South Coast Iceland: Waterfalls, Black Beach & Glacier Day Trip

Summary

Seljalandsfoss mist on your face, basalt columns at Reynisfjara, glacier air near Sólheimajökull—south Iceland’s raw edge in a day

You’ll ride south from Reykjavik with a small group and local guide, feeling spray at Seljalandsfoss waterfall and stepping onto Reynisfjara’s black sand beach. Warm up over lunch in Vík before getting close to Sólheimajökull glacier’s icy surface—no hiking required. It’s a day full of wild weather, new faces, and real Icelandic landscapes you’ll remember long after you dry off.

What’s the experience like?

"Don’t try to outrun the waves here—seriously," our driver Jón said, half-smiling as we shuffled out onto Reynisfjara beach. He’d already warned us about the sneaker waves twice, but I guess he could tell we were city people. The wind was sharp, carrying this salty smell that stuck to my jacket. Earlier that morning in Reykjavik, I’d barely woken up before Jón greeted me by name at pickup—he remembered everyone’s names somehow. That felt good, honestly.

The drive south was kind of hypnotic—sheep fields flickering past the window, then suddenly these wild volcano shapes on one side and the Westman Islands floating way out on the other. At Seljalandsfoss waterfall you hear it before you see it—a heavy roar behind a curtain of green moss. We pulled on our rain jackets (Jón had extras for people who forgot) and walked behind the falls. The spray hit my face so hard my glasses fogged up. I didn’t expect it to feel that cold and alive back there. Someone slipped on a rock and just laughed; nobody seemed to mind getting soaked.

We stopped at Skógafoss after that—so much water coming down it almost looked fake—and then Vík for lunch. The café was warm inside and smelled like fresh bread. I tried to pronounce “rúgbrauð” (the dark rye bread), which made Li from Singapore laugh so hard she nearly dropped her soup. There’s something about sharing food with strangers when you’re all still damp from waterfalls—it makes things easier somehow.

By the time we got to Sólheimajökull glacier, clouds were rolling in low and gray over the ice. We didn’t hike on it (not part of this tour), but Jón pointed out streaks of volcanic ash trapped in the blue-white ice. He told us stories about old eruptions while we stood there shivering a bit, watching tiny meltwater streams trickle off into nowhere. On the way back to Reykjavik I kept thinking about that moment behind Seljalandsfoss—the sound of water everywhere and nothing else for a second or two.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore South Coast waterfalls and beaches

• Visit Seljalandsfoss waterfall
• See hidden Gljúfrabúi waterfall
• Visit Skógafoss waterfall
• Lunch break near the church
• Explore Reynisfjara black sand beach
• Stop at Sólheimajökull glacier viewpoint

Top questions

How long is the South Coast day trip from Reykjavik?

The tour lasts approximately one full day with early morning pickup and evening return to Reykjavik.

Is lunch included on this South Coast tour?

No, lunch is not included but there is a stop in Vík where you can buy food.

Can you walk behind Seljalandsfoss waterfall?

Yes, if weather allows you can walk behind Seljalandsfoss waterfall during the tour.

Are glacier hikes included at Sólheimajökull?

No, this tour only stops near Sólheimajökull glacier for viewing—not hiking on it.

Is hotel pickup available in Reykjavik?

Yes, pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points in Reykjavik are included.

What should I wear for an Iceland South Coast tour?

Dress warmly with waterproof clothing as weather changes quickly; rain jackets are recommended.

Are children allowed on this South Coast trip?

Children can join if accompanied by an adult; infants under 3 years old are not recommended due to duration.

What’s included

Your day includes comfortable minibus transport with Wi-Fi, live commentary from your guide Jón (or someone just as friendly), all taxes and entry fees covered, plus pickup and drop-off at set locations in Reykjavik—just bring your own lunch money and maybe an extra pair of socks if you’re clumsy around waterfalls.