South Coast, Glacier Hike and Northern Lights Winter Tour

Uncover the stunning landscapes of South Iceland on this immersive 16-hour adventure. Witness the mesmerizing Reynisfjara black sand beach, explore the iconic Seljalandsfoss waterfall, and embark on a guided glacier hike across the breathtaking Sólheimajökull. As the day winds down, venture into the countryside for a chance to witness the magical display of the Northern Lights. This comprehensive tour caters to adventure-seekers of all ages, providing essential gear and a competitive price point. What secrets will this journey unveil?

Key Points

• This comprehensive 16-hour tour explores South Iceland’s natural wonders, including a glacier hike, waterfall visits, black sand beaches, and Northern Lights viewing.
• The tour is priced from $245.34 per person and includes round-trip transportation, guided glacier hike, and necessary equipment.
• The tour is suitable for ages 8 and up, with certain restrictions for safety, and requires proper gear and preparation.
• Highlights include visiting Seljalandsfoss waterfall, exploring Reynisfjara black sand beach, and the opportunity to witness the Northern Lights.
• The tour has an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 based on 66 reviews, with positive feedback on the guide, transportation, and value for money.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This tour offers a comprehensive winter experience exploring South Iceland’s natural wonders. Priced from $245.34 per person, the 16-hour tour includes a glacier hike, Northern Lights viewing, and visits to iconic waterfalls and black sand beaches.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a pay-later option provide flexibility. The itinerary highlights must-see sites like Seljalandsfoss, Reynisfjara, and Skógafoss, with the possibility of spotting volcanoes.

Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour provides necessary glacier equipment and transportation from Reykjavik. While suitable for ages 8 and up, certain restrictions apply, so proper preparation is essential for an enjoyable and safe experience.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins with morning pick-ups from authorized locations in Reykjavík, allowing participants to start their adventure.

First, they’ll visit Seljalandsfoss waterfall and walk behind the cascading water.

Visitors can walk behind the cascading waters of the stunning Seljalandsfoss waterfall.

Next, they’ll embark on a guided glacier hike on Sólheimajökull, equipped with necessary gear.

The tour then explores Reynisfjara black sand beach, the iconic basalt columns, and the Reynisdrangar cliffs.

Skógafoss waterfall awaits, with its 527 steps offering panoramic views.

Along the way, participants may spot Eyjafjallajökull, Hekla, and Westman Islands volcanoes.

The day culminates with an evening Northern Lights tour in the countryside.

Inclusions and Requirements

The tour includes round-trip pick-up in Reykjavík, a guided glacier hike with all necessary equipment, and an evening Northern Lights tour.

The minimum age is 8 years, and participants must wear sturdy hiking boots (EU size 35-50), warm layers, waterproof outerwear, gloves, and carry snacks and a small backpack.

The tour isn’t suitable for children under 8, pregnant women, or those with mobility issues. Jeans, sandals, and flip-flops aren’t allowed.

Customers praise the knowledgeable guides and comfortable transportation, though emphasize the importance of proper gear for the glacier hike and weather conditions.

Customer Reviews and Ratings

With an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 based on 66 reviews, customers have generally praised the tour.

The guide received a 4.7/5 rating, with one reviewer, Helen from Greece, singling out guide Frank for an excellent Northern Lights experience.

The transportation scored 4.6/5, and the value for money was rated 4.4/5.

Sze Wai from Hong Kong highlighted the glacier hike as the tour’s highlight, despite missing the Northern Lights.

Kimberly from the USA enjoyed the tour and guides, expressing hope for future Northern Lights viewing.

Customer recommendations emphasize the importance of proper gear and preparation for the glacier hike and weather conditions.

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Preparation and Recommendations

To prepare for this tour, customers are encouraged to bring food and drinks, as well as wear sturdy hiking shoes, rain gear, and warm clothing.

The glacier hike requires proper gear to ensure comfort and safety. Customer reviews emphasize the importance of being prepared for the weather conditions. Dressing in layers and having waterproof outerwear is recommended.

A small backpack is also suggested to carry personal items. Proper preparation will enhance the overall experience and allow participants to fully enjoy the tour’s highlights, such as the glacier hike and stunning natural scenery along the South Coast.

The Glacier Hike Experience

What makes the glacier hike a highlight of this winter tour? The guided glacier hike on Sólheimajökull offers an unforgettable adventure.

Travelers don crampons and explore the ever-changing glacial landscape under the watchful eye of a certified guide. They’ll navigate through deep crevasses, admire stunning ice formations, and learn about the glacier’s history and ecology.

The provided specialized equipment ensures safety and comfort, allowing participants to fully enjoy the icy wonderland.

Whether it’s the thrill of trekking across the frozen expanse or the awe-inspiring vistas, the glacier hike leaves a lasting impression on those who undertake this unique experience.

Exploring the South Coast Wonders

After the thrilling glacier hike, the tour continues to explore the wonders of Iceland’s South Coast.

Travelers visit the iconic Seljalandsfoss waterfall, where they can walk behind the cascading water. Next, they marvel at the black sand beach of Reynisfjara, with its towering basalt columns and the Reynisdrangar sea stacks.

The tour then moves on to the powerful Skógafoss waterfall, where a 527-step pathway offers panoramic views.

Throughout the journey, participants may catch glimpses of the dramatic volcanoes Eyjafjallajökull, Hekla, and the Westman Islands.

This scenic exploration sets the stage for the evening Northern Lights adventure.

Chasing the Northern Lights

As the daylight fades, the tour shifts its focus to the enchanting natural phenomenon known as the Northern Lights.

The evening Northern Lights tour takes guests to the countryside, away from the city lights, for the best possible viewing opportunities.

The tour includes:

1. Expert guidance from knowledgeable aurora chasers who monitor the weather and forecast to find the optimal viewing locations.

2. Free Wi-Fi on the bus, allowing guests to share real-time updates and photos of the mesmerizing light displays.

3. A flexible itinerary that adjusts based on cloud cover and aurora activity to maximize the chances of witnessing the ethereal northern lights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Safety Equipment for the Glacier Hike?

Yes, you can bring your own safety equipment for the glacier hike. The tour requires sturdy hiking shoes and warm, waterproof layers, but allows you to use your own gear if it meets the specified requirements.

Is There an Option to Only Do the South Coast Tour Without the Northern Lights?

Yes, there’s an option to only do the south coast tour without the Northern Lights. The tour overview indicates it’s a separate activity from the glacier hike, so you can likely book the south coast portion alone.

How Difficult Is the Hiking Required on This Tour?

The hike on this tour is moderately difficult, requiring sturdy hiking shoes and warm, waterproof layers. Customers recommend being prepared for changing weather conditions on the glacier. With the right gear, most travelers can comfortably complete the glacier hike.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions or Options for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t provide any specific dietary options. Customers are responsible for bringing their own snacks and meals. It’s recommended to pack light, non-perishable foods that can be easily consumed during the tour.

Is There a Minimum Group Size Required to Book This Tour?

The tour doesn’t have a minimum group size requirement. Customers can book the tour individually or in a group, and the tour will run as scheduled regardless of the group size.

The Sum Up

This comprehensive South Coast, Glacier Hike, and Northern Lights Winter Tour offers an exceptional opportunity to explore the stunning landscapes of South Iceland. With a focus on safety, essential gear, and competitive pricing, the tour caters to adventurers of all ages, providing an unforgettable experience of hiking on a glacier, marveling at natural wonders, and possibly witnessing the enchanting Northern Lights. Suitable for both first-time and seasoned travelers, this tour promises an adventure of a lifetime.

You can check availability for your dates here: