2 Day Summer Minibus Tour: South Coast, Glacier Hike & Jokursarlon Multi-day tour
Our partner: Troll Expeditions
Our partner: Troll Expeditions
Join us on an unforgettable two-day excursion along the Icelandic south coast to the breathtaking glacier lagoon, Jökulsárlón, where seals are swimming between the icebergs and the white of the ice mixes up with the blue of the sky. Your eyes will also meet with powerful waterfalls, volcanic sand beaches and the biggest glacier in Europe, Vatnajökull, where you will have the chance to explore while hiking.
The first stop is at Seljalandsfoss waterfall where you can walk behind the tumbling water flow and feel the vibrations of the water hitting the ground. Thirsty? Just open your mouth. Right next to it is the waterfall Gljúfrabúi which snugly tucked in a gorge hidden from most. Gljúfrabúi actually means Canyon Dweller in English. To reach the waterfall, you must first test your balance by bouncing on rocks lying in the river bed. A failure means instant foot wetness and a good laugh by your co-travellers. Skógafoss Prepare to meet the pearl of the South Coast, Skógafoss waterfall. Majestically tucked in a wide gorge, the waterfall tumbles down 60 metres from up above a cliff into a small river, producing a cloud of mist and spray that rainbows like to dance in during sunshine. Try to warm up for the glacier by running up the 527 steps to the top... Your guide will be timing you! Reynisfjara - Black Sand Beach Heading further east, we visit the black sand beach of Reynisfjara where the Atlantic coastline presents massive waves hitting the unique basalt columns in the cliffs above the sand. Rock pillars in the water and the cliffs of Dýrhólaey are seen in the distance. This area of the south is also a paradise for bird lovers, as Puffins and dozens of other unique species nest on top of these cliffs in the summertime from June to August.
Heading off day nr. 2 is Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, a 200m deep glacial lake fed by Breiðamerkurjökull, an outlet glacier of Europe’s largest glacier. Fed enormous icebergs all year round the lagoon is usually filled with ice that floats south. Tröll Expeditions will give you the opportunity to book a boat ride between the icebergs during summer time and get a closer look of the millenary ice. If boating is not your thing, then we walk alongside the glacier lagoon enjoying the magnificent views and dead silence of Icelandic nature. Diamond Beach On the other side of the road the icebergs from Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon float into the Atlantic Ocean where they are quickly thrown back to shore by the tide and winds. This black sand beach is full of smaller ice rocks in all shapes and sizes, sparkling like diamonds in the daylight. The ice itself comes in all shades of white and blue forming beautiful contrasts, guaranteed to make your Instagram account pop! Glacier Hike To complete our perfect adventure we will hike an outlet glacier spawning from the one of the largest glaciers in the country. After meeting our highly trained glacier guides and strapping on our safety and glacier equipment, including helmets, harnesses, crampons and ice axes we hike on the ice for an hour and a half. A spectacular experience and opportunity to learn more about this breathtaking and increasingly rare natural phenomena. What are you waiting for? Come and join us to check all the fun stuff we can do in the southern region, including glacier hiking! This is the ultimate Icelandic experience with a small group and experienced guide guaranteed. Start your adventure now by booking a date.
Hiking boots (also available for rent)
Outdoors clothing (waterproof outlayers are available for rent)
Age limit for Glacier Hike is 8 years old.
Food: We stop at locations like gas stations and small shops where you will be able to buy snacks/sandwiches and drinks.
At lunch time we will also stop at locations where you will find warm lunch options.
For dinner, all hotels have restaurants, so you can choose if you’d like to have dinner there.
Vegan or vegetarian options are offered almost everywhere
We begin the journey by whizzing along the lovely south shore. We will cross over the ebony sands of Sólheimar, resting calmly under Mýrdalsjökull glacier, and head towards Iceland's most picturesque lighthouse, Dyrhólaey, where the view nearly provides a full panoramic vision of the entire south coast.
Next up is the black beach of Reynisfjara, iconic for its perfectly shaped hexagonal basalt columns and smooth black boulders. There, the Atlantic ocean crashes on land in large, powerful waves, that tend to act innocent until they rush unexpectedly onto land with a roar and a hiss, threatening to yank the legs from under whoever is in their way. Looming ver the beach are the great Reynisdrangar rock formations, patient giants of the olden days, guardians of the coast.
We will make a quick stop in the quaint village of Vík where we grab a bite and stock up on some snacks before continuing through green pastures, imposing sand plains and lava fields and pass by the Skaftafell Nature Reserve, a forested area of birch trees and many hiking trails.
The highlight of the day is the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, a deep lake filled with huge chunks of glacial ice that is considered as one of the natural wonders of Iceland.
The highlight of the day is an exploration of the otherworldly Sólheimajökull glacier whose beautiful ice sculptures and yawning abyssal blue crevices possess the hypnotising effect of making you feel that you are exploring the surface of a planet in a faraway galaxy. Good hiking shoes are essential, as it will take a few minutes' hike to reach the glacier.
We will pay a visit to the powerful guardians of the southern highlands, the Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls, and the lesser known Gljúfrabúi which is partially hidden behind an enormous cliff whose dominant presence lends impressive atmosphere to the scenery.
A great optional extra that should not be missed, the combination of the blue ice in the glaciers and the power of the volcano Katla and the layers of ash in the ice makes this a very special location to visit
Hiking on the largest glacier in Europe with a small group and a professional glacier guide, safety equipment provided on location