2-Day South Coast Waterfalls, Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and Hike from Reykjavik

Iceland packs a lot into two days. Troll Expeditions’ South Coast trip links Reykjavik with Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Reynisfjara, a glacier hike, and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon without asking you to plan every turn. I especially like the small-group minibus and the fact that accommodation, breakfast, Wi-Fi, and hotel pickup are included. The main concern is that the tour costs $738 per person, and the overnight stay and vehicle may not match everyone’s comfort expectations.

The glacier hike is the star of the trip. The waterfalls are easy to reach, Reynisfjara adds a dramatic black-sand coast, and the lagoon boat ride gives you a close look at old blue-white ice. Still, you should read the fine print carefully: dinner is not included, luggage is limited, and two advertised stops, the plane wreck and Vík Village, were not part of one customer’s actual route.

Key points to know before booking

• The glacier hike lasts about three hours: Safety gear is supplied, but you need hiking boots and waterproof clothing, or you can rent them for added fees.
• Jökulsárlón includes a boat ride: The excursion takes you among floating icebergs during the summer season.
• The group has a maximum of 18 people: That is more personal than a large coach, though the minibus means several long stretches on the road.
• Pickup begins at 8:00 a.m.: Hotel collection is offered, but downtown traffic rules may send you to a nearby designated bus stop.
• The overnight stay is near the glacier area: Breakfast is included, but lunch, dinner, and drinks are your responsibility.
• Weather controls the schedule: The trip operates in all weather when possible, but poor conditions can lead to a new date or full refund.

Why two days make sense on Iceland’s South Coast

The South Coast is not a compact sightseeing area. Waterfalls sit west of Vík, the glacier region lies much farther east, and Reykjavik is several hours from Jökulsárlón. A day trip can reach some of these places, but it leaves little room for a glacier hike or a relaxed visit to the lagoon.

This two-day plan solves the distance problem. You travel east on the first morning, stop at major sights, spend the night near the glacier, and return to Reykjavik on the second day. The return is scheduled for around 7:00 p.m., with another 15 to 30 minutes possible for final drop-offs.

I like this arrangement because it removes the need to drive, find lodging, watch road conditions, and reserve separate activities. You can use the ride to check maps or local information through the included Wi-Fi. The tradeoff is time spent in the vehicle. This is an efficient sightseeing trip, not a slow rural holiday.

The vehicle holds no more than 18 people, and the company describes it as a small, comfortable minibus. One poor account specifically described a dirty, uncomfortable vehicle, while several highly positive accounts praised the guides and overall schedule. That contrast is worth keeping in mind. The group size is sensible, but comfort can depend on the particular vehicle and day.

Reykjavik pickup and the early start

Pickup begins at 8:00 a.m. and can take up to 30 minutes. You should be ready at your selected location rather than waiting for an exact arrival time.

Downtown Reykjavik has traffic rules that prevent the minibus from stopping at every hotel entrance. You may be collected at your accommodation, or you may need to walk a few minutes to a designated bus stop. Check the assigned location carefully before departure. The company points passengers to busstop.is for walking directions.

This early start helps fit the long route into two days, but it can make the first morning feel brisk. Pack breakfast only if you need something before the included breakfast at the accommodation, since the first scheduled sightseeing stop comes after the drive south.

The maximum group size of 18 is a useful middle ground. You are not on a huge coach, and the guide can usually keep the group together at short stops. At the same time, this is still a shared outing, so you will not control every pause or meal break.

Seljalandsfoss: bring clothing for the spray

Seljalandsfoss is the first major sight, and it makes a strong opening. Water drops from a high cliff, and a path allows you to walk behind the falls when conditions permit. The sound and spray make this more than a quick roadside photo stop.

You get about 30 minutes here. That is enough for the short walk and photographs, but not for a long wander. Wear a raincoat, not just a light shell. The ground and air around the falls can be wet, and the attraction of walking behind the water comes with a predictable price: you may get soaked.

This is a good example of the tour’s practical value. You arrive close to the attraction, spend your time seeing it rather than finding parking, and then move on before the day gets behind schedule. Waterproof layers should remain easy to reach in your day bag.

Skógafoss and the choice between views

Skógafoss drops 60 meters into a gorge along the Skógá River. From the lower viewpoint, you can see the full width and force of the waterfall. A staircase beside the gorge leads upward for a different view from above.

The stop lasts about 30 minutes. You can enjoy the base of the falls without climbing, or use the time for the stairs if your legs and the weather cooperate. Do not assume you will have time for an extended climb and a leisurely photo session. The schedule favors a clear look at the sight, not a long hike.

The two waterfall stops work well together. Seljalandsfoss offers the unusual behind-the-water route, while Skógafoss gives you a broad, powerful front view and the option of height. If waterfalls are high on your Iceland list, this pairing is one of the strongest parts of the first day.

Reynisfjara: beauty with a real safety warning

Reynisfjara is Iceland’s famous black-sand beach, framed by basalt columns and offshore rock pillars. The coast near Dýrhólaey adds scale, and in summer, from June through August, puffins and other birds may be seen nesting on the cliffs.

You get roughly 40 minutes here. Use that time for the columns, the surf, and the rock formations, but treat the Atlantic with respect. The waves are a central part of the scene, not background decoration. Stay well back from the water and follow your guide’s instructions.

The black sand and basalt make this stop feel very different from the waterfalls. It also gives you a taste of Iceland’s volcanic geology without requiring a long walk. If birds matter to you, summer offers the best stated chance for puffins, though wildlife sightings are never guaranteed by the schedule.

The three-hour Sólheimajökull glacier hike

The glacier hike is the most active and memorable part of the trip. You spend about three hours on Sólheimajökull, with glacier equipment and safety gear included. You must bring hiking boots and waterproof clothing, or rent them from the operator.

This is not a simple viewpoint visit. You are walking on the ice under the direction of a trained glacier guide, so proper clothing and footwear matter. The supplied gear reduces the amount of specialist equipment you need to arrange, but it does not turn the outing into a casual stroll. Make sure you are comfortable with a three-hour outdoor activity before booking.

The rental prices can add up:

• Hiking boots: 3,000 ISK
• Waterproof jacket: 1,750 ISK
• Waterproof pants: 1,750 ISK
• Hat and gloves combination: 3,000 ISK
• Neck warmer: 500 ISK
• Summer cap: 1,500 ISK

You do not need to buy every item. The smart approach is to bring your own waterproof jacket, waterproof pants if you have them, warm layers, hat, gloves, and sturdy hiking boots. If you need several rentals, include those costs when comparing the $738 tour price with other options.

The glacier hike received the strongest praise in the supplied feedback. One highly positive account singled out the activity as a once-in-a-lifetime experience, while another praised both the driver-guide and the separate hiking guide. That emphasis feels justified: waterfalls are easy to admire from a path, but walking on a glacier gives the first day a real sense of adventure.

Overnight accommodation near the glacier

The overnight stay is a major part of the tour’s convenience. You do not have to return west after the glacier activity, and the next morning starts closer to Jökulsárlón. Breakfast is included, which helps with the early departure and keeps one meal cost out of the budget.

The accommodation drew mixed reactions. Some people described the guesthouse or hotel as excellent, while one account reported a cold room after a wet day and found the overnight arrangements disappointing. That difference matters because Icelandic weather can change quickly. If you arrive damp from the glacier or rain, a warm, comfortable room makes a big difference.

Dinner is not included. The guide may stop for food before check-in, so you should be prepared to buy your own meal while still on the road. This arrangement may feel inconvenient if you want to change into dry clothes first. Carry a simple snack and keep spare layers accessible, rather than burying them in your main luggage.

Jökulsárlón and the summer boat trip

The second day centers on Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, a deep body of water fed by Breiðamerkurjökull, an outlet glacier connected to Europe’s largest ice cap. Large icebergs break away and float through the lagoon before moving toward the sea.

The included boat trip lets you get closer to the ice. It is scheduled for about 40 minutes, so this is an activity with a clear time limit, not an open-ended visit. The boat adds value because you see the ice from the water rather than only from the roadside.

The lagoon changes from hour to hour as icebergs shift, rotate, and drift. Expect different shapes and colors, from bright white to blue. The boat ride is available during summer, so confirm the seasonal timing if you are booking outside that period.

One customer specifically advised paying extra for the boat ride, although the tour information lists the Jökulsárlón boat trip as included. The safest reading is to check exactly what your selected booking includes before paying, since add-ons and seasonal arrangements can vary. Either way, getting onto the lagoon is one of the most distinctive elements of this itinerary.

Fellsfjara and the ice on black sand

Across the road from the lagoon, Fellsfjara offers a different view of the same glacial system. Icebergs and smaller pieces of ice reach the Atlantic, then wash back onto the black sand. The result is the famous contrast of clear or blue ice against dark volcanic ground.

You have about 30 minutes here. It is a short stop, but it adds variety after the boat ride. Look for the differences in shape, color, and texture among the pieces of ice. Some are small and polished, while others may be larger and more angular.

Do not treat the beach as a place to handle or climb on the ice. The tour description focuses on viewing the ice along the shore, and the sea remains an active force. Your guide can help you keep the visit safe and orderly.

What the $738 price really covers

At $738 per person, this is not a budget excursion. But the price includes several costly pieces: transport from Reykjavik, a professional English-speaking guide, one night of accommodation, breakfast, the glacier hike and safety gear, Wi-Fi, hotel or bus-stop pickup, drop-off, and the Jökulsárlón boat tour.

The value depends on how you would otherwise build the trip. A self-drive plan would require a rental car, fuel, lodging, activity bookings, glacier equipment, parking, and careful winter or shoulder-season planning. The organized tour charges more upfront, but it also protects you from handling the long drive between Reykjavik and the glacier region.

Food is the main extra cost. Dinner, lunch, and drinks are not covered. Add equipment rentals if you lack boots or waterproof clothing, and remember that luggage storage costs 1,750 ISK if you bring more than the allowed amount.

I see the strongest value for people who want the glacier hike and lagoon boat in one package. If you mainly want waterfalls and black-sand beaches, a shorter South Coast trip may be better priced and less tiring.

Luggage, weather, and small practical matters

The luggage allowance is one 24-inch suitcase per person, with no multiple bags. Oversized or extra luggage must go into storage for an added fee. Pack light and keep your waterproof gear, gloves, and a dry layer in a small day bag that stays with you.

The tour runs in all weather, so dress for wind, rain, and cold. That does not mean every departure will operate exactly as planned. If poor weather forces cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund. Most people can participate, but you should be honest with yourself about the three-hour glacier hike and the long transport periods.

The tour is offered in English. It has earned a 4.8 rating from 177 ratings, with 96 percent recommending it, but the mixed comments show why practical expectations matter. Guide quality can shape the experience. Thales was praised for patience and clear information, and Jon was described as talkative and well informed. Those individual accounts suggest that the guide can make the long drives much more pleasant.

Who should book this two-day trip?

I would choose this tour if you have limited time in Iceland and want the major South Coast sights plus two special activities: glacier walking and a lagoon boat ride. It suits active visitors who prefer a planned route and do not want to drive long distances.

It is also a strong choice for anyone who values convenience. Pickup, lodging, breakfast, safety gear, and Wi-Fi remove a lot of trip planning. The group limit of 18 keeps the outing smaller than a standard sightseeing coach.

I would hesitate if you need polished hotel comfort, flexible meal times, or plenty of luggage space. You should also think twice if a three-hour glacier hike feels too demanding. The itinerary is full, and the return to Reykjavik comes in the evening.

One important booking check: confirm the exact stops included on your departure. One account expected the Sólheimasandur plane wreck and Vík Village but did not visit either. The supplied route lists Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Reynisfjara, Sólheimajökull, Jökulsárlón, and Fellsfjara, so those are the stops you should count on.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if your priority is maximum South Coast coverage in two days, especially the glacier hike and Jökulsárlón boat ride. The itinerary is smart, the activity mix is excellent, and the included transport and lodging can justify the high price.

Skip it if you want a slower schedule, dependable upscale accommodation, or complete control over meals and stops. Bring serious waterproof clothing, pack light, budget for food and rentals, and verify the exact departure details. With those expectations in place, Troll Expeditions offers an efficient and exciting way to reach Iceland’s far South Coast.

FAQ

What is included in the tour price?

The price includes breakfast, overnight accommodation, the glacier hike and safety gear, an English-speaking guide, hotel or designated bus-stop pickup and drop-off, Wi-Fi on board, and the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon boat tour.

How long is the tour?

The experience lasts approximately two days. Pickup begins around 8:00 a.m. on the first day, and return to Reykjavik is expected at about 7:00 p.m. on the second day, followed by 15 to 30 minutes of final drop-offs.

How large is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 18 participants and uses a small minibus.

Is hotel pickup available in Reykjavik?

Yes. Pickup is offered from accommodations or designated downtown bus stops. Traffic rules mean the vehicle cannot stop at every hotel entrance, so you may need to walk a few minutes to a nearby stop.

Are meals included?

Breakfast is included. Lunch, dinner, and drinks are not included, so you should budget separately for them.

Do I need hiking boots and waterproof clothing?

Yes. You need hiking boots and waterproof clothing for the glacier hike. Hiking boots, waterproof jackets, and waterproof pants are available to rent for additional fees.

Is the Jökulsárlón boat ride included?

The tour includes a boat tour at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. The boat activity is offered during summer, so check the timing for your departure date.

What luggage can I bring?

You may bring one suitcase up to 24 inches per person. Multiple or oversized bags must be placed in luggage storage for an additional fee.