South Coast & Glacier Hike Private Tour | Tröll Expeditions
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VIP Private South Coast Tour With Optional Glacier Hike or Katla Ice Cave Activity

Flexible and Personalize

Tour Description

Contact us at info@troll.is if you wish to book a Private Tour

Experience the diverse landscapes of Iceland's South Coast on this focused day tour. See the Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, walk along the world-famous Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, and view the dramatic Atlantic coastline. To customize your adventure, you can choose to add a guided glacier hike on Sólheimajökull or a Super Jeep tour to the Katla Ice Cave (additional fees apply).

This day tour from Reykjavík takes you to the most significant natural landmarks along Iceland's southern shore. The route follows the Ring Road, where the landscape is shaped by the proximity of the ocean and nearby volcanoes.

Our first major stops are two of Iceland's most famous waterfalls. Seljalandsfoss is unique because a walking path allows you to go behind the falling water. Nearby is Skógafoss, a massive waterfall dropping 60 meters, known for its power and the frequent rainbows formed by its spray. Both locations offer excellent photography opportunities and are easily accessible from the parking areas.

We then continue to Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach. This area is famous for its dark volcanic sands, towering basalt columns (hexagonal rock formations), and the "Reynisdrangar" sea stacks rising from the ocean. While the scenery is beautiful, we remind visitors to stay far back from the water, as the Atlantic waves here are powerful and unpredictable.

For those seeking more activity, you can enhance your trip with one of two options. The first is a glacier hike on Sólheimajökull. An experienced guide will provide crampons and ice axes, leading you safely onto the ice to see crevasses and volcanic ash layers. Alternatively, you can take a Super Jeep ride into the black sand desert to explore the Katla Ice Cave, located within the Mýrdalsjökull glacier.

The journey involves approximately 4 to 5 hours of total driving time, divided into manageable segments with scenic views of glaciers and volcanoes throughout the day. This tour provides a practical and comprehensive introduction to Iceland’s geology and coastal heritage.

Start from

From Reykjavík

Open season

All Year

Duration

12 hours

Pick-up

Minibus tour: Pick up & Drop off included

Difficulty

Easy



Map and Itinerary

Day Tour: South Coast Glacier Hike

Today we explore Iceland’s spectacular South Coast, home to iconic waterfalls, black sand beaches, and mighty glaciers. You’ll strap on crampons and hike across ancient ice with a professional glacier guide. A true highlight of the trip.

Please note: The daily itinerary is subject to change due to weather, road conditions, and availability of activities. Activates may be moved between days. Your guide will always ensure the best and safest experience possible.

1

Pickup in Reykjavik

Your adventure starts 8:00 AM in Reykjavík; after meeting your group, you will begin a comfortable minibus journey through the South Coast complete with local stories and photo tips from your guide.

Please note: We advise our participants to be ready at their designated pickup location at 8:00 am and wait for the bus to arrive around 8:05am till 8:45am depending on road and weather conditions.

2

Seljalandsfoss

Seljalandsfoss is one of the South Coast's most famous and frequently visited waterfalls, conveniently located close to Reykjavík.

What makes this beautiful waterfall unique is its special structure: the cliffs behind the dramatic 60-meter drop contain a wide cavern. This allows visitors the unforgettable experience of walking completely behind the curtain of water, encircling the falls for a truly immersive view!

Just be sure to bring rainwear—you're highly likely to get drenched by the spray and drizzle!

3

Skógafoss Waterfall

Just 30 minutes past Seljalandsfoss, your journey continues to the majestic Skógafoss, one of Iceland's largest and most beautiful waterfalls.

Meaning "forest waterfall" in Icelandic, Skógafoss shares the same dramatic 60-meter (197-foot) drop as its neighbor. What makes it truly unique is that its powerful waters flow directly from two major glaciers: Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull, before eventually reaching the North Atlantic Ocean. The flat land right at its base makes it easy for everyone to walk up close to the misty cascade.

Unlike most falls, you can view Skógafoss from above! A challenging but rewarding climb of about 500 stairs on the side of the mountain leads you to the summit. From the top, you get a unique perspective on how the waterfall forms and can access a beautiful walking path that follows the Skógá River into a magical canyon.

After you've taken in the mystical sights of the waterfalls, you'll head off for lunch!

4

Included Tour: Glacier Hike on Sólheimajökull Glacier or Katla Ice Cave

You have an option for glacier hike on Solheimajokull glacier or a ride on a super-jeep into the black sand desert towards the Katla ice cave.

Upon arriving at the meeting point, you will meet your professional glacier guide, who will equip you with all necessary safety gear, including crampons, harnesses, and ice axes.

Pro Tip: We highly recommend dressing in layers and wearing a waterproof shell rather than bulky clothing for comfort and safety.

Your hike begins with a brief climb to a higher elevation, after which the trek becomes relatively easy. Once on the ice, be ready to witness the spectacular forces of nature:

  • Gigantic Crevasses slicing through the ice.
  • The rare sight of icebergs floating in the nearby lagoon, formed when large pieces of ice detach from the glacier.

While the overall adventure is manageable, participants should be in good physical shape due to the initial ascent. Get ready for an unforgettable experience on this rare natural phenomenon!

5

Reynisfjara: the Black Sand Beach

Following your glacier adventure, your final breathtaking stop is the famous Reynisfjara, Iceland’s iconic Black Sand Beach on the South Coast.

Reynisfjara's unique landscape was formed over millions of years as volcanic eruptions deposited lava that slowly eroded into the fine, black sand you see today. You'll be greeted by incredible geological features, including the massive, hexagonal basalt columns. These rare, geometrically perfect formations are created when lava cools slowly, and such long, solid structures are rarely found anywhere else in the world.

The dramatic Dýrhólaey cliffs are clearly visible from the beach, completing the stunning panorama. In the summertime, this area is a paradise for bird lovers, offering nesting spots for puffins, razorbills, and dozens of other seabird species.

6

Back to Reykjavík

We will then start heading back to Reykjavik and are expected to arrive around 8 pm, though this may be subject to change depending on weather and road conditions.



Available Add-ons

Support Shoes

Rent shoes for keeping your ankles safe to prevent injuries

$12
Waterproof Jacket

Rent a jacket to keep you dry

$12
Waterproof Pants

Rent pants to keep you dry

$12
Beanie and Gloves

Buy our Troll Beanie and Gloves to feel part of our winter Trolls and keep you warm in the Icelandic cold

$22
Neck-warmer

Buy our Troll Neck-warmer to feel part of our winter Trolls and and protect your face from cold wind

$4
Summer Cap

Buy our Troll Summer-Cap to feel part of our summer Trolls and protect yourself from the sun

$10
Price from
$1,870
/ group
Choose a date to start

Frequently Asked Questions

• Warm clothes (first layer) • Waterproof outdoor clothing (second layer) • Hiking boots above the ankle (available for rent when booking) • Joy and happiness!

The weather in Iceland is very unpredictable. For tours during winter, warm clothing as the first layer, a waterproof outdoor jacket and pants, hiking boots with high ankle protection, a hat and gloves are ideal. For tours during summer, bringing a light rain jacket and pants is in most cases enough protection. Icelanders often say, “If you don’t like the weather, just wait 5 minutes”. Jeans are not recommended for outdoor trips as they become very heavy and cold when they get wet.

This tour is easy to moderate.

The minimum age is 8 years old for the glacier hikes. If children under those ages are on the tour, then an adult needs to stay with them while others do these activities.

  • Up to 6 months pregnant: You may join at your own discretion. You should assess your physical condition and comfort with walking on crampons for extended periods. Our guides will explain the expected duration and terrain to help you decide if you're fit to participate.
  • After 7 months pregnant: Glacier hikes are not recommended or permitted for safety reasons.

Location: We offer pick-up only from the designated locations within the greater Reykjavík city area, which must be selected from the drop-down menu when booking.

Timeframe: The pickup window is typically from 8:00 AM to 8:45 AM. Please be ready at your chosen location at the start of your scheduled pick-up time, as the process can take up to 30-45 minutes.

Exclusions: Pick-up service is not available from Keflavík Airport or areas outside the greater Reykjavík capital region.

You must provide your chosen pick-up location at least 24 hours prior to the tour's departure. Failure to provide this information or missing the bus means we cannot be responsible for missed tours.

  • Order or availability of attractions may change due to road or weather conditions, and we may have to adjust timings to the short daylight of winter days.
  • Pick-up is from designated locations in Reykjavík on a drop-down menu when booking. Pick-up is unavailable from Keflavik airport or outside the greater capital area.

• All private tours can be cancelled up to 72 hours from the departure time by sending a written email to info@troll.is. You will receive a full refund except the 3% card fee. All cancellations requested less than 72 hours from the departure time are non refundable. • In the case of cancellation of the tour by the operator because of extreme weather, road conditions, or other factors, we will assist you with rebooking to another date or booking other activities when possible or provide a full refund.

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