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3-Day South Coast Adventure | River Rafting & Glacier Tour

See the best of Iceland on this fantastic 3-day tour of the Golden Circle and the South Coast, including river rafting, glacier hike and the Glacier Lagoon!

From: kr.119.900,0

SMALL GROUP

maximum 19 guests

FREE PICK UP

within Reykjavík

WIFI & USB

chargers next to every seat

FULLY GUIDED

English commentary

Tour Highlights

Experience an adventure like no other with this action-packed tour of the Golden Circle and Iceland’s stunning South Coast. Enjoy a thrilling river raft ride on the White River, take an unforgettable walk on a glacier, and gaze at the glittering Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach!

Take this fun-packed three-day adventure tour of Iceland’s most incredible sights and discover why this is the Land of Fire and Ice!

You’ll be thrilled by waterfalls, volcanoes, geysers, glaciers, black sand beaches, and icebergs the size of houses! As well as that, you’ll get the chance to get up close to these natural marvels, too! Just imagine what it’ll be like on a river raft ride on a meltwater river, walking across a gigantic glacier, and strolling on the famous Diamond Beach!

Only Iceland can offer you so many unforgettable experiences in just three days!

Your once-in-a-lifetime tour will start with a convenient pick-up in the capital, followed by a fun drive along the shore with views of the city and majestic Mount Esja to explore the Golden Circle. In no time at all, you’ll be enjoying the magnificent views of the colossal rift valley at Þingvellir National Park, the gorgeous gushers at Geysir, and the thundering cascade at Gullfoss. The first day will end with a thrilling river raft ride down the White River and an overnight stay at Hveragerði.

The second day sees you exploring Iceland’s stunning South Coast with stops at the wonderful waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, and Gljúfrabúi. The second day’s special treat is a glacier walk on Sólheimajökull, one of Iceland’s most beautiful rivers of ice. Then, after a stop at the famous black sand beach at Reynisfjara, we’ll stay overnight in a remote location in the country’s southeastern part.

The third day brings you to the world-famous Glacier Lagoon at Jökulsárlón. You’ll see ghostly icebergs floating serenely on their way to Diamond Beach, where glittering fragments of ice lie scattered on a black sand beach. On our way back to the city, there are more magical sights to look forward to, with photo stops at the turf-roofed church at Hofskirkja and the winding green canyons at Fjaðrárgljúfur. We’ll also stop for refreshments at Vík, Iceland’s southernmost village, before heading home!

 

Day 1 | Golden Circle & Kerid Volcanic Crater

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Your action-packed three-day adventure begins with a pick-up in the city from your accommodation or an agreed meeting point. Then we’ll whisk you off to the Golden Circle – Iceland´s most famous attraction, while you take in the views of Mount Esja and the city skyline along the way.

Thingvellir National Park

The first stop on the Golden Circle, Þingvellir, is a breathtaking spectacle where gigantic cracks in the Earth’s surface reveal the widening gap between the American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Enormous geological forces are pulling Iceland apart at the same speed as your fingernails are growing. That means you can walk in between two continents here! As well as the marvelous views, you will see where the early Viking settlers made their laws and celebrated summer festivals for a thousand years. Þingvellir is now a national shrine and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Geysir & Haukadalur Geothermal Area

The next stop on the Golden Circle is Geysir, the place that gave its name to all erupting hot springs. Geysir is mostly dormant now, but nearby Strokkur is very active.

Just wait a few minutes, and you’ll feel the earth tremble underneath your feet!  Then stand back and watch impressive fountains of superheated water shooting up to thirty meters high into the sky. You’ll get some incredible Instagram images here, but check the wind direction to avoid getting wet!

As you explore the Haukadalur Geothermal area, you’ll discover steaming mud pools and hissing hot pots wherever you look. The locals even bake their bread by burying dough in the ground and leaving it overnight!

Gullfoss - The Golden Waterfall

The third and final part of the Golden Circle is Gullfoss (the Golden Falls), a roaring two-tier waterfall that thunders its way into a steep canyon. With millions of gallons of glacial meltwater crashing down more than thirty meters, Gullfoss is a natural marvel at any time of the year.

There are several spots to get a great view of this magical waterfall, setting off countless rainbows when the sun shines, and just as stunning on snowy winter days too. Gullfoss narrowly survived conversion into a hydroelectric power plant a few decades ago and is now a protected national treasure.

White River Rafting Experience

Most visitors to the Golden Circle will return home after visiting Gullfoss. But our tour has something special for you! You’ll enjoy a close-up view of the canyon with a river rafting experience on the White River, starting just a short distance from Gullfoss.

We’ll take you down to the riverbank to get kitted out for an unforgettable raft ride downstream from the waterfall toward the coast, taking in the mesmerizing views of the Brúarhlöður Canyon. All the necessary safety equipment and expert guidance will be provided so you can soak up every moment of this thrilling experience.

This is a fantastic way to see Iceland from another perspective and to feel the power of Nature as you paddle downstream, surrounded by towering cliffs on glacial meltwaters.   

Hveragerði Geothermal Village

We’ll stay overnight in Hveragerði, which is located directly over a geothermal hotspot, heating gigantic greenhouses filled with flowers, bananas, tomatoes, and more. 

Some even call Hveragerði the “Flower Village” for that reason. Straddling the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, you’ll be able to see the split between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. That means there’s a lot of seismic activity here, and there’s even an earthquake simulator in the shopping mall!

You can also stand with one foot in each continent on either side of an illuminated line outside the supermarket! Several restaurants have a uniquely local focus, including one where the different courses are baked in an outdoor geothermal oven!

OVERNIGHT STAY IN HVERAGERDI - town famous for Geothermal Activity

Day 2 | South Coast Waterfalls & Black Beach of Reynisfjara

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Your fun-packed adventure tour starts its second day with a scenic drive along the South Coast shore to Seljalandsfoss.

Seljalandsfoss & Gljufrabui Waterfalls

Here, you’ll see a beautiful ribbon of water plunge down from the Seljalandsá river more than 60 meters into a deep pool, and a large cave has been carved out behind the falls. 

It’s possible to get very close to this waterfall and walk around the falls if you don’t mind getting wet and scrambling along the slippery path!

Seljalandsfoss is powered by glacial meltwater from Eyjafjallajökull, the famous volcano that stopped air traffic for days when it erupted in 2010.  Now it features in pop music videos, TV shows, and films, so it’s a great place to snap some splendid pictures!

There’s another “hidden” waterfall here, which many people miss when visiting Seljalandsfoss – but we’ll show you where to find it! Just a short walk away from Seljalandsfoss, you’ll discover the entrance to a concealed cave – this is Gljúfrabúi!

You’ll need to hop over a few stepping stones to enter the gorgeous green canyon, but then you’ll be under a beautiful waterfall that tumbles into a pond right in front of you!

Skogafoss Waterfalls

Another incredible waterfall to enjoy at our next stop is called Skógafoss.  The name means “Forest Falls” but there aren’t many trees to be seen now after the Viking settlers chopped most of them down hundreds of years ago.

Skógafoss is one of the most recognizable waterfalls in the world, featured on “Game of Thrones” and in several Hollywood movies. From a height of 60 meters, the waters crash over the cliffs and produce sheets of spray and spectacular rainbows on sunny days.  You can even climb up some stairs to see the falls from on high too. 

Hike on top of the Sólheimajökull Glacier

You may wonder where all this water is coming from – our next stop will answer your questions! More than a tenth of Iceland lies under gigantic glaciers, immense rivers of ice, and ancient snow that reach down from the frozen Highlands. The Sólheimajökull glacier is an outlet glacier from the main ice cap here, called Mýrdalsjökul, and part of the Katla UNESCO GeoPark.

Climate change is shrinking Iceland’s glaciers now, so don’t miss this opportunity to see this natural wonder up close. We’ll kit you out with all the necessary safety equipment, including crampons, ropes, and helmets. Then, expert guides will show you the secrets of the glacier, like crevasses and other unique ice formations.

Reynisfjara - The Black Beach

The second day ends with a trip to one of the most picturesque beaches you’ll ever see – the black sand beach at Reynisfjara. National Geographic named it one of their favorite non-tropical beaches. Dark volcanic sands stretch for miles, and incredible hexagonal basalt columns line the cliffs.

Look out to sea for a view of the stunning stone sea stacks of the Reynisdrangar, a series of volcanic rock formations that some say are giant trolls frozen in time forever. Far off in the distance, you’ll see the rock arches at Dyrhólaey, carved by the mighty Atlantic waves that crash ashore here. Watch out for the “sneaker waves” and listen to your guide before walking on the beach!

We’ll stay overnight in a remote location in the southeastern corner of Iceland.

OVERNIGHT STAY ON THE COUNTRYSIDE

You will stay in a cozy country hotel located just few kilometres away from the Glacier Lagoon

Day 3 | Glacier Lagoon & Fjaðrárgljúfur River Canyon

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The third day of your South Coast adventure takes you to the foothills of Vatnajökull, the largest glacier in Iceland, which covers 8% of the island. The treasures of this region of Iceland include the world-famous Glacier Lagoon at Jökulsárlón, where you can see immense icebergs floating serenely around a dazzling lagoon.

Diamond Beach

You’ll will start the day by discovering Diamond Beach, where fragments of these icebergs lie scattered on a black sand beach.

Formed only a few decades ago, the Glacier Lagoon is an enormous lake close to the sea where gigantic icebergs break away from the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier.

Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Jökulsárlón is the deepest lake in Iceland and was created when a glacier retreated away from the sea, with the space left behind being filled with freezing meltwater and ghostly icebergs. It’s a spectacular sight, and Jökulsárlón has been featured in several Hollywood films, including Batman and James Bond!

If you want a closer look, you can book an optional amphibious vehicle journey around the lagoon, allowing you to see these natural marvels from just a few feet away!The bergs can float around here for years, slowly sculpted into fantastic shapes by the wind and the tide, before finally escaping to the sea.

After exploring this magnificent location, it’ll be time to return to Reykjavík, but there’ll be more treats to enjoy on the journey home!

Hofskirkja Church & Lava Fields

Iceland is famous for its turf-roofed buildings, a reminder of ancient times when this technique was used to keep people warm in the winter.

We’ll visit Hofskirkja for a photo stop, where you’ll see one of the last turf-roofed churches built in Iceland in the 19th century. Layers of green turf form the roof of this fairytale church, surrounded by moss-covered burial mounds, which seem to be melting into the landscape around it. 

The church was restored in the 1950s, and it’s a working church used by the locals, so this will be a quick stop for a photograph or two. 

Fjaðrárgljúfur River Canyon

The “Feather Canyon” is an astonishing sight as we return along the South Coast.  Hidden away a couple of kilometers from the Ring Road, this gorgeous green moss-covered canyon is a hundred meters deep and almost a kilometer long.

It became internationally known after Justin Bieber filmed one of his music videos here, so you might recognize it! The canyon was formed during the last Ice Age, leaving a snaking river behind when the ice sheet retreated

Vik Village

Before we return to the city, we’ll stop for refreshments at Vík, the southernmost point in Iceland. As well as lots of shops, restaurants and souvenir shops, you’ll see a fairytale church overlooking the village, with amazing views of the Reynisdrangar.

We’ll whisk you back to the capital along the picturesque Ring Road. So sit back, enjoy the view, and remember all the amazing sights you’ve seen on your 3-day adventure on Iceland’s South Coast!

Optional Activity

AMPHIBIOUS
BOAT TOUR
AMPHIBIOUS
BOAT TOUR
AMPHIBIOUS
BOAT TOUR

Take a thrilling 45-minute amphibious boat tour among the floating icebergs. It’s your chance to get up close to these glittering giants as the bergs sway around the lagoon.

You’ll jump on an open-top 4WD vehicle and slide into the glacial waters for a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with these magical mountains of ice. Wrap up warm and look out for seals!

TOUR DETAILS

DURATION
3 DAYS

MINIMUM AGE
11 YEARS OLD

AVAILABILITY:
MAY-OCT

FREE CANCELLATION:
24 HOURS PRIOR TRAVEL

DIFFICULTY:
ADVENTUROUS/CHALLENGING

Included

Excluded

Know Before You Go

Proper footwear when walking on uneven and slippery surfaces increases your safety and comfort. Please note, that you can be banned from participating in glacier activities when not wearing required shoes. If you do not own proper footwear (solid shoes reaching above your ankle) you can rent them during booking process

Hiking boots

For your convenience and safety reasons, it is recommended that you pack lightly for this tour, in a small suitcase or backpack. If you have large luggage with you, please check with your accommodation if they offer luggage storage for your time on this tour. If that is not a possibility, you can pay a small fee per luggage and we will make sure we have space for it on the tour bus or in a special luggage trailer

luggage

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Free Pick Up Service From Reykjavík

We offer pick up and drop off within the city of Reykjavik. We can pick-up directly from many hotels and guest houses in Reykjavik as well as from the Reykjavik cruise ship terminals.

Parts of Reykjavík City Center are closed for the commercial traffic. Please note, that your pick up might be from one of the dedicated meeting points