2-Day South Coast w/Glacier Hike & Jokulsarlon – Small Group Tour

The glacier hike is the heart of this two-day trip. You walk on Sólheimajökull with crampons and other safety gear supplied, then reach Jökulsárlón for a 45-minute boat ride among floating icebergs. That combination gives you both the close-up thrill of ice underfoot and the wide, shifting view from the water.

I like that the tour handles the long drive, one night of lodging, breakfast, and transport from Reykjavík. I also like the mix of famous sights and quieter stops, from the hidden Gljúfrabúi waterfall to the mossy Eldhraun lava field. The main drawback is pace: day one is full, day two ends late, and the return to Reykjavík can be around 9:30 pm.

Key points to know before booking

• Sólheimajökull glacier hike: Expect about 90 minutes on the ice with safety equipment and an experienced glacier guide.
• Jökulsárlón by amphibious boat: The 45-minute ride brings you close to icebergs, and seals may appear near the boat.
• Small group format: The bus carries no more than 19 people, with Wi-Fi and USB charging.
• One-night countryside stay: Accommodation is in a double or twin room, with the standard selected when you book.
• A packed first day: Seljalandsfoss, Gljúfrabúi, Skógafoss, the glacier, and Reynisfjara all fit into one long outing.
• Minimal luggage only: Bring a small backpack or carry-on, and arrange storage in Reykjavík for larger bags.

Why two days makes the South Coast work

Iceland’s South Coast is easy to underestimate on a map. The route from Reykjavík toward Jökulsárlón covers a great deal of ground, and a one-day outing usually turns around near Vík. Adding a second day lets you continue east to the glacier lagoon and Diamond Beach without trying to squeeze everything into one punishing drive.

The price is $639 per person. That is not cheap, but it covers round-trip transport, an English-speaking guide, one night’s room, breakfast, the glacier hike, safety gear, and the lagoon boat ride. Once you add a separate room, rental car, fuel, winter driving risk, glacier equipment, and paid activities, the package can make sense for a short Iceland visit.

You do give up some freedom. Stops run on the guide’s schedule, and meals are not included. The bus makes planned breaks where you can buy lunch and dinner, but you cannot linger for an hour at every waterfall. I see this as a good trade for anyone with only a few days in Reykjavík who wants to reach the country’s southeastern highlights safely.

Pickup runs from Reykjavík hotels between 8:30 and 9:00 am, with the tour starting at 9:00. Central Reykjavík has traffic restrictions for larger buses, so your pickup may be at a nearby bus stop rather than directly outside your hotel. You can also meet at the Nicetravel office at Fiskislóð 45M before 8:20 am if you arrange that option in advance.

Seljalandsfoss and the first waterfall walk

Seljalandsfoss drops 60 meters from the side of Eyjafjallajökull volcano. Its special feature is the path behind the falling water, which gives you a narrow, dramatic view through the spray and rock.

Allow about 30 minutes here. Waterproof clothing is not optional in practice. Even on a clear day, wind can push water across the path, and the ground may be slick. Good shoes help, especially since the same footwear will be needed later on the glacier.

The walk behind the fall is the kind of short stop that feels bigger than its clock time. You are not only looking at a waterfall from a viewpoint. You are moving around it and seeing the water from an unusual angle.

A short walk or drive brings you to Gljúfrabúi, a partly concealed waterfall that many people miss. The setting is tighter and more enclosed than Seljalandsfoss, so listen carefully to the guide’s directions about where to find it. Expect another 30 minutes, though conditions may affect how close you can get.

Skógafoss, spray, and the volcano story

Skógafoss is one of Iceland’s great theatrical waterfalls. Water plunges 60 meters in a broad sheet, and the spray often creates rainbows when the light cooperates.

You get about 30 minutes here. There is also a stairway to a higher viewpoint, though you may need to choose between climbing up and spending more time at the base. If you want a photo without a crowd of people in front of the falls, use your first few minutes well.

This is also a useful point to ask about the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruption. The volcano disrupted air travel across Europe and put Iceland into headlines around the world. Guides such as David, Jonas, Christina, Monika, and Þorri are often praised for adding local context without talking nonstop, which matters on a long bus journey.

Sólheimajökull: the tour’s main adventure

The glacier hike lasts about 90 minutes. Sólheimajökull is an outlet of the larger Mýrdalsjökull ice cap, and the outing is led by a glacier guide rather than your regular driver alone.

Necessary safety equipment is provided. You still need warm, windproof, waterproof clothing and proper hiking shoes. If your footwear is not suitable, rental shoes are available. A reasonable level of fitness is important: this is an active walk on uneven ice, not a simple roadside viewpoint.

Listen closely to the safety briefing and stay with the group. You may need to trust the guide’s route and instructions as the surface changes. The payoff is a close look at blue ice, rough ridges, and the raw texture of a moving glacier. Several guides are singled out for being careful and reassuring, including Mica and Christina, which is exactly what you want for this part of the day.

The glacier can be the most demanding activity on the itinerary. If you have mobility limits, injuries, or simply dislike walking on uneven ground, ask Nicetravel about suitability before paying. The supplied details say most people can participate, but that does not mean the hike feels easy for everyone.

Reynisfjara and the Atlantic’s real power

At Reynisfjara, black volcanic sand meets tall basalt columns and offshore sea stacks called Reynisdrangar. Dyrhólaey’s stone arches can also be seen in the distance.

The stop lasts about 30 minutes, which is enough for photographs and a close look at the rock formations. Keep your distance from the waves. The Atlantic surf here is powerful, and the beach is not a place for turning your back on the water or wandering too close to the edge.

This stop works well after the glacier because the scenery changes sharply. You move from pale ice and mountain air to dark sand, angular rock, and open ocean. Iceland is at its best when the route keeps making these quick, startling shifts.

Vík and the road toward the east

Day two begins in Vík, a small settlement with views toward the black-sand coast and surrounding hills. The stop is only about 20 minutes, so use it to stretch, take a quick photograph, and prepare for a long day.

The route then crosses the Eldhraun lava field, a stark expanse of old lava covered in thick moss. The scheduled stop is only 10 minutes, but the view from the road helps you understand how much of Iceland’s interior is shaped by past eruptions.

At Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, you get about 45 minutes to follow the walking path and look into a winding gorge nearly two kilometers long and around 100 meters deep. The green walls and twisting river make this one of the most rewarding short hikes on the trip. It became widely known after appearing in a Justin Bieber music video, but the canyon is worth your time even if pop culture is not your reason for visiting.

The walk can be muddy or slippery in poor weather. Wear shoes with a firm sole, and do not count on the 45 minutes as a leisurely ramble. It is enough for the main viewpoints, not an extended exploration.

Hofskirkja and the quieter side of Iceland

Hofskirkja is a small turf-roofed church dating from the 19th century. It was the last church of this traditional type built in Iceland, and moss-covered burial mounds surround it.

The stop lasts 15 minutes. That sounds brief, but it suits the site. You are here to see the turf construction, the low profile, and the way the building fits into the countryside. It is a welcome pause between larger natural sights.

I especially like this kind of stop because it gives the tour a human scale. Waterfalls and glaciers are spectacular, but a turf church shows how people adapted to Iceland’s weather and limited building materials.

Jökulsárlón, where the ice keeps moving

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is the grand arrival of the second day. Icebergs break away from the glacier, collect in the lagoon, and shift with wind and tides before moving toward the sea.

The included amphibious boat ride lasts about 45 minutes, with roughly 90 minutes scheduled for the lagoon stop overall. The boat gets you close to the ice without requiring a long hike. You may see seals, and the view changes constantly as the bergs turn and drift.

I would not skip this boat ride if it is part of your booking. From shore, the lagoon is impressive. From the water, you get a better sense of the size and odd shapes of the ice. Some pieces are blue, some white, and others carry dark volcanic material.

Bring layers even in mild weather. Open water, wind, and cold ice make the lagoon feel cooler than Reykjavík. Keep your camera ready, but do not spend the whole ride staring at a screen. The scene changes too quickly.

Diamond Beach and the final major stop

Fellsfjara, commonly called Diamond Beach, lies only a short distance from Jökulsárlón. Chunks of ice wash onto black sand, where waves and wind polish them into shapes that can look like glass or jewels.

The stop lasts about 20 minutes. Some days bring many ice fragments; other days offer fewer. The beach is governed by the ocean, not by a display schedule, so expectations should stay flexible.

This is a short but fitting final stop. You have seen ice floating in a lagoon, and now you see it scattered along the shore. The contrast between clear ice and black volcanic sand makes for some of the trip’s strongest photographs.

The overnight stay and what to pack

One night of accommodation is included in a double or twin room. The standard is selected when booking, and the countryside setting can be a pleasant change from Reykjavík.

Accommodation quality may vary by property and room. Some rooms have been described as clean and comfortable, with a good breakfast and a peaceful setting. One account also described a basic room with poor pillows and maintenance issues. I would treat the lodging as practical rather than a reason to book the tour.

Breakfast is included on the second morning. Lunch and dinner are not, but the driver makes scheduled stops where you can buy food. Carry snacks and a refillable water bottle so you are not dependent on the timing of the next stop.

Large luggage is not accepted on the bus. Bring only a small backpack or carry-on. If you return to the same Reykjavík hotel, ask about storing your main bag. Nicetravel also offers free storage at its Fiskislóð office, and central Reykjavík has luggage lockers.

The bus, group size, and guide style

The maximum group size is 19 people. That is small enough for a more personal feel without the price of a private tour. Vehicles have Wi-Fi and USB chargers, useful on long stretches of road.

The guide can make or break a road trip. Þorri is praised for balancing music, useful information, and quiet time. Jonas is noted for pacing the day well and anticipating group needs. David is repeatedly described as caring, friendly, and willing to add extra touches. Monika and Christina are also known for humor, clear explanations, and close attention to safety.

You may not get a particular guide, and extra stops depend on weather, road conditions, and timing. One guide added a stop for puffins, while another arranged a quick look at horses for children. Treat those as pleasant possibilities, not guaranteed features.

The first day is the more tiring one. It combines several waterfalls, the glacier hike, and Reynisfjara. Day two has long driving stretches, especially east of Vík, but the stops are memorable. In one reported case, a delay of about two and a half hours affected the schedule, though this is not presented as the normal operation of the tour.

Who should book this tour?

I would choose this trip if you want to see far beyond Vík but do not want to drive Iceland’s South Coast yourself. It suits first-time visitors, couples, families with active children, and anyone staying in Reykjavík for only a few days.

The tour is a good match for you if you value variety: waterfalls, a volcano story, a glacier hike, black sand, a canyon, a turf church, floating ice, and a boat ride. It is less suitable if you want slow travel, long meals, or complete control over every stop.

At $639, the value is strongest when you use the included activities and lodging. The glacier hike and boat ride are the costly, distinctive parts of the package, while transport and an English-speaking guide remove much of the planning burden. Add the breakfast and small-group format, and the price is reasonable for a tightly scheduled two-day excursion.

Should you book the South Coast trip?

Book it if the idea of walking on a glacier and cruising among icebergs appeals to you. Those two activities, paired with Skógafoss, Seljalandsfoss, Reynisfjara, Fjaðrárgljúfur, and Diamond Beach, give you a powerful introduction to southern Iceland.

Skip it if you need a leisurely pace or dislike long bus rides. Pack light, bring serious rain gear, wear proper hiking shoes, and accept that the weather may alter the plan. For a short Reykjavík stay, I think this is one of the most efficient ways to reach Jökulsárlón without turning your holiday into a driving project.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The experience lasts approximately two days. It usually returns to Reykjavík around 9:30 pm on the second day.

What time does pickup begin?

Pickup takes place between 8:30 and 9:00 am, with the tour starting at 9:00 am. Be ready at your assigned location from 8:30.

Where can I be picked up in Reykjavík?

Nicetravel offers free pickup and drop-off from hotels within Reykjavík. Because buses cannot use some central streets, you may be assigned a nearby bus stop.

Can I meet the tour at the Nicetravel office?

Yes. You can meet at Nicetravel’s office at Fiskislóð 45M, 101 Reykjavík, but you must notify the company and arrive before 8:20 am.

Is accommodation included?

Yes. One night in a double or twin room is included, with the accommodation standard selected when you book.

Is breakfast included?

Yes. Breakfast is included. Lunch and dinner are not included, but scheduled stops allow you to buy meals.

Is the glacier hiking equipment provided?

Yes. Necessary safety equipment for the guided glacier hike is supplied. Good hiking shoes are required, and rental shoes are available if needed.

How large is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 19 travelers.

Is the Jökulsárlón boat ride included?

The tour details include a 45-minute amphibious boat tour on Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.

What luggage can I bring?

Only small carry-on luggage, such as a backpack, is allowed. You can ask your hotel about storage, use Reykjavík luggage lockers, or arrange free storage at Nicetravel’s office.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded or accepted. If poor weather causes the company to cancel, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund.