South Coast and Glacier Hike from Reykjavik

A day trip that mixes a real glacier walk with two of the South Coast’s most famous waterfalls is a smart use of limited time. I like that the tour takes care of the hard parts for you: transport from Reykjavik plus glacier gear and safety equipment. Another plus is the guide focus, you get real explanations of how glaciers form and why they are changing. One thing to keep in mind, the hike depends on weather on the glacier, so your day can shift or be canceled.

You’ll leave Reykjavik early, ride south in an air-conditioned bus, then spend a couple hours walking up on the ice with crampons. After that, you’ll head to Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss, with the fun bonus that you may be able to walk behind Seljalandsfoss if conditions allow. This is a long day, around 10 hours, and you’ll want to dress like you mean it.

Key highlights worth your attention

• Guided glacier time (2 to 2.5 hours) with crampons, so you get more than just photos
• All glacier gear and safety equipment included, plus instruction on how to use it
• Round-trip transport from BSÍ Bus Terminal in Reykjavik, near public transit and easy to find
• Two major waterfall stops, with a chance to walk behind Seljalandsfoss if weather cooperates
• Small-ish group size (max 50), which helps the hike feel organized rather than chaotic
• Moderate physical fitness level required, not a stroll, but not a technical climb either

Why this glacier hike-and-waterfalls day trip works

This tour hits three Iceland classics in one go, Sólheimajökull glacier, Skógafoss, and Seljalandsfoss. The key is that the glacier portion is not just a scenic viewpoint. You actually step onto the ice field with crampons and learn what you’re looking at.

If you’ve ever stood in awe at glaciers from a distance, this is the ticket to understand the why behind the wonder. You’ll get the kind of explanation that makes the ice feel less like a frozen wall and more like a moving system. That matters because glaciers are changing fast, and the guide’s explanations help you connect today’s shapes to what glaciers do over time.

The second reason I like this combo is efficiency. Driving yourself to the glacier and coordinating waterfall stops can eat hours. Instead, you get a plan that makes sense for a single day out of Reykjavik.

The drive south from Reykjavik: time well used

You start at BSÍ Bus Terminal in Reykjavik (Vatnsmýrarvegur 10, 101 Reykjavík) at 9:00 am, and you end back at the same place. The meeting point choice is practical, it’s near public transportation and it reduces stress if your timing is tight.

From Reykjavik, you’ll spend under two hours driving to the area of Eyjafjallajökull, then go a bit further to reach Sólheimajökull, a glacier tongue that extends from Mýrdalsjökull. Even though you’re not stepping out at every stop on the drive, that routing helps you feel like you’re moving through Iceland’s big geologic stories, not just hopping between photo stops.

You’ll be on an air-conditioned vehicle, which sounds minor until you’re soaked, windblown, and happy for indoor comfort after the glacier. It’s also where you’ll get your first dose of gear prep and instructions before stepping into cold reality.

Step onto Sólheimajökull: crampons, safety, and glacier “readers”

This is the heart of the day: a guided walk on the ice field of Sólheimajökull. The hike is described as easy, but I still treat it as a full-body experience. You’re walking on uneven ice, managing balance with crampons, and moving at the pace your guide sets.

Before you go up, the tour provides ice hiking gear and safety equipment and teaches you how to use the basic tools. That’s a big deal for value. In Iceland, renting or piecing together equipment on your own can be time-consuming, and getting the safety part wrong is not worth the risk. Here, the gear is part of the package and the guide shows you how it should feel and how to move.

What you’ll see out on the glacier is more than pretty patterns. You’ll get to observe ice sculptures, ridges, and deep crevasses from close range. The guide explains glacier formation and how these features relate to the ice’s movement and long-term change. The walking time you get, 2 to 2.5 hours, is long enough to feel like a real glacier experience but not so long you feel wiped out for the waterfalls afterward.

One practical note: since the tour depends on weather conditions on the glacier, the hike can be rescheduled, shortened, or canceled. When glacier conditions are not right, this kind of walk is exactly where compromises would be unsafe, so don’t expect the operator to keep going just for the schedule.

Skógafoss: big water, easy photo access, real power

After the glacier, you head back toward Reykjavik and stop at Skógafoss. This one is famous for a reason. It’s a tall, strong waterfall and you feel the spray in the air even if you’re not standing directly under it.

The best way to enjoy Skógafoss on this particular tour is to arrive with a plan for your body. You’ve already been cold and focused during the glacier hike. At the waterfall, you’re mostly looking and walking short distances, so dress for wet. Rain gear helps even when the sky looks friendly.

The timing works well too. You won’t be rushing through everything at top speed. You can take your time, get your shots from different angles, and then move on without the feeling that you’re sprinting across Iceland.

Seljalandsfoss: the walk-behind moment, when weather permits

The last major stop is Seljalandsfoss, the waterfall that lets you experience the power from the side and, when conditions allow, from behind. The tour notes that if weather permits it’s possible to walk behind Seljalandsfoss. I love this option because it turns a standard viewpoint into a physical experience.

Even without going behind it, Seljalandsfoss has a different vibe than Skógafoss. The water and the rock edge create a more intimate setting, so the photos can look less like generic waterfall shots and more like you’re inside the scene.

Do bring your practical brain here. If it’s windy or the path is slick, the behind-the-waterfall part might not be possible. That’s not a failure. It’s just safety and conditions doing their job. Keep your expectations flexible and you’ll enjoy the stop either way.

Gear, clothing, and lunch: how to avoid the 10-hour day blues

This tour is sold as gear-included, and that’s great. But the clothing part is still on you. The tour specifically asks you to bring warm clothing, rain gear, and hiking boots. Follow that advice closely.

Here’s how I’d pack for a glacier morning and waterfall afternoon without suffering:

• Dress in layers you can vent. You may start cold and end up warmer after you start walking.
• Bring a rain jacket you trust. Waterfall spray is real.
• Wear boots with grip. You’re walking on ice earlier and on wet ground later.
• Expect wind. Cold wind is what sneaks up on you.
• Pack a spare warm layer for after the glacier.

Food is not included, and there is no lunch stop. The recommendation is to bring a picnic lunch and to eat before the glacier hike, then carry a light snack for later. That’s solid advice. Glacier time can be mentally intense and physically tiring, and you don’t want to add hunger to the mix.

Also, plan hydration. Even in cooler temperatures, you’ll feel better if you drink something through the day. The tour provides the transport and the glacier setup, but it does not provide fuel or water.

Price and value: $186 buys logistics and risk management

At $186 per person, this is not the cheapest way to do the South Coast. But it also isn’t just a sightseeing bus ride.

What you are really paying for is:

• Round-trip transport from Reykjavik
• A professional local guide
• 2 to 2.5 hours guided walking on the glacier
• Included glacier hiking gear and safety equipment
• The instruction that helps you use the gear correctly

If you tried to self-drive, you’d still need permits or access planning for glacier walks, plus you’d likely need to secure crampon-type equipment and safety briefings. Even when you can handle logistics yourself, coordinating that into one efficient day is the hard part. This tour bundles it into one predictable schedule.

There’s also the intangible value: a good guide turns what could be a risky, stressful experience into something structured and educational. The overall rating is 4.6 with 92% recommending the trip, which lines up with the kind of value people usually feel most, clear guidance and a glacier experience that feels legitimate.

Weather cancellations: how to protect your time and not lose your patience

Glacier hikes are weather-dependent, and this tour is explicitly tied to glacier conditions. If the glacier can’t be operated safely, it can be canceled, and you may be offered a different date or a full refund.

Here’s what I recommend so you don’t feel blindsided. Don’t treat the day like a sure thing until you’re on the bus and the operator confirms departure. If you’re traveling through Reykjavik on a tight schedule, keep a bit of buffer.

One more thing I’d do: check for updates close to departure time, not just the day before. A couple of people have expressed frustration about delayed communication when trips were canceled due to weather. That’s not something you can control, but it is something you can protect against by staying alert.

Who should book this, and who should skip it

This tour is best for you if you want an actual glacier walk from Reykjavik, not just roadside views. You’ll get the most out of it if you like learning, because the guide explains how glaciers form and how their features develop.

You should consider it if you have moderate physical fitness. This is not described as an extreme climb, but you are walking on crampons, and that demands balance, stamina, and common sense.

I would skip this if:

• You dislike cold, wet walking, even with warm layers and rain gear.
• You’re unable to handle a long day. It runs about 10 hours total.
• You are traveling with a young child. Children 9 years and younger are not permitted.

If you’re traveling solo, with friends, or as a couple, the max group size of 50 keeps things organized while still feeling like a group adventure.

Should you book this South Coast and glacier combo?

I’d book it if you want the best blend of Iceland wow-factor in one day: stepping onto Sólheimajökull with crampons, then ending with the iconic waterfall pair. The inclusion of safety gear, guided time on the ice, and round-trip transport is what makes it feel like more than just a ticket. At $186, the value is in removing friction and reducing guesswork.

I’d think twice if your schedule is rigid and you can’t tolerate a weather-dependent change. Even if you plan perfectly, glacier conditions can override everything.

My final advice is simple: dress for wet cold, pack your picnic lunch, and stay flexible about the glacier if weather shifts. If you do those three things, you’ll come away with an Iceland day that feels real, not just rushed.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The tour runs for about 10 hours total, including approximately 2 to 2.5 hours of guided glacier hiking.

What is included in the price?

It includes air-conditioned vehicle transport, transport by bus, ice hiking gear and safety equipment, a professional local tour guide, and the guided glacier hike time.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, and there is no lunch stop. You are recommended to bring a picnic lunch and eat before the hike, plus a light snack for later.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at BSÍ Bus Terminal Reykjavík, Vatnsmýrarvegur 10, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland, and it ends back at the same meeting point.

What time does it depart?

The start time is 9:00 am.

Do I need to bring specific clothing?

Yes. Bring warm clothing, rain gear, and hiking boots.

Is pickup available?

Pickup is offered.

Is the tour suitable for children?

Children 9 years and younger are not permitted on this tour.

What happens if weather affects the glacier hike?

Operation depends on weather conditions on the glacier. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.