South Coast tour from Reykjavik: five waterfalls and a glacier

Five waterfalls and a glacier in one day, ending where ice meets water

A full-day guided tour from Reykjavik covers Iceland's South Coast in ten hours, visiting Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls, Reynisfjara black sand beach, and Sólheimajökull glacier with its lagoon. Pickup from your accommodation or a bus stop is included, and the guide speaks English. The tour operates in all weather; bring a waterproof coat if you plan to walk behind Seljalandsfoss.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore South Coast waterfalls and village

• Meet at tour starting point
• Visit Skógafoss waterfall
• Explore Reynisfjara black sand beach
• Walk at Sólheimajökull glacier lake
• See Seljalandsfoss waterfall and walk behind
• Return to Reykjavík

The Experience

The day starts with a pickup at 8:30am from your accommodation or a central bus stop, then heads straight to Skógafoss—a 60-meter waterfall that appears in films and marks the start of one of Iceland's most famous hiking routes. From there, the route pushes south toward the coast and Vík village, a small settlement perched above black sand cliffs. Reynisfjara Beach is where the tour stops longest: the black sand stretches wide, basalt columns rise from the shore, and the waves are powerful enough that the operator warns about their reach. This is the landscape people cross the world to photograph.

The middle of the day takes you inland to Sólheimajökull, a glacier tongue that has retreated enough to create a small lagoon at its base. You walk up to the water's edge—no technical gear required—and stand in front of the ice and the icebergs floating in it. The glacier is part of Mýrdalsjökull, one of Iceland's largest ice caps, and the lagoon exists only because the glacier keeps shrinking. After that, the tour doubles back west to Seljalandsfoss, the waterfall you can walk behind. The water comes from Eyjafjallajökull glacier upstream, and the spray is heavy enough that a waterproof coat stops being optional if you want to get close. Most people do.

The return to Reykjavik takes about two hours and gives the day room to settle. The guide is live and speaks English throughout, and the bus has free Wi-Fi. The tour runs in all weather—rain, wind and cloud are normal on the South Coast—so dressing in layers and bringing waterproof gear is not a suggestion. Children from age one are welcome, and infant seats are available if you need one.

What’s included

• Pickup from your accommodation or a central bus stop at 8:30am.
• bus fare for the full route.
• a live English-speaking guide for the day.
• free Wi-Fi on the bus.
• carbon-neutral transport through Vaxa Technologies.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by Reykjavik Excursions

Is this one for you?Pick the 8:30am hotel pickup if you're based in Reykjavik and want to move through the full South Coast route without managing your own driving—the guide handles navigation and pacing so you stay focused on each stop rather than the road.

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Top questions

Can I walk behind Seljalandsfoss on this tour?

Yes, Seljalandsfoss is designed so you can walk behind the cascading water for a unique view and photos. The spray is heavy, so bring a waterproof or rain coat if you want to get close enough to step behind it.

What is Reynisfjara Beach like, and why is it on the tour?

Reynisfjara is a black sand beach on Iceland's South Coast, famous for its basalt columns rising from the shore and the powerful waves that roll in from the Atlantic. The tour stops there to walk the sand and see the dramatic coastline up close, though the waves are strong enough that the operator warns visitors to stay alert near the water's edge.

Do I get to see a glacier on this tour?

Yes, Sólheimajökull Glacier is a stop where you walk up to a small lagoon that has formed as the glacier retreats. Icebergs float in the water, and you can stand at the edge without climbing gear or special equipment.

Is pickup from my hotel included?

Pickup is included if you choose the option that starts at 8:30am from your accommodation or a central bus stop in Reykjavik. The other option is a meeting point only, which means you arrange your own way to the starting location.

How long is the full tour, and when do I get back?

The tour runs for ten hours total. With an 8:30am pickup, you return to Reykjavik in the late afternoon, giving you the full South Coast route without an overnight stay.

What should I bring for this tour?

Waterproof or rain gear is essential—the South Coast is exposed to Atlantic weather, and you'll want it for Seljalandsfoss especially. Dress in layers, bring sturdy shoes for walking on black sand and uneven ground, and the operator notes the tour operates in all weather conditions.