South Coast Wonders: Waterfalls, Glaciers & Black Sand Beach
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Iceland’s South Coast on a day tour from Reykjavik, visiting some of the region’s most iconic landmarks.
Walk behind the stunning Seljalandsfoss waterfall and feel the cool mist on your face, then marvel at the majestic Sólheimajökull glacier. Take a peaceful stroll along the striking Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, where towering basalt columns rise above the crashing waves. Be awestruck by the power of Skógafoss waterfall, one of Iceland’s most famous sights.
With knowledgeable and friendly guides to enhance your experience and comfortable transport, this tour guarantees a day full of adventure, breathtaking scenery, and unforgettable memories.
The South Coast, shaped by volcanoes, glaciers, and the sea over thousands of years, offers a diverse and unique landscape. You’ll see everything from towering mountains and stunning waterfalls to otherworldly beaches. Highlights include Seljalandsfoss, Sólheimajökull, Reynisfjara, and Skógafoss. On clear days, you may even catch a glimpse of the Hekla Volcano in the distance.
This scenic coastal route takes you to the picturesque village of Vík, where you can enjoy the natural beauty of the area. If you want to continue exploring, we also offer fantastic Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon tours.
Details
What's included
- Professional guide
- Free WiFi on board
- Pickup and drop off (available for additional fee)
Your adventure begins with our quick and efficient pick-up service from approved locations across central Reykjavík. If you're unsure of your closest pick-up spot, feel free to contact our customer service team, and they’ll guide you to the nearest location. Once everyone is aboard, we head eastward, joining Route 1, also known as the Ring Road.
The route will take us along the stunning coastline, where the winds can be strong, especially around Reynisfjara, a known wind trap. Be sure to dress accordingly, and note that the order of the stops may vary depending on the day’s conditions. Keep an eye out for views of the Westman Islands to the south and the Hekla Volcano to the northeast.
Our first stop is the magnificent Skógafoss waterfall, plunging 60 meters where the Skógá river once met the sea cliffs. The powerful cascade creates a permanent mist around the area, often forming rainbows on sunny days.
Skógafoss is part of a series of waterfalls flowing from the highlands, and if you're up for it, you can climb the steep 527-step staircase to the top for a stunning bird’s-eye view. From the top, a trail leads up the mountain past several smaller falls, eventually connecting to the Fimmvörðuháls trail, a 22km route to Thorsmörk. For many hikers, Skógafoss is the gateway to Iceland’s highlands.
Next, we visit Reynisfjara, one of Iceland's most beloved natural attractions. The landscape here is otherworldly, shaped by the powerful interaction of lava and the sea. The black sand, massive basalt columns, and a large cave create a dramatic and unique scene.
The sea can be quite wild, so it’s important to follow your guide's safety instructions and be cautious of the unpredictable waves, which can be dangerous. Reynisfjara is so stunning that it’s been featured in National Geographic’s Top Ten list of the world’s most beautiful non-tropical beaches.
We then head to Vík, the southernmost village on Iceland's mainland. Surrounded by views of the Reynisdrangar basalt columns, a black beach, and panoramic views from the church on the hill, it’s a charming little village.
Vík is located directly south of Katla Volcano, which rests beneath Mýrdalsjökull glacier. The village is at risk from potential volcanic eruptions, which could flood the area with glacier meltwater. Because of this, evacuation drills are a common part of life here. We will stop for lunch here before continuing on our journey.
Next, we visit the Sólheimajökull glacier, a glacier tongue extending from Mýrdalsjökull. After a bumpy ride, we arrive at the parking lot, which was once located right next to the glacier. Unfortunately, the glacier has receded significantly in recent decades, and the walk to the glacier's edge now takes about 15 minutes.
The trail to the glacier passes through uneven terrain, but it's manageable for most people. Along the way, you’ll see a glacier lagoon formed by meltwater, and large sections of the glacier often break off into the lagoon. Your guide will explain the science behind glaciers, how they’ve shaped Iceland’s landscape, and how they are being impacted by climate change.
Our final stop of the day is the iconic Seljalandsfoss waterfall. This 60m high waterfall, fed by the Seljalandsá river, originates beneath the Eyjafjallajökull glacier. The waterfall is much less powerful than Skógafoss but equally captivating. A trail runs behind the falls, giving you a unique, albeit wet, perspective of the cascading water.
Seljalandsfoss also marks the entrance to the Thorsmörk nature reserve, which can be reached by a rugged road to the north. Near the falls, you’ll also find Gljúfrabúi, a hidden waterfall that’s a favorite among photographers.
After exploring Seljalandsfoss, we head back west to Reykjavík. You’ll be dropped off at the same location where you were picked up earlier in the day, concluding your adventure along Iceland's stunning South Coast.
