If you’re looking to experience Iceland’s most dramatic and unforgettable landscapes in a single day—with the bonus of a glacier hike led by expert guides—then the South Coast with Glacier Hike Full-Day Tour is exactly what you need. Thanks to TPO.Travel’s exceptional service, including small group transfers, expert local guides, and a focus on comfort and quality, this trip offers a perfect blend of adventure, sightseeing, and Icelandic culture.
Starting Strong: The Personal Touch of TPO.Travel
Your journey begins with a seamless hotel pick-up from Reykjavík, courtesy of TPO.Travel’s small group transport fleet. With a cap of just 12 travelers per tour, this experience prioritizes personalized attention and an intimate atmosphere. Forget crowded buses or rushed stops—this tour gives you space to soak in each location’s beauty while forming a real connection with your guide and fellow adventurers.
TPO.Travel specializes in high-quality guided sightseeing across Europe, and their Iceland tours are known for seamless transfers, handpicked experiences, and guides who truly love what they do. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or a group of friends, you’ll feel at ease from the moment you board the vehicle.
The Icelandic South Coast: A Living Postcard
As you travel along Iceland’s South Coast, you’ll be met with views that look like they’ve been painted by the gods—snow-draped peaks, endless fields of moss-covered lava, and sweeping glacial valleys.
This region is a must-see for every traveler visiting Iceland. It boasts a rare blend of raw geological power and serene natural beauty, offering otherworldly contrasts in every direction. The drive itself is part of the experience, with knowledgeable guides (or audioguides) explaining the formation of these majestic landscapes and sharing local legends that breathe life into the stones and streams.
Stop 1: Seljalandsfoss – Walk Behind a Waterfall
The first stop is Seljalandsfoss, a 60-meter-high waterfall that’s famous for something few others can claim—you can walk behind the curtain of water. This unique feature gives you the chance to see the waterfall from inside the cliff, where sunlight often creates magical rainbows across the water spray.
Bring your waterproof gear—you will get wet—but the experience is worth it. The mist, the roar, and the feeling of being inside nature’s power make this one of the most immersive natural attractions in Iceland.
Stop 2: Skógafoss – Power and Legend
Your next stop is Skógafoss, another iconic waterfall, but one that’s even wider and just as tall as Seljalandsfoss. Here, the water drops from a height of 65 meters and spans a width of 25 meters, crashing into the earth with such force that it creates a constant mist—perfect for catching rainbows in the sunlight.
According to legend, there’s a Viking treasure chest hidden behind this waterfall, placed there by a settler named Þrasi. Locals say someone once found it and managed to pull off the ring from its side, which is now displayed in a local museum.
Want a better view? Climb the 527-step staircase beside the falls for a breathtaking panorama over the cliffs and out to the coastline.
Stop 3: Reynisfjara – The World’s Most Striking Black Sand Beach
No trip along the south coast would be complete without a stop at Reynisfjara, one of the top ten non-tropical beaches in the world. This otherworldly spot features pitch-black volcanic sand, towering basalt columns, and the dramatic Reynisdrangar sea stacks, which legend claims are trolls turned to stone by the rising sun.
The waves here are no joke—massive and unpredictable, they make a dramatic contrast against the dark shore. You’ll be advised to keep a safe distance from the surf, but that doesn’t stop you from marveling at the fierce beauty of the North Atlantic crashing against Iceland’s volcanic coast.
Make sure to take a few minutes to explore the basalt cave tucked into the cliffs, which is both an architectural marvel and a popular photography spot.
The Main Event: Glacier Hike on Sólheimajökull
After exploring waterfalls and volcanic beaches, it’s time for the highlight of the day—a glacier hike on Sólheimajökull. This outlet glacier of the larger Mýrdalsjökull ice cap is one of the most accessible in Iceland and offers a rare opportunity to walk on ice that’s thousands of years old.
Your TPO.Travel guide—a certified glacier expert—will provide all necessary safety gear, including crampons, a helmet, harness, and an ice axe. Once suited up, you’ll begin your hike across the glacier, navigating through ice ridges, crevasses, and deep blue moulins.
Along the way, your guide will explain the geology and science of glaciers, how they form, how they move, and how climate change is affecting their lifespan. You’ll have plenty of time to take photos, ask questions, and even drink the crystal-clear glacial meltwater straight from the surface.
Hiking on a glacier is a truly humbling experience—it’s both physical and spiritual. It’s not just about adventure; it’s about standing on a living, breathing force of nature that shapes the planet.
The Return Journey – Reflection and Comfort
After your glacier trek, the group begins the return to Reykjavík. The ride back is a quiet time for most, as travelers reflect on the day’s astonishing sights and adventures.
With TPO.Travel’s comfortable vehicles, there’s time to relax, maybe nap, or enjoy light conversation with fellow explorers. Your guide may offer a few more stories or recommendations for your next Icelandic adventure, and by the time you reach your drop-off point, you’ll feel a deep connection to the land you’ve just traversed.
Why Choose TPO.Travel for Your Iceland Adventure?
TPO.Travel is more than just a booking agency. It’s a trusted name in global travel services, specializing in:
- Worldwide hotel bookings
- Sightseeing tours across Europe
- Luxury and group transportation services
- Multilingual guides and audioguides
- Seamless pickup and drop-off logistics
What makes this tour truly special is the small group format—max 12 people—which creates a warm, personalized atmosphere. You’re not a number; you’re a valued traveler getting one-on-one interaction, answers to your questions, and the space to experience Iceland your way.
The South Coast with Glacier Hike – Full-Day Small Group Tour isn’t just a sightseeing trip—it’s a deep dive into Iceland’s natural soul. You’ll witness thundering waterfalls, walk ancient black sands, and trek across one of the most majestic glaciers in Europe, all with the safety, comfort, and insight offered by TPO.Travel.
For those who want more than just a photo-op—for those who want connection, awe, and an unforgettable story—this tour belongs on your Iceland itinerary.