South Iceland: Glaciers, Waterfalls & Black Sand Beach Tour

Ten hours, four natural wonders, one South Iceland day trip

You get picked up from your Reykjavik hotel and spend 10 hours on the South Coast hitting four major stops: walking behind Seljalandsfoss, climbing to the top of Skógafoss, touching Sólheimajökull Glacier, and standing on Reynisfjara's black sand beach. The guide handles the route and timing. You just show up with waterproof clothing and good shoes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Seljalandsfoss30m
2. Skógafoss30m
3. Sólheimajökull Glacier45m
4. Reynisfjara Beach30m

Explore South Iceland's natural landmarks

• Visit Seljalandsfoss waterfall
• Go behind Seljalandsfoss waterfall
• Visit Skógafoss waterfall
• Climb stairs at Skógafoss
• View Eyjafjallajokull volcano
• Walk to Sólheimajökull Glacier edge
• Touch Sólheimajökull Glacier
• Visit Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
• Observe Reynisdrangar sea stacks
• Explore the town of Vík

The experience

So you're standing at Seljalandsfoss and someone's already soaked because they didn't bring a waterproof jacket, and yeah, you can walk behind this one, which is kind of the whole point. The guide gives you the heads-up about the spray before you go, and then you're there, actually behind a waterfall in Iceland, which is surreal. After that it's up to Skógafoss, where you climb stairs to the top and on a clear day you can see Eyjafjallajökull in the distance. The whole South Iceland coast is compressed into this one route, and the guide knows exactly how long to spend at each stop so you're not rushed but you're not standing around either.

The glacier part is the one that sticks with you. Sólheimajökull isn't some distant thing you photograph from a viewpoint. You walk right to the edge and can touch it. The ice is there, real and melting, and the guide explains what you're looking at without turning it into a lecture. Then it's down to Reynisfjara Beach, the black sand one with those dramatic basalt columns sticking out of the water called Reynisdrangar. The waves are genuinely dangerous (the guide will tell you that straight up), so you're not wandering off into the surf, but you get the full view of why this place shows up in every Iceland photo ever.

The group stays under 18 people, which means you're not herded through like a tour bus situation. Hotel pickup from central Reykjavik is included, and there's WiFi on the coach, so if you need to send something or just scroll while you're between stops, it's there. You'll want proper rain gear and solid shoes. This isn't a casual walk, and South Iceland weather changes fast. The whole thing runs 10 hours, so you're looking at an early start and a late afternoon return, but you come back having seen waterfalls, glaciers, black sand, and volcanic landscape all in one day, which you genuinely can't do anywhere else in that timeframe.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from central Reykjavik, a professional guide for the full 10 hours, WiFi on board, and entry to all four main stops: Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Sólheimajökull Glacier, and Reynisfjara Beach. Lunch is not included.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00 and 09:00

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Youth (12 to 15 years) · Child (8 to 11 years) · Under 8: can't be included in the booking

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 41 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 14 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearby

Operated by BusTravel Iceland

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see South Iceland's main natural landmarks in one day without renting a car or planning the route yourself: the small group size and fixed itinerary mean you hit all four stops without the logistics.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 15 years); Child (8 to 11 years). Under 8: they 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 24h before the start.

What's the physical fitness level needed?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels. You'll walk to the glacier edge and climb stairs at Skógafoss, but there's no technical climbing or long hikes.

How long is the tour?

10 hours total, including hotel pickup and drop-off in central Reykjavik.

Can I go behind Seljalandsfoss?

Yes, but bring waterproof clothing. The spray is real and you will get wet.

Is lunch included?

No, lunch is not included. You'll have time at stops to eat, but you should bring food or plan to buy it along the way.

What's the group size?

Maximum 18 people per tour.

What if the weather is bad?

The tour runs in most weather. Bring wind and rain gear: South Iceland weather is changeable, but that's part of the experience.

Is hotel pickup available from all Reykjavik hotels?

Pickup is available from selected hotels and official bus stops in central Reykjavik only. Confirm your location when booking.

Can I touch the glacier?

Yes, you walk to the edge of Sólheimajökull and can touch the ice.