Iceland South Coast: Ice Cave, Glacier Hike & Lagoon Tour

Summary

Blue ice caves glacier hiking black sand waves and drifting icebergs

You’ll hike across real glacier ice under Vatnajökull, step into a blue ice cave with expert guides, watch floating icebergs at Jökulsárlón lagoon, and walk black sand beaches where Atlantic waves crash hard enough to shake your bones. Includes pickup from Reykjavík, overnight hotel with breakfast—and maybe a glimpse of northern lights if luck’s on your side.

What’s the experience like?

We got picked up in Reykjavík before the sun even bothered to show. Our guide, Einar, had this dry humor—he joked about Icelandic weather being “just a suggestion.” First stop was Seljalandsfoss. I’d seen photos but didn’t expect the mist to actually sting my cheeks or how loud it’d be behind the waterfall. My raincoat barely did its job, but walking behind that curtain of water felt like sneaking backstage at nature’s show. There was a couple from Spain with us—she kept laughing every time her glasses fogged up.

Skógafoss was next, and honestly, climbing those stairs beside the falls left me embarrassingly out of breath (Einar pretended not to notice). The spray got everywhere. You could taste it—sort of mineral-y? After that we drove through these endless moss fields until we reached Skaftafell for the glacier hike. Strapping on crampons felt serious; our glacier guide, Halla, explained every step and made sure nobody panicked when we first set foot on the ice. The blue inside the cave wasn’t something my phone could capture—kind of glowed from within, cold air biting at my nose. Halla told us each cave only lasts a season or two; she seemed almost protective of them.

The next morning at Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon was just…quiet. Even with other groups around you could hear the icebergs knocking against each other. I walked along the shore for a bit by myself and found this chunk of ice shaped like a chair (almost sat on it but chickened out). Across the road is Diamond Beach—black sand scattered with clear pieces of ice that looked fake in the early light. Reynisfjara Beach came last: huge basalt columns and waves that crashed so hard you felt them in your chest. We watched some puffins darting around overhead—apparently they’re only here in summer but I swear I saw one.

We tried to spot northern lights both nights (the hotel’s right for it), but clouds had other plans. Still, I keep thinking about that blue glow inside the cave and how small I felt standing there. If you’re after comfort or predictability, maybe skip Iceland’s south coast—but if you want to feel like you’ve landed on another planet for two days…well, here it is.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore South Coast and Glacier Hike

• Pick up from Reykjavík
• Visit Seljalandsfoss waterfall
• See Skógafoss waterfall and climb stairs
• Hike on glacier with guide
• Explore blue ice cave in Skaftafell

Day 2 — Glacier Lagoon and Black Sand Beaches

• Breakfast buffet in the morning
• Visit Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon
• Walk along ice-filled black sand beach
• Explore Reynisfjara black sand beach

Top questions

How long is the drive from Reykjavík to Jökulsárlón?

It takes about 5 hours each way by bus or car, with stops along Iceland’s south coast for sightseeing.

Is glacier hiking safe for beginners?

Yes—the tour includes all safety equipment and experienced guides who explain everything step by step.

Are meals included during the tour?

Breakfast is included at your overnight hotel; other meals are not specified so plan to bring snacks or buy food along the way.

Can I see northern lights during this tour?

The hotels are chosen to maximize your chances but seeing northern lights depends on weather and cannot be guaranteed.

What should I wear for an Iceland glacier hike?

Wear warm layers and waterproof outerwear; hiking boots with slip-resistant soles are recommended (available for rent).

Is hotel pickup included in Reykjavík?

Yes—pickup is included from most hotels or designated bus stops in Reykjavík city center.

Are public transport options available nearby?

Yes—the tour starts from Reykjavík where public transportation is available nearby designated pickup points.

How much luggage can I bring?

You’re allowed one suitcase up to 24 inches per person; extra luggage can be stored free if needed due to space limits.

What’s included

Your two-day trip includes pickup from Reykjavík hotels or bus stops, all taxes and fees, WiFi onboard your vehicle, an overnight stay at a private-bathroom hotel with breakfast included, expert guides for both glacier hiking and exploring the blue ice cave (with all necessary safety equipment provided), plus plenty of time at waterfalls and iconic south coast beaches before returning to Reykjavík.