Reykjavik: South Coast, Glacier Hike & Northern Lights Combo

One long day, two very different Icelandic nights. This $270 combo tour packs the South Coast’s finest sights into a 16-hour outing, from Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss to a guided walk on Sólheimajökull and an evening Northern Lights hunt. I like the efficient route and the rare chance to combine a glacier hike with an Aurora search without arranging separate transport. I also like that the glacier equipment and Northern Lights photos are included.

The tradeoff is stamina. You leave Reykjavik in the morning, return around 7:00 PM for dinner, then head out again after dark. Weather can also force changes, and one reported booking had both the glacier hike and Northern Lights portion cancelled, so you should be comfortable with some uncertainty.

Key points to know before booking

• Sólheimajökull is the active centerpiece: A certified glacier guide supplies crampons, helmet, harness, and ice axe before you walk across the ice.
• Seljalandsfoss lets you walk behind the water: Rain gear is not optional here, since spray can reach the path.
• Reynisfjara requires caution: The black beach, basalt columns, cave, and sea stacks are dramatic, but the Atlantic is powerful.
• Skógafoss rewards a short climb: The waterfall is easy to view from below, while 527 steps lead to a higher lookout.
• The evening Aurora hunt has a safety net: If the Northern Lights do not appear, you can rebook for free.
• Plan for a long, active day: Food, drinks, sturdy hiking shoes, and warm waterproof clothing are your responsibility.

Why this South Coast combination works

I like this tour because it joins Iceland’s headline sights with one activity that feels more hands-on. Waterfalls and beaches are easy to visit from a vehicle, but a glacier walk gives you a closer look at how ice moves, cracks, and changes.

You also avoid organizing several separate excursions. Reykjavik pickup and drop-off are included, as are the glacier safety items and the evening Northern Lights outing. At $270 per person, that is not a budget activity, but it can be good value if you want all of these elements and do not have a rental car.

The price makes less sense if you mainly want scenic stops. The glacier hike is a major part of what you are paying for, so choose this package only if you want to walk on the ice and can manage a physically demanding day.

The schedule is the real challenge. The South Coast portion finishes with a return to Reykjavik at about 7:00 PM. You have time to eat, but then you are picked up again from the original location for the Northern Lights search. That split is practical, but it can make the day feel more like an expedition than a relaxed sightseeing trip.

Morning pickup and the long drive south

Pickup is offered from authorized Reykjavik locations, and the collection process can take up to 30 minutes. Keep this in mind if you are standing outside in cold weather. Arrive early, dress warmly, and do not plan a tight morning appointment around the departure.

The drive south is part of the experience. The route gives you views across Iceland’s open scenery, with possible clear-day views of Eyjafjallajökull, Hekla, and the volcanoes near the Westman Islands. Visibility is never guaranteed, but the journey itself helps explain why Iceland’s South Coast is such a popular day trip.

Because the full outing lasts about 16 hours, bring snacks and a water bottle. Food and drinks are not included, and you should not assume there will be a long meal stop at the right moment. A small backpack is useful for spare layers, rain gear, and personal items.

Seljalandsfoss: a waterfall with a rear view

Seljalandsfoss is more than a quick roadside photo stop. A path leads behind the falling water, giving you a view back through the curtain of the waterfall. It is one of the most unusual stops on the route because you can experience the water from several angles rather than simply looking at it from a platform.

The path can be wet from spray, so pack a waterproof jacket and trousers if you have them. You should also protect anything that dislikes moisture. Hiking shoes with good grip will make the walk easier, especially after rain.

This stop is not the most physically demanding part of the day, but it sets the tone. You are not only stopping to take a picture. You get a short walk, a change of viewpoint, and the chance to see how close you can get to the falling water while staying on the marked path.

Sólheimajökull: the reason to choose this tour

The glacier hike is the most distinctive part of the day. At Sólheimajökull, a certified glacier guide provides the required equipment: helmet, harness, ice axe, and glacier crampons. You learn how to use the gear before heading onto the ice.

The guide also explains how the glacier formed, how it moves, and why crevasses matter. You may hear ancient ice cracking as the glacier shifts. That sound is a useful reminder that this is not a frozen sidewalk. It is moving ice, and you need to follow the guide’s instructions closely.

Good footwear matters here. The crampons must fit securely over your hiking shoes, with a minimum shoe size of EU 35 and a maximum of EU 50. The tour specifically requires sturdy hiking shoes with good ankle support. Sandals and flip-flops are not allowed, and ordinary casual trainers may not provide the support you need.

The minimum age is eight. The experience is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, which is important to consider before booking. Even though safety equipment is included, the physical effort and uneven ice surface make this more than a casual stroll.

I appreciate that the necessary glacier gear is part of the price. Renting or arranging these items separately would add hassle, and a certified guide is essential for a glacier walk. Still, you need to bring the clothing that keeps you warm and dry: several warm layers, waterproof outerwear, gloves, a hat, and a scarf.

Reynisfjara and the force of the Atlantic

Reynisfjara is Iceland’s famous black sand beach, formed from volcanic material. The dark shore contrasts sharply with the Atlantic, while basalt columns and a cave give the beach its sculpted appearance.

Offshore, the Reynisdrangar sea stacks rise from the water. Their shape and position make this one of the most striking coastal stops in southern Iceland. The basalt columns are also a good reminder that Iceland’s scenery comes from volcanic forces, not just ice and rain.

The beach is beautiful, but it deserves respect. You are beside a powerful ocean, and the combination of black sand, cliffs, and crashing waves can make the water look calmer than it is. Stay alert, listen to your guide, and do not treat the shoreline like a normal swimming beach.

The stop also adds variety to the day. After the glacier, you move from frozen water to volcanic coast. That contrast is one reason the South Coast route works so well. You see several sides of Iceland’s geology in a single outing.

Skógafoss and the 527-step option

Skógafoss is a broad, powerful waterfall that drops in a near-perfect sheet. From the bottom, you can get close enough to feel spray and often see rainbows when the light and weather cooperate.

A stairway with 527 steps leads up beside the falls. You can choose the lower viewpoint if your legs are tired after the glacier walk, or climb higher for a different look at the waterfall and surrounding scenery. This flexibility is welcome late in a long day.

The stairs are not a small detail. After walking on the glacier, visiting the beach, and spending hours on the road, you may not want another climb. The lower viewpoint still gives you a strong experience, so do not feel obliged to complete every step.

Skógafoss also provides a final major waterfall stop before the return to Reykjavik. Together, it and Seljalandsfoss show two very different forms of falling water: one offers a path behind the cascade, while the other impresses through width, volume, and height.

The break in Reykjavik before the Aurora hunt

The South Coast tour returns you to your original pickup point at about 7:00 PM. You then have time for dinner before being collected again for the Northern Lights portion.

This pause is helpful, but it is not the same as having a free evening. Keep dinner simple and stay aware of the second pickup time. If you plan a full restaurant meal, allow enough time to return to the meeting point without rushing.

The evening drive takes you away from Reykjavik and into the countryside, where darker skies give you a better chance of seeing the Aurora. The guide will search for green, yellow, white, and sometimes purple lights, but no company can promise a sighting. Clouds and solar conditions control the result.

The free rebooking policy helps reduce the risk. If the Northern Lights are not visible during your outing, you can rebook for another attempt. This is especially useful if you have more than one night in Iceland. If this is your final evening, though, a rebooking option may not help much.

Your guide also provides complimentary photos taken during the Northern Lights hunt. That is a pleasant extra, since photographing the Aurora can be difficult without the right camera settings. The photos do not guarantee that you will see the lights, but they can save you from worrying about camera work while the guide searches.

Guides, weather, and the limits of a packed schedule

The strongest direct praise in the available feedback goes to the guide, described as friendly and helpful. That matters on a day with several moving parts. A good guide can make equipment instructions clearer, keep the group organized, and explain why each stop is worth your time.

At the same time, the lower-rated feedback points to an important risk: the glacier hike and Northern Lights portion were cancelled on one booking, with a request for compensation. The reason is not given, so you should not assume why it happened. Icelandic weather and safety conditions can change quickly, and a combined tour has more points where conditions can affect the plan.

The tour has a published rating of 4.4 from 68 reviews, which suggests a generally positive experience but not a flawless one. I would book it with realistic expectations: the route is excellent, the guide support is valuable, and the weather still gets the final word.

What to pack for a 16-hour day

Your clothing can make or break this outing. Bring warm layers, a waterproof jacket, waterproof trousers, gloves, headwear, and a scarf. Iceland’s wind and rain can make a cool day feel much colder, especially beside waterfalls or on exposed coastal ground.

Wear sturdy hiking shoes with good ankle support. The shoes must accommodate glacier crampons and fall within EU sizes 35 through 50. Do not bring sandals or flip-flops.

Pack food and drinks because they are not included. Snacks are particularly useful during the long South Coast portion, and a water bottle belongs in your day bag. A small backpack is enough for these items and an extra layer.

If you have only light city clothing, buy or borrow proper outdoor gear before departure. This is not a tour where you can remain warm and dry inside the vehicle all day.

Who should book this Iceland tour?

I would recommend this outing to an active adult or family with children aged eight and older who wants to see the main South Coast sights and try a guided glacier hike. It suits you especially well if you are staying in Reykjavik without a rental car and want one company to handle transport for both daytime and evening activities.

It is also a good match if your Iceland visit is short. In one long day, you see two major waterfalls, a volcanic beach, a glacier, and the Aurora search. The schedule is demanding, but it uses your time efficiently.

I would hesitate to recommend it to anyone who dislikes early starts, long vehicle rides, uncertain weather, or late returns. People with mobility impairments should choose another activity, and children under eight cannot join. You also need enough time in Reykjavik to make a second Northern Lights attempt worthwhile if the first search fails.

Should you book the South Coast, glacier, and Aurora combo?

Book it if you want maximum variety and can handle a very long day. The glacier walk gives this tour more substance than a standard waterfall and beach excursion, while the evening Aurora hunt adds a second major Iceland experience without another separate booking.

Skip it if you want a slow pace or if you have only one night in Reykjavik and cannot use a free rebooking option. The $270 price is fair when you value the certified glacier guide, safety equipment, transport, and two-part itinerary, but it is less attractive if bad weather removes the glacier hike or Aurora search.

My practical advice is simple: wear proper boots, bring serious rain protection, pack dinner or snacks, and leave room in your schedule for weather-related changes. If you do that, this is a strong way to cover the South Coast and make a well-prepared attempt at seeing the Northern Lights.

FAQ

How long does the combined tour last?

The total duration is approximately 16 hours. You return to your original Reykjavik pickup location around 7:00 PM before heading out again for the Northern Lights hunt.

What is included in the price?

The tour includes Reykjavik pickup and drop-off, transportation along the South Coast, the guided glacier hike, glacier safety equipment, visits to Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, and Reynisfjara, the Northern Lights hunt, and complimentary Aurora photos.

Is food included?

No. You need to bring your own food and drinks. Snacks, a water bottle, and a small backpack are recommended.

What shoes do I need?

Bring sturdy hiking shoes with good ankle support. The shoes must fit glacier crampons, and participant shoe sizes must be between EU 35 and EU 50.

Can children join the tour?

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

Is the Northern Lights sighting guaranteed?

No. Northern Lights sightings depend on conditions and can never be promised. If the Aurora is not visible during your tour, free rebooking is available.

What happens at the glacier?

A certified glacier guide provides a helmet, harness, ice axe, and glacier crampons. You learn about the glacier’s formation, movement, and crevasses, and you may hear ice cracking as it shifts.

Can I cancel the booking?

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