Do I need mountaineering experience or special fitness to hike the glacier?

No. The glacier walk requires no special skills or extreme fitness. All necessary equipment (harness, crampons, ice axe) is provided, and your licensed guide handles safety and instruction.

What should I wear and bring?

Wear sturdy hiking boots or good-quality sneakers (rentals available on-site). Layer up with waterproof and wind-resistant clothing, as conditions change rapidly on both the coast and glacier. Bring a camera and sunscreen.

How long is the actual glacier hiking portion?

The glacier walk itself typically takes 3–4 hours, with the remaining 7–8 hours split between driving, waterfall visits, beach exploration, and photo stops along the South Coast.

Will I see the Eyjafjallajökull volcano?

Weather permitting. The volcano is visible from parts of the South Coast route, but cloud cover and atmospheric conditions are unpredictable, so views are not guaranteed.

Is this tour suitable for families with children?

Yes, the glacier walk has no age restrictions and requires only basic fitness. Children should be comfortable hiking on uneven terrain with adult supervision. Confirm your child's age and ability with the operator when booking.

What is included in the EUR 2,096 price?

The price covers private car transport, professional glacier guide, all glacier safety equipment (crampons, harness, ice axe), and guided access to glacier and South Coast attractions. Confirm whether meals, shoe rentals, or photos are included with your supplier.

South Coast & Glacier Walk - PRIVATE TOUR 1

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South Coast & Glacier Walk - PRIVATE TOUR

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Reykjavík, Iceland

Adventure ToursCultural ToursDay Trips & ExcursionsGlacier HikingHiking Tours

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About this activity

Explore Iceland's dramatic South Coast and walk atop Sólheimajökull glacier in a single 11-hour private journey. This guided experience showcases waterfalls, black sand beaches, and a retreating glacier landscape shaped by volcanic activity and climate change—all with professional equipment and an experienced glacier guide included.

Travel the South coast, and see the effect of climate change on glaciers. Glaciers are retrieting and disappearing around us on an unprecedented rate. It is predicted that in few decades the glaciers in Iceland will all be gone. Experience the unique landscape on the top of a glacier with us. Your glacier guide is licensed and experienced and will take you on the hike of your lifetime. Sólheimajökull is an outlet glacier, flowing out of the ice cap Mýrdalsjökull. Underneath Mýrdalsjökull is the famous volcano Katla. No special skills or physical requirements for this walk and we provide you with all the equipment needed for the walk. Good shoes are required, hiking boots or sneakers. Shoes can be rented at location.
Along the South Coast of Iceland stop at the two beautiful waterfalls, Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss. Enjoy the scenery along the South Coast towards the town Vík and stop at the Reynisfjara Black Beach to look at some amazing volcanic formations, column basalt and basalt sea stacks, Reynisdrangar. Reynisfjara Black Beach was, in 1991, ranked as one of the ten most beautiful non-tropical beaches in the world. Hopefully the weather allows a view of Eyjafjallajökull volcano.

Highlights

✓Walk on Sólheimajökull glacier with licensed guide and provided safety gear
✓Visit Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls
✓Explore Reynisfjara Black Beach and its basalt sea stacks (Reynisdrangar)
✓See Mýrdalsjökull ice cap and volcanic formations
✓Possible views of Eyjafjallajökull volcano weather permitting
✓Private car tour with personalized pace and timing

Insider tips

★Bring sturdy hiking boots or quality sneakers; rentals available on-site if needed
★Start early morning to maximize daylight hours across this long route and improve weather visibility
★The South Coast is highly weather-dependent—clear skies are rare, so flexible scheduling helps capture the best conditions
★Bring waterproof layers and wind protection; conditions on the glacier change rapidly even when the coast looks calm

Good to know

•Duration: 11 hours total (includes driving, hiking, and sightseeing)
•No special climbing skills or extreme fitness required for the glacier walk
•All glacier safety equipment (harness, crampons, ice axe) provided by operator
•Private tour format—group size and stops customizable to your interests
•Glacier hiking combines moderate physical activity; allow 3–4 hours for the actual glacier portion

Who it's for

Adventure seekers wanting to walk on an active glacier without mountaineering experiencePhotographers drawn to Iceland's most iconic landscapes in one dayCouples or small groups preferring private transport and flexible pacingEnvironmentally conscious travellers interested in witnessing climate change firsthand

Best time to visit

May to September offers the longest daylight and safest glacier conditions. Summer months (July–August) have the most stable weather, though South Coast weather remains unpredictable year-round—any season requires realistic expectations for cloud cover and wind.

Frequently asked questions

Reviews

(5)

Greg S.

May 2026

our guide Mehmet really knew their stuff and a viewpoint locals use was the highlight, and used it for our summer trip, def recommend

John D.

Oct 2025

our guide Yusuf was nice enough, but a viewpoint locals use felt a bit rushed honestly. Used it for our summer trip. Mid-week so it was quiet. Bit disappointed ngl, for our anniversary.

Toni E.

Sep 2025

our guide Kenji was brilliant and a viewpoint locals use was the highlight. Used it for our summer trip so it wasnt too busy. Blew our marrakech one out of the water, and on a rainy sunday. Would book again no question, def recommend

Grace L.

Feb 2025

So nice this one, a viewpoint locals use was amazing and Beatriz the guide explain everything good. Better than Marrakech for sure, we go again!

Emma G.

Jan 2025

Very enjoy, a viewpoint locals use the best part. Sven take care us very well, covered about 5km on foot. Thank you so much!

from€2,096.15/ person

4.8 · 66 reviews on Trustpilot

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