South Iceland: Glacier, Black Sand Beach & Waterfalls Tour

Summary

Waterfalls thundering, black beaches stretching, glaciers within reach

You’ll feel spray on your face behind Seljalandsfoss waterfall, climb above Skógafoss for wild views, stand on Reynisfjara’s black sand beach listening to thunderous waves, and touch Sólheimajökull Glacier’s rough ice. With pickup from Reykjavik and a small group led by a local guide, this day trip feels both epic and oddly personal.

What’s the experience like?

We’d barely left Reykjavik when our guide, Jón, started telling stories — not the usual tourist stuff either. He pointed at a mossy field and said, “That’s where my grandfather’s sheep got lost during a storm.” I think that’s when I realized this South Iceland tour was going to be more personal than I expected. The van was cozy (WiFi worked better than my hotel), and by the time we reached Seljalandsfoss, it felt like we were traveling with friends. The air smelled sharp and wet — you know that clean cold that almost stings your nose? We all hesitated before going behind the waterfall because you get soaked, but someone handed me a spare poncho and in we went. I still hear that roar in my ears sometimes.

Skógafoss was next. Climbing those stairs nearly did me in — I blame my breakfast — but standing at the top with wind whipping around and seeing Eyjafjallajökull off in the distance made it worth every step. Jón showed us how to spot tiny rainbows in the spray if you squint just right. Lunch happened somewhere near Vík (I lost track of time), and I tried this thick lamb soup that tasted like campfire and earth. Li laughed when I tried to pronounce “Sólheimajökull” — probably butchered it — but walking up to the glacier itself was wild. It looked almost blue under the clouds, rough as sandpaper if you touched it gently.

Reynisfjara Beach is probably what people picture when they think of Iceland: black sand that gets everywhere (still finding bits in my shoes), basalt columns like giant Lego blocks, waves crashing so hard Jón kept reminding us not to turn our backs on them. A couple from Spain took about 200 photos of those sea stacks — can’t blame them really. On the way back, everyone got quiet for a while. Maybe it was tiredness or just trying to hold onto all those weirdly beautiful sights before heading back into city noise again.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — 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

Top questions

How long is the South Iceland glacier & black sand beach tour?

The tour lasts approximately 10 hours from Reykjavik including all stops.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip from Reykjavik?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included from selected hotels and official bus stops in central Reykjavik.

Can you walk behind Seljalandsfoss waterfall?

Yes, you can walk behind Seljalandsfoss but waterproof clothing is recommended as you will get wet.

How close do you get to Sólheimajökull Glacier?

You will walk right up to the edge of Sólheimajökull Glacier and can even touch it.

Is Reynisfjara Beach safe?

The waves at Reynisfjara Beach are very strong; visitors are warned not to turn their backs on the ocean for safety.

What is the maximum group size for this South Coast tour?

The maximum group size is 18 people for a more personal experience.

Are meals included on this South Iceland tour?

No meals are included; there is time allocated for lunch at your own expense during the tour.

What should I wear for this glacier & waterfalls day trip?

Dress warmly with wind- and rainproof clothing plus sturdy shoes suitable for walking on uneven ground.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from selected Reykjavik locations, comfortable transport with WiFi onboard, and guiding throughout by a professional local who knows every story along Iceland’s south coast — all so you can focus on waterfalls, glaciers, black sand beaches, and whatever else catches your eye out there before heading back in the evening.