South Coast Waterfalls, Black Sand Beach & Glacier Tour from Reykjavik
- Duration10 hours
- Daily
- Group
- Pickup available
- Fair, honest prices
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Overview
This guided full-day tour follows Iceland's South Coast from Reykjavik to some of the country's most famous landscapes. You walk behind the Seljalandsfoss waterfall when conditions allow, feel the spray of mighty Skógafoss, stand before the ice of the Sólheimajökull glacier and walk the black sand of Reynisfjara beach beneath basalt columns and sea stacks, with a lunch stop in the village of Vík. The default option includes pickup from selected Reykjavik stops. It suits first-time visitors, families with children aged 2 and over and photographers.
Highlights
- Walk the path behind the Seljalandsfoss waterfall, weather permitting
- Skógafoss, a 60-metre curtain of water with frequent rainbows
- Sólheimajökull, an outlet glacier tongue of the Mýrdalsjökull ice cap
- Reynisfjara black sand beach with basalt columns and sea stacks
- A lunch stop in Vík, Iceland's southernmost village
- Pickup from selected Reykjavik stops on the default option
Full Description
Seljalandsfoss, the Waterfall You Can Walk Behind
Seljalandsfoss falls about 60 metres from an old sea cliff, and its fame comes from the path that loops behind the curtain of water. Standing in the cave-like hollow, you look out through the falling water across the green lowlands, a view that appears on countless photos of Iceland.
Bring a waterproof jacket, as the spray soaks everything, and wear shoes with good grip on the wet rocks. In winter the path behind the falls may be closed because of ice, but the waterfall is still spectacular from the front. A short walk along the cliff leads to Gljúfrabúi, a smaller waterfall hidden inside a narrow canyon.
Skógafoss and the Legend of the Viking Treasure
Skógafoss is one of Iceland's biggest waterfalls, about 25 metres wide with a drop of around 60 metres. On sunny days its thick spray creates single and even double rainbows, and you can walk right up to the base to feel its force. A staircase of roughly 500 steps climbs to a viewing platform at the top.
Local legend says that Þrasi, one of the first Viking settlers in the area, hid a chest of gold behind the falls. Is Skógafoss worth visiting? It is one of the essential stops on any South Coast tour, and the flat meadow in front makes it easy for all ages to enjoy up close.
Sólheimajökull Glacier
Sólheimajökull is a long tongue of ice flowing down from the Mýrdalsjökull ice cap, which covers the powerful Katla volcano. Its surface is streaked with black ash from past eruptions, mixed with blue and white ice, and a lagoon of meltwater has formed at its snout as the glacier has retreated over recent decades.
A short walk from the parking area brings you to a viewpoint in front of the ice, where your guide explains how glaciers shape Iceland and how climate change is affecting them. This tour views the glacier from the edge; walking on it requires special equipment and a separate glacier hike with certified guides.
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach and Vík
Reynisfjara, just west of Vík, is Iceland's most famous black sand beach. Its dark volcanic sand, the hexagonal basalt columns of the Gardar cliff and the Reynisdrangar sea stacks rising from the waves create a dramatic scene, and puffins nest on the cliffs in summer.
The beach is beautiful but dangerous: sudden large waves, known as sneaker waves, can sweep far up the sand without warning, so always keep a safe distance from the water and follow the warning lights and signs. Nearby Vík í Mýrdal, Iceland's southernmost village, is the lunch stop, with cafés, shops and a red-roofed church on the hill.
Itinerary
- Pickup in ReykjavikOn the default option, pickup from a selected Reykjavik stop; the other option starts at Bus Stop 12.
- HvolsvöllurA short break after about an hour of driving through the southern lowlands.
- SkógafossAbout 30 minutes at the waterfall, with the option to climb the stairs to the top.
- Sólheimajökull glacierAbout 45 minutes to walk to the glacier viewpoint and see the ice up close.
- VíkLunch stop of about 50 minutes in Iceland's southernmost village (food not included).
- Reynisfjara beachAbout 30 minutes on the black sand beach with its basalt columns and sea stacks.
- Seljalandsfoss and returnAbout 30 minutes at the waterfall before driving back, arriving in Reykjavik about 10 hours after departure.
What's included
- Guided South Coast day tour in English
- Transport by coach
- Stops at Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls
- Visit to Reynisfjara black sand beach
- Glacier viewing stop
Not included
- Hotel pickup
- Food and drinks
Is this right for you?
Great for
- Travellers without a car — hotel pickup is included
- Travellers who want a proven choice — rated 4.8/5 by past travellers
Think twice if
- You prefer short outings — this takes about 10 hours
- You want a private tour — this one is shared with other travellers
Not suitable for
- Children under 2 years
- Travellers with limited mobility on uneven, wet or icy paths
Meeting point
On the default option, pickup is from designated stops in Reykjavik; your stop and pickup time are shown on your booking confirmation. The other option starts from Bus Stop 12 at Þórunnartún 6, 105 Reykjavík. Please be at your stop 15 minutes before the stated time. The tour returns to drop-off points in Reykjavik at the end of the day.
Important information
- Pickup from selected Reykjavik stops is included only in the option with pickup; the other option starts at Bus Stop 12.
- Food and drinks are not included; there is a lunch stop in Vík.
- Wear a waterproof jacket and trousers and sturdy, non-slip shoes; the spray at the waterfalls is heavy.
- The path behind Seljalandsfoss may be closed in winter because of ice.
- At Reynisfjara, stay well back from the water because of dangerous sneaker waves.
- Children under 2 years cannot join this tour.
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.
How much does the South Coast tour cost?
The price depends on the option you choose and on the ticket type for adults, youth and children. The booking panel on this page shows the current price for each option.
Is hotel pickup included?
The default option includes pickup from selected stops in Reykjavik. The other option starts at Bus Stop 12.
How long is the South Coast day tour?
About 10 hours from departure to return.
Is the South Coast tour suitable for children?
Yes, for children aged 2 and over, with separate child and youth tickets. Keep children close at Reynisfjara beach, where the waves are dangerous.
What should I wear?
Waterproof outer layers, warm clothing underneath, a hat and gloves outside summer, and sturdy shoes with good grip.
Can I walk behind Seljalandsfoss?
Yes, when the path is open. In winter it may be closed because of ice, but you can still see the waterfall from the front.
Do we walk on the glacier?
No. You walk to a viewpoint in front of Sólheimajökull. Walking on the ice requires a separate glacier hike with special equipment.
What is the difference between the options?
The tour is the same; the default option includes pickup from selected Reykjavik stops, while the other starts at Bus Stop 12.
Can I book for today or tomorrow?
Often yes, if seats remain. The booking panel shows the dates you can still book.
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