22,990 ISK
(US$179 / €148 / £134)
Our South Coast: Fire & Ice tour is an action packed day that allows you to experience the best parts of the south coast of Iceland. Massive glaciers, powerful waterfalls, volcanic black sand beaches and infamous volcanoes. All in one spectacular area.
We will hike past crevasses, moulins and blue ice on the mighty Sólheimajökull glacier. Feel the mist and spray from the thunderous Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls. Be in awe of the powerful waves crashing onto the volcanic black sand shores of Reynisfjara Beach with its unique rock formations. Learn all about volcanoes and geology at the interactive LAVA exhibition. All of this led by one of Hidden Iceland’s wonderful guides who will ensure you do not miss a thing.
This Hidden Iceland tour really has it all, and you can experience it in one unforgettable day. Read more and book below!
LAVA Centre Interactive Exhibition
The South Coast: Fire and Ice tour starts with pickup in Reykjavik from 8:00 am. We head out along the south coast, driving through the beautiful Icelandic landscape to the town of Hvolsvöllur. Here we visit the newly opened, award winning and interactive LAVA centre. You will learn all about Iceland’s volcanic past, present and potential future. The LAVA Centre is ideally located only 1.5 hours from Reykjavik close to many active volcanoes including the world famous Eyjafjallajökull. It was this very volcano that stopped over 100,000 planes from flying back in 2010. Don’t worry though, none of the active volcanoes in Iceland are currently erupting!
Glacier Hike on Sólheimajökull
A short drive through some awe inspiring scenery and we arrive at the true highlight of the trip. We get ready for a glacier hike on the stunning Sólheimajökull glacier. This mighty glacier flows down from the enormous Mýrdalsjökull icecap. The ice cap sits directly on top of one of the most powerful and feared volcanoes in the country, Katla. This section of the south coast is really what gives the South Coast: Fire and Ice tour its name. Past volcanic eruptions and the moving glaciers create the stunning landscapes that are unique to this area.
The glacier hike on the tour is around 2.5 hours in total with around 1 hour spent on the glacier ice itself. We hike for around 3-4 kilometres (approx. 2 miles) in total at a medium pace with lots of stops. The hike requires a moderate fitness level with good knee and ankle mobility, where you will hike up and over uneven terrain.
PLEASE NOTE: The glacier hike is not mandatory part of the tour. If you are worried about your fitness for the hike, please get in touch with us or read our Glacier Hike Guide.
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
Next up, we head to Reynisfjara to see the amazing rock formations at this spectacular black sand beach. The angular basalt columns with their hexagonal shapes are the perfect photo spot on calm days. In summer you might get to spot some very cute puffins nesting in the cliffs overhead. In winter you are often treated to some intense crashing waves. One thing is for sure, you’ll get lost in thought as you wander along the volcanic black sand. For those of you who haven’t brought food with you, the Black Beach Restaurant is a great spot to test out some local produce. The locally grown turnip soup is a Hidden Iceland guide favourite!
Skógafoss Waterfall
As we reach the latter part of the day we start to drive back west towards Reykjavik. We have still have more in store for you though! Our next stop at the famous Skógafoss waterfall. This 200ft fast flowing vertical waterfall can be enjoyed from afar or up close. Just remember to wear your waterproofs if you go to the very front. You can hire some Hidden Iceland waterproofs if you want to get really close. On sunny days you might be treated to a rainbow appearing in the mist of the waterfall. The majesty of this waterfall is not lost on popular culture either with both Game of Thrones and Vikings using this location for filming.
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
The action doesn’t stop there though. Our final stop of the day on the South Coast: Fire and Ice tour is at the Seljalandsfoss Waterfall. A similar height to Skógafoss but with one key difference; you can walk behind this one when it’s not icy. The waterfall is a result of melting glacial ice pouring down from the peak of Eyjafjallajökull. The cave behind the waterfall is massive enough to walk all the way around for the ultimate view. In winter it is often not possible to walk behind due to ice. During these months you are then treated to the wintery scene of snow, icicles and a partially frozen waterfall.
South Coast Sights
The drive back to Reykjavik allows you to sit back in comfort and take in even more of the beauty of the south. It also gives you the chance to admire and share all your treasured photos from the day. On clear days the view from your comfortable Hidden Iceland vehicle adds so much to the tour. If you’re lucky you might see a few more volcanoes in the distance. Notably, the cone shaped Hekla volcano and the archipelago of the Westman Islands. We’ll get you back in time for a late dinner in the city.
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