Do I need mountaineering or climbing experience for the glacier walk?

No. The glacier hike requires no special skills or prior experience. Your licensed, experienced glacier guide handles all technical aspects and provides full equipment (crampons, harnesses, ice axes). Basic fitness and good hiking shoes/boots are sufficient.

What's included in the 11-hour tour?

Private round-trip transport from Reykjavík, guided glacier walk on Sólheimajökull with all safety gear, and stops at Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, Reynisfjara Black Beach, and Vík. Exact itinerary may adjust for weather and group pace.

Can I rent hiking boots at the glacier location?

Yes, boot rentals are available on-site. Proper footwear is essential for both glacier safety and navigating black sand and rocky terrain; if you don't have hiking boots or sturdy sneakers, renting is recommended.

What if the weather is bad or glacier conditions are unsafe?

Tours are weather-dependent. If conditions are unsafe for glacier hiking, your guide will assess on the day and may modify the itinerary or reschedule. This is why booking flexibility and travel insurance are wise.

Will I see Eyjafjallajökull volcano?

Eyjafjallajökull is visible from the South Coast route, but only if weather permits clear sightlines. It's not guaranteed, so manage expectations—cloud cover or poor visibility may obstruct the view.

Why is this glacier walk significant given climate change?

Sólheimajökull is retreating rapidly; glaciers across Iceland are predicted to disappear within decades. This tour provides a first-hand, guided perspective on climate impact and allows you to experience and document a landscape undergoing unprecedented change.

South Coast & Glacier Walk - Private Tour 1

South Coast & Glacier Walk - Private Tour 2

South Coast & Glacier Walk - Private Tour 3

South Coast & Glacier Walk - Private Tour 4

South Coast & Glacier Walk - Private Tour 5

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South Coast & Glacier Walk - Private Tour

Top Deal

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South Coast & Glacier Walk - Private Tour

(3)

Reykjavík, Iceland

Adventure ToursCultural ToursDay Trips & ExcursionsGlacier HikingHiking Tours

About this activity

Explore Iceland's dramatic South Coast and walk atop Sólheimajökull glacier, an outlet of the vast Mýrdalsjökull ice cap. This 11-hour private tour combines glacier hiking with visits to iconic waterfalls and black-sand beaches, offering a hands-on perspective on Iceland's rapidly changing glacial landscape.

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

✓Guided glacier walk on Sólheimajökull with all equipment provided
✓Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls—two of Iceland's most photographed cascades
✓Reynisfjara Black Beach: basalt columns, sea stacks, and volcanic geology
✓South Coast scenic drive with stops at Vík and views toward Eyjafjallajökull volcano
✓Expert glacier guide explains climate impact and glacial retreat
✓Private car tour—no large groups, personalized pace

Insider tips

★Bring waterproof layers and a wind-resistant jacket; South Coast weather changes rapidly and glacier conditions are exposed
★Arrive early in the tour to maximize daylight for glacier views—11 hours means you'll finish in fading light depending on season
★Reynisfjara's waves are dangerous; stay behind marked zones and never turn your back to the sea
★Rent hiking boots on-site if you lack proper footwear—essential for glacier safety and black sand terrain

Good to know

•All glacier equipment (crampons, harnesses, ice axes) provided; good hiking shoes or boots required (rentals available)
•No special fitness level needed, but the glacier walk involves ~2–3 hours of active hiking on uneven terrain
•Private tour for your group only; pickup/return location and exact times confirmed at booking
•Weather-dependent activity; glacier conditions assessed on the day; tour may be modified or rescheduled if unsafe
•Bring sunscreen, snacks, water, and a camera—South Coast has minimal facilities between stops

Who it's for

Adventure seekers wanting genuine glacier experience without extreme mountaineering skillsNature photographers pursuing South Coast classics and glacial landscapesClimate-conscious travellers interested in witnessing glacier retreat firsthandFirst-time Iceland visitors seeking a comprehensive South Coast day (waterfalls, glacier, beaches, volcano views)

Best time to visit

May–September offers the longest daylight and most stable glacier conditions; June–August are peak season with warmest weather but most crowded. Winter tours are possible but require earlier start times and shorter daylight windows. Avoid poor-visibility weather forecasts, as glacier and volcano views are weather-dependent.

Frequently asked questions

Reviews

(3)

Toni F.

Feb 2026

our guide Beatriz had so many stories and a tiny courtyard tucked off the main drag was the highlight. Over easter break so it wasnt too busy. Honestly better than the walking tour we did in cape town last year, and fine even with my dodgy knee, and 2.5 hours and never dull. Would book again no question.

Kev L.

Aug 2025

a backstreet mural the guide spotted unreal. worked great for a solo traveller like me, and covered about 5km on foot, tbh

Kev A.

Jul 2025

our guide Fatima really knew their stuff and a tiny courtyard tucked off the main drag was the highlight, and spot on for a couples day out, and 10+ little stops, loved it

from€2,096.3€2,090.41/ person

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