South Coast and Glacier Hike from Reykjavik

Ice, waterfalls, zero driving stress.

This day trip strings together Sólheimajökull glacier walking with two of the South Coast’s biggest waterfall hits, in a route that feels built for people who want Icelandic nature without the logistics headache. I especially like that you get ice hiking gear and safety equipment plus instruction, so the hike is not just scenic, it is taught.

My second favorite part is the guide focus on how glaciers form and change, paired with enough time on the ice field to actually feel what you are seeing up close. The main drawback to keep in mind is that the glacier portion depends on conditions, so weather can affect timing or even cause cancellation, and you should plan for that day to be weather-smart.

Key highlights that make this day trip worth your time

• Ice hiking gear and safety equipment included, so you do not have to guess what to rent
• A 2 to 2.5 hour guided glacier hike, with crampon instruction before you step onto ice
• Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull context from your guide while you travel south
• Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss stops make the drive feel packed, not empty
• Round-trip transport from Reykjavík helps you spend the day looking, not navigating
• Small-ish group cap of 50, which helps the day feel manageable on the glacier and at viewpoints

Why Eyjafjallajökull and Sólheimajökull work so well from Reykjavík

This is a classic South Coast day, but with a twist that changes the whole vibe: you are not just watching glaciers from afar. After leaving Reykjavík, you head into the area connected with Eyjafjallajökull and the glacier tongue from Mýrdalsjökull, where Sólheimajökull reaches down toward lower ground.

The payoff for you is simple. By bundling the glacier hike with the waterfalls in one trip, you avoid the hard part of travel planning, deciding routes, parking, and timing. Even if you are comfortable renting a car, doing it as a guided day makes the day feel smoother, especially if you want one less variable in Iceland weather.

Also, a 9:00 am start matters. You get a longer daylight window for the ice time and the photo stops, which is a real comfort when you are trying to fit big sights into roughly a 10 hour day.

Price and value: what you pay for, and what you get back

At $186 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get out of Reykjavík. But you are paying for the pieces that can cost time and money on your own: guided crampon hiking gear, safety equipment, and professional local interpretation, plus guided logistics to two major waterfall locations.

Here is the value logic I see. Glacier hiking is a specialized activity. The gear and instruction are the whole point, and they are included here. Then you tack on two high-demand stops, Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss, without having to plan a full driving day yourself.

The one cost to remember is food. Food and drinks are not included, and there is no lunch stop. If you want to keep energy up, plan a picnic lunch. The extra cost is small, but skipping it is what causes the crash halfway through an otherwise perfect day.

Gear, crampons, and glacier safety you can feel comfortable with

The tour includes ice hiking gear and safety equipment, and the guide teaches you how to use basic glacier equipment. That matters because glacier walking is not like hiking a normal trail, even when the walk is described as easy.

Before stepping onto the ice field, you should expect instruction on crampon use and how to walk safely. You are not just handed equipment and sent off. You learn the basics so you can focus on what is in front of you, ice ridges, ice textures, and crevasse-like features you would not want to stumble toward blindly.

You also should plan your clothing. The tour asks you to bring warm clothing, rain gear, and hiking boots. That is not a polite suggestion. South Coast weather can change fast, and being cold quickly ruins the magic of being on the ice.

One more practical note: children 9 years and younger are not permitted on this tour. If you are traveling with kids, that age cutoff will shape your options.

Stop 1: Sólheimajökull glacier, an easy walk with real science behind it

Your first big destination is the Sólheimajökull glacier tongue. This is one of those places where the visuals look otherworldly, but the bigger story is that glaciers are living systems that keep changing.

During the hike, you walk onto the ice field on crampons. The experience is designed to be accessible, described as an easy glacier walk, but it still takes attention. Once you are up on the ice, you get a close-up view of ice sculptures, ridges, and deep crevasse areas that make glacier retreat feel real, not abstract.

What I like about this style of glacier walk is that it pairs wonder with understanding. You are not only looking, you are learning how glaciers form, how they move, and why these ice giants can disappear over time. That extra context turns your photos into evidence. You remember not just the view, but what makes that view possible.

Timing is also a factor. The guided hike runs 2 to 2.5 hours, which is long enough to feel like you did something, but not so long that everyone is exhausted before the waterfalls. If weather conditions on the glacier change, the operation of the tour depends on that, so it is worth keeping your head flexible and your layers ready.

Stop 2: Skógafoss waterfall, huge power with good viewing time

After the glacier, you head to Skógafoss. This is one of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls, and that fame is earned. Skógafoss has that “how is there this much water just falling” feeling, with a wide view that works for both quick photos and longer looks.

What makes Skógafoss a smart second stop is pacing. You have ice on your boots, then you transition to a viewpoint that lets you loosen up mentally. It is also a good place to reset after the concentration of glacier walking.

A practical consideration is spray and wet surfaces. Even if the day is sunny, waterfall mist can keep the air chilly and the ground slick. Your hiking boots and rain gear matter again here.

If you are hoping for iconic photos, you will want to prioritize your time at Skógafoss. The day is structured with multiple stops, so it is not a slow meander where you can wander for hours.

Stop 3: Seljalandsfoss, the waterfall you can walk behind

The final waterfall stop is Seljalandsfoss. This waterfall stands out because it is not only seen from the front. The tour notes that if the weather permits, you may be able to walk behind Seljalandsfoss.

That “behind the waterfall” angle is what makes this stop so memorable. It changes the way you experience the water, turning it from a view into a tunnel-like moment where spray and sound wrap around you. It also gives you a different set of photo options without needing a drone or a special lens.

Still, the weather clause is important. If conditions are slippery or visibility is poor, that behind-the-water walk may not be possible. Keep your expectations in check and focus on what is available that day, the falls themselves are impressive even from the front path.

The in-between travel time: what you’re doing while you move south

This tour is about movement, not just the stops. You are traveling from Reykjavík to glaciers and then across the South Coast corridor. You ride in an air-conditioned vehicle with transport by bus, which keeps you out of the stress of driving and route planning.

That bus time is not wasted if you pay attention. Your guide provides context about glacier formation and the disappearing giants you are hiking on. Even if you are not a science person, that kind of narration helps you connect the dots. You start understanding why this region looks the way it does, why glaciers reach down where they do, and why you might see ice shapes that look like they were carved by a sculptor instead of a slow-moving river of ice.

Group size can affect the comfort of the ride. With a maximum of 50 travelers, it is not a tiny private van day, but it is also not a giant cattle-car feeling if the guide manages it well.

What to bring so the day feels smooth, not stressful

The tour gives you the hiking gear and safety equipment, which helps a lot. Your job is mainly keeping yourself comfortable and safe through cold, wet, and uneven ground.

I would pack like this:

• Warm layers you can add or remove
• Rain gear you can actually use at a waterfall and on windy glacier ice
• Hiking boots with grip, not slick sneakers
• A picnic lunch, since there is no lunch stop
• Something small for after the hike, like a snack for later

That picnic lunch tip is worth taking seriously. If you wait until you get hungry to solve food, you can waste time and patience. A pre-packed meal also helps you enjoy Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss without that shaky, hungry feeling.

Who this glacier hike and South Coast combo is best for

This is a strong choice if you want a full day that mixes physical activity with major Iceland sightseeing. The moderate physical fitness level requirement makes it suitable for many travelers, as long as you can handle walking for the glacier portion and standing at viewpoints.

You will probably love this if:

• You want the glacier experience but do not want to figure out crampons and safety rules yourself
• You like having a guide connect what you see to what is happening to the ice
• You want hassle-free round-trip transport from Reykjavík, especially if driving in Iceland is not your plan

It might be less ideal if you are very heat-sensitive or if you prefer long, unhurried sightseeing with no schedule. The day is structured, and you will move from glacier to waterfalls rather quickly.

The one caution I cannot ignore: weather can make or break the day

This tour depends on weather conditions on the glacier. That is not unique to this operator, it is glacier country reality. If conditions are not safe or workable, the day can be changed or canceled.

From my point of view, that means you should travel with mental flexibility. Have a plan for what you will do if you lose the glacier time, even if it is as simple as keeping your day open for other South Coast options.

Also, it is worth being aware that communication issues have happened in at least some past cancellations. The best insurance is your own check habit, but you can also protect yourself by keeping your contact info current with the booking.

Should you book this South Coast and Glacier Hike from Reykjavík?

If your goal is to do one big glacier hike plus two headline waterfalls without driving, I think this is a solid booking. The standout reasons are practical: gear and safety equipment are included, you get a guided 2 to 2.5 hour glacier walk, and the waterfalls make the drive feel worth the effort.

I would book it if you can handle changing conditions and you pack for cold and wet. I would hesitate if you cannot deal with possible weather disruption or if you want a day with guaranteed flexibility and no schedule risk.

FAQ

How long is the guided glacier hike?

The guided glacier hike lasts about 2 to 2.5 hours.

What is the total tour duration from start to finish?

The duration is approximately 10 hours.

What does the tour include for the glacier hike?

It includes ice hiking gear and safety equipment, plus a professional local tour guide and guided time on the glacier.

Is food included in the price?

No. Food and drinks are not included, and there is no lunch stop. It is recommended that you bring a picnic lunch.

Where do I meet and when does the tour start?

The tour starts at BSÍ Bus Terminal Reykjavík, Vatnsmýrarvegur 10, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland. The start time is 9:00 am, and the activity ends back at the meeting point.

Are kids allowed on this tour?

Children 9 years and younger are not permitted.

What should I wear for the glacier and waterfalls?

Bring warm clothing, rain gear, and hiking boots.