Our Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon two day tour is a great option if you want to escape the city, explore the entire south coast of Iceland and hike on a glacier (or walk in the serene natural environment) in the UNESCO protected Vatnajökull National Park. The southeastern corner of the country is one of our favourite areas with some of the most stunning sights, including Iceland’s largest glacier and highest mountains.
The two day tour gives you the time to take in the impressive Seljalandsfoss and Skógarfoss waterfalls, as well as the black sand beach and basalt columns at Reynisfjara. You’ll also hike on an outlet glacier with views of the astonishingly beautiful ice fall and formations on the edge of the enormous Vatnajökull glacier. Be mesmerised by the giant icebergs floating around the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and washed up ice on the nearby Diamond Beach, sparkling on the black sand. On top of that, you get to explore the incredible Fjaðrárgljúfur gorge, and pass through the quaint seaside town of Vík.
During summer, you can experience the near endless sun filled nights in the countryside, with incredible views over the nearby glaciers and mountains. In autumn, before the tour turns into our winter version, there’s a chance you’ll be able to see the Northern Lights dancing across the sky above your accommodation at the comfortable and modern Lilja Guesthouse (or similar).
The south-east of Iceland is one of our favourite areas. Read more to find out why and book below!
PLEASE NOTE: This trip runs from April until the end of September (exact dates vary). 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. Returns around
8:30 pm on second day
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY
Easy (most of the tour)
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 Reykjavik in comfortable mini bus with WiFi, 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.
Please book by room type. Select single room if you are travelling by yourself, if you are a couple then book a double room, etc.
DAY 1: South Coast Sights
After leaving Reykjavik 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 200ft 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
Seljalandsfoss at Sunset by Danny Mcgee. Hidden Iceland
Skógafoss Waterfall | Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon 2 Day Tour | Hidden Iceland | Photo by Norris Niman. Skogafoss.
From here we drive on to Reynisfjara where we will look over this amazing Black Sand Beach and basalt columns. In the mid summer months you might get to spot some very cute 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 in South Iceland by Norris Niman
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.
Vík Church in Summer Lupin Field. Hidden Iceland. Photo Norris Niman
Fjaðrárgljúfur Gorge 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 favourable conditions in the months when the nights are dark, the magical northern lights can be seen from the guesthouse.
DAY 2: Vatnajökull National Park & Optional Glacier Hike
Our second day starts with the delicious buffet breakfast (included) from Lilja Guesthouse. After breakfast we then go to one of our all time favourite locations in Iceland, the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. We are always mesmerised 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 definitely will not forget.
Diamond Beach. Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon 2 Day Tour. Hidden Iceland. Photo by Emily Sillett
Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon 2 Day Tour by Paul Fencaros
From here we head slightly further west to explore the National Park in more detail.
Optional Glacier Hike: A hike on one of our favourite outlet glaciers situated within the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Vatnajökull National Park. You will get up close and personal to the the astonishingly beautiful ice formations during our hike on the Falljökull glacier. We explore the glacier and take in the otherworldly views, taking about 2.5 to 3 hours from start to finish including a fun superjeep ride along the valley leading to the glacier. This glacier hike is considered of moderate difficulty, with a moderate fitness and FULL mobility required, though is designed for first timers. You can expect to walk about six kilometres over uneven and ascending terrain. Check out our glacier hike guide for more information.
Alternative to Glacier Hike: If you have concerns about the glacier hike, it is not mandatory for you to attend this part of the tour. While the others are on the hike (2.5 – 3 hours) your guide will split off with you and any other guests who aren’t doing the hike, to explore their favourite spots such as easier nature walks, great viewpoints and other parts of the Vatnajökull National Park. PLEASE NOTE: Opting out of the glacier hike does not change the overall price of the tour.
Falljökull glacier hike
Hike to Falljökull Glacier. Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon 2 Day Tour. Hidden Iceland. Photo Dennis Stever
On our way back to Reykjavik we will stop off at your guides favourite spots and break for a late lunch / early dinner. before arriving back in Reykjavik around 8:30pm.
Excited already? Scroll to the top of the page to book.
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 kilometres (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 is not included in the price of this tour, but we will allocate time to stop at our favourite cafés and restaurants along the way, as well as some shops to stock up on snacks.