Since the day is already full, ask the operator whether the hike is included on your date and how much time is set aside for it. Do not assume it is an additional stop simply because it appears among the highlights.

If the hike is part of your departure, wear shoes you can walk in and dress for exposed outdoor conditions. The tour recommends sturdy hiking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. No specific distance, duration, or difficulty is provided, so check directly if you need to know whether it suits your pace or mobility.

What the $259 price buys you

At $259 per person, this is a full-day guided outing rather than a simple transfer between waterfalls. The price includes pickup and drop-off in Reykjavik, transport in a Jeep or SUV, and a professional geologist guide. You are visiting six waterfalls, with a small group capped at six participants, over a 10-hour day.

The geologist guide is the main reason this tour may offer more value than a basic sightseeing ride. You get explanations about volcanoes and the geology behind the South Coast’s features while traveling between stops. If you are curious about how Iceland’s terrain took shape, that added layer can make the scenery more meaningful. If you mainly want transport and independent time at each waterfall, you may not value the guide’s expertise as much.

You also get a mix of stops that includes famous names and less-known places. That variety is useful if you have already seen some of the main attractions, or if you want a broader first look at the region in a single day. The limit of six participants can also suit you if you prefer a smaller group to a large coach.

Lunch, snacks, and drinks are not included. Factor those into the day’s cost, and bring enough food and water for a long outing. Crampons are provided in winter when icy conditions require them, but some areas may close for safety. That means the exact experience can vary with the season and conditions.

Who should book this tour?

I would consider this tour if you want to see several South Coast waterfalls without arranging your own vehicle, and you like learning about geology as you go. It is a good fit for a curious visitor who wants both the headline stops and less-familiar places, and who is comfortable spending a full day in a vehicle with regular walks along the way.

It can also work for families and a broad range of ages, as the tour is described as suitable for all ages. But it is not suitable for wheelchair users, and the walking stops, weather, and possible winter closures deserve thought if anyone in your party has mobility or comfort concerns.

I would pause if you want a short outing, long unhurried visits at every waterfall, or a guaranteed Stóra-Dímon hike without checking the details first. The schedule is busy, and the two drives at the beginning and end take up several hours.

Booking is flexible: you can reserve now and pay later, and cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If the small-group format, geology, and variety match what you want from the South Coast, this is a strong way to spend a day. Before you commit, confirm the Stóra-Dímon plan and your departure language, then pack your food, waterproof layers, and sturdy shoes.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

Pickup and drop-off are at Bus Stop 8 by Hallgrimskirkja in Reykjavik.

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts about 10 hours, including the drives, waterfall stops, and lunch break.

How many waterfalls will I visit?

The route includes six waterfall stops: Thorstein’s Grove, Gluggafoss, Gljúfrabúi, Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, and Kvernufoss.

What languages are available?

The live guide is available in English or German. Check the language for your selected departure.

Is lunch included?

No. Snacks and drinks are not included, and you should bring your own food and drinks.

What should I wear or bring?

Bring weather-appropriate clothing, waterproof layers, and sturdy hiking shoes. Food and drinks are also recommended.

Are crampons provided in winter?

Crampons are included in winter when icy conditions call for them. Some areas may close for safety reasons.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

No. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.