3-Day South Coast & Golden Circle Tour | Ice Caves, Glaciers & Northern Lights with Troll.is
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3 Day South Coast, Golden Circle & Northern Lights Tour

Bestseller Tour
Great Value
2 Glacier Activities Included

Tour Description

This three-day guided tour focuses on exploring Iceland’s key geological and historical sites, offering a comprehensive winter experience of the Golden Circle and South Coast. The tour operates from Reykjavík and includes two nights' accommodation.

The tour features Iceland's most significant natural and historical landmarks. You will visit Þingvellir National Park, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates visibly pull apart. You will witness the geothermal activity at the Geysir Area, watching the active Strokkur geyser erupt up to 35 meters every five minutes, and see the powerful cascade of Gullfoss Waterfall. The South Coast route includes walks behind Seljalandsfoss and along the 60-meter-high Skógafoss Waterfall, exploration of the basalt columns at Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, and a journey to the glacier-fed Jökulsárlón Lagoon and Diamond Beach. The tour includes a supervised glacier hike with essential safety equipment and an opportunity to visit a natural Ice Cave (October–March). At night, your guide will actively monitor the forecast to maximize your chances of seeing the Northern Lights (September–March) from the remote hotel locations.

Start from

From Reykjavík

Open season

October - April

Duration

3 Days

Pick-up

Minibus tour: Pick up & Drop off included

Difficulty

Easy to moderate



Map and Itinerary

Day 1: The Golden Circle & Northern Lights

Our adventure begins with an early morning departure from Reykjavík as we set out on the classic Golden Circle route. You’ll witness Iceland’s geothermal wonders, thundering waterfalls, and historic landscapes. In the evening, we continue toward the South Coast for an overnight stay in the countryside. Perfect for Northern Lights viewing in winter.

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

1

Pickup in Reykjavík

The tour departs at 8:00 AM from Reykjavík. After pickup, we board our comfortable minibus and head east out of the city. As we drive through the scenic countryside, your guide will share stories about Iceland’s history, culture, and unique geology—setting the tone for the adventure ahead.

2

Geysir Geothermal Area

We begin at the Geysir geothermal field, where bubbling mud pools and steaming vents dot the ground. The highlight is Strokkur, an active geyser erupting every few minutes, sometimes reaching heights of up to 35 meters! It’s named after “Geysir,” the original namesake of all geysers worldwide.

3

Gullfoss Waterfall

Next, we visit the mighty Gullfoss, or “Golden Falls.” Fed by meltwater from Langjökull glacier, this two-tiered waterfall drops dramatically into a canyon. On sunny days, look for a rainbow glimmering in the mist. A photographer’s delight.

4

Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Þingvellir is where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates drift apart, creating a visible rift valley. It’s also Iceland’s most historic site: the birthplace of the world’s oldest parliament, founded in 930 AD. The area is rich in geological beauty, with clear springs, cliffs, and Iceland’s largest natural lake.

5

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

Our next stop is the stunning Seljalandsfoss waterfall. You can walk behind the cascade for a one-of-a-kind view. Just bring a rain jacket! The roar of the water and shimmering mist make this an unforgettable experience.

6

Accommodation: Hotel Drangshlíð (or similar)

After a day exploring the waterfalls and glaciers of Iceland’s South Coast, we’ll spend the night in a comfortable countryside hotel in the same area, typically Hotel Drangshlíð or a similar option. The location offers easy access to the next day’s activities and is ideally situated for Northern Lights viewing during the winter months, far from city lights. Dinner and rest here provide the perfect break before continuing your journey toward Vatnajökull National Park and the Glacier Lagoon the following day.

7

Northern Lights Discovery

After settling in, your guide will share the evening’s aurora forecast and, if the skies are clear, suggest the best nearby viewing spots. With minimal light pollution, this is one of the best opportunities to witness the Northern Lights dancing across the Icelandic sky.

Day 2: South Coast Waterfalls & 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

Skógafoss Waterfall 

A short drive away lies Skógafoss, a powerful 60-meter-high waterfall pouring from a cliff into the Skógá River. Climb the staircase beside the falls for sweeping views of the coastline, or admire the rainbows that often appear in the spray below.

2

Glacier Hike on Falljökull

Next, we meet our certified glacier guide for an unforgettable adventure on the ice. After gearing up with helmets, crampons, and ice axes, we’ll step onto the glacier, an ever-changing world of blue ice, deep crevasses, and frozen sculptures. If weather or safety factors prevent hiking at one glacier, the tour may instead take place at another beautiful and suitable glacier.

3

Accommodation: Hrífunes Inn (or similar)

We’ll end the day at a cozy countryside inn in the area, typically Hrífunes Inn or a similar guesthouse, perfectly located between the waterfalls of the South Coast and the glaciers of Vatnajökull National Park. This quiet, rural setting offers a peaceful atmosphere and wide-open skies that are ideal for spotting the Northern Lights on clear winter nights. It’s a comfortable overnight stop that sets us up nicely for the scenic drive east the following morning.

4

Northern Lights Discovery

After settling in, your guide will share the evening’s aurora forecast and, if the skies are clear, suggest the best nearby viewing spots. With minimal light pollution, this is one of the best opportunities to witness the Northern Lights dancing across the Icelandic sky.

Day 3: Glacier Lagoon, Ice Cave & Black Sand Beach

We end the journey with some of Iceland’s most breathtaking sights, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Diamond Beach, and Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, before heading back to Reykjavík in the evening.

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

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

A spectacular natural wonder, this 200-meter-deep lagoon is filled with floating icebergs calved from Breiðamerkurjökull, one of Vatnajökull’s outlet glaciers. The lagoon’s tranquil blue waters are often home to seals basking on the ice.

2

Diamond Beach

Across the road from the lagoon lies Diamond Beach, where glittering ice fragments from Jökulsárlón are scattered across black volcanic sands. The dazzling contrast of light and dark makes this one of Iceland’s most photogenic locations.

3

Visit to a Natural Ice Cave

From Jökulsárlón, you will join a tour where a Super-Jeep will take you to the glacier. After a short hike you will be able to enter a naturally formed ice cave. Inside, you’ll learn about the cave’s formation and the dynamic nature of Iceland’s glacial environment.

4

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

On our return journey, we visit Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, where the Atlantic coastline features dramatic, massive waves crashing against unique basalt pillars in the cliffs. In the distance, you can see the cliffs of Dyrhólaey.

5

Return to Reykjavík

After a final stretch along the South Coast, we return to Reykjavík, with an estimated arrival around 8:00 PM. Actual arrival time may vary depending on weather and road conditions.



Available Add-ons

Support Shoes

Rent shoes for keeping your ankles safe to prevent injuries

$22
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
Luggage Storage

Store your extra luggage.

$15
20% off - Departures before 15th Dec.
Promo code:
Price from
$1,017
/ traveler
Choose a date to start

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Warm clothes (first layer)
  • Waterproof outdoor clothing (second layer)
  • Hiking boots (available for rent on booking)
  • Gloves and hat
  • Joy and happiness!

For pickup, select your designated location in Reykjavík from the drop-down menu when booking; please inform us of your choice at least 42 hours in advance if you are unsure at the time of booking.

Pickup is scheduled between 8:00 AM and 8:45 AM from your chosen point and is not available from Keflavík airport or outside the greater capital area.

  • The tour is generally suggested for participants 8 years and older due to activity restrictions.
  • The Glacier Hike specifically requires a minimum age of 8 and a minimum shoe size of EU 34.
  • The minimum age for the Ice Cave visit is 6. If a child does not meet the requirements for a restricted activity, an accompanying adult must remain with them.
  • Furthermore, a seat must be reserved for any child aged six and under to accommodate a legally required child safety seat.

  • This tour can be cancelled up to 24 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 24 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.
  • If you do not cancel your booking in time, you might then be offered a discount on another tour.

It is possible that your tour itinerary may be altered due to bad weather or road conditions. You will be notified of any changes either by email or by your tour guide. But do not worry, we will try our best to visit all the most beautiful places on our journey.

  • Customers traveling alone must pay a Single Supplement Fee during the payment process, as it is not possible for solo travelers to share a room with other solo travelers on this tour.
  • Reservations for 2 people: will be allocated a double room (supplement fee does not need to be paid unless you want another private room).
  • Reservations for 3 people: 1 triple room will be automatically allocated (supplement fee does not need to be paid unless you want another private room).
  • Reservations for 4 or more people: 2x Double Rooms will be allocated (supplement fee does not need to be paid unless you want another private room).

  • 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. The limit is one suitcase of 24 inches per person, but you can store your extra luggage in our office for 1,750 ISK per item. It can be added as an additional fee at the time of booking and is non-refundable upon payment in all cases.
  • The Northern Lights are a sightseeing a natural random phenomenon and cannot be guaranteed by the operator. The hotels are in prime locations to maximise the chances of seeing them. Keep in mind that the best time to see them is from September to April, depending on the weather conditions. If no Northern Lights have been seen during the tour, you are welcome to book a specific tour to the Northern Lights from Reykjavik, once your multi day tour has finished, please get in contact with us for more information and special discounts.
  • Ice caves are a dynamic, ever-changing natural phenomenon only accessible during wintertime when temperatures drop below zero. Each year, new unique caves are formed in different areas of the glacier. We see a naturally formed ice cave during this tour. The photos on our website and social media are from this winter season, but the ice cave we see might have changed in appearance due to the dynamic nature of these formations. We strive to provide you with the best possible experience on our tours, and we hope you find this information helpful as you plan your trip with us.

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