Begin your adventure with a comfortable pick-up in Reykjavik before traveling along Iceland’s scenic South Coast. Your first stops are Seljalandsfoss and the hidden Gljúfrabúi waterfall, where misty cascades and narrow canyons create memorable photo opportunities. At Seljalandsfoss, you can walk behind the waterfall, so waterproof clothing and sturdy shoes are recommended.
Continue to Skógafoss, one of Iceland’s most powerful waterfalls, known for its thundering flow, frequent rainbows, and wide panoramic views. From here, the journey leads to Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, famous for its basalt columns, dramatic sea stacks, and powerful Atlantic waves. During summer, the area is also ideal for birdwatching, though care is always needed due to unpredictable sneaker waves.
In the village of Vík, there is time for lunch at The Soup Company, a local favorite offering hearty soups made with local ingredients. Popular choices include the Red Hot Lava Soup and traditional Icelandic lamb soup, with vegetarian and vegan options available. Meals are not included in the tour price.
The day continues toward Kötlujökull glacier for an unforgettable Katla Ice Cave experience. Equipped with helmets and crampons, you will walk across the glacier and enter a naturally formed ice cave, where blue ice layers and volcanic ash create striking patterns. The terrain is suitable for most travelers in average physical condition, and your guide will explain the glacier’s history and changing nature. If conditions allow, smaller ice caves may also be explored.
On the return journey to Reykjavik, enjoy sweeping mountain views and, in winter, beautiful sunset colors over the South Coast. After a full day of waterfalls, black sand beaches, and glacier exploration, you return to Reykjavik with lasting memories of Iceland’s wild landscapes.
One of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls and a must-see. The waterfall isn’t large, but it is beautiful nonetheless. What makes this waterfall special is that you can walk behind it, giving great photo opportunities, especially in the twilight.
Nearby is the much larger Skógafoss Waterfall. This beautiful waterfall has been used in a few films, such as Thor: Dark World and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. This is a much larger and more powerful waterfall, so don’t try to walk behind it. However, you can walk up to it; just don’t go too close.
You can also walk up a few steps and see it from above and the flattest area of Iceland to the south. The steps are the start of the hike over Fimmvörðuháls to Þórsmörk.
There is also an exciting folk museum in the area, Skógar Folk Museum. It’s a cultural heritage collection of 8000 regional artifacts exhibited in 6 historical buildings and 3 museums!
The beautiful, expansive, and famous Reynisfjara is a place everyone should visit. It is important to keep out of the waves, though, as they can be very dangerous.
The beach is often considered one of Iceland’s best black sand beaches, and National Geographic even put the beach on its top 10 list of non-tropical beaches people should visit.
To one end, you can see Dyrahólaey, and on the other are the Reynisdrangar rock formations, basalt columns, and a small cave. The story goes that Reynisdrangar was made when two trolls tried to drag a three-masted ship to land. The trolls and the ship turned to stone when the sun hit them.
Experience The Soup Company, where freshly made soups celebrate Icelandic flavors using local ingredients. With a cozy atmosphere and friendly service, it’s a delightful spot for soup lovers. Vegetarian and vegan options are available.
We recommend trying the famous Red Hot Lava Soup, and don’t forget that there’s a free refill so you can also enjoy the traditional Icelandic lamb soup.
Please note that food is not included in the tour’s price.
We will come to a stop near the roots of the Kötlujökull glacier, where the view that greets us is truly otherworldly. After putting on our crampons and helmets, we’ll take a short walk to the ice cave’s opening, possibly climbing a few steps on ladders to reach the entrance. As the natural ice cave constantly changes, conditions can differ on each tour. However, the climb is quite manageable, and anyone in average physical condition should be able to ascend these steps.
It may look adventurous, but it is not demanding!
Beautiful layers of various colored ice and volcanic ash unfold from the ice as we approach the cave, painting impressive stripes in the glacier. Your guide will share fascinating insights about the glacier’s history, the ice cave, and the surrounding area, making the tour both educational and exciting.
Upon returning from the glacier, we will explore to see if any smaller ice caves are accessible before heading back to our super truck.
The drive back to Vik is fantastic; in winter, the sun will start to set behind the mountains, creating a magical winter sunset. Be sure to bring your camera!
Hiking shoes are mandatory.
Your Friend in Reykjavik will be more than happy to help you arrange your lodging in the heart of Reykjavik, within walking distance of all restaurants, shops, and the city’s attractions.
The approximate price of a double room in a high-quality hotel is 200-300 USD per night, but we will suggest and book the accommodation according to your needs.
Explore Iceland’s South Coast highlights, from iconic waterfalls and black sand beaches to a thrilling walk inside the Katla Ice Cave.
Get in touch with Your Friend in Reykjavik for all your Iceland travel planning needs. We love to help you plan the perfect trip, making personal recommendations for tours and activities you should check out during your visit. Craft your custom Iceland itinerary with our expert guidance!
