2 Day Northern Lights & Ice Cave Tour with Glacier Hiking & Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

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The Northern Lights dance over a glacier lagoon in Iceland, casting green reflections on floating icebergs.

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Travel details

Dates

Time

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Travelers

Pick-up location

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Description

Summary

Tour starts

Reykjavík, Iceland

Starting time

at 08:00

Duration

2 days

Ending place

Reykjavík, Iceland

Languages

English

Difficulty

Moderate

Available

Oct. - Apr.

Minimum age

8 years old

3,123 reviews

Description

Explore Iceland’s breathtaking landscapes on this top-rated 2-day tour of the South Coast, featuring a visit to a rare ice cave beneath Vatnajokull Glacier. Experience stunning attractions like Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon while maximizing your chances of seeing the northern lights.

Travel in comfort with an expert guide, taking in lava fields, towering cliffs, and glacial rivers shaping the landscape. With free Wi-Fi onboard and Icelandic music in the background, the journey becomes part of the adventure.

During your trip to the South Coast, you’ll see powerful waterfalls and black sand beaches. You’ll also head to stunning locations such as Skaftafell Nature Reserve in Vatnajokull National Park.

Here, towering icebergs break off from Vatnajokull Glacier and drift through the famous Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon before washing up on Diamond Beach. Scattered across the black sand, the icebergs glisten like sparkling gemstones, creating a truly unforgettable sight.

What makes this tour truly special is the rare chance to step inside the breathtaking Skaftafell Ice Cave in the Vatnajokull Glacier. This icy wonder is constantly changing and only accessible in winter, so book your trip accordingly if you want to enjoy this unique experience.

You'll also have the chance to explore the surrounding glacial landscape with a certified guide. Glacier hiking and ice caving are activities found in very few places in the world, and this tour lets you experience both in one incredible adventure.

Everything you need for the ice cave and glacier exploration is provided, from crampons to safety equipment. Just bring your warm clothes, sturdy hiking boots, a camera, and your sense of adventure.

As if the adventure wasn’t impressive enough, this tour also provides the rare chance to search for the elusive northern lights. With the right conditions, you might witness this breathtaking phenomenon lighting up the night sky, adding another magical moment to your Iceland journey.

With this carefully organized tour, you also won’t have to worry about planning your accommodations or navigating the roads. You’ll stay in a cozy countryside hotel, ideally located for northern lights viewing.

Secure your spot on this 2-day South Coast adventure that will leave you captivated by Iceland’s beauty. Check availability by choosing a date.

Included

Private transportation from Reykjavik

English-speaking, knowledgable guide

Guided ice caving tour

Equipment for ice caving

Accommodation for one night

Free Wi-Fi on board vehicle

Activities

Sightseeing

Ice Caving

Map

Attractions

Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Skogafoss

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

Dyrholaey

Solheimajokull Glacier

Skaftafell

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

Eldhraun

Gljufrabui

Fjadrargljufur Canyon

Diamond Beach

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Daily itinerary

Day 1

Day 1 - South Coast Waterfalls and Beaches

Your magical two-day adventure around the South Coast of Iceland begins with your knowledgeable guide picking you up in Reykjavik. They can collect you at your hotel or a nearby bus stop, whichever is more convenient for you.

The first stop is the Seljalandsfoss waterfall, one of the best-loved waterfalls in the country. You’ll be amazed by the water cascading 200 feet (62 meters) down, and you can even walk behind the falls for a unique view. Prepare to get wet!

Just moments from Seljalandsfoss is one of South Iceland’s hidden gems, the Gljufrabui waterfall. Overlooked by many visitors, this stunning waterfall is tucked behind a cliff face and allows visitors to take photographs and enjoy nature amid quiet surroundings.

Your waterfall chasing continues with a visit to Skogafoss waterfall, where the Skoga river drops 197 feet (60 meters) and provides excellent photo opportunities. The impressive spray created by the cascading water means that whenever the sun shines, there are rainbows adorning the falls.

Dyrholaey translates to “door hill island,” which makes sense once you see this unique rock formation jutting out into the sea. A stop here allows you to enjoy views of the rock arch and the rugged coasts.

Your final stop of the day is at the awe-inspiring Reynisfjara black sand beach. Reynisfjara boasts a long stretch of black sands constantly pounded by powerful Atlantic waves.

As you walk down the black volcanic sand, you will have breathtaking views of the offshore Reynisdrangar sea stacks and the hexagonal-shaped basalt columns along the cliffs.

After a full day of adventure, you will retire to your accommodations located between Vik and Hofn, depending on availability. You will have plenty of time to enjoy a great dinner and explore the area. In the winter, be on the lookout for the elusive northern lights, as the countryside makes the best spot to see them.

Day 2

Day 2 - Jokulsarlon Lagoon and Ice Caving

After a delicious breakfast, day two of your tour starts with a visit to Fjadrargljufur canyon. This picturesque serpent-shaped canyon was made famous by Justin Bieber’s “I’ll Show You” music video and is now a favorite stop for many travelers.

Skaftafell Nature Reserve, located in Southeast Iceland, is your next stop. Known for its unique flora and stunning views of the rugged landscape, Skaftafell is a fantastic location for short hikes.

A highlight of your winter trip is visiting a stunning blue ice cave in Vatnajokull National Park, Iceland’s largest glacier. Ice caves are hidden gems of the icy wilderness that are only safe to explore during the autumn and winter months.

To venture into the ice cave, you will be provided with the necessary safety equipment, and all you have to do is enjoy the walk on the ice and take in this magnificent experience.

Inside the glacier cave, beautiful ice formations await you. The ice cave has deep-blue walls and translucent colors reminiscent of a crystal diamond. While admiring their beauty, your guide will share interesting information and local tales about Icelandic ice caves. Feel free to ask them questions about anything that piques your curiosity.

Next, you will make your way to the crown jewel of Iceland, the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon. The lagoon is famed for the ancient icebergs floating around the lake, creating unparalleled views. These icebergs come in different colors and sizes, with some as big as buildings.

Near Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon is the beloved Diamond Beach. Named for the sparkling chunks of ice scattered across the black sand, this is an excellent spot for a stroll down the beach and, of course, lots of pictures!

After your incredible South Coast journey, it is time to head back to Reykjavik, where you will be dropped off at your hotel or designated bus stop. The memories from this two-day tour are sure to last a lifetime.

What to bring

Overnight bag

Warm layers

Waterproof jacket

Hiking boots

Snacks and water bottle

Camera

Good to know

Your itinerary is designed to maximize every moment, but the order and availability of attractions may change due to road or weather conditions. Your guides will always adjust the schedule to ensure the best possible experience.

The northern lights are a natural phenomenon, so sightings aren’t guaranteed, but your hotels are in prime locations to increase your chances. In winter, with limited daylight, tour times may be adjusted for the best experience and to avoid crowds.

Pick-up is available from designated locations in Reykjavik, which you can select from a drop-down menu when booking. Pick-up from Keflavik Airport or areas outside the greater capital region is unavailable.

To stay comfortable, we recommend hiking boots with slip-resistant soles, especially in winter. If you don’t have a pair, you can rent them when booking.

Ice caves are only accessible during winter when freezing temperatures allow them to form naturally. Since these caves change every season, no two visits are the same. The photos shown are from this season, but the cave and formations you explore may look different due to natural changes.

The minimum age for ice caving and glacier hiking is 8 years old. If a child is under this age, an adult must stay with them while others take part in these activities.

You can bring one piece of hand luggage on the tour. Extra luggage can be stored in Reykjavik for a small fee. Feel free to bring along your favorite snacks and beverages for the journey.