South Coast, Glacier Hike and Northern Lights Winter Tour

A glacier walk followed by a Northern Lights hunt makes this a very full Iceland day. You travel from Reykjavik to waterfalls, volcanic views, black sand, sea cliffs, and Sólheimajökull, then return to the capital before heading out again after dinner to search for the aurora.

I especially like the chance to walk on ancient ice with proper equipment and a certified glacier guide. I also like the strong mix of sights: Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss give you two very different waterfalls, while Reynisfjara brings black sand, basalt columns, and crashing Atlantic surf.

The catch is the length. This is about 16 hours, with an early morning start, a return to Reykjavik around 7:00 PM, and a second pickup for the Northern Lights tour. Food is not included, and the glacier walk requires sturdy hiking shoes that fit crampons.

Key points to know before booking

• Sólheimajökull is the active highlight: You walk on the glacier with a certified guide, using supplied glacier equipment and learning how ice forms, shifts, and cracks.
• Reynisfjara needs care: The black beach, basalt cave, and Reynisdrangar sea stacks are striking, but the Atlantic waves can be dangerous, so follow your guide’s instructions.
• The day is split into two outings: You return to your Reykjavik pickup point around 7:00 PM, have time for dinner, then leave again for the Northern Lights search.
• The glacier has shoe-size limits: Crampons fit EU sizes 35 through 50 only. Sandals, flip flops, and jeans are not suitable.
• Northern Lights sightings are never guaranteed: Your guide will search for clear skies and dark countryside, but the aurora remains a natural event.
• The glacier hike earns the extra cost: At $255 per person, the tour combines transport, a glacier guide, equipment, South Coast stops, and a second evening excursion.

Why this 16-hour Iceland day works

Iceland’s South Coast is one of the easiest places to pack several major sights into one day from Reykjavik. You get waterfalls, volcanic peaks, glacier ice, a black beach, and open ocean without arranging several separate transfers.

The schedule is also practical for a winter visit. Daylight is limited, so the route focuses on places that still make sense in changing weather and low sun. The Northern Lights outing comes later, when darkness is useful rather than a problem.

Still, do not confuse convenient with relaxed. You spend much of the day on the road, and the combination of a morning sightseeing tour and an evening aurora search can leave you tired. I would choose this trip when your Iceland schedule is short and you want several big experiences in one booking.

It is less appealing if you prefer slow meals, long walks, or time to explore each stop at your own pace. The tour gives you a broad taste of the South Coast, not a leisurely stay at any one place.

Behind Seljalandsfoss waterfall

The first major stop is Seljalandsfoss, one of Iceland’s most recognizable waterfalls. A path leads behind the falling water, giving you a view that changes from the usual front-facing waterfall scene.

That path is the special part. You are not simply standing at a roadside viewpoint and taking a quick photograph. You can see the water drop from behind, with the open countryside beyond it.

Bring rain gear even if the weather looks calm. Spray from the fall can soak your outer layers, and the ground may be wet or slippery. Waterproof trousers are especially useful here, not just on the glacier.

The stop also shows why layers matter. The wind can feel sharp near the water, while walking around can warm you up. A waterproof outer shell over warm clothing is more useful than one bulky coat.

Walking across Sólheimajökull

The glacier hike is the main reason to book this particular South Coast outing. At Sólheimajökull, a certified glacier guide provides the equipment needed for the walk and explains how the glacier formed, moves, and changes.

This is more than a photo stop beside a wall of ice. You get to walk on the glacier itself, with crampons attached to suitable hiking shoes. The ice can show crevasses and surface textures, and you may hear ancient ice crack as the glacier shifts.

The guide’s role matters here. A glacier is not a place to wander without instruction. Your guide explains where to step, how to use the equipment, and how the ice behaves. The supplied gear removes the need for you to bring crampons, but it does not remove the need for proper footwear.

Pay close attention to the shoe rules. Your boots must be sturdy, have good ankle support, and fit crampons. The listed range is EU size 35 to 50. If your shoes fall outside that range, you cannot join the glacier walk.

The hike is not suited to everyone. The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, pregnant women, or children under eight. You should also be comfortable walking in cold, wet conditions while wearing glacier equipment.

Several people who took this trip singled out the glacier portion as the day’s highlight. That makes sense. Waterfalls and beaches are easy to view from paths, but stepping onto glacial ice gives you a closer connection to Iceland’s forces of water, cold, and volcanic rock.

Reynisfjara’s black sand and sea stacks

Reynisfjara is one of Iceland’s most dramatic coastal stops. The beach is made of dark volcanic sand, while basalt columns and a cave give the cliffs a geometric look. Offshore, the Reynisdrangar rock stacks rise from the Atlantic.

The contrast is powerful: black sand below, pale surf in front, and sharply formed rock above and offshore. On a clear day, this is one of the best places on the route for photographs with a strong sense of Iceland’s volcanic character.

It is also the stop where you need the most caution. The Atlantic waves can reach farther up the beach than expected. Stay well back from the water and follow the guide’s directions. Do not treat a calm moment as proof that the sea is safe.

Wind can add to the difficulty. A warm hat, gloves, scarf, and waterproof jacket will make the stop much more comfortable. Sand can blow into bags and camera equipment, so a small backpack that closes securely is useful.

The basalt formations are worth more than a quick picture. Look at the repeated shapes in the cliff and cave. They show how cooling volcanic rock can form regular columns, while the sea stacks show the long work of erosion.

Skógafoss and the 527-step climb

Skógafoss is the second major waterfall, and it offers a different experience from Seljalandsfoss. Instead of walking behind the fall, you face a broad curtain of water from below, then have the option to climb a path with 527 steps beside it.

The upper viewpoint gives you a higher look at the waterfall and the surrounding area. On clear days, sunlight can create rainbows in the spray. You do not need to climb all the way to appreciate Skógafoss, but the steps are a worthwhile option if your legs still have energy after the glacier walk.

This is one reason I would not wear casual shoes. The day includes wet paths, uneven ground, the glacier, and a long stairway. Hiking shoes with ankle support are a practical requirement, not just a packing suggestion.

Your time at the waterfall may depend on the schedule and conditions. The tour has several major stops and a long drive, so you should expect a focused visit rather than unlimited time on the stairs.

Views of Iceland’s volcanoes

The South Coast route also gives you a chance to see Iceland’s volcanic peaks. On a clear day, you may view Eyjafjallajökull, Hekla, and volcanoes around the Westman Islands offshore.

Visibility is the key. Clouds and winter weather can hide these features, so treat them as possible bonuses rather than guaranteed sights. The route still has plenty to offer when the peaks disappear, but clear weather adds useful scale to the journey.

Seeing glaciers and volcanoes in the same day helps explain Iceland’s character. The ice is not separate from the volcanic ground beneath it. The route lets you see both parts of that story in practical, memorable ways.

The second outing for Northern Lights

After the South Coast portion, you return to your original Reykjavik pickup location at about 7:00 PM. You have time to get dinner, then you are picked up again from the same point for the Northern Lights tour.

This split schedule is useful because you do not have to carry on for 16 uninterrupted hours. You get a chance to eat and regroup before the evening search. It also means you should plan your dinner carefully and keep your evening flexible.

The guide takes you into the countryside to look for the aurora away from the city. Green, yellow, and white lights are commonly seen, with purple possible at times. The colors and strength vary, and the lights may appear briefly or not at all.

No company can promise Northern Lights. Clear skies and solar activity both matter, and the tour can do its best without controlling either. I would book this part as a serious attempt, not a guaranteed show.

The evening guide Frank receives especially warm praise for his work. His enthusiasm and effort can make the search enjoyable even when the lights are uncertain. That is an important point: a good aurora guide keeps watching conditions and helps you make the most of the night, but cannot manufacture the result.

Bring your warmest layers for this portion. You may spend time outside in the cold while waiting for the sky to change. A water bottle and snacks are sensible, since food and drinks are not included.

What the $255 price includes

At $255 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see the South Coast. The price makes more sense when you count what is bundled into the day: Reykjavik pickup, transport, a glacier hike, glacier equipment, a certified glacier guide, the main sightseeing stops, and a separate Northern Lights outing.

Booking these elements separately could require more planning and separate transportation. This trip also removes the problem of driving in Icelandic winter conditions, when wind, snow, darkness, and changing roads can make a long self-drive day stressful.

The value depends on how you use your time. If you have only a few days in Iceland, combining the South Coast and aurora search can be efficient. If you have a longer stay, you may prefer to split these outings across different days and leave more room for weather changes.

Free WiFi on board is included, which can be useful during the long drives. It will not replace a meal, so bring food and drinks. There is no food included in the tour price.

The cancellation policy is reasonably flexible: you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if you are still fitting the trip into a changing Iceland plan.

Packing for ice, spray, wind, and darkness

Pack for several kinds of weather in one day. Your small backpack should hold warm layers, a waterproof jacket, waterproof trousers, gloves, a hat, a scarf, water, snacks, and rain gear.

Sturdy hiking shoes with good ankle support are essential. The glacier equipment is supplied, but your footwear must allow crampons to be attached. Check the EU size range of 35 to 50 before booking.

Do not wear jeans. Denim absorbs water and dries slowly, which is a poor match for waterfalls, sea spray, rain, and glacier conditions. Sandals and flip flops are also not allowed and have no place on this route.

The right clothing lets you focus on the scenery instead of managing cold fingers and wet trousers. Iceland’s weather can shift quickly, and the long duration means you cannot count on a short outing if your clothes prove inadequate.

Who should choose this tour?

I would recommend this trip to an active adult or family with children age eight and older who wants the major South Coast sights plus a glacier walk. It suits you best if you value variety, are happy with a long day, and do not mind a structured schedule.

It is also a good fit for first-time Iceland visitors who want to avoid winter driving. The English-speaking guides handle the route and the glacier equipment, while you concentrate on the views.

The trip is not right for anyone with limited mobility, anyone who is pregnant, or anyone who cannot meet the shoe requirements. It may also disappoint you if the Northern Lights are the single reason you are booking, since the aurora cannot be guaranteed.

The experience has an overall rating of 4.4 from 66 ratings, with the glacier hike and guide quality receiving the strongest praise. That matches the tour’s design: the South Coast sightseeing is excellent, but the glacier walk gives the day its extra value, and a strong Northern Lights guide can make the evening search feel worthwhile even under an empty sky.

Should you book this South Coast and glacier tour?

Book it if you want a packed Iceland day with a real glacier walk, two major waterfalls, Reynisfjara, volcanic views, and a proper attempt at seeing the Northern Lights. The combination is hard to beat for a short visit, especially when you do not want to drive.

Skip it if you want a slow pace, long meals, or guaranteed aurora. At 16 hours, this is a stamina test as well as a sightseeing trip. Bring the right boots, dress for wet weather, pack dinner supplies, and approach the Northern Lights as a possibility rather than a promise.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The full experience lasts approximately 16 hours. You return to your original Reykjavik pickup location around 7:00 PM, then leave again after dinner for the Northern Lights tour.

Where does pickup take place?

Pickup is offered from authorized pickup locations in Reykjavik. You return to your original pickup location between the South Coast tour and the Northern Lights outing.

Is the glacier hike included?

Yes. The tour includes a glacier hike on Sólheimajökull, a certified glacier guide, and glacier hiking equipment.

What shoe size is required for the glacier walk?

Crampons can be attached to shoes from EU size 35 through EU size 50. You must bring sturdy hiking shoes with good ankle support.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. Bring snacks, water, and other food for the long day, including the break before the Northern Lights tour.

Can children join the tour?

The minimum age is eight years old. Children under eight cannot join.

Are Northern Lights sightings guaranteed?

No. Northern Lights can never be promised. The guide will make the best effort to search for the lights in the countryside.

What happens if I need to cancel?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The tour also offers a reserve now and pay later option.