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

The main reason to choose this two-day trip is simple: you get onto a glacier and among floating icebergs without having to arrange the transport, overnight stay, equipment, or route yourself. The glacier hike at Sólheimajökull is the active centerpiece, while the 45-minute boat ride at Jökulsárlón gives you a close view of blue and white ice.

I like the way the tour combines big sights with a few quieter stops, especially Gljúfrabúi waterfall and Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon. I also like the small-group format, with no more than 19 people, plus Wi-Fi and USB charging on the bus. The main drawback is the pace: Day 1 packs in a lot, and the full return to Reykjavik on Day 2 can come around 9:30 p.m.

Guides including Þorri, Jonas, David, Christina, Kristina, Monika, and Mica have been praised for good pacing, humor, safety, and care with children and older members of the group. Still, this is not a lazy scenic drive. You need sturdy hiking shoes, warm waterproof clothing, and enough energy for long days outside.

Key points before you book

• Sólheimajökull glacier hike: Walk on the ice for about 90 minutes with an experienced glacier guide and supplied safety gear.
• Jökulsárlón boat trip: Cruise for 45 minutes among icebergs, with a chance of seeing seals.
• Two days reach much farther: You go beyond Vík to the glacier lagoon, Diamond Beach, Fjaðrárgljúfur, and Hofskirkja.
• Small group transport: The minibus carries a maximum of 19 people, with hotel pickup, Wi-Fi, and USB chargers.
• One overnight stay: Accommodation, breakfast, and a choice of double or twin room standards are included.
• Bring less luggage: Only a small carry-on or backpack can go on the bus, though NiceTravel offers free storage at its Reykjavik office.

Why two days works better than a South Coast day trip

A one-day South Coast outing usually turns around at or near Vík. This tour continues east to Jökulsárlón, Iceland’s famous glacier lagoon, so the overnight stay is not an optional extra. It is what makes the farther route possible.

The tradeoff is time in the minibus. The road from Reykjavik to the lagoon is long, and Day 2 includes the return journey. One practical detail matters here: the drive from Vík to the overnight accommodation can take about three hours, with limited stops. If you want a slow, independent trip with long walks at every site, rent a car and spend several nights along the coast.

If you have only a few days in Reykjavik, though, this tour makes good use of your time. You see waterfalls, a glacier, volcanic scenery, beaches, a turf-roofed church, a canyon, floating ice, and the open Atlantic in one tightly planned circuit.

Day 1: Waterfalls, volcanic scenery, and Sólheimajökull

Pickup begins between 8:30 and 9:00 a.m. from Reykjavik hotels. Since large buses cannot use some central streets, your pickup may be at a nearby designated bus stop. You can also meet the group at the NiceTravel office at Fiskislóð 45M, but you must notify the company and arrive before 8:20 a.m.

The first part of the route passes through the South Iceland countryside, including the area around Hveragerði and Selfoss. Hveragerði is known for greenhouses and the hot river of Reykjadalur, while Selfoss is the largest town in South Iceland. These are mainly passing points rather than long sightseeing stops, but they help explain how geothermal heat supports farming in this otherwise stark region.

Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi

Seljalandsfoss drops 60 meters from the side of the Eyjafjallajökull volcano. The striking feature is the walking path behind the waterfall, which lets you look outward through a curtain of water. It is one of Iceland’s most memorable waterfall viewpoints, but spray is part of the bargain.

Wear waterproof clothing, not just a water-resistant jacket. The stop lasts about 30 minutes, so you have time to approach the falls and take photos, but not time for a long wander.

Nearby Gljúfrabúi is a useful contrast. This waterfall is partly concealed inside a narrow opening in the cliff, and many people miss it while focusing on Seljalandsfoss. Your guide will point out where to find it. The footing can be wet, so good shoes matter even before the glacier hike begins.

The route also passes near Eyjafjallajökull, the volcano tied to the major 2010 eruption that disrupted air travel across Europe. Ask your guide about it if the story interests you. Guides such as David, Jonas, and Christina have been praised for adding local context without filling every quiet moment with talk.

Skógafoss, a classic Iceland view

Skógafoss is another 60-meter waterfall, but it feels very different from Seljalandsfoss. You see this one head-on, with a broad wall of falling water and frequent rainbows created by the spray. A stairway leads upward for a view from above, though the scheduled stop is about 30 minutes.

The waterfall appeared in Game of Thrones, but its screen connection is less important than its sheer scale. The lower viewpoint is the star. Keep your camera protected, and expect wind and spray near the base.

The glacier hike at Sólheimajökull

This is the part of the tour that requires the most from you. Sólheimajökull is an outlet glacier connected to Mýrdalsjökull, one of Iceland’s major ice caps. You spend about 90 minutes on the ice with a specialist guide, using the necessary safety equipment supplied by the operator.

You must bring proper hiking shoes. If you do not have suitable footwear, rentals are available. Warm, windproof, and waterproof clothing is essential, and the glacier walk is best suited to people in reasonably good physical shape. One account of the trip described the hike as beautiful but demanding, with participants needing to trust the guide and the group.

The glacier is not a flat walking path. Conditions on the ice can change, and your route depends on safety and weather. The guides have been singled out for careful instruction and a reassuring manner, including support for children and older members of groups. That safety focus is worth more here than a fast pace or dramatic route.

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

The final major stop of Day 1 is Reynisfjara, where black volcanic sand meets powerful Atlantic surf. Basalt columns rise along the cliffs, and the Reynisdrangar sea stacks sit offshore. Dyrhólaey’s stone arches can also be seen in the distance.

This is a place for looking, photographing, and listening to the surf, not for getting close to the water. The waves are powerful, and the 30-minute stop is enough to see the main formations without lingering in an exposed spot.

The first day can feel tiring because it includes two waterfalls, a glacier hike, and a beach, along with the driving between them. That packed schedule is useful if you have limited time, but you should not expect to feel fresh at the overnight stop.

The overnight stay and what to expect

One night in a double or twin room is included, with the accommodation standard selected during booking. The overnight property has been described as clean, convenient, and set in a pleasant rural location near the glacier area. Other accounts found the room basic, with one complaint about sparse furnishings and heating.

That mixed picture is important. Treat the lodging as a practical base rather than a guaranteed boutique hotel. Breakfast is included the next morning, but lunch and dinner are not. The bus makes scheduled food stops, so you can buy meals along the way.

Pack lightly. Only a small carry-on, such as a backpack, is allowed on the bus. If you stay at the same Reykjavik hotel afterward, ask if it can hold your larger bags. NiceTravel also offers free luggage storage at its office on Fiskislóð, though your luggage needs to be stored before pickup.

Day 2: Canyon, turf church, icebergs, and Diamond Beach

Day 2 begins with a short stop in Vík. The village gives you views toward the black-sand coast and the hills around the settlement. At about 20 minutes, this is a photo and orientation stop, not a full visit to the town.

You then pass through the Eldhraun lava field. Moss-covered lava formations spread across a barren stretch of ground, a reminder of the large volcanic forces that shaped South Iceland. The scheduled stop is only about 10 minutes, but even a short look helps break up the long drive east.

Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon

Fjaðrárgljúfur is one of the most rewarding walking stops on the route. The gorge winds for nearly two kilometers and reaches roughly 100 meters deep, with a river running below. You have about 45 minutes here, enough for viewpoints and a short walk along the marked area.

The canyon gained wider attention after appearing in a Justin Bieber music video, but the setting does not depend on that connection. Its winding shape and green sides make it a welcome change after the open lava field and broad coastal views.

Stay within the areas your guide indicates. The walk can be uneven, and your time is limited, so focus on the main viewpoints rather than trying to cover the entire gorge.

Hofskirkja turf-roofed church

Hofskirkja is a small but distinctive stop. Built in the 19th century, it was the last church of its type constructed in Iceland. Its roof is covered by thick layers of turf, and moss-covered burial mounds surround it.

You spend about 15 minutes here. That is enough for photographs and a close look at the roof, though you should not expect an indoor church visit. The stop adds cultural depth to a route otherwise dominated by waterfalls, ice, and volcanic rock.

Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon

Jökulsárlón is the tour’s grand finale. Ice breaks away from the nearby glacier and gathers in the lagoon before moving toward the sea. Wind and tides shift the ice, so the view changes from moment to moment.

The included amphibious boat tour lasts about 45 minutes. You travel among the icebergs and get a low, close view of their shapes and colors. Seals may appear in the water, though wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

The boat ride is a strong reason to choose this package rather than simply stopping at the lagoon from the roadside. From shore, you see the wide view. From the boat, you understand the scale of the ice and how the pieces move through the lagoon. Allow about 90 minutes for the overall lagoon stop, including boarding and time near the shore.

Weather affects this part of the day. If conditions prevent the tour from operating, the operator may offer another date or a full refund for a canceled departure. The same weather concerns apply to the glacier hike, so keep your plans flexible.

Diamond Beach

Across the road from the lagoon, Fellsfjara is better known as Diamond Beach. Ice fragments wash onto the black sand, where the pieces catch the light like scattered glass. Each piece is shaped by waves and wind, so the beach changes constantly.

The stop lasts about 20 minutes. Walk carefully around the surf and do not assume that a small iceberg fragment is safe to approach closely. The contrast between black sand, clear ice, and gray Atlantic water makes this one of the best photo stops in Iceland.

Guides, bus comfort, and group size

The maximum group size is 19, which is small enough to make boarding and short stops easier than on a large coach. You ride in a minibus with free Wi-Fi and USB chargers, useful features on a long route where your phone becomes your camera, map, and booking folder.

The guide can shape the trip. Þorri and Arthur have been praised for their music choices and relaxed style, while David has been noted for adding extra care and useful explanations. Christina and Kristina have been described as friendly, funny, helpful, and attentive to safety. Monika has adjusted stops around weather and even added a puffin stop on one departure.

Those extras are not guaranteed. The route and stops can change with weather, road conditions, or the needs of the group. One unusual delay was reported when transport coordination with another glacier group created a long wait on Day 2. It is not the normal plan, but you should avoid booking a tight evening flight or restaurant reservation after the return.

Is $639 a fair price?

At $639 per person, this is not a budget bus ride. But the price includes round-trip Reykjavik transport, one night’s accommodation, breakfast, the guided glacier hike, safety equipment, the lagoon boat trip, and a small-group guide.

Paying separately for those elements would take time and planning, and the glacier activity requires equipment and a trained guide. The value is strongest if you want to cover the far South Coast in two days and prefer a single booking to several independent arrangements.

The value is weaker if you already have a car, want to choose your own hotel, or prefer spending half a day at one waterfall. You also need to budget for both lunches and dinners, plus glacier shoe rental if your footwear is not suitable.

Who should book this South Coast tour?

I would choose this tour if you have limited time in Iceland and want the largest possible range of sights without driving yourself. It suits couples, families with active children, and people who want a guided glacier walk but do not want to organize specialist gear.

The tour is also a good fit if you enjoy a guide who adds stories, music, and practical help. Guides have taken extra photos, adjusted stops for weather, and helped younger and older participants during the hike.

I would hesitate if you dislike early starts, long drives, shared rooms or basic accommodation, or fixed schedules. The glacier hike also demands decent fitness, warm clothing, and good balance on uneven ground. The tour is generally open to most people, but the activity itself is not passive sightseeing.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the 9:00 a.m. start time. Changes made inside that window are not accepted, and poor weather can lead to a new date or full refund.

Final verdict: book it for ice, variety, and convenience

I recommend the tour for a first visit to Iceland when Jökulsárlón and a glacier hike are high on your list. The strongest moments are the walk on Sólheimajökull, the boat among the icebergs, Seljalandsfoss from behind, and Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon.

Book it knowing that Day 1 is full, Day 2 ends late, meals are extra, and the overnight room may be simple. Bring waterproof layers, solid shoes, and only a small bag. If those conditions suit you, $639 buys a well-organized way to reach some of Iceland’s most memorable places in just two days.

FAQ

What is included in the tour price?

The price includes Reykjavik pickup and drop-off, an English-speaking guide, one night in a double or twin room, breakfast, the guided glacier hike with safety equipment, the Jökulsárlón boat tour, Wi-Fi, and USB chargers on the bus.

Are lunch and dinner included?

No. Lunch and dinner are not included. Scheduled stops are made so you can buy food during the trip.

How long is the glacier hike?

The guided hike at Sólheimajökull lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Is glacier hiking equipment supplied?

Yes. Necessary safety equipment for the glacier hike is supplied. You need good hiking shoes, and suitable shoes can be rented if you do not have your own.

How long is the Jökulsárlón boat ride?

The amphibious boat ride among the icebergs lasts about 45 minutes. The overall stop at the glacier lagoon is scheduled for about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Where does pickup take place?

Free pickup is offered from hotels within Reykjavik. Since buses cannot enter some central streets, your pickup may be at the nearest bus stop. Exact details are provided after booking.

Can I meet the tour instead of using hotel pickup?

Yes. You can meet the tour at the NiceTravel office at Fiskislóð 45M, 101 Reykjavik. You must notify NiceTravel and arrive before 8:20 a.m.

How many people can join the tour?

The tour has a maximum of 19 travelers.

What luggage can I bring?

Only small carry-on luggage, such as a backpack, can be taken on the bus. NiceTravel offers free luggage storage at its office, and your hotel may also be able to store your larger bag.

What time does the tour return to Reykjavik?

The tour typically returns to Reykjavik around 9:30 p.m. on Day 2.