Iceland South Coast: Glacier Hike & Jokulsarlon Lagoon Tour

Summary

Jokulsarlon icebergs, black beaches, glacier hikes and wild waterfalls on Iceland’s south coast

You’ll hear glaciers groan beneath your boots and watch seals slip between icebergs at Jokulsarlon Lagoon. Feel spray from Skógafoss waterfall, walk Reynisfjara’s black sands, and taste Icelandic air so cold it tingles your nose. With pickup, breakfast, glacier gear and a local guide—it’s two days you’ll remember every time you see rain or ice.

What’s the experience like?

“If you listen, you can hear the glacier creak,” our guide Sigrún said, pausing mid-step on the blue ice of Sólheimajökull. I tried to stand still, but my crampons made this tiny crunching sound every time I shifted. The wind was sharp enough to sting my cheeks, but honestly—being out there on that living river of ice felt like standing inside a different world. Sigrún handed me an ice axe (which I gripped way too tightly), and pointed out these deep blue cracks running through the glacier. The whole thing looked almost fake, like someone had colored it with a marker. We all just stood there for a minute, not really talking. It was weirdly quiet except for that creaking and a few gulls somewhere overhead.

Earlier that morning, we’d stopped by Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss—those waterfalls are loud in person, you know? Mist everywhere; my jacket still smells a bit earthy from it. At Reynisfjara Beach later on, the sand was so black it almost looked wet even when it wasn’t. There were these basalt columns along the cliffs where some kids were climbing (not sure if that’s allowed), and the Atlantic waves crashed hard enough to make everyone step back now and then. Our driver Jón told us about the volcano Eyjafjallajökull—the one that messed up flights back in 2010—and laughed when I tried to pronounce it.

The next day started slow in Vík village—just coffee and some sleepy sheep outside town. But then we got to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon for the boat tour, which was kind of surreal. Icebergs drifted by in all shapes, some glowing blue under cloudy light. Seals popped up sometimes (one stared right at me before diving). The air smelled cold—sort of metallic? Afterward we wandered down to Diamond Beach where bits of ice scattered across the black sand like someone had broken a giant chandelier. I picked up a chunk; it melted fast in my glove.

I didn’t expect to feel so small out there—like everything was moving at its own pace whether we watched or not. Even now I keep thinking about those silent moments on the glacier, or how the moss on old lava fields looked almost neon against all that grey sky.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — South Coast, Waterfalls and Glacier Hike

• Visit Reykjadalur hot river valley
• Stop at Selfoss town
• See Seljalandsfoss waterfall and cave
• Discover hidden waterfall
• Learn about Eyjafjallajökull volcano eruption
• Visit Skógafoss waterfall and climb top
• Glacier hike on Sólheimajökull with guide
• View Dyrholaey sea arches
• Explore Reynisfjara black sand beach

Day 2 — Glacier Lagoon and Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon

• Stop at Vík village viewpoint
• See moss-covered lava formations
• Walk Fjaðrárgljúfur river canyon
• Visit turf-roofed Hofskirkja church
• Take amphibious boat tour at Jökulsárlón lagoon
• Walk on Diamond Beach near lagoon

Top questions

How long does the South Coast & Glacier Hike tour take?

This is a 2-day small group tour departing from Reykjavik and returning around 9:30pm on day two.

Is hotel pickup included for this Jokulsarlon tour?

Yes, pickup and drop-off in Reykjavik are included in your booking.

Do I need special equipment for hiking Sólheimajökull glacier?

No special gear needed—you’ll be provided with crampons and safety equipment by your glacier guide.

What should I bring for this Iceland south coast trip?

Bring warm windproof clothes, waterproof layers, good hiking shoes (rentals available), and a camera.

Is breakfast included during the 2-day south coast tour?

Yes, breakfast is included with your overnight accommodation on the south coast.

Will we visit Diamond Beach near Jokulsarlon?

Yes—the tour includes time at Diamond Beach right after visiting Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon.

Are there luggage restrictions for this trip?

Only small carry-on bags or backpacks are allowed; larger luggage can be stored in Reykjavik before departure.

What’s included

Your journey includes pickup and drop-off in Reykjavik, one night’s accommodation with breakfast on Iceland’s south coast, free Wi-Fi and USB charging onboard the bus, a guided hike on Sólheimajökull glacier with all safety gear provided (crampons, axes), an amphibious boat tour among Jokulsarlon's icebergs—and plenty of local stories along the way.