Private South Coast Iceland Day Trip from Reykjavik

Walk behind a waterfall and across black sand to a plane wreck, with a guide who follows your interests.

A private day trip from Reykjavik to South Coast Iceland for up to four travelers, with a guide in English and hotel pickup included. You choose the pace and which sites matter most—the tour covers Skógafoss (a 60-meter waterfall fed by glacial meltwater), Sólheimajökull glacier and its lagoon, the abandoned DC-3 plane wreck on Sólheimasandur, Dyrhólaey promontory with its 1910 lighthouse, Reynisfjara black sand beach with basalt columns, and Seljalandsfoss, where conditions allow you to walk behind the falls. The full day runs 11 to 12 hours including drive time from Reykjavik; you'll need moderate fitness for walking on uneven terrain and black sand.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore South Iceland's natural wonders

• Visit Seljalandsfoss waterfall
• See Skógafoss waterfall
• Explore Sólheimajökull glacier
• Walk or shuttle to plane wreck
• Visit Dyrhólaey promontory
• Explore Reynisfjara black sand beach

The Experience

You're picked up from your Reykjavik hotel and driven southeast toward the South Coast, where the landscape shifts from settled valleys to raw glacial terrain. The first major stop is Skógafoss, a waterfall 150 kilometers from the city with a 60-meter drop and a width of 25 meters, fed by the Skógá River in its distinctive milky blue. On sunny days the spray creates rainbows at the base; in summer you can climb the stairs on the side for a different vantage. From there the route continues to Sólheimajökull, a glacier tongue that's part of Mýrdalsjökull, one of Iceland's largest glaciers. You can walk to the glacial lagoon filled with meltwater and see the glacier's edges up close—a direct view of how the ice has retreated over time.

The plane wreck on Sólheimasandur is optional depending on daylight and your interests. If you choose it, you park by the ring road and either walk roughly 4 kilometers across the black sand beach to reach the DC-3 wreckage (a US Navy plane that crashed in 1973 with all crew surviving), or take a shuttle that cuts the time to 10 minutes each way—the shuttle costs extra and is not included. The walk itself takes about two hours total and crosses terrain that feels otherworldly. Next is Dyrhólaey, a promontory with a towering sea arch and a lighthouse built in 1910 still in operation; between mid-May and mid-August you may see puffins here. The views extend across the coastline and down to Reynisfjara, your next stop.

Reynisfjara is a black sand beach famous for its basalt columns, tall cliffs and powerful Atlantic waves—the water here is dangerous and sneaker waves can sweep unexpectedly, so you stay alert while you're there. The final major stop is Seljalandsfoss, one of Iceland's most famous waterfalls, where you can walk behind the falls if conditions allow for a perspective most visitors don't get. A nearby path leads to Gljúfrabúi, a waterfall hidden in a narrow canyon. The guide speaks English and knows the South Coast well enough to adjust the itinerary based on what matters to you and how much time you want at each site. Parking fees are covered; food and drinks are not.

What’s included

• Pickup and drop-off in the Reykjavik capital area.
• parking fees.
• a guide who speaks English and adjusts the itinerary to your interests.

Good to know

Moderate physical level

Operated by Icelandic Getaway

Is this one for you?This is a private tour for up to four people, which means you control the pace and which sites get your time—ideal if you want to linger at Reynisfjara or skip the plane wreck walk entirely. A shared group tour locks you into a fixed schedule; this one bends to what matters to you.

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Top questions

What is Skógafoss like when you arrive there?

Skógafoss is a 60-meter waterfall with a width of 25 meters, fed by the Skógá River and known for its milky blue color. On sunny days the spray creates rainbows at the base, and in summer you can climb stairs on the side to see it from above.

Can you walk behind Seljalandsfoss, or is it just a viewing stop?

You can walk behind Seljalandsfoss if conditions allow—that's one of the unique things about this waterfall. A path also leads to Gljúfrabúi, a nearby waterfall hidden in a narrow canyon.

Is the plane wreck visit included, or do I choose it on the day?

The plane wreck on Sólheimasandur is optional depending on daylight and your interests. If you go, you can walk the roughly 4-kilometer black sand beach to reach it (about two hours total), or take a shuttle for 10 minutes each way—the shuttle costs extra and isn't included in the tour price.

How long is the full day, and what's included in the price?

The tour runs 11 to 12 hours including drive time from Reykjavik. Pickup and drop-off in the Reykjavik area and parking fees are included; food and drinks are not.

Can I decide which sites to visit, or is the itinerary fixed?

You set the pace and choose what you want to see. The guide personalizes the tour to your specific interests, so you're not locked into a fixed schedule.

What's the physical fitness level needed for this tour?

You should have at least a moderate level of fitness. The day includes walking on uneven terrain and black sand, and some sites require more effort than others depending on which stops you choose.