Reykjavik: Glacier Hike & South Coast Day Tour

Sólheimajökull is the main event here: you get to walk on a real glacier, with a certified guide and the safety gear needed to do it. I like that the day also includes three very different South Coast stops, from the path behind Seljalandsfoss to the black sands of Reynisfjara. I also like the small glacier group, capped at 15, which gives your guide more chance to keep an eye on everyone.

The trade-off is time. This is a 12-hour outing with several long drives, and the waterfall and beach visits are brief compared with the glacier stop. In winter, limited daylight or bad weather can squeeze the sightseeing further, so treat the schedule as a plan, not a promise of leisurely time at every stop.

The day at a glance

• Sólheimajökull is the active part of the day: expect a beginner-friendly guided hike, with about 1 to 1.5 hours on the ice and a longer stop for gear and instruction.
• Skógafoss brings the scale: a 60-meter waterfall you can view from below or, if time and conditions allow, from the stairs above.
• Seljalandsfoss has a walk-behind path: the 65-meter fall is striking from the front, but bring a jacket that can handle spray.
• Reynisfjara is beautiful and exposed: basalt columns and sea stacks frame the black sand, while the surf demands distance and caution.
• The 12-hour format covers a lot of ground: round-trip transport, scenic drives, three major stops and a glacier hike make this a full day, not a relaxed outing.
• Bring proper boots and food money: sturdy ankle-supporting hiking boots are required on the glacier, and meals and drinks are not included.

A long South Coast run from Reykjavík

Pickup is available from selected points around Reykjavík, including central bus stops, hotels and the Bus Terminal. The pickup process can take up to 30 minutes from the stated tour time, so be ready at your assigned point and allow a little patience at the start.

The first coach ride is about 1.5 hours, followed by a short break in Hvolsvöllur. That pause matters: you have a long day ahead, and it is a sensible chance to use the restroom or buy something to eat before the more remote stops.

The drive itself is part of the appeal. You travel through Iceland’s South Coast, with views of lava fields, cliffs and black-sand shores, while the guide shares context about the region’s geology and history. The distances are real, though. You will spend several hours on the road over the course of the day, so this works best if you are comfortable with coach travel and a fairly brisk schedule.

The group size on the glacier is limited to 15, but the transport group may be larger. The glacier hike is led by a certified English-speaking guide; the driver or main tour guide handles the wider day. Past guide names include Tom, Daniela, Miguel, Casper and Kacper, but the guide assigned to your departure can vary.

Skógafoss: feel the force from below or above

Skógafoss is a 60-meter waterfall, broad and powerful enough to make a strong first stop. You have about 30 minutes here, which is enough to take in the view, get close to the mist and take photos, but not enough to linger without watching the clock.

If you want the view from above, stairs lead to a lookout. The climb can be worth the effort for a wider view of the falls and surrounding area, but choose your priority before setting off. A quick visit below lets you appreciate the full drop; the stairs take time and energy that you may prefer to save for the glacier.

Rainbows can appear in the spray when the light is right, though Icelandic weather makes no guarantees. Waterproof outer layers help here, especially if you want to stand near the base rather than admire the waterfall from farther back.

Reynisfjara: black sand, basalt and a serious sea

At Reynisfjara, the black sand and striking basalt columns give the coast a stark look unlike the green-blue palette of the waterfalls. Sea stacks rise offshore, and the one-hour stop includes time for sightseeing, photographs and lunch.

This is the meal break, so bring food or plan to buy something if that option is available during your stop. Food and drinks are not included in the tour price. Do not let the dramatic surf distract you from the basic rule: keep well back from the water. The beach is exposed, and the waves are powerful.

An hour sounds generous until you divide it between lunch and exploring. If you want time for both, keep an eye on the meeting time and avoid walking so far along the beach that you have to rush back. The stop is a chance to take in the setting, not a long coastal walk.

Sólheimajökull: the day’s headline experience

The glacier stop lasts about three hours in total, including the safety briefing, fitting your gear and the guided hike. The actual time walking on the ice is generally about 1 to 1.5 hours. That distinction is useful: the stop is substantial, but you will not spend all three hours hiking.

Your guide supplies crampons, a helmet, harness and ice axe, then explains how to use the equipment and move safely on the glacier. This makes the hike accessible to beginners, but it is still a physical outing on uneven ice. One participant described it as a test for the legs, which is a fair way to think about it: you do not need advanced mountaineering skills, but you should be ready to walk carefully and follow instructions.

The gear is not a substitute for proper footwear. You need sturdy hiking boots with ankle support, and boots can be rented for a small fee if you do not have your own. The specialized crampons fit EU shoe sizes 35 to 50; if your size falls outside that range, you cannot take part in the glacier hike. Check this before booking rather than discovering it at the equipment fitting.

The scenery is the reward for the careful pace. You walk across rugged blue ice and see the glacier’s changing surface up close, with a guide explaining how to move through it. The glacier is the part of the day most likely to feel genuinely different from a standard sightseeing stop. The guide-to-group limit of 15 is valuable here, where clear instructions and attention matter more than they do at a roadside viewpoint.

A practical note: getting fitted and ready takes time, so the period actually spent walking on the ice can feel shorter than the headline stop suggests. If your main goal is a longer glacier outing, this day tour may feel limited; one past participant wished they had booked a five-hour hike instead of a three-hour option. But if you want a first glacier walk combined with the South Coast’s best-known sights, this format balances activity and variety well.

Seljalandsfoss: the waterfall you can walk behind

Seljalandsfoss is about 65 meters high and fed by water from the Eyjafjallajökull glacier. Its best-known feature is the path that lets you walk behind the falling water, an unusual angle that changes the view from a postcard scene into something more immediate.

The scheduled visit is about 30 minutes, so move with purpose if you want both the front view and the walk behind. The path can be wet from spray, and the weather may make the experience less comfortable. A waterproof jacket and shoes with a good grip are sensible choices; avoid open-toed footwear and heels.

This stop comes after the glacier and the earlier waterfalls, then the coach heads back toward Reykjavík for about 2.5 hours. By this point, you will likely be tired, but Seljalandsfoss is a fitting last stop: it gives you one final close-up encounter with the region’s water and ice before the long return.

What $194 buys, and what it does not

At $194 per person, the value depends on how you use the day. You are paying for round-trip transport from Reykjavík, visits to three major South Coast sights and a guided glacier hike with the safety equipment included. Booking these pieces separately would take more planning and coordination, and the glacier gear and certified guide are not optional extras if you want to walk on the ice.

The price does not include food or drinks, and sturdy hiking boots are not supplied, though you can rent them for a small fee. Budget for lunch and bring snacks or water if you want them during the drives and stops. The tour’s total length also has a value of its own: you see a broad stretch of the South Coast without arranging a rental car or driving unfamiliar roads.

The compromise is the pace. You get a short visit at Skógafoss, an hour at Reynisfjara and about half an hour at Seljalandsfoss, alongside the glacier stop and long drives. If your ideal day means lingering at each place, this is not it. If you want a guided, high-impact introduction that includes actual time on a glacier, the price is easier to justify.

The tour has an average rating of 4.7 from 92 reviews. Praise focuses especially on the glacier hike and the guides who make it feel safe and enjoyable. Guide names mentioned by past participants include Daniela, Miguel, Casper and Kacper; their names are useful examples, not a guarantee of who will lead your trip. Weather and daylight also shape the day. In winter, short daylight can mean reaching Reynisfjara near dusk or losing time at a stop, while a clear day can make the glacier especially rewarding.

Pack for wet weather and moving ice

The weather can change, and the day includes waterfalls, open coast and ice. Bring warm clothing, a jacket and gloves, along with sturdy hiking shoes or boots. For the glacier, ankle support is required. High heels and open-toed shoes are not allowed.

The tour is open to children aged 8 and older, but the hike still involves walking on uneven ice and using crampons under a guide’s direction. Think about your child’s comfort with a long day and outdoor activity, not just the minimum age. There is no stated upper age limit, but anyone joining should be able to manage the hike and follow safety instructions.

A charged camera is worth bringing, but keep it secure and protected from spray. You may also want a small day bag for extra layers and lunch. Since the coach rides are long and the schedule is busy, having essentials close at hand is easier than trying to retrieve them at every stop.

Is this the right South Coast day for you?

I would choose this tour if walking on a glacier is high on your Iceland list and you also want to see the South Coast’s signature waterfalls and black-sand shore in one outing. It is especially useful if you do not want to drive, arrange separate glacier transport or source safety gear yourself.

I would look for a different plan if you want long, unhurried visits at every stop, have a tight tolerance for a 12-hour day or cannot meet the boot and shoe-size requirements. For most first-time visitors with a full day to spare, the combination is compelling: not just views from the roadside, but a guided walk on the ice, with the waterfalls and Reynisfjara giving the day variety. Book it for the glacier, and think of the coast stops as a generous bonus rather than time to explore at your own pace.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts about 12 hours, including pickup, travel, sightseeing stops, the glacier hike and the return to Reykjavík.

What is included in the price?

Round-trip transportation from Reykjavík, a scenic South Coast drive, visits to Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss and Reynisfjara, and a guided beginner-friendly glacier hike are included. Glacier crampons, a harness, an ice axe and a helmet are provided.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, so bring money for lunch or pack your own food.

How much time do you spend on the glacier?

The Sólheimajökull stop lasts about three hours, including gear fitting and the safety briefing. The guided hike on the ice is about 1 to 1.5 hours.

Do I need hiking boots?

Yes. Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support are required for the glacier hike. Boots can be rented for a small fee if needed.

What shoe sizes fit the glacier crampons?

The specialized crampons are available for EU shoe sizes 35 to 50. People with shoe sizes outside that range cannot take part in the glacier hike.

What is the minimum age?

The minimum age is 8 years old. Children under 8 cannot join.

Is pickup included?

Yes. Pickup is included from selected Reykjavík locations. The pickup process can take up to 30 minutes from the tour time.

What should I bring?

Bring warm clothing, a jacket, gloves and hiking shoes or boots. Avoid high heels and open-toed shoes.