Iceland South Coast: Private Glacier View & Lava Show Day Trip

Summary

Black sand beaches, glacier air, lava’s glow and waterfalls in iceland

You’ll feel Iceland’s South Coast with every sense: glacier air on your skin, volcanic sand underfoot, real molten lava glowing just meters away. With a local guide handling every detail and pickup from Reykjavik included, you’ll get close to waterfalls and taste hot soup in Vík before heading home with your head full of wild landscapes.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me was the smell — not the fresh cold you’d expect, but something earthy and almost metallic near Sólheimajökull. Our guide, Jón, handed out waterproof jackets (thank god, because I’m not as tough as Icelanders) and led us down this winding valley path. The light kept shifting; one minute it was all silver clouds, then suddenly a sharp sunbeam bounced off the glacier like someone flicked a switch. Jón stopped to show us these deep blue cracks in the ice — he called them crevasses — and explained how fast everything’s changing here. It felt weirdly quiet except for our boots crunching on gravel. I still think about that silence sometimes.

Later at Reynisfjara Beach, I tried to scoop up some of the black sand — it’s gritty, almost glassy between your fingers. There were these wild basalt columns rising up like giant organ pipes. A couple of local kids were daring each other to get close to the waves (don’t do it; those things are sneaky). Lunch was in Vík — hot soup at The Soup Company, which tasted even better after all that wind. The Lava Show after was honestly nothing like I expected; when they poured out molten rock right there in front of us, everyone just kind of leaned back at once from the heat. Our host told stories about eruptions that shaped this whole coast — Li laughed when I tried to say “Eyjafjallajökull” in Icelandic (I probably butchered it).

Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss came last. Both waterfalls are so loud you have to shout over them if you want anyone to hear you. At Seljalandsfoss you can walk behind the curtain of water — unless it’s icy (we didn’t risk it). My phone got soaked anyway but whatever; standing there with spray on my face felt sort of electric after a long day. We loaded up on snacks earlier in Hvolsvöllur so nobody got hangry between stops — smart move by Jón.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore South Coast waterfalls and glacier

• Visit Seljalandsfoss waterfall
• Visit Skógafoss waterfall
• Guided valley walk to glacier viewpoint
• Stop at Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
• Explore seaside town and have lunch
• Watch Icelandic Lava Show

Top questions

Is lunch included on this South Coast day trip?

No, lunch isn’t included but there’s time for a meal at The Soup Company in Vík or you can bring snacks from Hvolsvöllur.

Does this tour include walking on the glacier?

No glacier hike is included; you’ll walk down a valley for views of Sólheimajökull’s terminal face but not onto the ice itself.

How long is the walk to view Sólheimajökull glacier?

The guided walk takes about 15–20 minutes each way along an easy valley path.

Are waterproof clothes or boots provided?

Waterproof jackets, pants or hiking boots can be rented if pre-booked before your tour date.

Can children join this private South Coast tour?

Yes, all ages are welcome though some stops may be adjusted for kids under 8; infant seats and stroller space are available.

What is included in the Icelandic Lava Show experience?

Your ticket covers general entry where you’ll see real molten lava poured out and learn about local volcanoes.

Is hotel pickup included from Reykjavik?

Yes, pickup and drop-off in Reykjavik are part of your private day trip package.

What’s included

Your private day trip includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Reykjavik, entry to the Icelandic Lava Show where you’ll witness real molten lava up close, guided transport along Iceland’s South Coast with stops at major sights like Skógafoss and Reynisfjara Beach, plus a guided valley walk for glacier views. Waterproof clothing or hiking boots can be rented if booked ahead—just ask before your trip.