Ice crackles under your boots in Iceland. This Reykjavik day tour pairs a Sólheimajökull glacier hike with two of the South Coast’s best waterfalls, so your day moves from ice textures and deep crevasses to misty falls like Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss. Along the way, you also pass under Eyjafjallajökull, the volcano that disrupted Iceland in 2010, and you’ll get real context for what you’re seeing.

I love how the guides focus on glacier walking basics and safety gear, with hands-on help on the ice—one guide named Bart was praised for keeping people safe and even letting the group peek through a crevasse using proper equipment. I also love the waterfall payoff: Seljalandsfoss is walkable from behind (bring waterproof layers), and Skógafoss gives you that big, thundering view that’s shown up in films.

The main drawback is simple: this tour depends on conditions on the glacier, and it’s not a stroll. You’ll be on your feet for the hike, you need hiking boots and warm rain gear, ice climbing isn’t included, and children aged 9 and younger aren’t allowed.

Key things to know before you step onto Sólheimajökull

• 1.5 to 2 hours on the glacier with safety gear provided, so you’re not guessing what to do out there
• Sólheimajökull glacier tongue from the larger Mýrdalsjökull glacier system, explained by your guide
• Seljalandsfoss + Skógafoss on the return day route, with Seljalandsfoss best enjoyed with waterproof clothing
• Weather controls everything on the ice, so be ready for possible route adjustments
• No ice climbing means it’s glacier walking, not technical climbing practice
• Guides and drivers can make or break the day; in past groups, people specifically praised guides like Bart and Gary, and drivers like Tomek for smooth, careful transport

Why this tour works: glacier time plus two major waterfall hits

This is the kind of Iceland day trip that actually feels like value. You’re not spending all day in a bus watching photos. You get real time walking on a real glacier—then you’re rewarded again with two waterfall stops that are among the most famous on the South Coast.

The pairing matters. A glacier hike gives you the “how can ice look sculpted?” moment: ridges, ice textures, and the dramatic cracks that make the landscape (literal ice terrain, not a vague word) feel alive. Then the waterfalls give you the opposite sensation—sound, spray, and that warm-up effect you feel when your cold day finally gets moving.

Getting from Reykjavik: the long drive that sets up the day

Your day starts at the BSI Bus Terminal in Reykjavík. Plan to arrive about 15 minutes early so you’re not sprinting in gloves and boots. From there, the drive heads toward the South Coast, and you pass under the famous Eyjafjallajökull volcano area that caused trouble in spring 2010.

That matters because the glacier you’re going to walk isn’t random. Sólheimajökull is an outlet glacier from Mýrdalsjökull (Iceland’s fourth-largest glacier). On the road, your guide has a chance to explain the basics: how an outlet glacier behaves, why glaciers look different across short distances, and why people talk about glaciers as things that can shrink and shift over time.

If you’re the type who likes to understand what you’re seeing, you’ll appreciate that the guide doesn’t just point and wave. In multiple groups, people credited their guides for explaining glacier behavior and answering questions clearly.

Entering the ice: what Sólheimajökull walking is like (and what you’ll do)

Once you reach Sólheimajökull, the day becomes about walking and paying attention. Your guided glacier hike runs about 1.5 to 2 hours, and that window is designed to give you enough time to see the “ice world” without turning it into a long endurance event.

Here’s what you should expect on the ice:

• Ice sculptures, ridges, and deep crevasses that show up when the glacier surface is broken and layered
• Route guidance from your mountain guide, including where to put your feet and how to stay balanced
• Safety equipment and instructions for using it correctly before you step farther out

In at least one group, a guide named Gary was praised for explaining the glacier’s functioning, and another guide named Bart was praised for both competence and how he helped with photos while keeping people safe. One traveler even noted they could use the proper safety setup to peek through a deep crevasse, which is exactly the kind of “controlled moment” you want on glacier ground.

This isn’t ice climbing. You’re walking on glacier terrain with the gear you need, not learning technical climbing moves. That’s a good thing if you want the glacier experience without adding a whole training track.

The fitness reality check

The ice part is often the part you feel the most in your legs. Even when the route is managed well, you’re walking on uneven ground with a different footing feel than a normal trail. One traveler described the hike as physically in the medium-to-slightly-challenging range, especially if you aren’t used to hiking.

If your legs tire easily, take that seriously. Bring the hiking boots you trust, and don’t show up thinking this is like a city walking tour.

Safety and gear: what’s included, and how guides keep you steady

Good glacier guiding is mostly about calm instruction. The tour includes ice hiking gear and safety equipment, and the emphasis is on basic glacier skills: how to use the gear, how to walk safely, and what to do if conditions change.

That gear isn’t just a prop. One review called out very careful help with things like attaching crampons and showing the right way to walk on a glacier. Another praised guide responsiveness and attention to slower walkers, with the guide adjusting pace to match people’s comfort.

Two practical notes you should plan around:

• You’ll be cold, even if the sky looks bright. Wear layers you can manage without overheating while staying warm when you stop.
• You want your rain gear to be dependable. On an ice walk, wind and mist are normal, and wet clothes turn “chilly” into “unpleasant” fast.

Also keep the age rule in mind: children aged 9 and younger aren’t permitted on this tour.

Waterfalls on the return: Seljalandsfoss behind-the-falls mist + Skógafoss big view

After the glacier hike, the day shifts from “ice details” to “water drama.” On the way back toward Reykjavík, you stop at Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss.

Seljalandsfoss: the one you can walk behind

Seljalandsfoss sits on the Seljandsá river system, which traces back to Eyjafjallajökull glacier. The real reason it’s so famous is that you can walk behind the waterfall. That means you’re not only watching the falls—you’re experiencing the spray close up.

Bring a waterproof coat or rain gear if you want the behind-the-waterfall walk. If you don’t, you’ll still enjoy the view from the front, but you’ll lose the unique angle that makes Seljalandsfoss special.

Skógafoss: the classic wall of water

Skógafoss is another South Coast powerhouse. The tour doesn’t make you do the long hike from it, but it gives you time to see the falls themselves. One nice context point from film fans: Skógafoss has appeared in the Thor: The Dark World movies and also in The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.

If the light is decent, this is the stop where your photos usually look most dramatic—because the waterfall texture and mist show up well on camera even when you’re standing still.

Timing tip that actually helps

One traveler suggested starting earlier so you have more daylight for the waterfall stops, especially in winter. It’s a smart idea. Day length changes quickly in Iceland, and your enjoyment at the falls often depends on whether the sun helps light up the spray.

Price and value: what $213 buys you (and what it doesn’t)

The price is listed at $213 per person for a total day of about 10.5 hours. That number matters less than what’s included.

You’re paying for:

• A guided glacier walk (about 1.5 to 2 hours)
• Ice hiking gear and safety equipment
• An English live guide
• Transport from Reykjavík out to the glacier area and back
• Stops at two major waterfalls

You’re not paying for:

• Hotel pickup
• Food and drinks

So is it worth it? For most people, yes—because glacier access plus professional safety isn’t DIY-friendly. You can drive yourself toward glacier trailheads, but you’re still faced with gear, route decisions, and the risk of being underprepared. A guided outing compresses the learning curve into one day.

That said, you should budget for meals and snacks. Based on past trip experiences, some schedules include a chance to buy food at roadside shops (gas-station-style stops). Still, don’t count on a specific “meal moment” every time. Bring cash or a card-ready plan, and consider packing a snack if you’re picky about food timing.

Who should book this tour—and who should skip it

This is a strong choice if you want:

• A structured glacier experience with safety gear and a guide who teaches you the basics
• A one-day South Coast hit: glacier + waterfalls, without juggling multiple tickets and logistics
• A day that’s scenic but also educational—guides often explain the glacier system and answer questions

It may not be the right fit if:

• You have knee or joint issues or you hate uneven footing
• You expect ice climbing (it isn’t included)
• You’re traveling with kids under 9 (not permitted)
• You’re not comfortable dressing for cold, wind, and wet conditions

And because conditions matter on glaciers, weather can also shape the day. That’s not a reason to avoid Iceland. It’s a reason to treat this as an outdoor activity that still has to be flexible.

Should you book? My practical take

If you’re in Reykjavík with limited time and you want your day to include a real glacier walk (not just driving past ice), I’d book it. The biggest strength is how it combines guided glacier safety with iconic waterfall stops on the same route, so you leave with two kinds of wow: ice textures and then water drama.

I’d choose this tour especially if you like getting your questions answered and you want someone else handling the risk side of being on glacier terrain. Just go in with the right expectations: you’re walking for 1.5 to 2 hours on icy ground, dressing for the elements, and keeping your day flexible because the ice doesn’t care about your schedule.

FAQ

Where does this tour start in Reykjavík?

The main departure point is from the BSI Bus Terminal. Arrive about 15 minutes before departure.

How long is the glacier walking portion?

You’ll get about 1.5 to 2 hours of guided glacier hiking on Sólheimajökull.

What’s included for the glacier walk?

Ice hiking gear and safety equipment are included, along with a live English-speaking tour guide.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, so you’ll want to plan snacks or meals on your own.

Is ice climbing included?

No. Ice climbing is not included on this tour.

What weather considerations should I plan for?

The tour operation depends on weather conditions on the glacier, so expect that conditions can affect what happens on the ice.