Private Glacier Hike and South Coast Sightseeing in Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik, Iceland

Private Glacier Hike and South Coast Sightseeing

Outty Ranking 56 5.0 · 3 traveler reviews12 hoursFrom $1,650
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Outty Ranking

56/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 3 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Private Glacier Hike and South Coast Sightseeing worth booking?

Private Glacier Hike and South Coast Sightseeing is a 12-hour experience in Reykjavik, Iceland, from $1,650 per person. It scores 56 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 3 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
56 / 100
Rating
5/5 (3)
Duration
12 hours
From
$1,650 per person

Hiking on a glacier is what is making this tour special. This tour is the perfect mix sightseeing and adventure. For the Sightseeing part, you will explore the South Coast of Iceland. Homeland of hundreds of waterfalls, volcanoes and glaciers. And speaking of glaciers, this is where the adventure part of this tour will take place: You are going to hike on a glacier. During this excursion, your guide will first gear you up with all appropriate gears, and after briefing you about safety and technics on the glacier, he will take you on ice for around an hour.

What you get

    About this experience

    Hiking on a glacier is what is making this tour special. This tour is the perfect mix sightseeing and adventure. For the Sightseeing part, you will explore the South Coast of Iceland. Homeland of hundreds of waterfalls, volcanoes and glaciers. And speaking of glaciers, this is where the adventure part of this tour will take place: You are going to hike on a glacier. During this excursion, your guide will first gear you up with all appropriate gears, and after briefing you about safety and technics on the glacier, he will take you on ice for around an hour.

    What's included

    Included

    • Private transportation
    • On-board WiFi
    • Glacier equipment: Crampons, Helmets, Harnesses and Ice Axe

    Not included

    • Lunch
    • Personal equipment for the glacier hike: Hiking boots, gloves, weatherproof clothes

    What you'll see and do

    1. Seljalandsfoss waterfall

      Seljalandsfoss is among the most famous and most visited waterfalls in Iceland, and a must-see on the South Coast. 60m high, the unique feature of this waterfall is the cave located behind it. Thanks to this cave, you have the opportunity to walk behind and around the waterfall. This is a wonderful experience. Please note that in the wintertime, the path behind the waterfall can be closed for safety reasons, but the waterfall itself can still be visited. It will take us about 2 and a half hour, coffee break included, to get to this waterfall from Reykjavík

      30 minutes here · Admission included

    2. Volcano Eyjafjallajokull

      The volcano of Eyjafjajökull, covered by a glacier, is located just a few kilometers away from the road and visible on a clear day. It is the volcano that erupted in 2010, and blew so much ash in the air that air traffic over Europe had to come to a complete stop.

      Pass by without stopping

    3. Skogafoss

      Just like the one with visited before, Skógafoss is in the top 5 of the most famous and visited waterfalls in Iceland. Which is a very good rank considering we have over 10 thousand named waterfalls in the country and even more unnamed ones. It is also 60m high, but much more powerful than the previous one. With stairs located next to it, you can climb your way up to a viewing platform to see it from the top, or choose to see it from ground level and feel all its power! We will get there after around 30 minutes of driving

      30 minutes here

    4. Reynisfjara Beach

      Almost all the beaches in Iceland are made out of black sand, but when people talk about the black sand beach, as if there was only one in the country, this is the one they are talking about. Cliffs, sea stacks, basaltic organs, caves and more. All of it on one beach. It takes about 40 minutes to reach the Black Sand Beach from previous visit

      60 minutes here

    5. Solheimajokull Glacier

      Now is time for the best part of the day: A glacier hike on Sólheimajökull. Your guide will gear you up with all the necessary equipment: Crampons, Harnesses, Helmets, and Ice Axes. Following that, he will tell you everything you need to know to walk safely on ice. What follows will be an experience of a lifetime, you will walk on ice that is thousands of years old. We will have to drive about 30 minutes from the last visit Reynisfjara to get to the glacier. The whole glacier hike usually takes about 3 hours but can be up to 4 hours

      180 minutes here · Admission included

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers.

    Options you can book

    • Minivan - 6 people maximum

      Mercedes V-Class Pickup included

    • SuperJeep - 4 people maximum

      Toyota LandCruiser Pickup included

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en, fr
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Lilja Tours ehf.

    Know before you go

    • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
    • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
    • The glacier hike is designed to be accessible to most people. Although, one should be able to walk one hour on moderate terrain
    • The glacier hike required to be outside, exposed to the elements for 3 hours more or less. It is customer's responsibility to dress according to the weather.
    • People doing the glacier hike must be wearing hiking boots.
    • The tour duration is 12 to 13 hours including driving times, visits, and the glacier hike.

    Photos

    Glacier lake and Sólheimajökull, Private Glacier Hike and South Coast Sightseeing in ReykjavikView from Dyrhólaey, Private Glacier Hike and South Coast Sightseeing in ReykjavikBy the glacier of Sólheimajökull, Private Glacier Hike and South Coast Sightseeing in ReykjavikSólheimajökull on golden hour, Private Glacier Hike and South Coast Sightseeing in ReykjavikSóheimajökull, Private Glacier Hike and South Coast Sightseeing in ReykjavikGlacier lake, Private Glacier Hike and South Coast Sightseeing in Reykjavik

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 3 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    3 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    3 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Organization

    2 mentions

    Pickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.

    Photo opportunities

    1 mention

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Good for families

    1 mention

    Reviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.

    Small groups

    1 mention

    The group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.

    Traveler reviews

    3 verified traveler reviews for Private Glacier Hike and South Coast Sightseeing. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

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    Irene H · August 2025

    The Best Team to Explore Iceland With!

    We booked a 7-day customised tour with Lilja, and Julien took the time to really understand our needs and preferences. He designed a perfectly balanced itinerary with just the right mix of adventures and hikes, while also offering great recommendations to help us make better choices along the way. In Iceland, we were guided by Jon in the first half of the trip and Philippe in the second. Both were knowledgeable, professional, and sincere — more like wonderful travel companions than just guides. Their service was top-notch, and they handled our last-minute changes with impressive speed and accuracy. We couldn’t have asked for a better team to show us around Iceland. The whole experience was seamless, thoughtful, and truly enjoyable. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a fuss-free and personalised journey through Iceland! Dear Julien, Jon, and Philippe — keep doing what you’re doing, your passion truly shines through!

    Response from the operator: Good morning Irene, Thank you so much for this nice review, we are very happy to have contributed to giving you the best possible birthday trip! Looking forward to guiding you again, Julien

    via Tripadvisor

    philippecP8088NM · March 2025

    Yeah, good!

    2 times I use the services and expertise of Lilja Tour. And always delighted. Organization / management of the stay by Julien, great choice of hotels, visits with Philippe by driver and storyteller. Everything was perfect again, perfectly arranged. Ride with your eyes closed, it’s very serious Thanks again!

    Response from the operator: Bonjour Philippe, C'est toujours un plaisir de vous avoir parmis nous! Merci pour le commentaire A très bientôt pour une troisième fois!

    via Tripadvisor (translated)

    95kathleenh · January 2025

    Lilja Tours - the best part of my Iceland vacation

    My family of 4 did a 2 day private tour with Lilja Tours in late December 2024. We all voted that the 2 days we spent with Phillipe were the best of our 7 days in Iceland. Julien was great to work with in planning our tour. We did a main base in Reykjavik and our 2 day tour took us out to the Diamond beach with an overnight at the glacier. We saw waterfalls, black sand beach and glaciers along the way. Phillipe is very knowledgeable of the history and sites we saw. Excellent suggestions for places to stop and eat along the trip route. Phillipe is an excellent driver, there were times I was beyond thankful I was not driving. The tour was exactly what I was looking for - a way my whole family could enjoy the beautiful scenery of Iceland. I highly recommend the tour at the beginning of your vacation, it allows you to observe traffic rules that are not the same as your country. Those multi-lane roundabouts rules can get you if you are not expecting that the inside lane has right away on exiting out.

    Response from the operator: Hello Kathleen, Thank your for the very kind review. Philippe is our best guide on the team and I am happy he gave you a wonderful time. Julien

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    12 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $1,650 to $1,789
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    1
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Lilja Tours ehf., who run 13 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 56.5.

    See everything Lilja Tours ehf. runs

    Why this scores 56

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)85
    Review evidence (18% weight)18
    Booking momentum (14% weight)10
    Value for money (12% weight)45
    Listing quality (10% weight)79
    Local standing (8% weight)54
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Private Glacier Hike and South Coast Sightseeing: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Reykjavik.

    How much does Private Glacier Hike and South Coast Sightseeing cost?

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    Prices start at $1,650 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Reykjavik usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Private Glacier Hike and South Coast Sightseeing take?

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    Plan for about 12 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Reykjavik is not rushed.

    Is Private Glacier Hike and South Coast Sightseeing worth it?

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    It holds an Outty Ranking of 56 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 3 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Reykjavik, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Private Glacier Hike and South Coast Sightseeing?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Private Glacier Hike and South Coast Sightseeing suitable for kids and families?

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    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 12-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Private Glacier Hike and South Coast Sightseeing?

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    Around 1 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Reykjavik can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

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    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Reykjavik and add a light layer if any part of the 12-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Private Glacier Hike and South Coast Sightseeing start and how do I get there?

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    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Reykjavik within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Reykjavik?

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    On Outty we rank every Reykjavik experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Reykjavik Food Walk - Local Foodie Adventure in Iceland, Silfra Snorkeling Between Continents Photos Included- Self Drive, Small-Group Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon with Ticket & Kerid Crater. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Reykjavik?

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    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Reykjavik?

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    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

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    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Private Glacier Hike and South Coast Sightseeing?

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    Included: Private transportation; On-board WiFi; and Glacier equipment: Crampons, Helmets, Harnesses and Ice Axe. Not included: Lunch; and Personal equipment for the glacier hike: Hiking boots, gloves, weatherproof clothes. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Private Glacier Hike and South Coast Sightseeing include hotel pickup?

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    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 68 listed pickup locations in and around Reykjavik.

    What languages is Private Glacier Hike and South Coast Sightseeing offered in?

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    It is offered in English and French. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Private Glacier Hike and South Coast Sightseeing?

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    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Private Glacier Hike and South Coast Sightseeing wheelchair or stroller accessible?

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    The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers; and The glacier hike is designed to be accessible to most people. Although, one should be able. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Private Glacier Hike and South Coast Sightseeing if the weather is bad?

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    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about Private Glacier Hike and South Coast Sightseeing?

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    Across 3 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, organization. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    What booking options are available for Private Glacier Hike and South Coast Sightseeing?

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    There are 2 options to choose from, including Minivan - 6 people maximum, SuperJeep - 4 people maximum. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

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