Absorb the South Coast & Glacier Lagoon.

| Private Tour |

Explore Iceland’s natural beauty along the South Coast and the stunning views of the Glacier Lagoon with the comfort of a private tour and make the most of your day by choosing from various bookable activities to add.

Highlights.

  • The 62 m (203 ft) high majestic waterfall Seljalandsfoss is fed by spring water originating in the moor Hamragarðaheiði and is part of the river Seljalandsá. Many think it is fed with melting water from the glacier-capped Eyjafjallajökull, a volcano that famously erupted in 2010 and affected air traffic throughout Europe, but the water in Seljalandsfoss is bright and clean due to it being spring water. It cascades into a beautiful meadow, like a curtain over a tall cliff that once marked a coastline by the ocean before eruptions extended the land, and behind the waterfall is a walking path for a unique angle of the waterfall and its surroundings. This trail continues from behind the waterfall and around it. The picturesque Seljalandsfoss is among the most photographed waterfalls in Iceland for a reason. For instance, it was featured in Justin Bieber's music video I'll Show You and was the first leg of the sixth season of the American series The Amazing Race.

    Be sure to wear shoes with a good grip if you plan on walking behind Seljalandsfoss as it can be slippery, and wear waterproof clothing due to the spraying from the waterfall.

    We'll also make a short walk to Seljalandsfoss' neighbor Gljúfrabúi, a 40 m (131 ft) high partially hidden waterfall in the river Gljúfursá within a canyon with mossy walls, which is a great addition to the spectacular visits on the south coast of Iceland. You will however need waterproof shoes to get to Gljúfrabúi.

  • Skógafoss is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland dropping 60 m (197 ft) off an eroded cliff with an astounding width of 25 m (82 ft) and up to 30 m (98 ft) after heavy rain. It is located on the river Skógá which flows from under Eyjafjallajökull, a glacier-capped volcano that last erupted in 2010. In that eruption, Skógafoss became grey from all the ash blowing into the Skógá river. Skógafoss produces a great amount of spray so on sunny days, you may see a rainbow forming, some days even a double rainbow. Underneath the waterfall the land is flat, making it easy to walk right up to it, but make note you may get wet from the spraying. If you're up for it you can also view Skógafoss from the top since a 527 step staircase leads up to an observation platform above it with an amazing view of the coastline. The cliff on which Skógafoss cascades marks the former coastline of the south coast. This magnificent waterfall has been featured in various popular culture; the music videos Fjara by Sólstafir in 2012 and I'll Show You by Justin Bieber in 2015, the 2013 films Thor: The Dark World and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, and the TV series Vikings (season 5) and Game of Thrones (season 8).

    Skógafoss is within the tiny village of Skógar with a population of about 25 people, and the Skógar Regional Museum is close to the waterfall, featuring over 18,000 regional artifacts in six historical buildings. It's three museums in one which show how Icelanders have lived throughout history; an open-air museum with old wooden houses and turf houses, a folk museum with a cultural heritage collection, and a technical museum showing the evolution of transport, communication, and technology in Iceland. In the folk museum is a noteworthy golden handle that is said to be from a chest filled with gold, owned by the settler Þrasi Þórolfsson who hid the chest behind Skógafoss before his death around AD 900. Attempts were made by many to retrieve it until one day a rope was fixed to the handle to pull the chest out but the handle broke off, leaving the gold-filled chest lost forever. That handle served as a door handle on the Skógakirkja church till 1890.

    Resting in the gorge Kvernugil close to Skógafoss is the 30 m (98 ft) high waterfall Kvernufoss which is considered a hidden gem. It is like a counterpart mix of the waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi, being inside a mossy walled canyon with a cave behind it that provides walking behind it.

  • The beautiful Reynisfjara black sand beach is among the most popular visits in southern Iceland. The unusually black sanded beach with rough ocean waves hitting against the basalt-columned wall makes for a spectacular attraction and in 2021 it was rated by Big 7 Travel as the 6th best beach to visit on their annual list of The 50 Best Beaches In The World, highlighting must-see beaches. Reynisfjara can be very dangerous with its powerful ocean waves and rockfalls from the cliffs due to coastal erosion. Both can often be very unexpected and tragically fatal accidents have happened there throughout the years. It may be tempting to have a picture taken after climbing up onto the basalt columns, but people have been surprised by a sudden "sneaker wave" snatching them and the undertow pulling them out to sea. Nothing can be done if this happens so there's no turning back after that. The waves can look calm, but close to shore the ocean is extremely deep so the waves are almost unbroken when they reach the beach. The beach itself being steep makes the backwash very strong with a pulling force. Be extremely cautious and please admire these forces of nature at a good distance.

    Reynisdrangar is a collection of 66 m (216 ft) high basalt sea pinnacles rising out of the sea by Reynisfjara. An old tale says they originate from when two trolls tried dragging a three-masted ship to land at night, but when daylight broke they along with the ship became these stacks of pinnacles standing out in the sea. Reynisdrangar is the same geological formation as the 340 m (1,115 ft) high mountain Reynisfjall hovering over them. This mountain is made of volcanic tuff from an eruption under a glacier in the penultimate Ice Age, with irregular layers of tuff, pillow lava, and veins and loops of columnar basalt. The mountainsides are steep and by the beach, these beautiful formations of basalt columns can be seen. It is the nesting site of puffins and other sea birds, so please do not try to climb up to them so as not to disturb them. Basalt columns are a great inspiration for Hallgrímskirkja church, Þjóðleikhúsið (e. The National Theatre of Iceland), and Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Center. In the southern part of Reynisfjara by the beach is Hálsanefshellir, an extremely beautiful basalt cave. Please only try going into it when there's a low tide so the waves don't pull you out, and be aware that rocks can suddenly fall.

    You may recognize this area from the Icelandic Netflix series Katla, the 7th season of the series Game of Thrones, the 2013 film Star Trek: Into Darkness, and the 2014 film Noah.

  • Fjallsárlón is a glacier lagoon located in southern Iceland, close to the more famous Jökulsárlón. Though it may be smaller, it is certainly no less impressive. The lagoon is a breathtaking sight, surrounded by towering mountains and a glacier tongue that feeds into the lagoon. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the glacier and the surrounding landscape, as well as the sight of icebergs floating in the lagoon.

    One of the best ways to experience the beauty of Fjallsárlón is by taking a boat tour. These tours provide visitors with an up-close look at the icebergs, which vary in shape and size and are often a stunning shade of blue. The boat tours are typically accompanied by an expert guide, who will share fascinating information about the glacier and the surrounding area.

    Fjallsárlón is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Iceland. Its beauty and serenity are truly awe-inspiring, and it is a testament to the natural wonders that can be found in this incredible country.

  • Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon is a true marvel of nature that captures the essence and grandeur of Iceland's awe-inspiring landscape. It is situated in the southeastern part of Iceland, near the Vatnajökull National Park, and is one of the country's most visited attractions. The lagoon itself is a result of the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier, which has been constantly melting over the years and has given birth to this magnificent sight.

    The lagoon is filled with icebergs of various shapes and sizes that have broken off from the glacier. The icebergs are a mesmerizing sight to behold, with their dazzling shades of blue, white, and black, and their intricate patterns and shapes. The lagoon is also home to an array of wildlife, including seals that can be seen lounging on the icebergs or swimming in the lagoon's crystal-clear waters.

    Visitors to Jökulsárlón can take a boat tour that will take them through the lagoon, allowing them to get up close and personal with the icebergs. The boat ride is an experience of a lifetime, with the ice formations towering over the boat and the sound of cracking ice filling the air. The boat tour is also an excellent opportunity to learn about the history and geology of the lagoon from knowledgeable guides.

    Alternatively, visitors can simply stand on the shore and take in the breathtaking scenery. The lagoon is surrounded by majestic mountains that form a stunning backdrop to the already stunning sight of the icebergs. The scenery is so picturesque that it has become a popular spot for photographers and filmmakers, with several movies and TV shows having been shot here.

    Overall, Jökulsárlón is a stunning natural wonder that showcases the beauty and power of nature and is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. A visit to Jökulsárlón is an experience that will stay with you forever and one that you will cherish for a lifetime.

  • The Diamond Beach is a world-renowned destination located on the south coast of Iceland, near the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. Known for its stunning beauty and unique characteristics, the beach attracts visitors from all over the world. The black sand and sparkling icebergs that wash ashore create a breathtaking contrast that leaves visitors in awe.

    The icebergs that make up the Diamond Beach originate from the nearby glacier and have broken off to float in the lagoon. The icebergs eventually make their way to the ocean, where they are washed up on the beach. The icebergs come in various shapes and sizes, some of which are transparent and blue, making for a truly mesmerizing sight. The contrast between the black sand and the sparkling icebergs creates a one-of-a-kind landscape that is truly unforgettable.

    Visitors can walk along the beach, taking in the incredible views of the icebergs and the surrounding natural beauty. The beach is a popular spot for photographers, who come to capture the stunning scenery. The Diamond Beach is also a great place to spot wildlife, including seals that can be seen sunbathing on the icebergs.

    The Diamond Beach’s unique beauty and natural wonder make it a truly unforgettable experience that will leave a lasting impression on all who visit.

Information.

    • National Park entrance fee

    • Parking fees

    • Pickup & drop-off within the Reykjavik Capital Area

    • Private transport in an air-conditioned vehicle

    • Knowledgeable & experienced English-speaking driver-guide

    • Food & drinks (your private driver-guide can recommend stops for lunch and refreshments during the tour)

    • Extra bookable activities (can be added in the check-out process)

    • Entry or admission fees

    • Tip or gratuity

    • Please respect nature - do not throw out trash or walk on any moss.

    • For environmental responsibility purposes, you do not need to print out your e-ticket.

    • Your private driver-guide can always recommend different restaurants in the area and make stops on the way so you can purchase food/snacks/drinks, but you are also welcome to bring a packed lunch.

    • This tour’s total duration of this tour is dependent on whether extra bookable activities are added to the booking during checkout.

    • Road conditions or adverse weather could make some stops inaccessible during winter, so the itinerary may need to be altered if necessary.

    • Dress according to the weather by wearing warm and wind-/waterproof clothing in layers and bring gloves and a hat.

    • Wear suitable footwear, preferably waterproof with a good grip, in case of slippery conditions due to ice, rain, or gravel paths.

    • We may occasionally need to alter the tour itinerary due to unpredictable weather and road conditions in Iceland, especially during winter. The weather in Iceland can be quite unpredictable.

  • The following are the extra bookable activities available to add to your booking during the check-out process (please only add one activity to your booking):

    Available to add to the tour:

    Jökulsárlón:

    • Amphibian boat tour

    • Zodiac boat tour

    • Glacier Lagoon kayaking

    Fjallsárlón:

    • Zodiac boat tour

Description.

The weather can be unpredictable in Iceland, so during winter, you may expect us to occasionally alter the tour itinerary if weather/road conditions are unfavorable.

Driving out of the Reykjavik Capital Area we head over the Hellisheiði plateau through moss-grown lava fields surrounded by rows of mountains towards the popular South Coast. The most recent lava in the field is believed to have flowed from a 6 km (3.7 mi) long volcanic fissure around AD 1000. On the way, we pass Ingólfsfjall mountain where the settler of Iceland Ingólfur Arnarsson is believed to be buried. Driving further south we get closer to the coastline with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and volcanoes and glaciers on the other side, and even the famous Hekla volcano can be seen from the road.

We make our first stop at the unique waterfall Seljalandsfoss, which drops like a curtain off a cliff into a beautiful meadow. Behind is a small cave and a walking path extending around the waterfall. This makes for a great angle to photograph this very picturesque waterfall and its surroundings, but be sure to wear good shoes and waterproof clothing before going behind it. We head on and drive past the ice cap Eyjafjallajökull which covers the caldera of a volcano that last erupted in 2010, memorably affecting air traffic throughout Europe. From the road, you will immediately spot the mesmerizing Skógafoss in the tiny Skógar village. It is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland dropping wide from a cliff that formerly marked the coastline. If the sun is out, the spraying from Skógafoss will form a rainbow and sometimes two. A staircase next to it leads up to a platform above this waterfall, giving you a great view over farmsteads to the ocean and on-site museums give you insight into how Icelanders lived throughout history.

Our next stop is the Reynisfjara black sand beach. This is among the most popular visits on the South Coast, with the high basalt pinnacles Reynisdrangar rising out of the sea, and extremely powerful ocean waves crashing against the basalt-columned wall of mountain Reynisfjall and steadily eroding the Hálsanefhellir basalt cave by the beach. Reynisfjara has been ranked as one of the top 10 non-tropical beaches in the world by National Geographic. Here you need to be extra cautious, as these waves are known as "sneaker waves". Though they may sometimes look calm and harmless, they have snuck up on people and pulled them into the sea, causing fatal tragedies throughout the years when people have gotten too close to the sea. Be careful while admiring this breathtaking area and please respect the puffins and other seabirds nesting in the basalt columns.

After taking in the beauty of the beach, you'll head to Fjallsárlón, a lesser-known glacier lagoon that is equally stunning. The glacier lagoon is surrounded by mountains and glaciers, and you can take a boat ride on the lagoon to see the icebergs up close. The boat ride is a unique experience that allows you to get close to the icebergs and see the different shades of blue in the ice.

Finally, you'll arrive at Jökulsárlón, the crown jewel of Iceland's glacier lagoons. Here, you can take a boat or kayak tour, depending on your preference, to get up close and personal with the stunning glaciers. The lagoon is filled with floating icebergs that have broken off from the glacier, and you'll see them in all shapes and sizes. You'll also see the Vatnajökull glacier, Europe's largest glacier, which covers about 8% of Iceland's landmass.

From the lagoon, you can walk to the Diamond Beach, where you can see icebergs that have washed up on the black sand beach. The name of this beach comes from the icebergs that sparkle like diamonds in the sunlight. The contrast between the black sand and the icebergs makes for a unique and stunning sight.

This tour is perfect for anyone who wants to experience Iceland's natural beauty up close and personal. With a knowledgeable and experienced English-speaking driver-guide, you'll be in good hands throughout the tour. Your guide will share fascinating information about Iceland's geology, history, and culture, making this tour an educational and unforgettable experience.

After this long day of exceptional landscapes and scenery, we make our way back to the buzzing city life of the Reykjavik Capital Area.

Select Your Date.

Or contact us here for a tailored experience. Every tour takes you to the highlights of its area - yet there are so many other spectacular locations on the way to explore.

FULL REFUND IF CANCELLED UP TO 48 HOURS PRIOR TO YOUR DEPARTURE