Iceland South Coast: Waterfalls, Black Beach & Glacier Day Trip

Summary

Skógafoss spray, Reynisfjara waves & glacier air from Reykjavík

You’ll watch mist swirl at Skógafoss, taste sea salt on Reynisfjara’s black sand beach, stand near Sólheimajökull glacier’s shifting ice, and maybe get soaked behind Seljalandsfoss—all with a local guide and pickup from Reykjavík. Expect moments of quiet awe and a little bit of windblown hair.

What’s the experience like?

Hands shoved deep in my pockets, I watched our guide—Björg, I think she said—toss a pebble into the mist at Skógafoss. The roar was louder than I expected, almost swallowing her voice as she explained how rainbows show up here when the sun’s out. (Not today. Just a fine drizzle that clung to my eyelashes.) I tried to take a photo but gave up; sometimes you just have to stand there and let your jeans get damp.

The bus ride along Iceland’s South Coast felt like flipping through pages of some moody storybook—fields of mossy green, then suddenly Vík’s black sand beach. Reynisfjara. The basalt columns looked like giant’s steps and the wind whipped so hard it nearly stole my hat. There was this moment where everyone just stood quietly watching the waves crash in—nobody talking, just that salty tang in the air and the sound of pebbles rolling back with each retreating wave. I didn’t expect to feel so small next to those rocks.

Sólheimajökull glacier came next. We walked up toward the edge where blue ice met grey ash—a weirdly beautiful mess. Björg pointed out lines in the ice where volcanic eruptions left their mark (“Eyjafjallajökull,” she said slowly, making us all try to repeat it). The air tasted cold and clean here, almost metallic. It’s not every day you get to see a glacier melting right before your eyes—kind of sobering actually.

Seljalandsfoss was our last stop. Some folks braved the path behind the waterfall (bring a raincoat or you’ll regret it), but I just watched from outside for a while—the water falling in slow motion against evening light. On the way back to Reykjavík, everyone was quiet again, tired but sort of content? I still think about that view behind Seljalandsfoss and how my shoes never really dried out after all that spray.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Iceland's South Coast highlights

• 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

Top questions

How long is the South Coast day trip from Reykjavik?

This is a full-day tour departing from Reykjavik in the morning and returning in the evening.

Is pickup included for this Iceland South Coast tour?

Yes, pickup from your accommodation or designated bus stop in Reykjavik is included.

Can you walk behind Seljalandsfoss waterfall?

Yes, there’s a path that lets you walk behind Seljalandsfoss—bring a raincoat or waterproof jacket.

Are infants or small children allowed on this tour?

Yes, infants can join using prams or strollers; specialized infant seats are available.

What should I wear for the South Coast tour?

Dress warmly and bring waterproof clothing—it operates in all weather conditions.

Does this day trip visit Reynisfjara black sand beach?

Yes, you’ll stop at Reynisfjara beach with its basalt columns and powerful waves.

Is there Wi-Fi on the bus during the tour?

Free Wi-Fi is provided on board during transfers between stops.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from your hotel or bus stop in Reykjavik, comfortable bus fare with free Wi-Fi onboard, guidance throughout by a local expert, plus carbon neutral transfers thanks to Vaxa Technologies before returning to town by evening.