Reykjavik: South Coast Waterfalls, Glacier Hike & Jokulsarlon Boat

Two Days on Iceland's South Coast: Waterfalls, Ice & Black Sand

You get two full days covering Iceland's most famous South Coast stops without arranging transport, accommodation or equipment yourself. Day one includes three major waterfalls and a glacier hike with all safety gear provided. Day two is a boat tour among icebergs at Jökulsárlón and time on Diamond Beach. Hotel pickup from Reykjavik and breakfast both days are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Explore South Coast Waterfalls and Glacier Hike

• Pick up from accommodation in Reykjavik
• Visit Seljalandsfoss waterfall
• Visit Skógafoss waterfall
• Explore Reynisfjara black sand beach
• Hike on Sólheimajökull glacier

Day 2: Jökulsárlón Lagoon and Return to Reykjavik

• Visit Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon
• Explore Diamond Beach ice formations
• Return to Reykjavik city

The experience

The minibus picks you up from your Reykjavik hotel before dawn, and within an hour you're standing in front of Seljalandsfoss with a raincoat that's already soaked. The waterfall doesn't announce itself. It just appears, a wall of white noise and mist, and the ground beneath your boots trembles from the sheer force of water dropping 60 meters. You can walk behind it if you're brave enough. Most people are. By mid-morning you're at Skógafoss, where a staircase climbs the cliff face and the river Skógá tumbles down in a way that makes every photo look fake. The black sand of Reynisfjara comes next: massive Atlantic waves, basalt columns, and if it's summer, puffins nesting in the cliffs above. This is day one, and you haven't even touched the glacier yet.

The glacier hike on Sólheimajökull happens in the afternoon, and it's the part that sticks with you. All the safety gear is provided (crampons, harness, ice axe), so you just show up in hiking boots and waterproof clothes (rentable if you don't have them). Your guide ropes everyone together and you walk onto actual ice, crevasses opening up beside you, the glacier creaking underneath. It's not extreme, but it's real. You sleep that night in a 2-3 star hotel with a private bathroom, and breakfast is included the next morning.

Day two is Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, a 200-meter-deep lagoon fed by Breiðamerkurjökull, one of Europe's largest glaciers. Icebergs the size of houses float in it year-round, and you get a boat ride among them: close enough to touch the ice, old enough that it's been frozen for centuries. On the other side of the road is Diamond Beach, where smaller chunks of ice wash ashore on black sand and catch the light like broken glass. The drive back to Reykjavik takes most of the afternoon. You're dropped off around 7pm, and the whole thing (transport, hotel, meals, all the gear, the boat ride) is handled.

What’s included

Your two days include hotel pickup and drop-off from Reykjavik, overnight accommodation in a 2-3 star hotel with a private bathroom, breakfast both mornings, entry and guided visits to Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, and Reynisfjara Beach, a full glacier hike on Sólheimajökull with all safety equipment (crampons, harness, ice axe), a boat tour among the icebergs at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, time on Diamond Beach, a professional English-speaking guide throughout, and WiFi on board the minibus.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 1 May 2027

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (under 13)

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical level

Operated by Troll Expeditions

Is this one for you?A good fit if you want Iceland's South Coast highlights in two days without renting a car or booking separate transport, accommodation and activities: the fixed itinerary and included pickup mean you just show up at your hotel in the morning. Expect an early start, full days of driving and hiking, and weather that changes fast. Bring waterproof clothes and be ready to move between stops.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 13).

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 physical difficulty of the glacier hike?

It's suitable for all fitness levels. The hike is guided, and you're roped to the group. Crampons and an ice axe are provided. You just need hiking boots and waterproof clothes.

Is the boat ride at Jökulsárlón included?

Yes. The boat tour among the icebergs is part of the package on day two.

What time does pickup happen?

Pickup from your Reykjavik accommodation is early morning on day one. You're returned around 7pm on day two.

What's included in the price?

Hotel pickup and drop-off, overnight accommodation (2-3 star hotel), breakfast both days, glacier hike with all safety gear, boat tour at Jökulsárlón, professional English-speaking guide, and WiFi on the minibus.

Can I bring luggage?

The limit is one 24-inch suitcase per person. Oversized or extra luggage requires storage at an additional fee.

Does it operate in bad weather?

Yes, it operates in all weather conditions. Dress appropriately for wind, rain and cold.

How many people are in the group?

You travel in a small, comfortable minibus. The exact group size varies, but it's designed to stay intimate.

Is breakfast included both days?

Yes, breakfast is included on both day one and day two.