South Iceland: Waterfalls, Black Beach & Volcano Day Trip

Summary

Skógafoss mist, basalt columns and volcano legends on Iceland’s wild south coast

You’ll hear Skógafoss before you see it, taste salt on Reynisfjara’s black sand air, and walk behind Seljalandsfoss’ curtain of water—all with a local guide handling every detail. This South Coast day trip packs volcano legends, glacier views and raw Icelandic weather into one unforgettable ride.

What’s the experience like?

You hear it before you see it—Skógafoss thundering somewhere ahead, echoing off the flat fields. Our guide, Einar, grinned as we stepped out. “You’ll get wet if you go close,” he warned. Of course I went anyway. The spray hit my cheeks, cold and sharp, and I could barely hear anything except water pounding rock. It was bigger than I’d pictured—almost too big to fit in a photo. We climbed the stairs (so many stairs) for that view from above, but honestly, the feeling at the bottom stuck with me more.

Driving along the South Coast from Reykjavik is weirdly hypnotic—fields stretch out forever until suddenly there’s a volcano or glacier just sitting there like it’s no big deal. Einar pointed out Eyjafjallajökull (“try saying that three times fast,” he joked), which apparently stopped flights all over Europe back in 2010. He told us stories about Hekla being called the “gateway to hell” centuries ago; I half expected smoke to start pouring out while we drove by. Lunch was at this little roadside spot—nothing fancy but warm soup after all that wind tasted like luxury.

I’d seen photos of Reynisfjara black sand beach but standing there is something else—the wind comes straight off the Atlantic and those basalt columns look almost fake up close. The waves crash so hard you can feel it in your chest; Einar kept telling us not to get too close because people have been swept away before (he wasn’t kidding). There were these sea stacks offshore—Reynisdrangar—I still don’t know how they ended up there but they looked kind of mysterious in the grey light.

Last stop was Seljalandsfoss, where you can actually walk behind the waterfall if you don’t mind getting soaked (I did both). The path gets slippery and everyone laughs nervously as they go under—it’s loud and kind of magical back there, like being inside a secret cave made of water. My shoes were drenched but I didn’t care. On the ride back to Reykjavik I kept thinking about all those wild places packed into one day trip from Reykjavik—you know when something feels both exhausting and totally worth it?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore South Iceland's natural wonders

• Pass by Hekla volcano
• Visit Seljalandsfoss waterfall
• Stop at local restaurant for lunch
• Visit Skogafoss waterfall
• Stop by Sólheimajökull glacier
• Pass by Eyjafjallajökull volcano
• Walk along Reynisfjara black sand beach

Top questions

How long is the South Coast waterfalls & black beach tour from Reykjavik?

The tour is a full-day trip from Reykjavik, including multiple stops along Iceland’s South Coast.

Can you walk behind Seljalandsfoss waterfall?

Yes, when weather allows you can walk behind Seljalandsfoss for a unique view.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

No, lunch is not included—you stop at a local restaurant where you can buy your own meal.

Are hotel pickups available for this tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included if selected during booking.

Do you visit both Skógafoss and Reynisfjara beach?

Yes, both Skógafoss waterfall and Reynisfjara black sand beach are main stops on this tour.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult; infant seats are available if needed.

What should I wear for the South Coast day trip?

Dress appropriately for Icelandic weather—layers and waterproof clothing are recommended.

Will we see glaciers or volcanoes on this tour?

You’ll see Sólheimajökull Glacier as well as volcanoes like Hekla and Eyjafjallajökull along the route.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off if selected when booking, comfortable transport with WiFi onboard so you can share photos right away, plus an expert guide who brings Iceland’s wild landscape to life—from waterfalls to glaciers—with plenty of stories along the way.