Glacier Hike and South Coast Tour from Reykjavik: Small Group

Walk on top of Sólheimajökull Glacier with crampons and an ice axe in your hands.

This 12-hour glacier hike and South Coast tour from Reykjavik combines a guided walk on Sólheimajökull Glacier with stops at Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls and Reynisfjara black sand beach. The small group stays under 18 people, and the minibus picks you up from designated Reykjavik bus stops, so you don't arrange transport or gear yourself. All necessary glacier equipment (harness, ice axe, helmet and crampons) is provided, and an English-speaking guide leads the whole day. Suitable for ages 8 and up. Dress in warm layers under waterproof outer clothes and bring hiking boots with ankle support.

The experience

Sólheimajökull Glacier is the centerpiece. You'll strap on crampons and an ice axe, clip into a harness, and walk across the ice with a guide who knows the route and the conditions. The glacier sits on Iceland's South Coast, so the day builds around it: the minibus collects you from a designated stop in Reykjavik early in the morning and drives south, stopping first at Seljalandsfoss, a waterfall you can walk behind, then at Skógafoss nearby. By the time you reach the glacier, you've already seen two of the coast's most recognizable waterfalls.

The hike itself is the draw. You're not watching from a distance. You're on the ice, moving across it with equipment that makes the walk possible. The guide handles safety and timing. You handle the physical part, which the operator says suits all fitness levels. After the glacier, the day swings to Reynisfjara, the black sand beach where Atlantic waves roll in hard and the sand itself is dark volcanic rock. The whole loop takes 12 hours from pickup to drop-off.

The group maxes out at 18 people, which means the minibus doesn't feel crowded and the guide can keep an eye on everyone on the ice. WiFi is on board during the drive. Pickup is from bus stops around Reykjavik: some hotels don't allow buses to drive in, so you'll find the designated stops online or ask your hotel's front desk. The operator asks that you contact them about your specific pickup location before the tour. Bring warm layers as your base and waterproof jacket and pants on top. Hiking boots with a hard sole and ankle support are essential, though the operator can arrange rental if you need it.

What’s included

• Minibus transport from Reykjavik with WiFi on board.
• pickup and drop-off at designated bus stops.
• all necessary glacier equipment including harness, ice axe, helmet and crampons.
• English-speaking guide for the full 12 hours.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (8 to 80 years) · Under 8: can't be booked

GroupUp to 18

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effort

Operated by Troll Expeditions

Is this one for you?Most South Coast tours run on a fixed schedule that crowds the stops and leaves little time on the ice. This one builds the whole day around the glacier hike itself. The minibus is transport to and from it, the waterfalls are the stops in between, and the guide stays with the same small group the whole time, so you're not switching vehicles or guides partway through.

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Top questions

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.

What's the hike on Sólheimajökull Glacier actually like?

Sólheimajökull is an outlet glacier on Iceland's South Coast where you walk on the ice itself with crampons, an ice axe and a harness, guided by someone who knows the route. The glacier sits lower than many others in Iceland, making it accessible for ages 8 and up across all fitness levels, though it is still a glacier hike and you'll be moving across ice.

Do I need to bring my own hiking boots and waterproof gear?

Hiking boots with a hard sole and ankle support are recommended and not included in the tour price. Waterproof jackets and pants can be rented from the operator for 1,750 ISK each if you don't have them. Warm layers underneath are essential. The South Coast is exposed and weather changes fast.

How does pickup work from Reykjavik?

The minibus collects you from designated bus stops around Reykjavik. Some hotels don't allow buses to drive in, so you'll find the official stops online or ask your hotel's front desk. Contact the operator before your tour to confirm which stop works for your location.

What else do we see besides the glacier?

The tour includes stops at Seljalandsfoss waterfall, where you can walk behind the water, and Skógafoss nearby. The day ends at Reynisfjara, the black sand beach on the Atlantic coast where the waves are powerful and the sand is dark volcanic rock.

Is food and drink included?

Food and drinks are not included in the tour price, so bring snacks and water or plan to buy them along the way. The 12-hour day is long, so packing something to eat is practical.

What's the maximum group size?

The small group maxes out at 18 people on the minibus, which keeps the hike manageable and lets the guide stay aware of everyone on the ice.