From Reykjavik: South Coast and Glacier Hiking Tour

Ice turns into real adventure. This Reykjavik day trip pairs a guided walk on Sólheimajökull with classic south coast waterfall stops like Seljalandsfoss. I like that you get proper instruction and glacier hiking gear before stepping onto the ice. I also like the pacing, you have time to enjoy the waterfalls on the way back. One drawback to plan for: the glacier portion depends on weather, so the day can shift.

Expect a long day from BSI Bus Terminal (about 10.5 hours total), with a drive where you pass under the famous Eyjafjallajökull area and then head to the glacier. On the ice, you’ll learn how to walk safely, using basic glacier equipment, and you’ll see crevasses, ice ridges, and ice formations that look like sculptures.

Glacier walking on Sólheimajökull, with safety built in

This is not just a sightseeing stop. You’re trading the bus view for boots on ice, and that matters because a glacier is both beautiful and unforgiving.

What you actually do on the ice

You’ll join a guided glacier hike lasting about 1.5 to 2 hours. The goal is to walk on the glacier tongue at Sólheimajökull, a smaller outlet glacier from Mýrdalsjökull. Along the route, you should expect:

• Ice sculptures made by melt and freeze patterns
• Raised ridges that can guide your footing
• Deep crevasses that show why glacier travel requires training

The big value here is that you’re not guessing. Guides teach you how to use your basic glacier gear and how to place your feet with confidence on slippery surfaces. In one recent experience, a guide named Bart was praised for both competence and safety, including helping people with photos and even using proper safeguards so the group could look at a deep crevasse.

Gear and instruction, not just “take a walk”

The tour includes ice hiking gear and safety equipment. That’s what turns this from a risky idea into a guided outdoor activity. Several reviews also highlighted that the guide walked people through how to put on crampon-style gear and how to move on the ice, which is exactly what you want if you don’t hike regularly.

In one booking, a guide named Gary and driver Tomek were noted for explaining things clearly and keeping the trip feeling smooth. In another, Tinna led a group and the party size was described as around 10 people, which tends to make instruction easier to manage.

Important limit: no ice climbing

Ice climbing is not included. So if your dream is scrambling up vertical ice, this isn’t that kind of tour. Think walking, observing, learning, and photographing, with safety procedures running in the background.

The south coast drive: Eyjafjallajökull context and realistic timing

A major part of this day is the road. And in Iceland, the drive is not “dead time.” It’s where you line up the story of the geology you’ll see on foot.

Passing under the Eyjafjallajökull story

On the way from Reykjavik, the route takes about 2 hours each direction, and you’ll pass under the Eyjafjallajökull volcano that caused major disruption back in 2010. East of it lies Sólheimajökull, which is how the day links the dramatic volcanic setting to the slow, disappearing ice.

Even if you don’t know the details, the terrain starts giving clues. You’re looking at a region shaped by ice and fire. The tour guide will usually connect those dots so the glacier walk feels less random and more like one chapter of the same planet.

Timing that matters for daylight, especially in winter

Winter daylight can be short, and waterfall stops turn into a timing game. One smart tip from a recent booking: if you have a choice among departure times, pick the earlier option when days are shorter. That can help you arrive at the waterfalls with more daylight for photos and time to linger.

The tour is about 10.5 hours total, so you’re not darting between stops. You’re also not stuck for endless time at one location. It’s a practical balance for a first big south coast day.

Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss: two famous waterfalls, one return route

The payoff on the way back is the double waterfall combo. This is where the day turns from icy science to pure wow.

Seljalandsfoss, the waterfall you can walk behind

Seljalandsfoss is part of the Seljandsá river, fed by origins in the Eyjafjallajökull glacier. The feature that makes it famous is simple: you can walk behind it.

That also means you need to plan for getting wet. Bring either a raincoat or a waterproof layer if you want that behind-the-waterfall experience. Without it, you’ll still enjoy the views, but your clothes and photos may suffer.

Skógafoss, the big show and a movie connection

Skógafoss is another classic south coast stop, and it’s also the starting point of the Fimmvörðuháls walk toward Þórsmörk. It has popped up in popular culture too, including films like Thor: The Dark World and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.

In other words, this isn’t a “small” waterfall stop. It’s a wide, powerful scene that gives you multiple angles and enough time to take your time, not just shoot-and-go.

How hard is the glacier hike? Fitness and footwear reality check

Glacier walking is usually easier than technical mountaineering, but it still counts as real walking on a challenging surface.

What you should be physically ready for

One review described the glacier hike as physically in the middle effort range, and specifically noted that good walking ability and no joint pain help a lot. If you don’t hike often, expect your legs and feet to feel it.

Also remember this: you’re walking on ice where balance matters. That means you might feel more tired than you’d expect from the time on foot, especially at the end of a long day.

Boots and clothing are not optional

Warm clothing, rain gear, and hiking boots are strongly recommended. The day is about ice, wind, and wet air near waterfalls. If you dress for a city walk, you’ll be uncomfortable on the glacier and miserable if weather turns wet.

If you’re a slower walker, that can be a non-issue if your guide can pace the group. One review specifically said the guide could adapt for people who move more slowly, so you’re not forced to sprint.

Price and value: what $213 buys on this kind of day

At $213 per person, this isn’t the cheapest thing you can do from Reykjavik. The question is what you’re paying for.

You’re paying for three value pillars:

1. A guided glacier hike (about 1.5 to 2 hours)
2. Ice hiking gear and safety equipment included
3. A full-day logistics package, including the long drive and the waterfall stops

If you tried to do the glacier walk as a DIY plan, you’d spend time figuring out equipment and access, and you’d still face safety demands. Here, you get a guide who knows the terrain and teaches the right technique. Reviews also emphasize guide quality, like Bart’s competence and attention to safety, and Gary’s clear explanations.

What’s not included, and why it affects your budget

Hotel pickup is not included, and food and drinks are not included. That means you should plan for snacks and water, and possibly quick buys at stops. One review noted opportunities to buy food and drink during the day, and suggested bringing what you need to avoid overpriced purchases.

So the real cost is not only the tour price. It’s also what you bring for food and warm layers.

Weather rules the glacier, so pack for flexibility

This tour depends on weather conditions on the glacier. That’s a big deal because conditions can change the safest route or timing.

Bring layers and expect cold near the ice and falls

Even if it looks okay at the start of the day, glacier and waterfall areas can be windy and damp. Warm layers plus rain gear helps you stay comfortable enough to focus on the walk, not on shivering.

Ice climbing is not part of the experience

If the weather is rough, you might still get a glacier experience, but don’t assume you’ll do anything technical. Plan around glacier walking and viewing, not ascending ice.

When the day goes well, the payoff is huge

The best part is the sense of scale and structure. The ice formations, ridges, and crevasses are hard to fully understand from pictures. On the ground, you feel the terrain. That’s where guides earn their pay, because they keep you in the right path and explain what you’re seeing.

Should you book the Reykjavik South Coast and Glacier Hiking Tour?

I’d book this if you want one day that checks multiple boxes: walking on a real Icelandic glacier tongue, learning basic equipment use, and then relaxing into two major waterfall icons on the return.

You might skip it if:

• You’re only looking for easy, short sightseeing on pavement
• You want ice climbing or technical glacier scrambling
• You know your schedule cannot handle weather-related changes on the glacier

For most people who can handle long driving plus 1.5 to 2 hours of guided walking on ice, it’s a strong value because you get instruction and included safety gear, not just a bus ride.

If you go, your best move is simple: dress for cold and wet, wear solid hiking boots, and consider an earlier departure when winter light is limited.

FAQ

Where do I meet for this tour?

The main departure point is from the BSI Bus Terminal in Reykjavik. Be ready 15 minutes before the departure time.

How long is the tour from Reykjavik?

The duration is 10.5 hours total.

How long is the glacier hike on Sólheimajökull?

You’ll do a guided glacier hike lasting about 1.5 to 2 hours.

What is included for the glacier part?

The tour includes ice hiking gear and safety equipment, plus a live English guide for the glacier walk.

Is hotel pickup included?

No, hotel pickup is not included.

Do I need to bring my own food and drinks?

Food and drinks are not included, so you should plan to bring some or buy along the way if available.

What should I wear and bring?

Bring warm clothing, rain gear, and hiking boots.

Is ice climbing included?

No. Ice climbing is not included.

Are children allowed?

Children aged 9 years and younger are not permitted on this tour.

Does the tour run in all weather?

The operation depends on weather conditions on the glacier. The glacier portion can be affected by conditions.