Operated by: Arctic Adventures

Reykjavík: South Coast Waterfalls & Sólheimajökull Glacier Hike with Ice Climbing

Explore Iceland's South Coast on an 11-hour guided day tour from Reykjavík. Walk behind Seljalandsfoss, photograph Skógafoss, then strap on crampons for a certified glacier hike and introductory ice climbing session on Sólheimajökull.

Duration: 11 hours
Starts From: Reykjavík
Pickup: Pickup required
Minimum age: 14+
Difficulty: MODERATE
Season: All year
Passengers: Min 1
Travel method: Mini Bus / Car

About this experience

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This full-day South Coast adventure combines two of Iceland's most celebrated waterfalls with a hands-on glacier experience — all in a single 11-hour tour with hotel pickup included.

The journey begins with a stop at Seljalandsfoss, one of Iceland's most photographed waterfalls and one of the few in the world where you can walk the path behind the cascading water. Next, the tour continues to Skógafoss, a powerful 60-metre waterfall framed by dramatic basalt cliffs and, in sunny conditions, vivid rainbows.

The centrepiece of the day is a guided hike on Sólheimajökull, a striking glacial tongue of the Mýrdalsjökull ice cap on Iceland's South Coast. At the glacier car park, a certified guide from Arctic Adventures equips you with crampons, an ice axe, a helmet, and a harness before leading you across a landscape of ridges, crevasses, and shimmering blue ice.

As part of the glacier experience, you'll also receive an introduction to ice climbing and have the opportunity to try it yourself on an icy wall under your guide's close supervision. No previous climbing experience is required. All participants must sign a waiver before the tour, as outdoor glacier activities carry inherent risk.

Highlights

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Walk behind the curtain of water at Seljalandsfoss
Photograph the iconic cascade of Skógafoss
Certified glacier hike on Sólheimajökull with all safety gear included
Introductory ice climbing session on a real glacial wall
Hotel pickup from Reykjavík included
11-hour full-day tour with free Wi-Fi on board

Experience details

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Your day begins with a morning hotel pickup in Reykjavík. The minibus heads east along the South Coast, making the first stop at Seljalandsfoss, where a path leads behind the waterfall for a truly unique perspective. Bring a waterproof layer — you will get wet.

The tour continues to Skógafoss before heading to the Sólheimajökull glacier car park, where you'll meet your certified glacier guide. After a safety briefing and gear fitting, the group sets out onto the glacier.

Hike distance: approximately 3–4 km (1.8–2.5 miles) over uneven terrain
Elevation gain: approximately 100–150 metres
Difficulty: moderate — no prior glacier or climbing experience needed
Ice climbing: introductory session included, supervised by your guide

All technical glacier equipment — crampons, ice axe, helmet, and harness — is provided. Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support are required; rental boots are available at the glacier for 1,500 ISK. Waterproof jackets and pants are also available to rent for 1,500 ISK each. Shoe sizes must fall between EU 35 and EU 50 for crampon compatibility.

Why choose this tour

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This tour is the most efficient way to experience three of Iceland's South Coast highlights in a single day. Rather than driving yourself, you travel in a guided minibus with free Wi-Fi, and all glacier safety equipment is pre-included — no separate rental or booking required.

Arctic Adventures is one of Iceland's most established adventure operators, and your glacier guide is fully certified. The ice climbing introduction sets this tour apart from standard glacier walks, giving you a genuine hands-on skill to take home alongside your photos.

Minimum age for participation is 14 years. The tour is rated moderate and is suitable for active travellers with no specialist experience.

What’s included

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Guided minibus transfer with free Wi-Fi Visit to Skógafoss waterfall Visit to Seljalandsfoss waterfall Certified glacier guide Glacier hike on Sólheimajökull Safety equipment: crampons, ice axe, helmet, harness Introductory ice climbing session on Sólheimajökull

Pickup locations

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

Frequently asked questions

Do I need previous glacier or ice climbing experience for this tour?↓

No prior experience is required. Your certified glacier guide provides a full safety and gear briefing before you set foot on the ice, and the ice climbing session is introductory and fully supervised. The tour is rated moderate in difficulty.

What equipment is provided for the glacier hike?↓

All technical glacier equipment is included: crampons, an ice axe, a helmet, and a harness. Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support are required and not included, but rental boots are available at the glacier for 1,500 ISK.

Are there any shoe size restrictions for the glacier hike?↓

Yes. The glacier crampons are compatible with EU shoe sizes 35 to 50 only. Guests whose shoe size falls outside this range are unfortunately unable to participate in the glacier hike portion of the tour.

What should I wear and bring on this tour?↓

Wear warm, layered clothing, a waterproof jacket, waterproof trousers, headwear, gloves, and sturdy hiking boots with ankle support. Bring water and snacks for the glacier section. Waterproof jackets and pants are available to rent at the glacier for 1,500 ISK each.

Is hotel pickup included, and where does the tour depart from?↓

Yes, hotel pickup from Reykjavík is included. The pickup process takes place in the morning and may take up to 30 minutes. Guests booking with a pickup point outside Reykjavík will receive their specific pickup window at checkout.

What is the minimum age for this tour?↓

The minimum age to participate is 14 years. All participants, regardless of age, must sign a liability waiver before the tour begins, as glacier activities carry inherent risk.