
Small-Group South Coast & Glacier Hike Tour from Reykjavik
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 373 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Small-Group South Coast & Glacier Hike Tour from Reykjavik worth booking?
Small-Group South Coast & Glacier Hike Tour from Reykjavik is a 13.5-hour experience in Reykjavik, Iceland, from $206 per person. It scores 82 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 373 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 82 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (373)
- Duration
- 13.5 hours
- From
- $206 per person
Discover Iceland’s breathtaking south coast on this full-day adventure from Reykjavík! Marvel at the thundering waterfalls of Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss, take a guided glacier walk on Sólheimajökull, and explore the dramatic black sand beach of Reynisfjara, home to towering basalt sea stacks. Start your journey with a scenic drive along Iceland’s rugged coastline. We stop at Skógafoss, a stunning 60-meter waterfall, and visit Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, where powerful waves crash against volcanic black sands - home to iconic basalt sea stacks. You will gear up for an easy glacier hike on Sólheimajökull, where you’ll explore blue ice, deep crevasses, and dramatic formations. We also stop at Seljalandsfoss, where you can walk behind the cascading water for a unique view. On the way back to Reykjavík, relax and enjoy stunning views of Iceland's iconic South Coast.
What you get
About this experience
Discover Iceland’s breathtaking south coast on this full-day adventure from Reykjavík! Marvel at the thundering waterfalls of Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss, take a guided glacier walk on Sólheimajökull, and explore the dramatic black sand beach of Reynisfjara, home to towering basalt sea stacks. Start your journey with a scenic drive along Iceland’s rugged coastline. We stop at Skógafoss, a stunning 60-meter waterfall, and visit Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, where powerful waves crash against volcanic black sands - home to iconic basalt sea stacks. You will gear up for an easy glacier hike on Sólheimajökull, where you’ll explore blue ice, deep crevasses, and dramatic formations. We also stop at Seljalandsfoss, where you can walk behind the cascading water for a unique view. On the way back to Reykjavík, relax and enjoy stunning views of Iceland's iconic South Coast.
What's included
Included
- Seljalandsfoss & Skogafoss Waterfalls
- WiFi on board
- Specialized glacier gear (helmet, harness, walking ice axe, glacier crampons)
- Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
- Expertly guided beginner-friendly hike on Solheimajokull Glacier
- English-speaking, certified glacier guide
- Convenient Reykjavík pickup and drop off
Not included
- Food and drinks
- Hiking boots with ankle support
What you'll see and do
Reykjavik City Hall
No car required! Start your memorable journey to the iconic south coast with convenient pickup from select stops in Reykjavik.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Hvolsvollur
We make a brief stop at the Lava Centre in Hvolsvollur where guests can use the restroom and purchase food & drinks to go
20 minutes here
Skogafoss
Feel the power of one of Iceland’s most iconic falls as Skógafoss crashes 60 meters into a wide misty basin. Walk right up to the spray for photos, or climb the staircase beside the waterfall for sweeping views over the valley and the South Coast
45 minutes here
Reynisfjara Beach
Step onto Iceland’s most famous black-sand beach, where basalt columns rise like a natural cathedral and the Atlantic surf roars in. You’ll see the Reynisdrangar sea stacks offshore and the striking geology that makes this coastline so dramatic - plus important safety guidance for the powerful “sneaker waves.” Leisurely stroll along the black sand beach known for its famous basalt columns and caverns. Witness the Reynisdrangar cliffs and basalt rock stacks that rise from the sea.
50 minutes here · Admission included
Solheimajokull Glacier
Next, enjoy a truly unforgettable walk on ice with a beginner-friendly guided hike on Sólheimajökull Glacier, a stunning outlet of Mýrdalsjökull on Iceland’s South Coast. In a small group, you’ll meet your certified glacier guide at the parking lot, gear up with crampons, an ice axe, and helmet, and walk across a dramatic landscape to the glacier. We walk through a quiet mossy valley to access the glacier from above, where you will have stunning panoramic views of Sólheimajökull and the surrounding landscape before stepping onto the ice. Then you’ll spend about 1.5 hours hiking on the glacier, weaving between ice ridges, crevasses and shimmering blue formations. Along the way, your guide will share stories about climate, history, and the area, with plenty of time for photos and taking in the views. It’s a fun, safe and unforgettable way to experience Iceland’s ice world - no previous glacier experience required.
240 minutes here · Admission included
Seljalandsfoss waterfall
A picture-perfect waterfall with a pathway that can let you view the cascade from behind for an unforgettable perspective. In winter the trail can be icy or closed, but the stop is still spectacular from the front, with dramatic cliffs, mossy rock, and constant shifting light. In the winter months Seljalandsfoss is lit up, making it a stunning illuminated last stop of the day.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Reykjavik City Hall
We will make our way back to the capital where you will be dropped off at your selected pick-up point.
30 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Arctic Adventures
Know before you go
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Minimum age is 8 years old and minimum shoe size is 35 EU
- Please bring warm outdoor clothing, waterproof jacket and pants, packed lunch, gloves, hat and good hiking shoes
- Please note that the order of the itinerary can be altered if weather conditions change
- For the glacier hike: In order to safely fit our specialized glacier crampons, guests must have a shoe size between 35-50 EU
- Hiking boots with ankle support are mandatory for the glacier hike portion of the adventure (available to rent for a fee)
- This glacier hike is rated as easy to moderate - no prior experience is required - however; guests should be prepared to hike ~6km over uneven terrain with moderate elevation changes
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 373 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Physical effort
3 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Traveler reviews
373 verified traveler reviews for Small-Group South Coast & Glacier Hike Tour from Reykjavik. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
The South Coast of Iceland is a Must
This was our second tour with Reykjavik Excursions/Icelandia and we can't recommend them enough. Our guide and driver, Dotir, kept us well informed without sounding pedantic or professiorial. All in all, it was a great way to discover the lay of the land and learn so much about Iceland and its truly remarkable people. No wonder the American chess master, Bobby Fisher retired here. If we had one complaint, it is that 10 hours can be a bit long, not matter how exciting the scenery and engaging the conversation.
Response from the operator: Hi there, good to hear this. A second tour and can't recommend enough is a returning guest giving full marks again. The ten-hour note is understood, the South Coast packs a lot in and the day reflects that. Arctic Adventures Team
via Tripadvisor
Fantastic experience from...
Fantastic experience from start to finish. Everything was super easy and convenient. Our tour guide Kjarton was phenomenal.
via Viator
Adventures on ice and sand, beware of the waves!
Sergei, our driver and day guide was fantastic! At the black sand beach, I turned to run from a wave too late and was pushed down. Yes, he warned us that the waves were sneaky. Sergei saw me faceplant and ran to help He helped me get my bag with extra clothes. and gave me a hug, even though I was soaked. The glacier experience is worthwhile, but you need to get over the fear of walking on ice. It was a tough hike in soaking wet boots and rain but just added to the adventure. Stephen, our Glacier guide, was safety minded and helped us at every step. He was skillful guiding some of the group who weren't listening.
Response from the operator: Hi Cindy, thanks for this. A guide who runs to help after a wave takedown and gives a hug while you're soaking wet—that's the kind of care that sticks with you. Glad the glacier adventure came through despite the wet boots and rain. Arctic Adventures Team
via Tripadvisor
Great day trip!
Indra is a great guide! Knowledgable, friendly, great driver. Made the trip so interesting & fun. Recommend!
Response from the operator: Hi Jill, really glad the day trip came through. A guide who ticks every box and a day worth recommending is all the South Coast needs. Thank you for joining us. Arctic Adventures Team
via Tripadvisor
A worthwhile experience
The scenery is beautiful. The black sand beach was gorgeous- it is at least 1/2 mile long. The views from the glacier were stunning. Overall a very worthwhile experience. In the description it states it’s good for beginners. This is a little misleading. At points you were traversing very narrow and steep inclines. Our guide (Pietro) was amazing. I wasn’t going to go out on the glacier because the path was very narrow and steep to get there but he was encouraging and try to make it as safe as possible. Not sure I would do it again but I’m glad I chose to go out on it.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 13.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 131
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Who runs this experience
Operated by Arctic Adventures, who run 13 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 70.6.
See everything Arctic Adventures runsWhy this scores 82
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Small-Group South Coast & Glacier Hike Tour from Reykjavik: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Reykjavik.
How much does Small-Group South Coast & Glacier Hike Tour from Reykjavik cost?
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Prices start at $206 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 Small-Group South Coast & Glacier Hike Tour from Reykjavik take?
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Plan for about 13.5 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 Small-Group South Coast & Glacier Hike Tour from Reykjavik worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 82 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 373 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 Small-Group South Coast & Glacier Hike Tour from Reykjavik?
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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 Small-Group South Coast & Glacier Hike Tour from Reykjavik suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 13.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Small-Group South Coast & Glacier Hike Tour from Reykjavik?
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Around 131 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 13.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Small-Group South Coast & Glacier Hike Tour from Reykjavik 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 Small-Group South Coast & Glacier Hike Tour from Reykjavik?
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Included: Seljalandsfoss & Skogafoss Waterfalls; WiFi on board; Specialized glacier gear (helmet, harness, walking ice axe, glacier crampons); Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach; and Expertly guided beginner-friendly hike on Solheimajokull Glacier. Not included: Food and drinks; and Hiking boots with ankle support. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Small-Group South Coast & Glacier Hike Tour from Reykjavik include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 23 listed pickup locations in and around Reykjavik.
What languages is Small-Group South Coast & Glacier Hike Tour from Reykjavik offered in?
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It runs in English. 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 Small-Group South Coast & Glacier Hike Tour from Reykjavik?
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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.
What happens to Small-Group South Coast & Glacier Hike Tour from Reykjavik 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 Small-Group South Coast & Glacier Hike Tour from Reykjavik?
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Across 373 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
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