From Reykjavik: Glacier Hike, South Coast and Waterfalls Day Trip

The glacier hike is the heart of this full-day trip: you gear up at Sólheimajökull and walk on the ice, with waterfalls and Reynisfjara’s black sand shore along the way. I like that the day combines Iceland’s headline sights with an active experience, and that a group capped at 15 gives you a better chance to ask your guide questions.

I also like the practical touches: pickup and drop-off from Reykjavík, onboard Wi-Fi, and hiking equipment provided for the glacier. The main consideration is that this is a long day outdoors. You need good hiking boots, warm weather-ready clothing and enough fitness to walk on uneven ice; the guide makes the final call on whether you can safely join the glacier hike.

• Walk on Sólheimajökull: The glacier portion takes about two and a half hours, including roughly an hour and a half on the ice.
• See two major waterfalls: Skógafoss comes early; Seljalandsfoss and nearby Gljúfrabúi are the final stops.
• Keep the group small: The maximum is 15 people, a useful size for hearing the guide and getting help with gear.
• Bring your own boots and layers: Crampons, helmet and ice axe are included, but boots and outdoor clothing are not.
• Plan for changing weather: Guides may change the order of stops to find a safer or more suitable window for the glacier hike.

Why the glacier makes this South Coast day different

The South Coast is a long way to cover in a day, and many excursions focus on waterfalls and coastal scenery. This one adds a guided walk on Sólheimajökull, an outlet glacier flowing from Mýrdalsjökull, Iceland’s fourth-largest glacier. Ice covers about 11 percent of the country, but seeing it from the road is not the same as standing on it.

The glacier hike gives the day its sense of purpose. You put on safety gear and walk with a guide on the ice, with time to pause for views and photographs. The whole glacier stop is scheduled for about two and a half hours, of which roughly an hour and a half is spent on the glacier. That is a substantial part of the day, but it is not an all-day expedition.

Expect the route and conditions to vary. Wind and rain can affect plans, and the guide may change the order of stops while assessing whether it is safe to go onto the glacier. Some departures have managed to hike after the forecast looked poor; others may not. Treat the ice walk as weather-dependent, not guaranteed.

Skógafoss: a powerful first stop

Skógafoss is one of Iceland’s best-known waterfalls, dropping about 60 metres. You get around 30 minutes here, enough to take in the falls and walk around the base, but not enough to linger indefinitely. Mist and spray can be part of the experience, so keep your camera and outer layers in mind.

If you have the energy and the path is open, stairs climb beside the waterfall to a higher viewpoint. One account of the stop describes more than 400 steps, so it is a real climb, not a quick stroll. With a short stop, you may need to choose between going up and spending time close to the falls.

The guide may share the local story about a treasure chest said to be hidden behind the waterfall. It adds a bit of folklore to a stop that might otherwise be all about photographs. Skógafoss was also featured in Game of Thrones, a detail that may be fun for fans but is hardly the main reason to visit.

Sólheimajökull: boots, gear and a safety call

At the glacier, your guide provides crampons, a helmet and an ice axe. You must bring sturdy hiking boots yourself. Trainers or casual shoes are not a substitute, and the operator says suitable boots are mandatory. If you need to rent boots, arrange that in advance rather than counting on finding them on the day.

You also need full mobility and a moderate level of fitness. The walk involves moving on uneven ice in crampons, and the pace can feel brisk to some people. Conditions and the group’s abilities affect how the hike goes. Your guide assesses your ability to participate when you arrive and can refuse access if they believe it would not be safe. That decision can be disappointing, but it is part of taking an ice walk seriously.

A small number of people have raised concerns about equipment checks and the briskness of the hike. I would take that as a reminder to ask your guide to check your helmet, harness and crampons, and to speak up if anything feels loose or unclear. Follow instructions carefully, stay with the group and be honest about your comfort level.

The most praised part of the day is often this glacier walk. People describe the ice’s changing colours and the unusual feeling of climbing onto a glacier, while also crediting guides such as Michal, Svenni, Christopher and Roberto with helping the group feel prepared. Guides change between departures, of course, but good weather judgment and clear safety guidance matter more than a particular name.

Reynisfjara: striking shore, serious waves

After the glacier, the tour stops at Reynisfjara, the black sand beach known for its basalt columns and the Reynisdrangar sea stacks. You have about 30 minutes to take in the coast and hear the stories and sagas connected to it. The dark shore and rock formations make a sharp contrast with the white and blue ice of the earlier stop.

The surf here deserves respect. The beach’s waves can be powerful, and safety signs are there for a reason. Keep well back from the water and follow your guide’s instructions. The stop is short, and access to every part of the beach may not be possible, so do not assume you will get close to all the rock formations.

Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi: a wet finale

On the drive back toward Reykjavík, the final scheduled stop is Seljalandsfoss, a waterfall beneath the area of Eyjafjallajökull, the volcano that erupted in 2010. The stop lasts about 30 minutes. If conditions allow, you can walk behind the waterfall’s curtain, a rare viewpoint that puts you close to the falling water.

Bring a waterproof outer layer if you hope to take that path. The route behind a waterfall can be wet, and the option depends on conditions. The stop may also include nearby Gljúfrabúi, a waterfall partly concealed in the mountainside. It offers a different feel from the open drops at Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss, but time is limited, so be ready to keep moving.

A long day, with a small-group feel

Pickup begins between 8:00 and 8:30 a.m. and the advertised trip lasts about 12 hours. The drive is part of the day, but it is not dead time: guides share facts and stories about Iceland, and some have changed the order of stops to work around the weather. On a clear day, the views along the route are part of the reward; in rain, the day can still be scenic, but you will be outdoors at each stop.

The group limit of 15 is a real advantage over a large coach. It can make it easier to hear instructions, ask questions and get help with equipment. The onboard Wi-Fi is useful between stops, though you should not count on it as a substitute for downloading anything you need before leaving.

Pickup is offered in Reykjavík, but direct collection from some hotels may not be possible because of downtown traffic restrictions. The company confirms the exact pickup point by email, so check that message closely. If you are staying outside Reykjavík, contact the operator to ask whether pickup can be arranged.

What to pack, and what to expect at lunch

The tour includes transport, an English-speaking guide, Wi-Fi and glacier equipment: crampons, helmet and ice axe. It does not include lunch, food, drinks, hiking boots or outdoor clothing. There is a food stop, and one account describes lunch in Vík, but the meal itself is at your own cost.

Pack water and snacks, particularly if you tend to get hungry between meals. Wear layers suited to a full day outside, and choose boots that meet the glacier requirements. A jacket that does not hang too far below the waist may fit more comfortably with a harness; bulky clothing can be awkward under safety gear. A helmet is worn on the glacier, so skip hats with a pom-pom.

Is the price worth it?

No price is provided here, so I cannot judge the exact cost against other tours. The value depends on what you want from the day. You are paying for transport from Reykjavík, a guided glacier hike, safety equipment other than boots, a small group, and access to several major South Coast stops without arranging the long drive yourself.

The glacier component is the key value. If you only want to see waterfalls and the beach, a simpler South Coast outing may suit you better. But if walking on a glacier is high on your Iceland list, bundling that guided activity with the coast and waterfalls makes for an efficient, varied day. The tour has a 4.9 rating from 915 reviews, and 98 percent of participants recommend it, but your experience will still depend on weather, pickup timing and the guide’s safety decision.

Who should book this trip?

This is a strong choice if you want to see several South Coast highlights in one day and are keen to walk on a glacier. It also suits solo visitors who would rather explore with a small group than plan transport and a guided ice walk separately. Past departures have included winter trips, and guides have adjusted stop order to make the most of limited daylight or changing weather.

Think twice if you dislike long days, are not comfortable walking on uneven ground, or lack suitable boots. The tour is not suitable for children younger than eight, and participants should have moderate physical fitness. Weather can cancel the glacier hike or the whole experience; if poor weather forces a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time; cancellations and changes inside that window are not accepted.

I would book it if the glacier walk matters as much to you as the waterfalls. Go in prepared, keep your plans flexible, and follow the guide’s instructions on the ice and at Reynisfjara. If you want a relaxed day with long stops and little walking, choose a different kind of outing.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The trip lasts approximately 12 hours.

What time does pickup begin?

Pickup takes place between 8:00 and 8:30 a.m. Be ready at your pickup location at 8:00.

Is pickup directly from my Reykjavík hotel guaranteed?

No. Downtown traffic restrictions mean direct pickup from some hotels may not be possible. The company will confirm your pickup location by email.

What glacier equipment is included?

Crampons, a helmet and an ice axe are provided for the guided Sólheimajökull hike.

Do I need to bring hiking boots?

Yes. Good hiking boots are mandatory and are not included. Outdoor clothing is also not provided.

How much time is spent on the glacier hike?

The glacier stop is about two and a half hours, with roughly an hour and a half spent on the glacier.

Is the tour suitable for children?

It is not suitable for children younger than eight.

Is lunch included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, though the tour makes a food stop.

What happens if poor weather cancels the experience?

You will be offered a different date or a full refund.