3-Day South Coast Tour | Golden Circle, Ice Cave, Jokulsarlon & Waterfalls
Discover the glorious Golden Circle, see the waterfalls of the South Coast, be amazed by the Glacier Lagoon and the Blue Crystal Ice Cave
On this spectacular three-day tour, you will see the best that Iceland has to offer on her magnificent South Coast. We’ll start by taking you on a full circuit of the Golden Circle, including visits to the Thingvellir National Park, the golden waterfall of Gullfoss and the hot-water spout at Geysir, as well as a look at the colorful Kerid crater. The journey continues with long looks at four gorgeous waterfalls and a thrilling walk along the dramatic black sand beach at Reynisfjara. Your South Coast expedition concludes with a day of wonder at the glittering Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach, crowned with an unforgettable underworld experience in a blue ice glacier cave.
Day 1 | Golden Circle & Kerid Volcanic Crater
Your three-day tour will begin with a convenient collection from your accommodation in Reykjavik and a delightful drive out of the capital city through striking scenery, passing Mount Esja on our way to the Thingvellir National Park, the first stop on the Golden Circle.
Thingvellir National Park
Thingvellir is Iceland’s most important historical site, a place where Viking chieftains declared laws and made alliances for nearly a thousand years. Home to the Althingi, thought to be the world’s first democratic parliament, Thingvellir is now protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It’s a superb natural setting too, as immense fissures in the Earth’s crust have been splitting the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge here for millions of years. That means that you can stand with one foot on each continent at the same time!
Geysir & Haukadalur Geothermal Area
Our next stop is the Haukadalur Geothermal area, where you’ll find Geysir, the original hot-water spout after which all other geysers around the world are named. Strokkur sits nearby, a reliable “old faithful” spout which sends cascades of super-heated water up to 30 meters into the sky every six or seven minutes in a dazzling display. Just remember to stand upwind to avoid a shower! There are lots of hissing hotpots and bubbling streams to see here too.
Gullfoss - The Golden Waterfall
The Golden Circle is also the home of Iceland’s most famous waterfall, Gullfoss. “The Golden Waterfall” is a roaring double-drop waterfall, with millions of glacial gallons continuously cascading into a deep ravine. Sheets of spray hang in the air and on sunlit days, sparkling rainbows make Gullfoss an unforgettable sight. Powered by meltwater from the nearby Langjokull glacier, it’s possible to see Gullfoss from several viewing platforms at varying heights.
Kerid Volcanic Crater
As an added extra to the standard Golden Circle tour, you’ll next see the colorful Kerid crater. Kerid is an unusual Icelandic volcano because it’s streaked with red earth and green mosses too. Combined with the blue-water caldera lake, the stunning mix of colors makes it a magnificent sight to see. It’s even possible to walk down to the crater’s bottom for a closer look.
Optional Activity (no pre-booking required):
After exploring four incredible attractions located on the Golden Circle Route you will arrive in Hveragerði, a town renowned for its vibrant geothermal activity. Not only will you have the chance to witness a smaller version of Geyser, but you can also indulge in a relaxing dip in the warm, naturally heated waters.
Be sure to pack your swimwear and end your day in the famous Icelandic geothermal pools! There is no better way to enhance your evening! Hot Tubs are located at or by your hotel and entrance is included.
Overnight Stay in Hveragerði
Day 2 | South Coast Waterfalls & Black Beach
The second day of our tour will take us on a glorious drive along the famous Ring Road through the farm country of the South Coast. We’ll pass through the little towns of Selfoss and Hvolsvollur, where we’ll take a short break. On the way, you’ll be able to see the Atlantic Ocean, and on bright days the Westman Islands will be visible too. Inland, there will be impressive views of mountains and glaciers to catch the eye, as well as the brooding presence of Hekla, Iceland’s most active volcano.
Seljalandsfoss & Gljufrabui Waterfalls
Our first stop on the South Coast section of the tour brings us to Seljalandsfoss, which will have been coming into view as we head eastwards. We’ll take you first to the “hidden” waterfall of Gljufrabui, which cascades into a concealed cave that many other visitors miss altogether. It’s an extraordinary feeling to be so close to a waterfall like this. The waterfalls here are all fuelled by Eyjafjallajokull, the volcano whose last great eruption put a stop to air traffic for weeks in 2010, making Iceland famous all over the world. A few minutes away lies Seljalandsfoss itself, a much larger waterfall that gracefully plunges from a 60-meter high cliff-face into a deep pool. Seljalandsfoss has featured in many films and music videos, including one for Justin Bieber.
Skogafoss Waterfall
Skogafoss rivals Gullfoss as the most famous waterfall in the country now. Probably one of the most recognized waterfalls in the world, Skogafoss is a sensational sight at any time of year. It has been seen in “Game of Thrones”, several Hollywood films and many music videos too. Skogafoss faces directly south, which means that there’s a great chance to see rainbows arching over the 60-meter-high cascade. It’s possible to climb some stairs right up to the top to see the Skoga river fall into the plunge pool and then make its way out to the sea.
Black Beach of Reynisfjara
The last stop on this second day of our tour is the fabulous black sand beach at Reynisfjara. Here dark volcanic sands stretch for miles, with powerful Atlantic waves crashing into the Reynisdrangar, a collection of brooding rock formations that lie just out to sea. There’s also an astonishing cliffside stack of basalt columns resembling a church organ that has to be seen to be believed. The stone arches of Dyrholaey can also be seen far out to sea. Watch your step as you explore and take pictures – the waves are often faster and stronger than you think!
Overnight Stay in the Countryside
If we are lucky with the weather and if the aurora is active, we will make the best use of the low light pollution in this area to try to see them. Remember though – the Northern Lights are not “switched on” every day!
Day 3 | Glacier Lagoon & the Blue Crystal Ice Cave
The third day of our South Coast adventure takes us deep into the Vatnajokull National Park.
Diamond Beach
First stop is the astonishing Diamond Beach, where the gleaming remnants of icebergs are slowly being carved into wild and fantastic shapes by the fierce winds and Atlantic waves. Lying on the black sand beach like diamonds on satin sheets, the ice formations here are incredible to see. We will bring you here first, to make sure that you get the best photos, before taking you to the place the icebergs come from in the first place – the Glacier Lagoon at Jokulsarlon.
Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
Just few minutes away lies the magnificent glacier lagoon of Jokulsarlon, a place featured in Batman and James Bond films. Here, gigantic multi-colored icebergs tear apart from the Breidamerkurjokull glacier and then float around for as long as five years as they make their way slowly out to sea, moving back and forth and always changing in shape and size. Some of the icebergs are even striped with volcanic ash from earlier eruptions, so this means that you see geological time on display here. Seals and seabirds make their home here too.
Blue Crystal Ice Cave exploration
The highlight of our two-day South Coast adventure is a three-hour expedition to descend into a unique natural blue crystal ice cave. Climb on board a Super Jeep with us to discover this rare phenomenon, buried deep in a glacier in the Vatnajokull National Park. The Blue Ice Cave really shows the tremendous forces of Icelandic nature, as they are formed naturally in glaciers when fresh water freezes in the plunging winter temperatures. New caves are created every year as the glaciers freeze and melt and refreeze into different shapes. It’s a memorable sight to see, with fabulously different ice formations in a range of striking colors. Our local guides will take you to the most beautiful blue ice caves to be found here. Once you’ve been there, that single blue ice cave might never exist again, so this is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
After we have made our way from the Blue Crystal Ice Cave back to Jokulsarlon, we’ll start heading back to the capital.
Hofskirkja Church & Lava Fields
On the way back to Reykjavik we will make three extra stops. The turf church at Hofskirkja is thought to be amongst the last to be built in Iceland, dating back to the 19th century. Layers of green turf lie on the roof of this fairytale church, surrounded by moss-covered burial mounds, which makes it seem as if it’s melting into the scenery. Rebuilt in the 1950s, the locals still worship at the church, so this will just be a quick stop for a photograph.
As we head back west, the landscape becomes bleaker as we pass through the Eldhraun lava field, a coastal area filled with jagged lava formations.
Vik Village
Vik is the most southerly village in the country and a busy spot for resting Ring Road travelers. There is a beautiful hilltop church which has fantastic views of the coast, including the Reynisdrangar. We’ll stop here so that you can take some great pictures from this vantage point.
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Meeting Point
Pickup is within Reykjavik.
When you complete your booking, you’ll be asked to choose a pick up and drop off location. Where possible, we will collect you directly from your hotel.
Some parts of the city have traffic restrictions, so you’ll need to go to a designated bus stop for collection instead if your hotel is in that area.
There’s a 30-minute window for collection while we pick up other passengers from their locations.
At the end of your tour, you’ll be dropped off at the same place unless you choose to get off at another stop instead – that’s your choice! Drop off can also take up to 30 minutes.
What’s included
Professional tour guided in English in a minibus
Pick up and drop off within Reykjavik
Accommodation for 2 nights in a double or a twin room with private bathroom and breakfast included
Entry fee to Kerid Volcanic Crater
Ice Caving Expeditions with all the safety equipment provided
Free Wi-Fi on bus and USB chargers next to every seat
What’s excluded
Lunch & Dinner – we make scheduled stops so that guests can buy lunch or snacks during the tour
Swimwear (optional for those wanting to use hot tubs). Towels are provided at the hotel
What do I need to bring
Hiking boots are mandatory
Proper footwear when walking on uneven and slippery surfaces increases your safety and comfort. Please note, that you can be banned from participating in glacier activities when not wearing required shoes. If you do not own proper footwear (solid shoes reaching above your ankle) you can rent them during booking process
Important Information
Pickup takes place between 08:30 – 09:00 – so please be ready from 8:30 at your pick up location
Tour is operated under all weather conditions: please bring warm, wind & waterproof clothes
Duration of the tour is 3 days and 2 night
Estimated arrival time in Reykjavík on Day 3 is around 21:00 (Depending on weather and road conditions)
If you are a single traveler then a Single Room Supplement is mandatory
If you wish to relax in geothermal waters at the end of Day 1 be sure to bring your swimwear! Towels are provided at no additional cost
Hiking boots are mandatory
One small carry-on luggage is included per person
For your convenience and safety reasons, it is recommended that you pack lightly for this tour, in a small suitcase or backpack. If you have large luggage with you, please check with your accommodation if they offer luggage storage for your time on this tour. If that is not a possibility, you can pay a small fee per luggage and we will make sure we have space for it on the tour bus
Cancellation policy
Cancellation fee of 100% charged if cancelled with less than 24 hours notice.
Guided Language
English
FAQs
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When you complete your booking, you’ll be asked to choose a pick up and drop off location. Where possible, we will collect you directly from your hotel.
Some parts of the city have traffic restrictions, so you’ll need to go to a designated bus stop for collection instead if your hotel is in that area.
This link will tell you which bus stop is closest to your accommodation.
There’s a 30-minute window for collection while we pick up other passengers from their locations.
At the end of your tour, you’ll be dropped off at the same place unless you choose to get off at another stop instead – that’s your choice! Drop off can also take up to 30 minutes.
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Iceland’s weather is famously unpredictable, so you’ll need to prepare appropriately, whatever the time of year for your tour.
That means choosing the right clothes (light layers), shoes (sturdy and waterproof) and coats (windproof & waterproof). And not wearing jeans, just in case it rains!
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If you’re booking a multi-day tour of up to three days, the maximum “carry-on” bag size is 50 x 30 x 60 cm (19.6 x 11.8 x 23.6 inches).
If your multi-day tour is longer than three days, then your ticket includes “carry-on” (see above) and “checked” baggage, with a maximum combined size (W+L+D) of 160 cm (63 inches).
For shorter tours, you can choose to add “checked” baggage for an additional fee during the booking process.
If you want to guarantee bringing a larger bag on a shorter tour, it is best to book in advance.
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Hotel accommodations are chosen with care to make the best use of your time in Iceland, with reasonable drive times between stops.
You’ll enjoy a private room with en suite bathroom facilities and breakfast, WiFi, towels and, in most cases, a kettle for a morning brew.
Outside the capital, most Icelandic hotels are comfortable and unfussy, with friendly, welcoming and knowledgeable staff.
Enjoy the scenery while relaxing at the end of each day!
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Hotel rooms are sold based on two adults sharing, so single-room occupancy is more expensive as a result.
If you are a solo traveler, we will not assign you a room with a stranger, so the single supplement fee becomes applicable.
If you are two people traveling together and staying in the same room but paying separately, the single supplement fee is not applicable.
Simply add the name of your travel companion in the “special requirements” section when completing your booking.
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For couples or groups traveling together, rooms will be assigned according to the number of people who have booked together.
Depending on availability at each location, you may request twin beds if that is your preference.
Larger groups will be accommodated in combinations of triple, double and twin rooms – three people in a triple room, four people in two doubles or twin rooms, five people in one triple and one double, and so on.
If a person in your group would prefer a single room, you must select “single supplement fee” for them when booking.
Solo travelers must pay a single supplement fee in all instances.
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Breakfast is included at each overnight location, featuring bread and butter, preserves, boiled eggs, cooked meats, fruits, yoghurts, tea, and coffee.
All other meals are at your own expense.
As the tour continues around the country, you can grab lunch and dinner at each of the scheduled stops, and we’ll offer recommendations if you want them!
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Yes. We monitor the weather and road conditions on the tour route to maximize your chance to see Iceland’s attractions at their best.
That means we may change the order or timing of the stops to take advantage of the weather (avoiding rain or snow showers where possible) and “golden hour” photo opportunities.
If we receive a weather alert from the Icelandic Meteorological Office or roads are closed by the local authorities, we must cancel tours for your safety.
Iceland’s weather is very changeable, meaning changes may occur quickly. If we have to cancel tours, we will send you an email notification immediately.
So please check your email inbox before heading out to the collection point, particularly if the weather looks bad in the city.
Sometimes the weather is worse outside the city, or vice versa!
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We schedule our tours carefully to ensure you see Iceland’s natural marvels in daylight, even in the winter when there are more hours of darkness.
Many attractions are also illuminated, adding another layer of magic to the natural splendor! During shortest days, these places are usually visited at dusk or
In the winter months, tours will begin and end in darkness, but rest assured, you will see all the places you want to see!
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Everyone who comes to Iceland in the winter hopes to see the Northern Lights.
This mesmerizing cosmic spectacle is a bucket-list experience, with magical splashes of multi-colored lights dancing across the heavens.
But it’s important to remember that it’s a natural phenomenon, requiring certain levels of solar activity and clear, dark skies.
That means there’s no guarantee that you’ll be lucky enough to see them while you’re in Iceland.
Our selected hotels are in the remote Icelandic countryside, ideal for spotting the Aurora Borealis, with far less artificial light than in the city.
Wake-up calls can be requested if the Northern Lights are spotted later at night.
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Yes, you’ll find modern changing facilities with cubicles, showers and lockers to store your valuables.
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Yes. Towels are provided as part of your admission price. If you’ve forgotten to bring your swimsuit, you can rent one, but it’s not guaranteed that all sizes are always available.
It’s best to bring your bathing suit to ensure you don’t miss your chance to enjoy a soothing soak in one of Iceland’s glorious geothermal pools!
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On average, we will cover 200-300 kilometers each day, with four to five hours of driving.
We schedule our tours as evenly as possible, with driving distances between each stop varying from 45 minutes to a couple of hours.
You’ll have around 30 to 60 minutes to explore each location, with most attractions just a short walk from the parking lot.
As with everything in Iceland, the precise timings of the tour will depend on weather and road conditions on the day, as our priority is to keep you safe while exploring Iceland.
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If you want to bring small children on our tours, we will provide booster seats to ensure their safety and comfort.
Important: bringing children younger than the minimum age stated for each trip is not permitted; please check carefully before submitting your booking.
Please contact us by email at least 24 hours in advance, with the subject line “Booster seat + your booking reference number”.
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After the final stop on the tour, we will return to the city. There is no specific time or drop off location – this can differ from the pick up spot.
You’re free to ask the guide to drop you off in the city center, or back at your collection point, whichever is the most convenient for your evening plans.
You can expect to be dropped off within 30 minutes after the scheduled end of the tour.
Would you like a private tour?
If you would like a customized tour or just want the tour on your own schedule, please send us a message and we will happily arrange things for you.