Katla Ice Cave & South Coast Waterfalls Day Trip from Reykjavík

Summary

South Iceland’s wild ice caves, waterfalls and black beaches in one day

You’ll step inside Katla’s blue ice cave with a local glacier guide, try Icelandic snacks in Vík, and feel the spray from Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss—all in one day trip from Reykjavík. Expect cold air on your cheeks, new stories from your guide, and moments that stick with you long after your socks dry.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to feel so small next to that glacier. We left Reykjavík early—still half-asleep, honestly—and by the time we switched from the bus to this monster super-jeep near Vík, I was wide awake. Our guide, Jón, handed out crampons with a grin like he’d seen a thousand nervous faces before. The air smelled sharp and cold, almost metallic. When we finally stepped into Katla Ice Cave, it was quieter than I thought it would be—just the sound of boots on crunchy ice and someone’s muffled “wow” echoing off the blue walls. My fingers went numb but I couldn’t stop touching the rippled ice; it felt older than anything I’ve ever seen.

Lunch in Vík was quick—there’s this little café near the black sand beach where I tried something called kleinur (sort of like a doughnut twist). The wind nearly stole my hat when we walked down to the shore. Black sand gets everywhere. Jón pointed out Reynisdrangar sea stacks and told us some wild folklore about trolls turning to stone at sunrise. I probably butchered the Icelandic names trying to repeat them back—he laughed anyway.

On the way back toward Reykjavík, we stopped at Skógafoss first. You can hear it before you see it—a deep rumble that makes your chest vibrate a little if you stand close enough. Spray everywhere; rainbows if you catch it right (we did). Seljalandsfoss was our last stop, and yeah, you can actually walk behind it—the path is slippery but worth it for that weird feeling of standing inside a curtain of water looking out at green fields. My socks were soaked after but honestly? Still think about that view sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Katla Ice Cave and South Coast

• Depart Reykjavík for Vík by bus
• Switch to super-jeep for glacier journey
• Explore Katla Ice Cave with guides
• Visit Vík village and black beach
• Have lunch in Vík
• Stop at Skógafoss waterfall
• Stop at Seljalandsfoss waterfall
• Return to Reykjavík

Top questions

How long does the Katla Ice Cave & South Coast Waterfalls tour take?

The tour lasts a full day with around 4-5 hours of driving included.

Is pickup included for this day trip from Reykjavík?

Yes, pickup is included—contact the operator after booking to confirm your exact meeting point.

What should I wear for visiting Katla Ice Cave?

Wear warm clothes and sturdy shoes; crampons and safety gear are provided by the guide.

Can children join this tour?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult.

Are there stops at both Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls?

Yes, both Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss are included as stops on the return journey.

Do I need any special fitness level for this tour?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels.

Is lunch included during the tour?

No lunch is included but there is time to buy food in Vík village.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup in Reykjavík, all entry fees and taxes covered, plus safety equipment like crampons and helmets for exploring Katla Ice Cave with an experienced glacier guide before heading back through Iceland’s south coast highlights.