2-Day Ice Cave & South Coast: Glacier Hike and Glacier Lagoon

Experience the Land of Fire and Ice in Two Days

This 2-day tour from Reykjavik offers a comprehensive look at Iceland’s dramatic southern landscape. Led by knowledgeable guides like Max, Kuba, and Sitka, the journey takes in iconic sights such as Seljalandsfoss, where you can walk behind the waterfall, and Skogafoss, a powerful cascade nestled in a lush gorge. The highlight for many is the glacier hike on Skaftafell’s outlet glacier and exploring the blue ice cave—a natural wonder that leaves most travelers in awe.

On the second day, you’ll visit the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, where enormous icebergs drift serenely, and walk along the black sand beaches of Fellsfjara and Reynisfjara, with their towering basalt columns and tumbling waves. This tour is prized for including overnight accommodation and breakfast, making it a hassle-free way to see some of Iceland’s most striking sights without the hassle of planning logistics.

We particularly love the intimate group size (max 18 travelers), which allows guides to personalize the experience and answer questions. The glacier hike and ice cave exploration are unforgettable activities that make this tour stand out. However, a consideration is the weather dependency—bad conditions can alter the itinerary or prevent certain activities from taking place. Still, this tour suits travelers looking for an active, immersive experience with a good balance of sightseeing and adventure.

If you’re eager to see Iceland’s glacial scenery up close while enjoying comfortable transport and expert guidance, this tour is a strong choice. It appeals especially to those craving a mix of iconic waterfalls, glacier excursions, and scenic beaches—all packed into just two days.

Key Points

• All-inclusive package with overnight stay and breakfast simplifies planning.
• Active experiences like glacier hiking and ice cave exploration offer a memorable adventure.
• Comfortable transportation with WiFi makes long drives enjoyable and informative.
• Expert guides enhance the experience with local knowledge and personalized touches.
• Weather-dependent activities mean some sights may vary with conditions.
• Good value for the cost considering the variety of highlights covered.

Exploring Beyond Reykjavik: An Overview

For travelers with a limited schedule, this tour packs a lot into two days, making it a smart option to maximize your time in Iceland. The transportation is comfortable and round-trip from Reykjavik means no logistical headaches—just meet your guide and start enjoying the scenery. The tour’s small group size (max 18 travelers) ensures a more intimate experience, with the chance to ask questions and get personalized recommendations.

The experience is designed to be active and engaging. You’ll hike on a glacier, walk through ice caves, and explore some of Iceland’s most popular waterfalls and beaches. It’s a fantastic way to see diverse landscapes—ice, water, volcanic rock—all in one trip.

The guides earn high marks for their knowledge, friendliness, and flexibility. Many reviews mention guides like Oscar and Sitka, who go above and beyond to make sure everyone enjoys the trip—even adding extra stops when possible. The glacier hike is often singled out as a highlight, with travelers describing it as “awesome” and “indescribable,” thanks to the blue ice caves and the thrill of walking on a glacier.

A Detailed Look at the Itinerary

Day 1: Waterfalls, Glaciers, and Ice Caves

Your adventure begins with a pickup from your Reykjavik hotel or bus stop, usually around 8:00 am. The first stop is Troll.is, a quick pick-up point—free of charge—that gets you on your way. From there, your first major destination is Seljalandsfoss, a waterfall that’s famous for the possibility to walk behind the cascade. Here, bringing a raincoat is a smart move because water spray can be quite forceful, and many travelers find this spot magical for photographs.

Next, you’ll visit Skogafoss, another iconic waterfall with a 60-meter drop. You’ll have a chance to climb a staircase to view the falls from above, offering a different perspective and great sunset or sunrise opportunities if timing allows. The waterfalls are often praised as highlights, with travelers noting how powerful and photogenic they are.

The day continues with a hike in Skaftafell National Park to an outlet glacier. This is where the tour truly stands out. After meeting your glacier guides and donning the safety equipment, you’ll walk on the ice for at least two hours. Many reviews mention the blue ice caves in Skaftafell—natural formations that are changing every winter, making each visit unique. Guides like Oscar and Hjalmar are praised for their expertise, sharing insights about ice formation and glacier dynamics, which helps visitors appreciate the natural spectacle.

Day 2: Glacial Lagoons and Black Sand Beaches

The second day starts with a visit to Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, where enormous floating icebergs create a surreal landscape. Walking along the lagoon, you’ll witness the massive chunks of ice breaking free from Breiðarmerkurjökull, the glacier that feeds the lagoon. Many travelers describe this as a “magnificent” sight, and some mention it as their favorite part of the trip.

Crossing the road, you’ll find Fellsfjara, a black sand beach with smaller ice chunks washed ashore—glittering like tiny diamonds under the sun. Then, at Reynisfjara, you’ll see the towering basalt sea stacks and basalt columns in the cliffs above the shoreline, a landscape so striking it’s often featured in Iceland travel guides. The waves here can be fierce, so caution is advised, especially for those with children or less experienced hikers.

This area is also a birdwatcher’s paradise. During summer months, puffins and other seabirds nest along the cliffs, adding a lively element to the scenery.

Logistics and Practicalities

The tour includes round-trip transportation in a comfortable minibus, with WiFi on board, so you can share your experiences or check maps. The overnight accommodation is part of the package, with breakfast included, saving travelers the hassle of finding somewhere to stay in the middle of their adventure. Luggage storage options are available if you want to travel light for the glacier hike on Day 1.

You should be prepared for the weather variability—it can be cold, rainy, or cloudy, but guides adapt the schedule accordingly. Some reviews mention that activities like the ice cave exploration depend heavily on weather conditions, which can affect the visibility and accessibility of certain sights.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The package covers all taxes, fees, and safety equipment for glacier activities, which adds value. Rental gear like hiking boots, waterproof jackets, and pants can be rented for an additional fee if you don’t have your own—something many travelers find convenient. Food is not included, so packing snacks or stopping for meals along the way is advisable.

Authentic Traveler Insights

Many reviews underscore the guides’ knowledge and friendly attitude. One traveler shared how a guide, Pale, was “the best,” helping with patience and professionalism. Others appreciated the added side excursions that guides introduced, making the long drives more enjoyable.

The glacier hikes often receive glowing praise. One reviewer called the glacier and ice cave “awesome,” and another said it was “the highlight” of their trip. The safety equipment and guidance ensure that even those new to ice walking feel confident and secure.

Not all experiences are perfect. A few reviewers mention weather issues or a feeling of being rushed, but these are exceptions. The overall consensus is the tour offers good value for the variety of landscapes covered and the quality of guides.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This trip is best suited for travelers who want to see the most iconic sights of Iceland’s South Coast in a manageable timeframe. If you’re comfortable with some physical activity—like the glacier hike—and appreciate guided tours where logistics are handled, you’ll find this a rewarding experience.

It also appeals to those who enjoy natural wonders, as the ice caves and glacier lagoons are truly awe-inspiring. Travelers who value expert guides who share insights and make the experience more engaging** will appreciate the knowledgeable staff here.

However, if you prefer a more relaxed, less active experience or are concerned about weather variability, you might want to consider how flexible your plans are. The tour’s weather-dependent activities mean some sights might be altered or missed, but the guides do their best to provide memorable alternatives.

The Sum Up

This 2-day tour of Iceland’s South Coast offers a well-rounded and immersive experience for travelers eager to see glaciers, waterfalls, and volcanic beaches in one memorable trip. The combination of active glacier hikes, scenic beaches, and stunning lagoons makes it a standout for adventure lovers and scenery enthusiasts alike.

The inclusion of overnight accommodation and breakfast, along with expertly led glacier excursions, provides good value and convenience. The small group size ensures a more personal experience, and the guides’ local knowledge makes each stop more meaningful.

While weather can influence what you see, the overall experience is highly rated for its stunning landscapes, knowledgeable guides, and seamless logistics. It’s well-suited for those who want a full, active day of exploring without the hassle of planning every detail themselves. If you’re after a balanced mix of adventure and sightseeing, this trip delivers.

In essence, this tour is an excellent choice for travelers wanting a comprehensive, high-quality introduction to Iceland’s south coast—a land of glaciers, volcanic black sands, and icy caves. It’s a journey that stays with you long after you leave, filled with unforgettable sights and stories to tell.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
It’s a two-day experience, with roughly the same amount of time spent traveling and exploring each day.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but the glacier hike and ice cave exploration may require a reasonable level of mobility and comfort with cold conditions.

What should I bring?
Warm, waterproof clothing is essential, especially in winter. Hiking boots and additional gear can be rented if you don’t have your own.

Are meals included?
No, meals are not included, so plan to bring snacks or dine along the route.

What happens if the weather is bad?
Activities like the ice cave visit depend on good weather; if conditions are unsafe, guides will offer alternative options or reschedule.

Can I see the Northern Lights on this tour?
They cannot be guaranteed, as they are a natural phenomenon, and weather conditions need to be just right.

How many people are in the group?
The maximum group size is 18 travelers, ensuring a more personal experience.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, a modern minibus with WiFi is used for the round-trip journey from Reykjavik.

What about luggage?
Luggage storage is available, and the tour limits the number of suitcases per person to 24.

What is the cost?
Per person, the tour costs around $645.39, which includes all activities, safety equipment, and overnight stay.

In summary, if you’re after a well-organized, active, and scenic tour that covers Iceland’s most intriguing natural sights in just two days, this experience from Troll Expeditions offers a memorable introduction to the Land of Fire and Ice.