Iceland South Coast & Ice Cave Tour: Golden Circle, Glacier Hike, Northern Lights

Summary

Blue ice caves geysers waterfalls and black sand in Iceland

You’ll walk between tectonic plates at Thingvellir, taste fresh ice cream on a windswept farm, strap on crampons for a glacier hike into an electric-blue ice cave, and maybe catch the Northern Lights swirling overhead. This tour is more than sights — it’s moments when Iceland feels both huge and strangely close.

What’s the experience like?

Honestly, I thought I was prepared for Iceland’s weather — but stepping out of the minibus near Thingvellir, the cold sort of bit through my gloves. Our guide, Jónas, just grinned and handed me a second pair. He pointed out where the tectonic plates pull apart (“right under your feet,” he said), and I tried to picture all those centuries of parliament meetings happening in that wild wind. The sun kept ducking behind clouds as we walked by the lake — it smelled faintly like wet stone and moss. I can’t say I caught every word Jónas said about history (the wind was winning), but you could feel how much he cared about this place.

The next morning started with coffee that tasted a little burnt — or maybe that was just my nerves about hiking on a glacier. Strapping on crampons felt weirdly serious, like gearing up for a moonwalk. Our glacier guide, Sigríður (she told us to call her Sigga), had this dry sense of humor about tourists falling over (“Don’t worry, only five slipped last week”). The crunch of ice underfoot was sharper than I expected. Inside the blue ice cave it went quiet except for water dripping somewhere deep inside — the light turned everything this electric shade of blue. It’s hard to explain how small you feel in there.

We stopped at a dairy farm for ice cream (free — Jónas insisted) and watched the cows blink at us like they’d seen it all before. At Gullfoss waterfall, spray got into my camera lens so most of my photos are blurry — but honestly that’s what it felt like to stand there anyway. Later we tried to spot the Northern Lights outside our hotel; everyone stood around in borrowed parkas with noses pointed up. Someone started humming quietly and then we all just waited together in the cold. The lights finally showed up for a few minutes — green ribbons twisting above us — and nobody really said anything after that.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Golden Circle sightseeing

• Visit Thingvellir National Park
• See Gullfoss waterfall
• Explore Geysir geothermal area

Day 2 — South Coast waterfalls and glacier

• Visit Seljalandsfoss waterfall
• See Skógafoss waterfall
• Hike on Vatnajökull glacier
• Explore blue ice cave

Day 3 — Glacier lagoon and black sand beach

• Visit Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon
• See icebergs on black sand beach
• Visit Reynisfjara black sand beach

Top questions

How long is the South Coast & Ice Cave tour from Reykjavik?

The tour lasts 3 days with two nights’ accommodation included.

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?

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

Will I see the Northern Lights during this trip?

The hotels are chosen to maximize your chances but sightings depend on nature; they can’t be guaranteed.

What should I bring for the glacier hike?

Bring waterproof hiking boots with slip-resistant soles; safety equipment is provided.

Are meals included during the tour?

Breakfasts are included with hotel stays; other meals are not specified except free ice cream at a dairy farm.

Can I join if I’m not very fit?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels but some walking/hiking is required.

Is WiFi available during travel?

Yes, WiFi is available onboard the minibus during transfers between sites.

Are entrance fees or special activities included?

The glacier hike with safety gear and super jeep transfer to an ice cave are included in your booking.

What’s included

Your three days include hotel pickup from Reykjavik bus stops, two nights in comfortable hotels with private bathrooms and breakfast each morning, WiFi onboard your minibus, guided tours through geysers and waterfalls along the Golden Circle and South Coast, free local ice cream at a traditional dairy farm stop, plus all necessary safety gear for both your glacier hike and super jeep ride into an ice cave before heading back to town.