South Coast Glacier Hike Reykjavik Sólheimajökull Walk
Walk across blue ice and crevasses on Sólheimajökull, then stand behind two waterfalls in a single day
A full-day guided tour from Reykjavik covering Iceland's South Coast with a beginner-friendly glacier hike on Sólheimajökull, visits to Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls, and time on Reynisfjara black sand beach. Hotel pickup is included, a certified English-speaking guide leads the glacier portion, and all specialized gear (crampons, ice axe, helmet, harness) is provided. The glacier hike takes about 1.5 hours on the ice itself, with roughly 6 kilometers of hiking over uneven terrain and moderate elevation changes. The full day runs 13.5 hours from pickup to drop-off. Children from age 8 are welcome, and no prior glacier experience is required.
Step-by-step itinerary
Explore South Coast and Glacier Hike
- Pickup from Reykjavik stops
- Stop at Lava Centre for break
- Visit Skógafoss waterfall
- Walk along Reynisfjara black sand beach
- Guided glacier hike on Sólheimajökull
- Visit Seljalandsfoss waterfall
- Return to Reykjavik drop-off
- Skógafoss 45m
- Reynisfjara Beach Entry included 50m
- Sólheimajökull Glacier Entry included 4h
- Seljalandsfoss Entry included 30m
What’s included
- Reykjavik hotel pickup and drop-off.
- visits to Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls.
- time on Reynisfjara black sand beach.
- beginner-friendly guided glacier hike on Sólheimajökull with certified English-speaking guide.
- all specialized glacier gear including helmet, harness, ice axe and crampons.
- WiFi on board.
Times
- Every day 08:00
Before you book
Operated by Arctic Adventures
Prices and times updated today
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The experience
Thirteen and a half hours sounds long until you see what fits inside it. The day starts with pickup from your Reykjavik hotel or a central stop, then heads south along the coast. You'll stop at Skógafoss first: a 60-meter waterfall that crashes into a wide basin with enough spray to soak you if you walk right up to it. There's a staircase beside it if you want the high view instead. From there, the route continues to Reynisfjara, the black sand beach where basalt columns rise from the shore like a natural cathedral and the Atlantic surf pounds in hard enough that the guide will brief you on sneaker waves before you walk out.
The glacier hike is the centerpiece. You'll meet your certified guide at the Sólheimajökull parking lot, gear up with crampons, ice axe, helmet and harness, then walk through a quiet mossy valley to reach the glacier from above. That approach gives you panoramic views of the ice field and the surrounding landscape before you step onto it. Once on the glacier, you spend roughly 1.5 hours weaving between ice ridges, crevasses and blue formations, with your guide pointing out how the ice moves and what the landscape tells you about climate and history. The hike is rated easy to moderate, no experience required, but the terrain is uneven with moderate elevation changes, so you'll need hiking boots with ankle support (rentable for a fee if you don't have them). The shoe size range for crampons is 35–50 EU, which matters if you're booking for children.
On the way back to Reykjavik, you stop at Seljalandsfoss, a waterfall with a path that lets you walk behind the cascade for a view from inside the spray. In winter, ice can close the back trail, but the front view stays dramatic: mossy cliffs and shifting light. The day ends with drop-off at your original pickup point. Bring warm layers, a waterproof jacket and pants, gloves, a hat, and a packed lunch. The tour includes WiFi on the coach but not food or drinks.
Is this one for you?Book this tour if you're staying in Reykjavik without a car: pickup from your hotel or a central stop means you don't arrange transport to the South Coast, and the certified guide handles the glacier hike so you can focus on the ice and the views instead of navigation or safety decisions.
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Top questions
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (8 to 15 years). Children under 8 can't be included in the booking.
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.
How long do I actually spend on the glacier itself?
The guided hike on Sólheimajökull lasts about 1.5 hours on the ice, with the approach walk and gear setup adding time before and after. The full day from pickup to drop-off is 13.5 hours.
What happens if the weather is bad on the day of my tour?
The itinerary order can be altered if weather conditions change, so your guide will adjust the stops to keep you safe and make the most of the day. The glacier hike itself requires suitable conditions to proceed.
Do I need hiking boots, or can I wear regular shoes?
Hiking boots with ankle support are mandatory for the glacier hike portion. If you don't have them, boots are available to rent for a fee. Your shoe size must be between 35–50 EU to fit the specialized crampons.
What's included in the tour, and what do I need to bring?
The tour includes all specialized glacier gear (helmet, harness, ice axe, crampons), a certified English-speaking guide, pickup and drop-off from Reykjavik, and access to all four main sites. Bring warm outdoor clothing, a waterproof jacket and pants, gloves, a hat, good hiking shoes, and a packed lunch. Food and drinks are not provided.
What makes Reynisfjara Beach worth the stop?
Reynisfjara is Iceland's most famous black sand beach, where basalt columns called Reynisdrangar rise from the sea like a natural cathedral. The Atlantic surf is powerful (your guide will explain the sneaker wave hazard), and the volcanic geology is striking enough to justify the time even if you only walk the shore.
South Coast Glacier Hike Reykjavik Sólheimajökull Walk
13h 30m · EN · at your hotel
from US$ 209 per person
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