Glacier Hike, South Coast Waterfall, Black Sand Beach and Sky Lagoon

by Glaciers and Waterfalls · Glacier hiking · Hiking & trekking · Lagoons & spas · South Coast

Glacier Hike, South Coast Waterfall, Black Sand Beach and Sky Lagoon — Glaciers and Waterfalls

Would this be cheaper direct? No — we sell at Glaciers and Waterfalls's own price and take our commission from them, not from you. What you get here is one checkout across operators, one confirmation, and one place to change or cancel it. If you ever find it cheaper on their own site, tell us and we will match it or explain why we cannot.

More photos of Glacier Hike, South Coast Waterfall, Black Sand Beach and Sky Lagoon

The ice cold glacier band.In front of wall of blue ice.Group photo on the glacier.All kinds of shapes.A beautiful sunny day on the glacier.It's a feeling of freedom standing on the glacier.Playing with illusion.Most of the year you can walk behind the waterfall.

13 photos from Glaciers and Waterfalls. Tap any one for the full-size original.

  • Duration

    13 hours

  • Difficulty

    Moderate

  • Season

    All year

  • Starts in

    Reykjavík

  • Meeting

    Hotel pickup available

  • Languages

    EN

  • Departs

    08:00

  • Minimum age

    10

  • Cancellation

    Free until 24h before

About this experience

Join us for an unforgettable Glacier Hike Tour and elevate your experience with relaxation and rejuvenation at the Sky Lagoon. After an exhilarating day of exploration, immerse yourself in ultimate tranquility, capping off your adventure in style.

Departing directly from Reykjavík or Selfoss, you’ll embark on a journey to discover the stunning beauty of Sólheimajökull, an outlet glacier of Mýrdalsjökull, Iceland’s 4th largest glacier, surrounded by majestic volcanoes. With convenient transport, your trip will be hassle-free as you explore captivating ice formations and breathtaking landscapes.

On the return trip, we’ll make a short but awe-inspiring stop at the magnificent Seljalandsfoss waterfall. As the day winds down, we’ll drop you off at the Sky Lagoon, allowing you to enjoy its offerings at your leisure. Located just a 10-minute drive from downtown Reykjavík, you’ll have no trouble getting back to your location with assistance from the Sky Lagoon staff.

Indulge in the perfect combination of adventure and relaxation with our Glacier Hike Tour.

Your Icelandic getaway awaits.Itinerary

Sólheimajökull Glacier

Sólheimajökull, an outlet glacier of Mýrdalsjökull, Iceland’s fourth-largest glacier, graces the South Coast with its presence. Located just 158 kilometers (98 miles) from Reykjavík, it offers a unique opportunity to explore glacial features and gain insight into its formation. This icy realm is a living testament to the dynamic forces that shape Iceland’s ever-changing landscape.

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

Seljalandsfoss, another of Iceland’s classic waterfalls, offers a unique twist on the traditional waterfall experience. While not among the country’s largest falls, what sets Seljalandsfoss apart is the rare opportunity to walk behind the cascading water for most of the year. This immersive encounter transports you into a world of mist and magic, revealing a different perspective of nature’s beauty.

ReynisfjaraThe Black Sand Beach

Reynisfjara, a stunning black sand beach on the South Coast, showcases the raw power of the Atlantic Ocean. Its colossal waves crash upon the shore, creating an awe-inspiring spectacle. Basalt columns, resembling ancient sentinels, line the beach, while the enigmatic “Reynisdrangar” sea stacks emerge from the ocean’s depths, steeped in local folklore. This beach has earned its place among the world’s most beautiful non-tropical beaches.

Sky Lagoon - Spa near Reykjavík

Sky Lagoon – Where the Sea Meets the Sky.
Immerse yourself in warmth at this oceanside geothermal spa, inspired by nature and culture. With the dramatic North Atlantic Ocean stretching out before you, and glowing sunsets and stormy skies above, Sky Lagoon offers an unforgettable experience. Sometimes, the dancing Northern Lights even grace the sky, providing a stunning all-natural show. Join us for rejuvenation and inspiration at the edge of the world, where you can experience the warmth and wonder of Iceland firsthand. (Transportation back to the Accommodation is not included)

Description from the operator, Glaciers and Waterfalls. Prices and availability in the booking panel are live.

Where you go

  1. Pick up
  2. Sólheimajökull Glacier
  3. Reynisfjara
  4. Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
  5. Sky Laggon Spa near Reykjavík

Included

Air-conditioned vehicle
Safety equipment for glacier hike
Free WiFi on the Bus
Admission fee to Seljalandsfoss
Admission fee to Sky Lagoon

Not included

All meals excluded

Shuttle back from the Sky Lagoon to your accommodation is not included

Good to know

Warm outdoor clothing
Hat and gloves or mittens
Rain gear
Good hiking boots
Backpack
Water bottle
Camera/Phone
Bathing suit

  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Not stroller accessible
  • Not suitable for pets
  • Infants must not sit on laps
  • Infant seats unavailable
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for people with heart conditions
  • The shuttle from the Sky Lagoon back to the accommodation is not included

Cancellation for this tour

Free cancellation until 24 hours before departure; no refund after that. If the operator cancels for weather or safety, you get a full refund or a new date.

If the weather cancels this tour

Iceland's weather is real. What usually stops this one is high wind or rain on the ice — the guide decides at the meeting point, sometimes after you have set off. Here is exactly what happens to your booking.

  1. 1Glaciers and Waterfalls decides, and tells us. Operators cancel when it is unsafe or pointless, and we back that call every time — we do not ask them to run anyway.
  2. 2We contact you by email, and by phone if your tour is the same or next day. You choose: another date if there is one you can make, or a full refund. There is no fee and nothing to argue.
  3. 3The refund goes back to the card you paid with, through Stripe, usually visible within a few working days. If this tour was one of several in your booking, the others are untouched.

What you do not get is the day back. If this is the only free day in your plan, put a spare day next to it — the planner leaves days free with the rest-day option. And if you want out because the forecast looks bad, that is your own cancellation: free until 1 day before departure, the operator's policy after that.

Questions on the day: [email protected] · +354 497 1373. How cancellations work in Iceland →

Why this one and not the cheaper one?

The nearest cheaper Solheimajokull Glacier Guided Hiking Small Group Tour from Nordur Travel Services ehf is €85 — €93 less. Here is every difference we can actually measure.

Glaciers and Waterfalls · €178Nordur Travel Services ehf · €85
How long it runs13 hours3 hours
Getting therePicks you upYou make your own way
How hard it isModerateEasy

The €93 buys you 10 more hours out and hotel pickup. Whether that is worth it is your call — but that is what the difference is.

Sold out on your date?

Seats come back — a cancellation, or the operator adding a vehicle. Tell us the date and we will check once a day and email you if one opens. One email, then we delete the address; nothing else is ever sent to it.

Who this is not for

  • Children under 10 cannot join this one.
  • Not a good fit if you want a relaxed day: 13 hours is a long time on the road, most of it spent getting there and back.

Read off the operator's own conditions. If none of it applies to you, this is a good one.

Why we list it

Glaciers and Waterfalls is one of 154 operators we work with — chosen for reliability, honest descriptions and how they treat guests when weather changes plans. We don't list everything; we list what we'd book ourselves. The six checks every operator passes →

Read before you book

Reviews from our travellers

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No reviews yet from our travellers on this one. After your tour we send one email asking how it was, and what you write goes here, unedited.

Glacier hiking — questions people ask

Which glacier is best for a first glacier hike?

Sólheimajökull on the South Coast, about two and a half hours from Reykjavík. It is the most accessible glacier tongue, the walk from the car park is short and the three-to-four-hour tours (/experience/6853/ or /experience/914990/) suit beginners. Skaftafell in the southeast has bigger ice and fewer people, with tours like Glacier Wonders (/experience/17340/), but it is a five-hour drive each way, so it only works if you are staying out there.

Can you hike on a glacier in Iceland in summer?

Yes. Glacier hiking runs all year. In June to August the ice is grey and gritty on the surface with blue crevasses and meltwater channels, and the weather is milder. In November to March the ice is whiter and you may see ice formations, but daylight is short and the wind bites. Neither is better; summer is easier, winter is prettier. The one thing you cannot do in summer is visit a natural blue ice cave.

How fit do I need to be for a glacier hike?

Moderately. You walk two to three hours on uneven ice in crampons, with some short steep sections. Anyone who can manage a hilly day walk will be fine; the pace is slow because the guide is checking the route. It is not for anyone with knee or balance problems, and most operators set a minimum age of eight to ten. Check the tour page. Longer tours like Glacier Explorer (/experience/17338/) push further onto the ice and need more stamina.

What do I need to bring on a glacier hike?

Sturdy boots with ankle support, waterproof jacket and trousers, warm layers, gloves and a hat, plus water and a snack. The operator provides crampons, a harness, a helmet and an ice axe. Jeans and trainers are not allowed on the ice, and guides do turn people away. Most meeting points rent boots and rain gear for a small fee; check the tour page and book them in advance in summer.

  • One checkout, any number of operators

  • Rankings are not for sale

  • 153 operators vetted, and not all of them accepted

  • If it falls short, we fix it

Pairs well with

Everything here goes into the same basket and the same single payment, however many operators it comes from.

from

€178 per person

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