SOUTH COAST & GLACIER HIKE

TOUR DESCRIPTION

This tour combines some of the most beautiful sights Iceland has to offer with excellent outdoor activity, hiking on a glacier.

First, we will meet you at your selected pick-up location in Reykjavik, then we are heading to the south coast of Iceland. On our way, we will pass Hellisheiðarvirkjun, a geothermal power plant, that supplies the capital's energy needs. If the weather conditions are ideal, we will be able to spot the ice cap of the Mýrdalsjökull glacier and the Westman Island on the horizon in the Atlantic Ocean.

Our tour's initial stop is at the Skógafoss Waterfall. It is not only one of the most beautiful ones in the country, but a famous one as well, that was even featured on the popular Game of Thrones show. Plus, there a hidden treasure behind the waterfall, if you listen carefully to our guide, you might be able to find a few clues and who knows, you might be the lucky one to find the riches. 

Next comes the highlight of the journey. Iceland is known for glaciers, 11% of the country is covered by ice. Sólheimajökull is an outlet glacier coming down the fourth biggest glacier of Iceland, called Mýrdalsjökull. After the safety instructions, your safety gear is carefully checked and it is time to hit the ice. The hike itself is approximately 2,5 hours long with 1,5 hours being spent on the glacier itself. 

We are heading to the Reynisfjara black sand beach next. This location was rated as one of the ten most beautiful beaches in the whole world and once you set foot on it, you will understand why. The basalt columns facing the beach called Reynisdrangar are an exceptional sight as well and home to countless puffin families during the summer season. Furthermore, there are interesting stories connected to this beach as well, your guide will explain everything in great detail.

Vík í Mýrdal will be our next stop on the tour. This charming fishing village is the southernmost point in the country and the center of this region. We will visit the local church on the hillside, which is offering a great view of the coastline.

The last sights to visit on our way back to Reykjavik will be Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi Waterfalls. Seljalandsfoss lies underneath the notorious Eyjafjallajökull volcano, which paralyzed Europe's air traffic during its 2010 eruption. If the weather conditions are ideal, your guide will bring you behind the waterfall's curtain. We also visit the nearby cousin, Gljúfrabúi, which is hidden from view, located in the mountainside. 

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

When it comes to the glacier hike, Safety is our priority number one. Even though the hike is created for first-timers, some of the terrains lead us through icy and steep terrain. If you don't like to be on your feet, the glacier hike may not be for you. We will provide you with all the necessary gear but full mobility is required in order to have a safe trip on the glacier. All our guides have a lot of experience with glacier hikes and they will make a final decision whether you are able to participate or not when we arrive at the glacier. Please remember that if a guide refuses to let you go on the glacier, the decision is made with your safety in mind. 

As we said before, safety is really important to us. The weather situation can change really fast in Iceland. Stormy weather or heavy rainfall can make the glacier inaccessible. In case we can't operate the glacier hike we will take a walk in the valley next to the glacier and add some extra stops during the tour.

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?

• Please dress according to the weather
• Good hiking boots are required for the glacier hike (minimum crampon size EU 36 / US 5,5 / UK 3,5)
• Bring your camera
• We will have stops during the tour where you can purchase food and snacks, but you can also bring packed lunch