From Reykjavik: South Coast and Glacier Hiking Tour

Sólheimajökull is the main event here: a living field of blue-white ice, sharp ridges, sculpted walls, and crevasses that change with the weather. You get a proper 1.5 to 2-hour guided glacier walk, not just a roadside view of the ice.

I like the mix of hands-on adventure and classic Iceland scenery. You learn to fit and use glacier gear, then visit Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss on the return trip. The drawback is the long day and physical effort. Winter daylight can also be short, leaving less time at the waterfalls.

Key points to know

• Sólheimajökull is an outlet glacier: It flows from Mýrdalsjökull, Iceland’s fourth-largest glacier.
• The glacier walk is guided: Mountain guides explain how to walk on ice and use the safety equipment.
• The route is active, not scenic-only: You need to be in reasonable physical shape and comfortable walking for an extended period.
• Two major waterfalls are included: Seljalandsfoss is famous for its walk-behind path, while Skógafoss is a broad, powerful drop.
• The day begins at Reykjavík’s BSI Bus Terminal: Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your arrival carefully.
• The tour costs $213 per person: That is a fair price if you want transport, glacier equipment, a guide, and two major waterfall stops in one day.

Why the glacier walk is worth your Iceland day

Many South Coast excursions let you look at a glacier from a distance. This one puts you on the ice. That difference matters. At Sólheimajökull, you can see how the glacier forms ridges, hollows, ice sculptures, and crevasses rather than treating it as a white backdrop for photographs.

The walk lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the day’s operation and conditions. A mountain guide leads the group, fits the ice-walking equipment, and explains the basic rules for moving safely. Guides have included Bart, Gary, and Tinna, with past groups praising their calm instruction, good humor, and care on the ice.

You do not need previous glacier experience. The guide teaches you how to use the gear and how to walk over uneven frozen ground. That said, this is still a physical outing. One detailed account described the hike as moderate, with tired legs afterward, and advised against it for anyone with joint pain or poor general fitness.

This is not an ice-climbing trip. You will not be scaling vertical walls or using climbing ropes to ascend the glacier. The appeal is the chance to walk across a moving ice field while learning how glaciers work.

The two-hour ride beneath Eyjafjallajökull

The journey from Reykjavík to the glacier takes about two hours each way. That is a lot of bus time, but it gives the day a clear sense of place. You pass beneath Eyjafjallajökull, the volcano whose 2010 eruption disrupted air travel across Europe.

The volcano and glacier are part of the same larger story. Iceland’s ice is not separate from its fire. Glaciers cover volcanic terrain, rivers flow from the ice, and waterfalls mark the route toward the coast. As you travel east, the scenery shifts from the capital’s urban edge to open farmland, mountains, and broad views shaped by volcanic activity.

The drive can also make the day feel long, especially if you are tired from another early start. Still, the road links three of the South Coast’s most recognizable sights, and the bus removes the need to navigate Iceland’s weather and winter roads yourself.

The bus has made scheduled food and bathroom stops on some departures. Food and drinks are not included, so carry something to eat and drink. One useful tip from a past departure is to buy food at a stop rather than rely on the final waterfall area, where choices may be limited or more expensive.

Arriving at Sólheimajökull

Sólheimajökull is an outlet glacier from Mýrdalsjökull, Iceland’s fourth-largest glacier. Calling it an outlet glacier means that ice flows outward from the larger ice cap through a tongue reaching down toward lower ground.

You will not simply step off the bus and start walking. The guide first provides the glacier equipment and explains how to use it. Crampons or similar ice-walking gear help your boots grip the surface, but they do not turn the walk into an easy stroll. You still need to place your feet carefully and follow the guide’s route.

The glacier surface is uneven. You can expect ridges, sculpted ice, slopes, and openings that require attention. The exact view changes with weather and glacier conditions. That changing surface is part of the appeal, but it also explains why the operator can cancel or alter the outing if conditions are unsafe.

The guide’s role is especially important here. Past guides have helped people who walk slowly, adjusted the pace for different abilities, and answered questions about the ice. Bart, in particular, was praised for choosing a safe route, helping with photographs, and allowing a carefully supervised look into a crevasse using the proper safety equipment.

Do not expect to wander off on your own. The glacier is a managed, guided experience for good reason. Crevasses can be difficult to judge, and ice conditions are not fixed. Staying with the guide is part of the experience, not a restriction that gets in the way.

What the 1.5 to 2-hour walk feels like

The glacier walk combines instruction, steady movement, and time to look around. The guide explains how glaciers function while pointing out the shapes created by pressure and meltwater. You may see ice walls, ridges, hollows, and narrow openings in the surface.

The pace is generally suited to beginners, but the ground remains demanding. You need warm clothing, rain protection, and proper hiking boots. The provided ice equipment helps with traction, but your boots must still be suitable for the outing.

People who do not normally hike may find their legs tired by the end. That does not mean you need to be an athlete. It does mean you should take the fitness warning seriously. A full day on the road plus a glacier walk can be tiring, especially in cold or wet weather.

The weather is a major part of the equation. Icelandic conditions can change quickly, and the glacier section depends on safe conditions. If the glacier portion cannot operate, the schedule may be changed or the activity may not run. Keep this in mind when planning the tour as the single highlight of a short Iceland visit.

Seljalandsfoss, the waterfall you can walk behind

After the glacier, the route returns toward Reykjavík and stops at Seljalandsfoss. The waterfall comes from the Seljandsá River, which begins at Eyjafjallajökull.

Seljalandsfoss is famous for its path behind the falling water. This is the kind of stop where waterproof clothing is practical, not optional. Mist can reach the walking path, and the ground may be slippery. Bring a raincoat or waterproof jacket if you want to make the walk behind the falls.

The stop gives you a different type of Iceland experience after the glacier. On the ice, you focus on a broad frozen surface and its slow movement. At Seljalandsfoss, the water drops in a narrow curtain and fills the air with spray.

The amount of time available depends on the day’s schedule, road conditions, daylight, and glacier timing. Winter departures deserve special attention. One past participant suggested an earlier start so the waterfalls could be seen in more daylight. If you visit in November, December, or the darkest part of winter, you may have limited light by the time you reach the return stops.

Skógafoss and the power of falling water

Skógafoss is the second waterfall stop. It is a wide, forceful cascade with a much heavier visual presence than Seljalandsfoss. You can walk toward its base and feel the spray, though the air can be cold and wet.

The waterfall also marks the beginning of the Fimmvörðuháls route toward Þórsmörk, a famous hiking area. This tour does not take you on that route, but the connection helps explain why Skógafoss is more than a quick photograph stop. It is part of one of Iceland’s best-known walking regions.

Film fans may recognize Skógafoss from Thor: The Dark World and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. That connection is a small extra rather than the reason to book the day, but it can make the stop more fun if you know those films.

The two waterfalls complement the glacier well. You see ice in a slow, sculptural form at Sólheimajökull, then water in motion at Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss. The stops also break up the return drive and give you a chance to walk after sitting on the bus.

Is $213 a fair price?

At $213 per person, this is not a budget bus ride. The value comes from combining several costs and decisions into one day: transport from Reykjavík, an English-speaking guide, glacier safety equipment, the guided ice walk, and visits to two major waterfalls.

A self-drive trip could appear cheaper if you already have a car, but the glacier walk would still require a specialist operator, equipment, and a mountain guide. You would also be responsible for Icelandic road conditions, weather, parking, and timing. For a first visit, the bundled format can justify the price.

The value is strongest if the glacier is your priority. If you mainly want waterfalls and South Coast scenery, a less expensive sightseeing tour may be enough. This outing charges more because you actually walk on the glacier rather than view it from a distance.

Food and drinks are not included. Bring your own supplies or use one of the planned stops to buy something. You should also budget for warm layers if your Iceland wardrobe is not ready for a wet, windy day.

What to bring and how to prepare

Pack for cold, wet conditions even if Reykjavík looks mild when you leave. The glacier and waterfalls can feel colder than the city, and water spray is part of both the glacier and waterfall experience.

Bring:

• Warm layers that you can add or remove
• A waterproof coat or rain gear
• Hiking boots
• Food and drinks
• Gloves and a hat for cold conditions
• A camera protected from spray and rain

The supplied ice-walking equipment does not replace hiking boots or warm clothing. Good footwear also matters because the glacier surface can be uneven and slippery.

Be at Reykjavík’s BSI Bus Terminal 15 minutes before departure. Hotel pickup is not included. The full outing lasts 10.5 hours, so avoid placing an important evening appointment too close to the expected return.

Children aged nine and younger cannot join. The tour is best for older children, teenagers, and adults who can manage a moderate walk and a long day outside.

Who should book this South Coast tour?

I would choose this tour if you want one strong outdoor activity during a Reykjavík stay and you are curious about glaciers beyond the usual photo stop. It suits you especially well if you prefer guided experiences, do not want to drive, and like having major waterfalls added to the same day.

It is also a good choice for beginners. The guide teaches the basic equipment and walking technique, and the pace can accommodate people who move more slowly. The positive guide reports from Bart, Gary, Tomek, and Tinna point to a well-supported experience, with particular praise for safety, clear explanations, patience, and help with photographs.

I would think twice if you dislike long bus rides, have joint problems, or rarely walk for more than a short distance. The tour is not an extreme expedition, but it is not effortless sightseeing either.

You should also consider the season. In winter, the glacier can look dramatic, but daylight at the waterfalls may be limited. In all seasons, the weather can affect the glacier section. The strongest reason to book is the combination of a real ice walk and two excellent waterfalls, not a guarantee of perfect conditions.

Final verdict: book it for the ice, keep the waterfalls as a bonus

Book this tour if walking on Sólheimajökull is high on your Iceland list. The guide-led format gives beginners a safe introduction to glacier travel, while the ridges, ice sculptures, and crevasses provide far more texture than a roadside view.

The two waterfalls make the long day feel better balanced, and the $213 price is reasonable for transport, equipment, guiding, and three major natural sights. Just arrive prepared for cold weather, bring food, and accept that the glacier walk requires real effort.

Skip it if you want a relaxed sightseeing day or if your schedule cannot absorb 10.5 hours. For an active first taste of Iceland’s South Coast, though, this is a strong and memorable choice.

FAQ

Where does the tour depart from in Reykjavík?

The main departure point is the BSI Bus Terminal. You should be there 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

How long does the tour last?

The full tour lasts 10.5 hours. The drive to the glacier takes about two hours, and the glacier walk itself lasts approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup is not included. You need to reach the BSI Bus Terminal for departure.

What is included in the glacier walk?

The tour includes a 1.5 to 2-hour guided glacier hike, ice-walking gear, and safety equipment. An English-speaking live guide leads the activity.

Is ice climbing part of the tour?

No. Ice climbing is not included. This is a guided glacier walk with instruction in basic glacier equipment and safe walking technique.

What should I bring?

Bring warm clothing, rain gear, hiking boots, food, and drinks. A waterproof coat is especially useful if you want to walk behind Seljalandsfoss.

Are children allowed to join?

Children aged nine and younger are not permitted on this tour.

Can the glacier walk be canceled because of weather?

Yes. Operation of the glacier portion depends on weather conditions and safety on the glacier.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve-now-and-pay-later option is also available.