Ice meets waterfalls on one busy day. This South Coast and Glacier Hike sends you out from Reykjavík to Sólheimajökull for an easy glacier walk on crampons, with time built in for big-name waterfall stops. I like that it bundles the whole day for you: you get hiking gear and safety equipment, guided instruction on glacier basics, and a simple get-there plan without renting a car.

My favorite part is the teaching. You’re not just walking on ice; your guide explains how glaciers form and why they’re changing, so the crevasses and ridges make sense instead of feeling random. One thing to keep in mind: glacier operations depend on weather, so plan for the possibility of changes if conditions turn rough.

Key highlights at a glance

• Ice gear and safety equipment included, plus basic instruction on how to use it
• 2–2.5 hours guided on the glacier, paced as an easy hike
• Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull context on the drive, so you understand what you’re seeing
• Skógafoss + Seljalandsfoss waterfall stops on the way back, with a chance to walk behind Seljalandsfoss if weather allows
• Small-ish group size (max 50) with a professional local guide
• No lunch stop, so packing a picnic is your best move

Why this glacier hike mixes ice lessons and South Coast icons

This is one of those Iceland days that works even if you only have a short window in Reykjavík. You’ll spend the morning heading out toward the glaciers, then shift gears to waterfalls that practically write themselves into your photo roll.

The glacier part is anchored around Sólheimajökull, a glacier tongue that extends from Mýrdalsjökull. On the drive, you also get context that Eyjafjallajökull is in the mix closer to Reykjavík. That matters because glacier hiking isn’t only about stepping onto ice. It’s about understanding what you’re looking at: ridges, ice sculptures formed by pressure and melt, and the ever-changing routes created by crevasses.

Then the day caps with Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss, two of the most famous waterfalls in the South Coast area. The fun twist here is that the glacier hike gives you a different kind of Iceland power—cold, slow-moving ice—while the waterfalls deliver the fast, loud water. Same day. Different physics. Great contrast.

Price and what you’re really paying for

At $186 per person, this isn’t a budget-only activity. But it’s also not just you being dropped off somewhere with a rope and a prayer. You’re paying for three things that add real value in Iceland:

First, round-trip transport from the Reykjavík meeting point, with an air-conditioned vehicle. Second, you get ice hiking gear and safety equipment included. Third, you get a professional local guide for the glacier portion, including a real explanation of what’s happening on the ice field.

If you were to cobble this together yourself—transport, gear rental, and an expert with safety knowledge—you’d likely spend more time and money. The long drive is part of the cost here, too. Still, the overall package is designed to save you hassle, which is worth something when you’d rather spend your daylight outdoors than sorting logistics.

Morning logistics: the 9:00 start and how the day runs

The tour starts at 9:00 am from BSÍ Bus Terminal, Vatnsmýrarvegur 10, 101 Reykjavík. It ends back at the same meeting point, so you don’t need to worry about a weird drop-off arrangement. Pickup is offered, which can make the first hour feel much less like a scavenger hunt.

Your group is limited to up to 50 travelers, and you’ll be using a bus for transport. The overall day runs about 10 hours. That’s a long block, but it’s not the kind of long where you’re stuck in a seat the whole time. You’re getting a guided stretch on the glacier and two meaningful stops for waterfalls.

You will want to think of this as a full-day outdoors program, not a quick sightseeing loop. With moderate physical fitness required and the glacier walk lasting 2–2.5 hours, you should plan to feel the day in your legs, especially in cold wind.

Sólheimajökull glacier walk: crampons, crevasses, and real instructions

This is the main event, and it’s scheduled as an easy glacier walk. The pace is designed for people with moderate fitness, but it’s still a glacier. That means you’re moving on an icy surface where traction matters, and you’ll be walking while your guide keeps a close eye on safe routes.

You’ll be provided with ice hiking gear and safety equipment. You also get instruction on basic glacier equipment—the kind of hands-on coaching that matters because glacier gear isn’t intuitive if you’ve never used it. The crampons aren’t just a gimmick. They’re what turns slick ice into something you can actually step on with confidence.

What you’re likely to see is described as a wonderland of ice sculptures, ridges, and deep crevasses. The key word there is deep. Even on an easy hike, you should treat glacier terrain with respect. Your guide’s job is to make the ice feel understandable and safe to navigate—so you can focus on the experience instead of guessing.

And you’ll get the story behind it. The tour is designed to give you deeper insight into how glaciers form and what you’re seeing as glaciers retreat. That explanation is what turns this from a cool photo stop into a lasting memory. Standing on ice with an explanation in your head feels different than just walking through a frozen set.

Skógafoss: why this stop is worth the detour

After the glacier walk, you’ll return toward Reykjavík and make a stop at Skógafoss. This is one of those waterfalls where you feel the impact before you fully see it—wind, mist, and that steady thunder that makes your brain go quiet.

The tour includes a stop here on the way back, which is great because it prevents you from spending your day guessing which South Coast icons are actually efficient. Skógafoss is famous for a reason: it’s big, dramatic, and photogenic from multiple viewpoints.

Practical tip: treat this stop like you’re stepping into a weather machine. Even if the sky looks okay, waterfalls create their own microclimate. Bring a rain layer you’re comfortable wearing in mist, and expect wind.

This stop is also a good break from the glacier’s quiet crunch. After the cold, hard terrain, Skógafoss feels like the release valve—water doing what water does best.

Seljalandsfoss: walk behind the falls if conditions allow

The final waterfall stop is Seljalandsfoss. This is the one where you might get the chance to walk behind the waterfall. The tour says it depends on weather, so don’t assume it will be possible every day—but it’s a real bonus when conditions cooperate.

Even without the behind-the-falls option, Seljalandsfoss is visually distinctive because of the way it invites you to approach from different angles. If you can go behind, you’ll get a different kind of viewpoint: water surrounding you, mist in the air, and that moment where the waterfall becomes a hallway of noise.

If you do go behind, act like the ground is secretly out to get you. You’ll be dealing with wet surfaces and slippery areas close to spray. Wear footwear with confidence and move steadily.

This is also a strong end-of-day choice. After the glacier and the drive, you’re ready for something dramatic but simple to enjoy on foot—Seljalandsfoss delivers that.

What to pack (so the day feels doable, not miserable)

The tour provides the ice hiking gear and safety equipment, but you’re still responsible for your clothing. Iceland weather can swing hard, especially when you go from bus warmth to wind off ice.

Bring:

• Warm clothing
• Rain gear
• Hiking boots

For comfort and sanity, pack for two realities: cold from the glacier and wet from waterfalls. If you only dress for one, the other will remind you it’s Iceland.

Also, plan for food smartly. There’s no lunch stop, so the tour recommends bringing a picnic lunch. I agree with that advice. Eat before the glacier walk if you can, and then keep a light snack for later. That way, when you’re sitting on the bus afterward, you’re not stuck craving something warm and sugary while everyone else is already fueled.

Who should book this glacier hike (and who should skip it)

This tour fits well if you:

• Want guided glacier walking without dealing with gear rentals and route planning
• Like having a guide explain glacier formation and why glaciers are changing
• Prefer a structured day with transport from Reykjavík
• Are okay with cold conditions and a full day outdoors

It’s not the best match if you:

• Can’t handle moderate physical activity. The glacier portion is paced as easy, but it’s still 2–2.5 hours moving on ice terrain.
• Have young kids. Children 9 years and younger aren’t permitted.
• Hate weather uncertainty. Glacier hiking depends on conditions, and Iceland will not apologize.

One more thought: this is a great pick for first-timers to the South Coast. If you’re already confident driving and you want maximum flexibility, you might choose to DIY. But if you want a calm plan where someone else takes care of safety and timing, this is built for that.

Weather reality check: how to stay calm if the day changes

Here’s the honest part of glacier days: operations depend on weather conditions on the glacier. The tour notes that if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

In practice, that means you should treat the glacier as “weather-first.” Keep an eye on your messages and plan to be reachable. One of the frustrations that shows up with Iceland excursions is when people arrive at the meeting point expecting everything to run exactly as planned. Don’t gamble your morning on silence.

If you want a simple safety net, I recommend having a backup idea for South Coast sights near Reykjavík. Even if the glacier part doesn’t happen, you may still find it worthwhile to use your day for famous waterfalls in the same region, and—if you’re driving yourself afterward—other iconic stops in the South Coast area.

Should you book the South Coast and Glacier Hike?

Book it if you want a guided glacier experience with included gear, clear safety support, and a day that pairs the ice with Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss. The price can look steep until you add up what’s included: transport, expert guidance, and specialized glacier equipment.

I’d also say it’s especially worth it if glacier hiking is on your Iceland bucket list but you don’t want the stress of researching gear, timing, and safety rules. This tour is designed for you to show up, dress warm, and spend the day learning something real.

Skip or rethink if you’re tight on flexibility, struggle with cold, or would be deeply disappointed by weather changes. Iceland days can shift fast; this one is built to handle it, but your mindset should be flexible too.

FAQ

FAQ

Where does the tour start and end?

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

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 9:00 am.

How long is the experience?

The duration is approximately 10 hours.

How much of the day is spent on the glacier?

You get 2 to 2.5 hours of guided glacier hiking.

What’s included with the tour?

Included are an air-conditioned vehicle, ice hiking gear and safety equipment, transport by bus, 2–2.5 hours guided glacier hike, and a professional local tour guide.

Do I need to bring my own hiking boots and warm clothing?

Yes. You should bring warm clothing, rain gear, and hiking boots. The tour provides ice hiking gear and safety equipment, but you still need appropriate personal clothing.

Is lunch included?

No. There is no lunch stop, and you’re recommended to bring a picnic lunch.

Is pickup available from Reykjavík?

Pickup is offered, and the meeting point is near public transportation.

Are children allowed?

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

What happens if the glacier hike can’t operate due to weather?

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