As we leave the capital city behind us, we quickly climb into the mountains, with the geothermal powerplant at Hellisheidi billowing steam and vapor across the rugged lava fields.
Then we swoop down the other side of the mountain pass towards the coastal plain, approaching the town of Hveragerdi, famous for it’s greenhouses, sitting in a rift valley between the two continental plates of Eurasia and America.
Soon, we will reach the little towns of Selfoss, Hella and Hvolsvollur – from here onwards, your journey on the South Coast truly begins to be an adventure!
Crossing glacial rivers on single-track bridges, the mountains are rising up again on the landward side, while on sunny days it is possible to see the Westman Islands (Vestmanneyjar) out to sea.
Seljalandsfoss and Gljufrabui Waterfalls
Our first stop of the tour will be at the famous Seljalandsfoss waterfall – you’ll be able to see it from far off in the distance as we approach along Route 1. But then you’ll be able to experience it right up close as it crashes off the side of Eyfjallajokull volcano from a height of 60 meters.
Remember to ask your guide all about the colossal eruption here back in 2010, which made Iceland famous all around the world! Nearby, there is another beautiful but hidden waterfall called Gljufrabui, which most visitors miss. We’ll show you where to find it!
As we move on to our next stop, you’ll have an even better view of Eyjafjallajokull and you’ll also get to visit Irafoss, another magical waterfall that other visitors don’t get to see.
Skogafoss Waterfall
The next stage of our tour brings us to Skogafoss, which is one of the most iconic waterfalls in the world, and even featured in “Game of Thrones”.
Skogafoss, because of it’s south-facing position, it is often covered in rainbows as the 60-meter cascade of water produces a lot of spray! Skogafoss is one of the most popular sights in the country and it’s possible to climb to the top of the waterfall to see it from there too.
Glacier Hike at Solheimajokull Glacier
As well as waterfalls, Iceland is well-known for it’s glaciers too. Did you know that glaciers cover about 10% of the total area of Iceland ?
We will give you the chance to see Solheimajokull, which is part of one of the largest glaciers in the country, Myrdalsjokull.
You will also take part in a glacier hike (approx. 1.5 hour long), with a guide and all the necessary safety equipment provided.
Admiring a glacier from a distance is one thing but exploring them by foot is a completely different world a part. A glacier hike, as its name suggests, is a professionally performed activity on which careful glacial routes are selected and thereafter hiked by a small group of people led by a certified guide.
The sensation of placing on foot after the other whilst consciously realizing the magnitude and power of what lies beneath is a feeling that can only be felt when there. This glacier hike will is bound to show how truly fragile we are in the face of Mother Nature – a once in a lifetime unforgettable experience!
Reynisfjara - Black Beach
After the stop at the glacier, it is now time to visit the world-famous black sand beach at Reynisfjara, where beautifully-shaped basalt columns hug the cliffs, volcanic sands are pounded by powerful Atlantic waves and the starkly shaped sea stacks of the Reynisdrangar tower just offshore.
The stone sea arches of Dyrholaey can also be seen in the distance. Don’t get too close to the waves though – they’re often faster than you think!
After an amazing day of exploration and adventure, our free WiFi makes it easy for you to share instantly the wonders of your time here with your friends back home, as we return you in comfort to Reykjavik.
You want more ?
Do you want to continue the adventure? You can easily add an extra day to this tour and take a trip a little further east to the famous Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and
Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
If you want to enjoy the best of the Icelandic nature and witness first-hand the wonders of the South Coast, then you should book this tour now, as availability is very limited.
1,5 hour long Glacier Hike with all the necessary safety equipment
Free Wi-Fi on bus and USB chargers next to every seat
Excluded
Lunch – we make scheduled stops so that guests can buy lunch or snacks during the tour
Know Before You Go
Pickup takes place between 08:30 – 09:00 – so please be ready from 8:30 at your pick up location
Tour is operated under all weather conditions: please bring warm, wind & waterproof clothes
It can happen that glacier activities are cancelled due to weather or other unforeseen reasons - in that case a refund for the cancelled activity will be issued
The tour takes about 10-12 hours, depending on the weather conditions and other factors
Hiking boots are mandatory
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
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