2-Day South Coast Tour Iceland: Glacier Hike & Glacier Lagoon

Hike onto a glacier, then float past icebergs in a lagoon: two days that cover Iceland's most dramatic coastline.

This 2-day tour of Iceland's South Coast combines two nights of driving with a glacier hike on Sólheimajökull and an amphibian boat tour into Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. Day one takes you to Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, a hidden waterfall, and Reynisfjara black sand beach before the glacier climb. Day two moves through Diamond Beach, the lagoon, Eldhraun lava fields, and Skaftafell National Park. You stay overnight in a 3-star hotel between Vik and Hofn, with breakfast included and a live English-speaking guide leading a small group. The minimum age is eight years. July and August book up quickly.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: South Coast and Glacier Hike

• Visit Seljalandsfoss waterfall
• Visit Gljufrabui hidden waterfall
• Visit Skogafoss waterfall
• Hike on Solheimajokull Glacier
• Visit Reynisfjara black sand beach

Day 2: Glacier Lagoon and Boat Tour

• Visit Diamond Beach
• Take amphibian boat tour at Glacier Lagoon
• Visit Eldhraun Lava Fields
• Visit Bridge of the Volcanoes
• Visit Fjadrargljufur River Canyon

The experience

The glacier hike anchors day one. After visiting Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss (two waterfalls you can approach from different angles, one with a 527-step climb to the top), you'll reach Sólheimajökull, where all safety equipment is provided and you walk directly onto the ice. The day also includes Gljufrabui, a waterfall tucked inside a mini cave where you'll get wet, and Reynisfjara, the black sand beach with basalt cliffs where the ocean's pull is strong enough to trap the unwary. You end the day at your hotel between Vik and Hofn with time to explore the area.

Day two centers on Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and the amphibian boat tour that takes you close to the floating ice. Before the boat, you'll walk Diamond Beach, where chunks of glacier wash ashore and catch the light like jewels. After the lagoon, the route moves through Eldhraun's volcanic lava fields, the Bridge of the Volcanoes inside Skaftafell National Park, and Fjadrargljufur River Canyon: a deep, winding gorge accessible only in summer. If time allows, you'll explore more of Vik on the drive back.

The guide is live and English-speaking, and the group stays small. Breakfast is included both mornings. Dinner is late, so the operator advises bringing snacks. Pack warm layers, waterproof gear and comfortable hiking boots: the South Coast weather shifts fast and the glacier demands proper footwear.

What’s included

• Overnight in a 3-star hotel.
• breakfast both mornings.
• live English-speaking guide.
• small group tour.
• glacier safety equipment.
• amphibian boat tour at Jokulsarlon.
• pickup included.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 2 May 2027

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (8 and older) · Under 8: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 6 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 15 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by David The Guide

Is this one for you?This is a guided small-group tour with a live English-speaking guide, so you move with the group's pace and the guide handles the route and timing. The glacier hike and boat tour are the physical anchors. If you want to walk onto ice and float past icebergs without arranging transport or logistics yourself, this format delivers both in two days. If you prefer to explore at your own pace or travel privately, look for self-guided options or private tours of the same route.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24h before the start.

What's the glacier hike on Sólheimajökull actually like?

Sólheimajökull is a walk directly onto the ice with all safety equipment provided by the tour. The hike happens on day one after you've visited the waterfalls, and it's the physical centerpiece of the first day.

How does the amphibian boat tour at Jokulsarlon work?

The amphibian boat is a specialized vessel that floats into the glacier lagoon itself, letting you get close to the icebergs and glacier views. It's included on day two and you spend extra time here compared to other stops.

What's included in the overnight hotel stay?

A 3-star hotel for one night between Vik and Hofn is included, along with breakfast both mornings. Dinner is not included, though it's available in the area. The operator notes dinner service runs late.

Can children go on this tour?

The minimum age is eight years old. Children need to be comfortable with the glacier hike and the physical demands of two full days of driving and walking.

Why does this tour fill up in July and August?

July and August are peak season on Iceland's South Coast, and this particular route (combining the glacier hike, the lagoon boat tour, and the lava fields) draws crowds quickly during summer months.

What should I pack for this tour?

Bring warm layers, a hat, gloves, a waterproof jacket and pants, and sturdy hiking boots. The South Coast weather changes rapidly and you'll be walking on ice, black sand beaches, and lava fields where proper footwear matters.