South Coast Day Trips from Reykjavik

The South Coast of Iceland is the most magical and wonder-filled region you will find in this country. It is precisely there that you will find most of the natural monuments and opportunities to get up close and personal with the breathtaking landscapes, full of waterfalls and glaciers that are one of the main attractions that give this location its charm.

If you visit Iceland, you will soon discover that the South Coast is a mandatory stop, which fortunately is very easy to access. To get to know this country, the ideal is to start with what you can see and do in Reykjavik, which is also the best starting point for the complete and spectacular tours, thanks to which your experience will be much more complete.

Lack of time is not an excuse for not taking a getaway to the South Coast of Iceland. If you only have a few days in this country, my advice is to dedicate at least one to give yourself a break and choose a tour of about 10 to 14 hours, which are definitely among the must-do excursions to do from Reykjavik.

These tours have a selection of spectacular and important stops, such as the Eyjafjallajökull volcano, the most impressive volcano in the country. Of course, you can't say you know Iceland without visiting at least one glacier. The Vatnajokull is undoubtedly one of the most complete and incredible.

In one of its sections you will find the Jokulsarlon lagoon, where the Diamond Beach offers temporary ice sculptures that are an unforgettable spectacle. Be sure to take as many pictures as possible, you will love to relive these moments. It is undoubtedly one of the best lagoons you can visit from Reykjavik.

Another essential stop that is included in several of these tours is the famous black beach, Reynisfjara, formed entirely by basalt and with one of the best views you will enjoy among the landscapes of the south coast of Iceland.

Finally, among the selection of destinations, you can not miss the waterfalls of Iceland, which are many and worth visiting them all. But if you have to choose, I suggest the Skógafoss waterfall, which is the highest and with a stunning view that you can enjoy from its highest point, which is accessed by a staircase.

Details of interest

• Price: depending on the duration of the tour, and the number of stops, you can find excursions from 100 euros.
• Duration: between 10 and 14 hours.
• Advantages of this option: You can see a variety of Iceland's iconic landscapes in a single day, leaving you with a very good overall impression. Ideal for travelers with little time available.
• Disadvantages of this option: The stops at each place have a short duration, about half an hour or 45 minutes. A short time to be able to admire so much beauty. Also, it is possible that not all the entrance fees to the attractions are included.

When a country has so many wonders to offer, you can't waste the opportunity to get to know it better and dedicate at least two or three days to discover its landscapes and its magic.

The number of days may vary depending on the number of places you want to visit, and the time you spend in each of them. In the case of some tours, it is possible to include additional activities such as horseback riding, snorkeling or the additional whale watching tour, which is another of **Reykjavik'**s great attractions.

The route of these tours starts already on the road, which is full of dreamlike landscapes. The south coast of Iceland, for example, is full of small villages where you can enjoy the charm of its people and their customs. But there is no denying that the most impressive are its natural attractions.

The glaciers and waterfalls have a special fame, and rightly so. These natural wonders are as imposing as they are beautiful. In the case of the former, one of the favorites on this route is the Solheimajokull whose hiking route offers an unforgettable view and you don't need much training to do it. In addition, the guides are very friendly and help you in everything you need.

For waterfalls, I will mention this time the Gljufrabui, which is a place that will definitely make you believe in magic.

But the truth is that you don't have to choose just one. When you take a multi-day tour of Iceland, the biggest advantage is that you can visit a much longer list of stops.

Details of interest

• Price: This type of tour can have a starting price of approximately 400 euros depending on the details.
• Duration: It will depend on the choice, it can be from 3 to 8 days approximately.
• Advantages of this option: You will see a greater number of attractions, with enough time to dedicate to each one. In addition, the groups are usually small, which offers more comfort and intimacy.
• Disadvantages of this option: It is a larger investment of money, although well worth it.

If you are short of time, but you want to know something representative of Iceland, I recommend you to take one of the tours that allow you to see at least some glaciers of the Icelandic South Coast.

Some of these tours have a fairly short duration, from half an hour to a maximum of three hours. Enough time to arrive, walk around and coordinate the transfer to the Reykjavik airport, if that's what it takes.

One of my favorites is to go around the glacier by boat. It lasts about 40 minutes and you take a ride on the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. For photos it is unforgettable and you have the opportunity to see not only the icebergs, but taste a bit of this ice at least a thousand years old.

And if you are lucky and attentive, you can surely meet the friendly seals. In summer, there is no shortage of birds.

Hiking is another way to get to know the glaciers. In Skaftafell you will find the perfect opportunity, in a wonderful black and white landscape. The best is the glacier tongue of Vatnajökull, one of the most impressive in Europe.

Finally, don't forget to consider a tour to one of the ice caves near Reykjavik. These unique spaces will make you feel like you are in another world. Any of these tours can be found with a duration of 3 hours.

Details of interest

• Price: This type of tour can be priced between 40 and 150 euros.
• Duration: from about 30 minutes to about 3 hours, depending on the tour.
• Advantages of this option: You can plan it if your trip is short, and you will take a nice and representative souvenir of Iceland and its landscapes. In addition, it is quite economical.
• Disadvantages of this option: In some cases, as in hiking tours, you must also consider the transfer time to the meeting point of the excursion.

Among the incredible tours that you can take to the south coast from Reykjavik, you will find among the most impressive the ones that take you to see the Aurora Borealis.

These magnificent lights are a true spectacle that gives you an unforgettable experience. You can choose between an excursion to see the Northern Lights from Reykjavik that only lasts one day or take a little more time, like a week, and let yourself be enveloped by this magical experience.

You can book this kind of tours at any time of the year, but I strongly recommend you to do it in winter, which is the best time to see the Northern Lights in Iceland from Reykjavik.

One of the points you have to take advantage of these tours are the guides, who are full of interesting knowledge and love to share it. Ask whatever you want about these phenomena and their nature, the amazing landscapes and especially the local culture. You will have the opportunity to enjoy it first hand.

Details of interest

• Price: depending on the duration of the tour, it can start at a cost of 130 euros.
• Duration: You can choose from a 16-hour excursion to a week-long tour, it's up to you!
• Advantages of this option: To know not only the south coast, but also other interesting places in Iceland.
• Disadvantages of this option: The Aurora Borealis cannot be guaranteed, let alone its intensity. You may find it fainter or stronger depending on the dates you select.

Another way to see the south coast of Iceland is to take a tour of the south coast at your own pace. What does that mean? Well, a real adventure.

In this case, you would be purchasing a package that includes the rental of a vehicle suitable for the trip. You will receive a set route, where you will have marked stops along the way, such as the Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls.

If you want to stay overnight along the way, just say the word and the package will include the best accommodations. And you can always start with Reykjavík itself and its exquisite gastronomic tours, before you set off to explore further afield.

For any questions, you will have a set itinerary, with lots of interesting and necessary information on each of the stops, such as the Eyjafjallajökull and Sólheimajökull glaciers. The vehicle comes with a GPS to help you follow the routes and you will have a professional travel agent following up and ready to answer any questions.

It's a great idea, as you can go at your own pace, and the group of people with whom you share the tour is practically your family, except in cases where you have to take a reserved ride in a specific spot.

By the way, another great advantage is that you can add some additional activities to the original package, such as rides on Icelandic horses... It is an excellent option to go a little further, take a few extra days and see as much as you can, drinking the scenery in small sips. The best vacation in Iceland!

Details of interest

• Price: this type of tour can cost you from 400 euros, depending on the number of days, type of accommodation, reservations and extras.
• Duration: it will depend on your time, generally the least recommended is 3 to 5 days.
• Advantages of this option: You will be able to go at your own pace, without rushing. Besides, the company is your family and no one else. Its price is also a plus.
• Disadvantages of this option: In some cases you may miss stops or information of interest, despite having everything in the guide.
• Type of vehicle: They will always be 4x4 models with everything necessary to cover the routes of the trip.

If you are a sports lover, visiting the south coast of Iceland is an excellent opportunity to enjoy your favorite disciplines, and perhaps some new ones, surrounded by a landscape of unparalleled natural beauty.

Some choose a snowmobile tour as an experience full of adrenaline and speed. One of the favorite routes is to the Mýrdalsjökull glacier, taking the opportunity to make strategic stops at the Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls.

Another sport that is incredibly popular on the south coast of Iceland is ice climbing, which takes place on the Sólheimajökull glacier. This activity does require a certain level and experience, although expert guides are available.

They will explain the techniques used to handle this challenge, and will ensure your safety at all times. After choosing a wall to start climbing, you will begin to ascend little by little to the top, where the group will take some time to enjoy the scenery and explore the glacier a little more.

And you can't miss conquering the icy waters with your paddles aboard a kayak. This unique experience will take you through the waters between the most imposing glaciers, such as Sólheimajökull itself. It is an adventure that you can enjoy even without previous experience, thanks to the guides and stable kayaks, ideal for beginners.

Details of interest

• Price: the price will depend on the type of activity, but it is around 100 euros, and you can even buy packages of three activities together.
• Duration: this will also depend on the type of activity, ranging from 3 hours to 11 hours, for example in the case of kayaking.
• Advantages of this option: If you are passionate about the sport, you will find new challenges and incredible landscapes to accompany you.
• Disadvantages of this option: In some cases, you must include travel time to the location where the activity takes place, for example, ice climbing.

This is one of the most attractive areas in Iceland. The landscapes are unique, thanks to the imposing glaciers and impressive waterfalls. It is an unforgettable image, and it is all concentrated in the same geographical space.

Although it is possible to tour it on your own, I recommend that you choose from the wide variety of tours that depart from Reykjavik. There you will find options to accommodate the experiences according to your style.

As for the time you spend touring this place, it is true that there are short excursions, one day or less, but it is best to have the opportunity to calmly get to know this land and its wonders, which are many.

I would like to give you some advice about the weather, which is quite cold. Do not forget to take this into account, especially since the activities are outdoors, so wrap up properly.

On the other hand, most of the tours have English speaking guides, but there are always some that offer the service of tour guides in Spanish. Be sure to pay attention to this, in case it is imperative for you.

Finally, to really get the best experience, follow the indications of each of the tours, especially those that include sports activities and it is your first time with snow sports.

Remember that while some of these experiences are for any level, others are recommended for people with practice -there's plenty to do on Iceland's south coast! You are sure to find the perfect experience.