Operated by: Arctic Adventures

Reykjavík: South Coast Waterfalls, Glacier Hike & Northern Lights

Explore Iceland's dramatic South Coast on this full-day guided tour. Walk on Sólheimajökull glacier, visit Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, and Gljúfrabúi waterfalls, discover Reynisfjara black sand beach, and chase the northern lights in the evening.

Duration: 16 hours
Starts From: Reykjavík
Pickup: Pickup required
Minimum age: 8+
Difficulty: Very easy
Season: All year
Passengers: Min 1
Travel method: Mini Bus / Car

About this experience

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This 16-hour combo tour takes you through the very best of Iceland's South Coast, combining a glacier hike, iconic waterfalls, volcanic landscapes, and an evening northern lights hunt into a single unforgettable day.

Your journey begins with a visit to Seljalandsfoss, one of Iceland's most photographed waterfalls, where a short trail leads you behind the cascading curtain of water. Nearby, the hidden gem Gljúfrabúi rewards those who venture into its narrow canyon. Further along the coast, the mighty Skógafoss thunders down from the cliffs above, offering spectacular views from both the base and the top.

The adventure continues with an easy glacier walk on Sólheimajökull, guided by a certified glacier expert who provides all necessary equipment and safety gear. Rated 2 out of 5 for difficulty, this hike is accessible to most fitness levels. Afterwards, the tour heads to Reynisfjara black sand beach, where the dramatic Reynisdrangar basalt sea stacks rise from the Atlantic surf.

After free time in Reykjavík for dinner, the evening portion of the tour sets out in search of the northern lights. Your guide will photograph the aurora for you, and if the lights are not visible, a complimentary rebooking on the Northern Lights Minibus tour is offered, valid for three years with unlimited attempts.

Highlights

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Easy glacier walk on Sólheimajökull with certified guide and all equipment included
Visit Seljalandsfoss, Gljúfrabúi, and Skógafoss waterfalls
Explore Reynisfjara black sand beach and Reynisdrangar basalt columns
Evening northern lights tour with complimentary photos
Free rebooking if the aurora is not visible — valid for three years
Free WiFi on board the tour bus

Experience details

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This is a full-day guided tour lasting 16 hours, combining a South Coast sightseeing itinerary with an evening northern lights excursion. Hotel pickup is included, and your guide will be with you throughout the day.

Waterfalls: Walk behind Seljalandsfoss, explore the hidden canyon of Gljúfrabúi, and stand at the base of the powerful Skógafoss.
Glacier hike: Strap on crampons and walk across Sólheimajökull with a certified glacier guide. All hiking and safety equipment is provided. Difficulty is rated 2/5 — easy.
Black sand beach: Visit Reynisfjara and see the striking Reynisdrangar sea stacks up close.
Northern lights: After free time for dinner in Reykjavík, the evening tour departs in search of the aurora borealis. Your guide photographs the lights for you to keep.

The northern lights are a natural phenomenon and cannot be guaranteed. If conditions are unfavourable, the operator reserves the right to cancel the evening portion, with notification sent by email and text message.

Why choose this tour

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This tour is one of the most comprehensive single-day Iceland experiences available from Reykjavík. Rather than choosing between a South Coast day tour and a northern lights excursion, this combo packages both into one seamless itinerary — saving you time and effort.

Glacier hiking equipment and safety gear are fully included — nothing extra to hire separately.
A certified glacier guide leads every step of the Sólheimajökull hike.
Northern lights photos are taken by your guide and included at no extra cost.
If the aurora is not visible, a complimentary rebooking is offered with unlimited attempts over three years.

What’s included

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Glacier walk on Sólheimajökull. Certified glacier guide. All glacier hiking equipment. All required safety equipment. English-speaking tour guide throughout. Evening northern lights tour. Northern lights photos. Free WiFi on board the bus.

Pickup locations

Final available pickup options are selected during checkout and may vary by operator.

Frequently asked questions

Is the glacier hike suitable for beginners?↓

Yes. The glacier hike on Sólheimajökull is rated 2 out of 5 for difficulty and is considered easy. All necessary equipment, including crampons and safety gear, is provided. A certified glacier guide leads the hike throughout.

What happens if the northern lights are not visible?↓

If the aurora is not visible during your tour, Arctic Adventures offers a complimentary rebooking on their Northern Lights Minibus tour. This offer is valid for three years from your original tour date, with unlimited attempts until you see the lights.

Can children join this tour?↓

Yes. The minimum age for this tour is 8 years. Children joining the glacier hike must wear shoes of at least EUR size 35, as the specialist glacier crampons do not fit smaller sizes. Shoe rentals are available on-site if needed.

What should I wear for the glacier hike?↓

Hiking boots with ankle support are essential for the glacier hike. If you do not have suitable footwear, you can rent boots on-site or arrange a rental in advance through the operator. Waterproof clothing is also recommended for the South Coast weather.

Is hotel pickup included, and how does it work?↓

Yes, hotel pickup is included and mandatory. After the South Coast and glacier hike portion, you are dropped back at your pickup location for free time to have dinner. The bus then collects you again for the evening northern lights tour. Pickup times for the evening are confirmed at checkout.

Are photos from the northern lights tour included?↓

Yes. Your guide photographs the northern lights during the evening tour, and these images are included at no extra cost. After the tour, you can access your northern lights photos online through the link provided by the operator.