3-Day Summer Tour of Golden Circle and South Coast with Glacier Hiking

On the second day of your 3-day trip in Iceland, get ready for a journey packed South Coast tour with some of the country’s most dramatic natural sights.

After breakfast at your hotel, your guide will take you to the stunning South Coast. This region is packed with natural wonders, and summer makes it easy to reach some of its most scenic spots. You’ll journey through gorgeous landscapes, including black sand beaches, lava fields, and geothermal areas.

Your adventure begins at Seljalandsfoss, a tall and narrow waterfall plunging 197 feet (60 meters) from a rocky cliff. In summer, you can walk behind the cascade for a rare and magical view from inside the cliff.

Just a short walk away is Gljufrabui, a hidden waterfall tucked behind a cliff. You reach it by passing through a shallow stream, only accessible in summer. It’s an otherworldly spot that many travelers miss.

Continue your South Coast tour in Skogafoss, one of Iceland’s most powerful waterfalls. Wider than Seljalandsfoss, its crashing curtain of water sends mist high into the air. Climb the staircase to the top for sweeping views of the river and cliffs, or stay below to feel its raw power. Legend says a Viking treasure lies hidden behind the falls, adding mystery to this dramatic stop.

After enjoying these South Coast waterfalls, you will head to Solheimajokull for an exciting glacier hike. Your guide will equip you with all the safety equipment necessary and lead you onto the icy slopes. You’ll hike across the icy terrain, navigating crevasses, ice ridges, and surreal blue formations.

Glacier hiking in Solheimajokull is popular in Iceland because of how breathtaking the ice caps are, with unique formations, otherworldly terrain, and stunning views. The glacier’s raw beauty makes it a highlight of any South Coast itinerary.

After the Solheimajokull glacier hike, you'll head to Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach. Here, you can marvel over volcanic ash, massive waves, and the impressive Reynisdrangar Sea Stacks. According to local legends, these geological structures are said to be frozen trolls turned to stone by the sun's light.

Your final stop for today is Skaftafell Nature Reserve, where you’ll find glacier tongues spilling from the mountains and lava fields. Depending on your lodging location, your route may also include the optional Bridge of the Volcanoes, a remnant of a bridge destroyed by a volcanic eruption. If not today, it may be added to Day 3 for a smoother travel experience.

After a day filled with unforgettable sights, you’ll settle in at a South Coast hotel, ready for another day of adventure ahead.

Day 3 of your Iceland tour begins with a hearty breakfast at your hotel before you continue your adventure along the breathtaking South Coast. Your guide will take you to two of the most memorable destinations in Iceland: the Skaftafell Nature Reserve and the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon.

If you haven’t explored Skaftafell yet, today’s journey will begin there, giving you plenty of time to enjoy its glacier views and diverse landscapes.

Both locations are part of the Vatnajokull National Park, the largest national park in Iceland and home to the biggest glacier in Europe. In summer, the roads and trails are clear, making it the ideal season to explore this spectacular region shaped by ice and volcanic activity.

Your guide will bring you to gorgeous spots and tailor the experience to your group. You can take some incredible trails through the dramatic landscapes if you like to hike. Photographers can head to the best vantage points for some fantastic shots.

After exploring Skaftafell, you’ll continue to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, one of the most popular attractions in Iceland. Here, towering icebergs float across a blue lake, slowly breaking off from the nearby Breidamerkurjokull Glacier. Each iceberg is uniquely shaped, with deep blue hues, white ridges, and streaks of volcanic ash from past volcanic eruptions.

For a closer look, hop on a guided amphibian boat tour through Jokulsarlon. Cruising among the icebergs gives you a true sense of their massive scale from the water.

The lagoon is also a great place to watch wildlife. You might see seals gliding through the waters or lounging on ice. In summer, Arctic terns and other seabirds nest in the area, so be sure to admire them from a respectful distance to help protect their nesting grounds.

Just across the road, you’ll head to the Diamond Beach, an unforgettable stretch of black sand where glistening icebergs wash ashore. Carried out to sea, these crystal-like chunks return with the tide, scattered along the beach like jewels. You’ll have time to walk along the shore, take photos, and enjoy this otherworldly scene.

If time allows, you’ll stop at 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. With its moss-covered walls and winding river, it offers a glimpse into Iceland's raw landscape.

After your visit, your guide drives you back to Reykjavik. As you make your way to the city, you’ll pass through Vik, and time permitting, take a stop to explore a little more.