Reykjavik South Coast: Glacier Hike, Waterfalls & Black Beach

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Free cancellationExcellent quality

1/27

Duration13h 30m

GroupUp to 19

LanguagesEN

PickupAt your hotel

South Iceland day trip with glacier hike waterfalls and basalt beach

You’ll walk behind roaring waterfalls near Reykjavik, crunch across blue ice on a guided glacier hike at Sólheimajökull, and wander Reynisfjara’s wild black sand beach—all in one packed day trip along Iceland’s south coast. Expect wet boots, local stories from your guide, and moments that stick with you long after you’re home.

13h 30m

Step-by-step itinerary

South Coast Waterfalls and Glacier Hike

Pickup from Reykjavik
Visit Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi waterfalls
Glacier hike on Sólheimajökull
Walk along Reynisfjara black sand beach
Explore Skógafoss waterfall
Return to Reykjavik

The Experience

“You’ll probably get wet,” our guide Ása warned, grinning as we shuffled toward Seljalandsfoss. She was right. The air was sharp and cold, but stepping behind that waterfall—feeling the mist hit my cheeks and hearing nothing but water pounding rock—was wild. My gloves got soaked (should’ve packed spares), but honestly, I didn’t care. There was this little side path to Gljúfrabúi too, half-hidden behind a mossy cliff; we all squeezed through and Ása told us the name means “canyon dweller.” I tried to say it out loud—she laughed, so I guess my Icelandic needs work.

The drive along the south coast felt like flipping through a book of strange landscapes: lava fields, sheep in the rain, distant volcanoes under low clouds. When we reached Sólheimajökull for the glacier hike, they handed out crampons and helmets (felt very pro). The ice wasn’t smooth—more like blue glass mixed with ash lines—and you could hear little cracks echoing underfoot. Our glacier guide explained how fast it’s shrinking; kind of sobering. But walking up there, crunching over ancient ice with the wind in your ears—it’s hard not to feel tiny.

Lunch was just sandwiches on the bus (bring your own), but nobody seemed to mind. Reynisfjara beach is where everyone woke up again—the black sand gets everywhere, by the way—and those basalt columns look fake up close. The waves were huge that day; Ása kept reminding us not to turn our backs to them (apparently people do). Someone found a bit of volcanic glass in the sand and passed it around. It felt heavier than I expected.

We ended at Skógafoss, which is taller than it looks in photos. You can walk right up until you’re basically inside the spray—my jacket still smells faintly of river water. Some folks climbed all 527 steps for the view; I made it halfway before my legs gave up (no regrets). On the ride back to Reykjavik, everyone got quiet for a while. It’s funny how tired and happy you can feel after just one long day out here.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off from select Reykjavik hotels or stops, all specialized glacier hiking equipment like helmet and crampons with a certified guide leading your group safely across Sólheimajökull ice, plus visits to Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach and both Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls before returning in the evening.

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for heart conditions

Operated by Arctic Adventures