Escape the urban bustle with our Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon two-day tour, a captivating exploration of Iceland’s enchanting south coast. Delve into the UNESCO-protected Vatnajökull National Park, where the serene natural environment of Iceland’s largest glacier awaits. This southeastern corner boasts some of the country’s most stunning sights, including towering mountains and the awe-inspiring Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.
On the first day, we’ll embark on a scenic journey, taking in the breathtaking Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, and the mesmerizing basalt columns at Reynisfjara. Immerse yourself in the tranquil ambiance of the Fjaðrárgljúfur gorge and explore the charming seaside town of Vík. As evening falls, soak in the near-endless sunlit nights during summer, or catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights in the autumn sky above your accommodation at Lilja Guesthouse.
The second day takes us hiking on Falljökull glacier, marveling at the astonishing ice fall and formations on the edge of the vast Vatnajökull glacier. Witness the majesty of giant icebergs floating in Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and the glistening ice on Diamond Beach‘s black sand. Immerse yourself in the wonders of Iceland’s southeast—discover why it’s one of our favorite regions. Book your adventure below!
Please note, this tour runs from April until the end of September. During the colder winter months, we operate a similar trip which includes an Ice Cave Tour. Click here if your trip falls during these dates.
Hike up to the icefall on Falljökull Glacier by Amy Robinson. Feature
Tour Highlights
OPERATES
April–September
PICK UP TIME
8:30 AM
DURATION
2 Days
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY
Easy–Moderate
(optional glacier hike)
Included: The glacier hike with all safety equipment (crampons, helmet, harness and axe) or tranquil nature walk and viewpoints. Accommodation at Lilja Guesthouse in deluxe rooms (or equivalent), with private bathrooms, including breakfast. Pickup and drop-off in Reykjavík in a comfortable mini bus with Wi-Fi, with a wonderful Hidden Iceland guide. Also included is Hiking Boots, Rain Jacket and Rain Pants if these are needed (these need to be chosen in the booking process; otherwise they cannot be guaranteed). Excluded: Lunches and dinner.
When choosing your room type, ensure to book a single room if you are traveling on your own, a double room if you are a couple, etc.
The day-to-day itinerary
Day 1 / 2
Chasing Waterfalls
After leaving Reykjavík, we head straight for the impressive Seljalandsfoss waterfall, which you can walk right behind for the ultimate view, but the waterfalls do not stop there. Next is the powerful Skógafoss waterfall, which is a sight we are sure you will never forget. This 200 ft fast flowing vertical waterfall can be enjoyed from afar or up close. On sunny days, you might be treated to a rainbow appearing from the mist of the waterfall.
Seljalandsfoss Aerial | Hidden Iceland | Photo Danny Mcgee | Featured
Skógafoss Waterfall | Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon 2 Day Tour | Hidden Iceland | Photo by Norris Niman. Skogafoss.
Skógafoss Waterfall on the South Coast by Norris Niman. Skogafoss.
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
From here we drive on to Reynisfjara where we will look over this astonishing Black Sand Beach and basalt columns. In the mid-summer months, you might get to spot some adorable puffins nesting in the cliffs overhead. Other times, you are often treated to some intense crashing waves. For those of you who haven’t brought food with you, the Black Beach Restaurant is the ideal lunch spot to taste locally produced food.
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach & Reynisfjall by Danny Mcgee.
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach. Hidden Iceland. Photo Norris Niman
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach in South Iceland by Norris Niman
Spectacular Canyons & Vatnajökull National Park
After lunch, we continue east, passing through the seaside village of Vík with its iconic church up on the hill, and on to explore Fjaðrárgljúfur (or alternative sites when the area is sometimes affected by weather – rare), where you can see the impressive forces of nature that have eroded this spectacular gorge. Driving further east, we pass the mighty Vatnajökull icecap and the spectacular Skaftafell National Park, where we will be dwarfed by Iceland’s highest mountains and most impressive glaciers.
Fjaðrárgljúfur Gorge by Norris Niman
Lómagnúpur Mountain Drive. Hidden Iceland. Photo by Norris Niman
We spend the night at the incredibly secluded and comfortable Lilja Guesthouse(or equivalent), resting up for another action – packed day. We stay in their deluxe rooms. All the rooms are recently finished with modern fittings and private bathrooms. Dinner from the kitchen at Lilja Guesthouse is always delicious, with the kitchen taking advantage of the fresh, local Icelandic produce. With favorable conditions in the months when the nights are dark, the magical northern lights can be seen from the guesthouse.
The day-to-day itinerary
Day 2 / 2
Vatnajökull National Park & Optional Glacier Hike
Our second day starts with the delicious buffet breakfast (included) from Lilja Guesthouse. After breakfast, we’ll venture to one of our all-time favorite locations in Iceland, the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. We are always mesmerized by the giant icebergs floating around this incredible lagoon and by the washed up icebergs that glisten like crystals down at Diamond Beach. This is one beach trip that you certainly will not forget.
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Hidden Iceland. Photo by Norris Niman
Diamond Beach. Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon 2 Day Tour. Hidden Iceland. Photo by Emily Sillett
Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon 2 Day Tour by Paul Fencaros
Glacier Hike Option: A Journey into Frozen Splendor
Embark on an optional glacier hike, on one of our most cherished outlet glaciers nestled within the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Vatnajökull National Park. Immerse yourself in the astonishing beauty of ice formations on the Falljökull glacier, taking approximately 2.5 to 3 hours from start to finish. Enjoy a fun super jeep ride along the valley, enhancing the adventure. This hike, designed for first-timers, offers moderate difficulty, requiring full mobility and moderate fitness. Traverse about six kilometers over uneven and ascending terrain while savoring otherworldly views. Check our glacier hike guide for details.
Alternative Experience: Nature Walks and Scenic Vistas
For those opting out of the glacier hike, fret not! While others embark on the 2.5 to 3-hour hike, your guide will lead you on an exclusive exploration of our favorite spots. Engage in easier nature walks, discover great viewpoints, and uncover hidden gems within the Vatnajökull National Park. Please note that opting out of the glacier hike does not impact the overall tour price, ensuring your experience is personalized to your preferences. Choose your adventure, and let the wonders of Iceland unfold.
Hike up to the icefall on Falljökull Glacier by Amy Robinson. Feature
Falljökull glacier hike
Falljökull glacier. Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon 2 Day Tour. Hidden Iceland | Photo by Denny Mcgee
Glacier Hike Details
The glacier hike on our scheduled trips are aimed for first timers. However, the ice can be steep and uneven in sections. If you struggle with walking for one hour at a good pace or don’t enjoy walking on uneven and sloped ground, then the glacier hike may not be for you. Thankfully, you can opt for more tranquil options on this tour. The steepest sections involve stair like features and slopes. You will be wearing crampons (spikes) on your feet, and full mobility of your ankles and knees is necessary. The glacier hike on this tour is around 2.5–3 hours in total, with around 1.5 hours spent on the glacier ice. The hike covers around 5 km (approx. 2.5 miles). The hike requires a moderate fitness level AND full mobility.
Each guide on the trip will make the final decision at the time of the hike. If they refuse to let you on the ice, please know it is purely for the safety of not just you, but also for the rest of the group. To learn more about the glacier hike, you can check out our Glacier Hike Guide.
Good to know
Lunch and dinner are not included in the price of this tour, but we will allocate time to stop at our favorite cafés and restaurants along the way, as well as some shops to stock up on snacks.