Iceland South Coast: Glacier Hike, Jokulsarlon Lagoon & Waterfalls

Summary

Seljalandsfoss spray, glacier crunch and drifting icebergs in Iceland

You’ll feel Iceland’s wildness up close: walk behind Seljalandsfoss waterfall’s roar, hike across Sólheimajökull’s creaking glacier, and float among ancient icebergs at Jökulsárlón Lagoon. With hotel pickup and breakfast included, it’s two days of raw landscapes and small surprises — like puffins overhead or cold spray on your face — that stay with you long after you’re back in Reykjavik.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the sound — that deep, heavy thumping from Seljalandsfoss before we even saw it. Our guide, Einar, grinned as we piled out of the minibus near the falls. I’d packed a raincoat but still got soaked slipping behind the curtain of water — it’s colder than you expect, like walking into a fridge with thunder for a soundtrack. Einar told us to look up when we were behind the falls; the light comes through all silvery and weirdly peaceful. I tried to take a photo but my fingers were too numb.

We stopped at Skógafoss next, where everyone just stood for a second watching the river drop off that cliff. Some people counted steps up to the top (I lost track after twenty-something). The air smelled faintly of moss and wet stone. Then Reynisfjara beach — black sand that gets everywhere, honestly — and those basalt columns that look like something out of Minecraft. There were puffins darting around above us; someone in our group started naming them like pets. The wind was strong enough to steal your words if you weren’t careful.

Later that day was Sólheimajökull glacier. They strapped crampons on our boots and suddenly we were crunching over blue-white ice with little rivers running beneath us. Einar pointed out how the glacier’s shrinking every year (“It used to reach way past here,” he said, tracing a line in the air). That stuck with me more than I expected. My legs felt wobbly but in a good way — like I’d done something real.

The next morning was Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. It’s quiet there except for the soft clinking of icebergs bumping together. We took a boat ride weaving between these massive chunks of ancient ice — some so clear they looked fake, others electric blue under the cloud cover. Across the road is Diamond Beach where bits of ice wash up on black sand and melt while you watch. I picked one up; it was smoother than glass and melted almost instantly in my palm.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore South Coast Waterfalls and Glacier Hike

• Pick up from accommodation
• Travel to Seljalandsfoss waterfall
• Hike behind Seljalandsfoss waterfall
• Visit Skógafoss waterfall
• Climb stairs above Skógafoss
• Explore Reynisfjara black sand beach
• Glacier hike on Sólheimajökull

Day 2 — Jökulsárlón Lagoon and Return to Reykjavik

• Visit Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon
• Boat ride among icebergs
• Walk on Diamond Beach
• Return to Reykjavik

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this South Coast tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included from designated stops in Reykjavik.

How long does the day trip from Reykjavik to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon take?

The drive from Reykjavik to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon takes most of Day 2, with stops along the way at key sights.

Do I need special gear for the Sólheimajökull glacier hike?

No special gear is needed; all glacier hiking equipment is provided. Bring sturdy boots and waterproof clothing (rentals available).

Is breakfast included during this 2-day Iceland tour?

Yes, breakfast is included during your overnight stay on this South Coast tour.

What kind of accommodation is provided?

You’ll stay overnight in a 2-3 star hotel with a private bathroom.

Are meals other than breakfast included?

No other meals besides breakfast are included; you’ll have time to buy food along the route.

Can I bring more than one suitcase on this tour?

No; only one suitcase per person (max 24") is allowed due to space limits.

Is this South Coast tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels though there is some walking involved.

What’s included

Your two-day adventure includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Reykjavik, WiFi onboard your minibus, an overnight stay in a comfortable hotel with private bathroom, breakfast each morning, all safety gear for your Sólheimajökull glacier hike (with guides who know their stuff), plus a boat ride weaving through Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon’s floating icebergs before heading back to Reykjavik in time for dinner.