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3 Day Golden Circle & South Coast Tour | Northern Lights, Ice Cave & Glacier Hiking
Jump aboard this three-day excursion, to see the famous sites of the Golden Circle and South Coast, as well as Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon to explore a blue ice cave, glaciers, and to increase your chances of seeing the Northern lights. This tour should appeal to anyone looking to pack the best attractions in Iceland in just a few days.
On this tour, you will have the opportunity to see popular sites such as the Geysir geothermal area, Gullfoss waterfall, Þingvellir national park and Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, which are world famous for a reason. You will also see all of the attractions on the south coast of Iceland, like the waterfalls Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss, and the black sand beach, Reynisfjara.
The experience of exploring an ice cave in Europe's largest glacier is what makes this tour even more special. Ice caves only form throughout the winter months, so only a few people are fortunate enough to be able to witness their beauty first hand.
By reserving this tour, your three days in Iceland will be fully organized for you. You need not worry about negotiating the winter road conditions or arranging you accommodation, everything will be taken care of!
All equipment will be provided for the glacier hike and ice cave exploration. The only things you need to remember are your hiking shoes, warm clothes, a camera and your sense of adventure.
Book this action-packed and great value three-day, two-night, trip in a winter wonderland as soon as possible to avoid missing out. Check the availability by choosing a date.
Quick facts
- Available: Nov. - Mar.
- Duration: 3 days
- Activities: Glacier Hiking, Sightseeing, Northern lights hunting, Ice Caving
- Difficulty: Easy
- Minimum age: 8 years.
- Languages: English
- Highlights: Golden Circle,
The Golden Circle is a 300 kilometre (186 mile) route to the three most popular natural attractions in Iceland: the Geysir Geothermal Area, Gullfoss Waterfall and Þingvellir National Park.
This sightseeing trail is easy to do within half a day from Reykjavík, either by self-drive or on one of many tours. Some of these tours have additional activities, such as snorkelling or snowmobiling, or are conducted in a unique style, such as by helicopter, or under the midnight sun.
Within the three locations of the Golden Circle are some of the clearest examples of Iceland’s fascinating geological forces, magnificent landscapes, and rich culture.
The Geysir Geothermal Area
The Geysir Geothermal Area is a hot-spring haven in Haukadalur Valley. As could be guessed, it is home to a famous geyser, the name of which has named all others: Geysir itself.
Though this feature is currently in a phase of inactivity, its neighbour Strokkur more than makes up for it. Every five to ten minutes, it blasts a column of boiling water to heights that can reach over 40 metres (131 feet).
The surrounding area is dotted with fumaroles, hot springs, and mud-pits. There are also two other smaller geysers, Smiður and Litlí-Strokkur, that can be easily visited, as well as a hotel, restaurant, cafe and gift shop across the road.
Gullfoss Waterfall
The 'Golden Waterfall', Gullfoss one of the most beautiful and powerful waterfalls in Iceland, plummeting 32 metres (105 feet) in two tiers into the river gorge of the popular rafting river Hvítá. It is just a ten-minute drive from Geysir and is the furthest point on the Golden Circle from Reykjavík.
Gullfoss was very almost lost in the early 20th century when British developers sought to harness its incredible power for geothermal energy. Though they got the lease to the land, allowing them to go ahead with their plans, they met an unlikely adversary: the daughter of the farmer who owned it, Sigríður Tómasdóttir.
This resilient woman refused to see the waterfall, to which she and her sisters paved the first path, destroyed. She, therefore, walked over 200 kilometres (124 miles) to Reykjavík and back multiple times to meet with a lawyer in order to help change the decision.
Though the process was arduous and took years, eventually Sigríður managed to exhaust the resources of the businessmen and they withdrew their plans. Because of her, all Icelandic waterfalls are now protected from foreign investors, and she is considered one of Iceland’s first environmentalists and most important historical people.
Thingvellir National Park
The largest attraction of the Golden Circle is Þingvellir National Park. The Icelandic parliament was founded here in 930 and remained until the year 1798 before moving to Reykjavík, making it the original site of what is now the world’s longest ongoing parliament.
Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important places to visit in Iceland. This is not just for its historical and cultural values, but for also its magnificent landscape and dramatic geology.
Þingvellir is surrounded by a beautiful mountain and volcanic ranges, as it is located in a rift valley directly between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. This makes it one of the few places in the world where you can walk between the continents, in the Mid-Atlantic Rift.
The daring and qualified even have opportunities to snorkel or scuba dive in this no-mans-land, in a ravine filled with crystal-clear spring water called Silfra. The visibility here can exceed 100 metres (328 feet), revealing incredible geological sites. Though it never freezes over due to the constant flow of water into it, it is 2°C (35°C) throughout the year, thus underwater explorers are always equipped with protective suits.
Other sites of note are the magnificent Almannagjá gorge, which you can walk down into to reach the rift valley from the North American tectonic plate, and the beautiful lake Þingvallavatn, the largest lake in Iceland, which gleams to the south of the National Park.
Surrounding sites
Due to its convenient location in south-west Iceland, it is easy to visit the Golden Circle alongside with many other sites. Those seeking relaxation could head to the Secret Lagoon in Flúðir or Fontana Spa in Laugarvatn, those seeking adventure could book a trip to the ice tunnels of Langjökull glacier, and those seeking culture could visit the Sólheimar ecovillage. For more natural beauty, you can visit the nearby Kerið crater lake.
There are many tours that include such bonuses, but if driving yourself, you should check out this guide to great detours off the Golden Circle.
East Iceland,East Iceland is a vast area of incredible natural beauty, striking contrasts and fascinating history and culture. It is home to the remote and beautiful East Fjords, many small fishing villages, and an array of wildlife.
Services in East Iceland
East Iceland has just a few settlements with significant services. The main one of these, considered to be the capital of the region, is Egilsstaðir.
Egilsstaðir has restaurants, museums, shops, petrol stations and an array of accommodation options to suit all budgets. It is also home to an airport, meaning those with limited time or without a driving licence can easily reach it from Reykjavík.
Seyðisfjörður is another settlement of significance, with services for travellers, and a ferry that goes to Scandinavia. Djúpivogur is another wonderful town that visitors can refresh themselves at.
East Iceland is home to the Kárahnjúkar hydroelectric power station, which provides many of the towns with energy. The construction of this has led to a hot debate on Iceland’s ecological footprint and continues to do so, considering that it provides fuel to a controversial aluminium smelter nearby.
Nature of East Iceland
East Iceland is characterised by many fjords, surrounded by steep mountains. Fishing villages can be found nestled in most of them.
Inland, however, is just as beautiful, with much of it being a fertile agricultural area. Woodlands of birch can be found here, the most famous being Hallormsstaðaskógur, the largest forest in Iceland.
By this forest, and the town of Egilsstaðir, is the lake Lagarfljót, said to conceal a terrible monster.
Many rivers run through the district, and by their estuaries, colonies of seals may be found. The fertile waters also provide food to whales and dolphins, which can infrequently be seen from shore.
The impressive mountain Snӕfell, Iceland's highest freestanding peak, can be found in the east. Near here is the highland oasis Eyjabakkar, one of the world's largest nesting places for the pink-footed goose.
Reindeer roam the mountains of East Iceland, and this is the only place they can be found. Initially brought over for farming, the industry was never lucrative, and they have roamed free ever since.
Many migratory birds are found both inland and in the cliffs in summer, including the elusive puffin.
Vatnajökull, Europe's largest glacier, stretches to the borders of East Iceland and can be seen across much of it.
Culture of East Iceland
Of particular cultural note in the Fljótsdalshérað district is the cultural and historical centre Skriðuklaustur. In the Middle Ages, a monastery stood here, making it the region’s religious centre. In the 20th century, Icelandic author Gunnar Gunnarsson made it his home.
Gunnar wrote many masterpieces, including Aðventa, or The Good Shepherd, Svartfugl, or The Black Cliffs, Saga Borgaraettarinnar, or The Saga of the One-Eyed Guest, and the autobiographical novel cycle Fjallkirkjan, which has been translated under different names, such as The Church on the Mountain, Ships in the Sky and The Night and the Dream.
The culture of the East today is largely defined by festivals. Seyðisfjörður hosts the annual music festival LungA. The settlement of Neskaupsstaður also hosts two highly popular annual festivals, Neistaflug and Eistnaflug.
Reykjavík,Reykjavík is the capital of Iceland and the northernmost capital of any sovereign state in the world.
Despite a small population (approximately 120,000, with just over 200,000 in the Greater Reykjavík area), it is a vibrant city that draws an ever increasing number of visitors every year. It is the financial, cultural and political centre of Iceland, and has a reputation of being one of the cleanest and safest cities in the world.
Geography
The city of Reykjavík is located in southwest Iceland by Faxaflói Bay. Throughout the ages, the landscape has been shaped by glaciers, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions and the area is geothermal; after all, its name translates to ‘Smoky Bay’.
Much of the current city area was subglacial during the Ice Age, with the glacier reaching as far as the Álftanes peninsula, while other areas lay under the sea. After the end of the Ice Age, the land rose as the glaciers drifted away, and it began to take on its present form.
The coastline of Reykjavík is set with peninsulas, coves, straits and islands, most notably the island of Viðey, and seabirds and whales frequent the shores. The mountain ring as seen from the shore is particularly beautiful.
Mount Esjan is the highest mountain in the vicinity of Reykjavík and the most distinctive feature of the coastline. This majestic summit is also highly popular amongst hikers and climbers. Other notable mountains that can be seen from the seaside are Akrafjall and Skarðsheiði.
On clear days, one may even see as far to the legendary Snæfellsjökull glacier, at the end of the Snæfellsnes peninsula.
The largest river to run through the city is Elliðaá in Elliðaárdalur valley, which is also one of Iceland’s best rivers for salmon fishing.
Transportation
There are no trains or trams in Iceland, but most people travel by car. The city also operates a bus system. There are two major harbours in town, the old harbour in the centre and Sundahöfn in the east.
The domestic Reykjavík Airport is located at Vatnsmýrin, not far from the city centre and close to the hill Öskjuhlíð and the restaurant, vantage point and exhibition centre Perlan. The international Keflavík Airport at Miðnesheiði heath then lies around 50 kilometres (31 miles) from the city.
Cars, jeeps and bicycles can be readily rented in the city and many organized tours are also being offered. It is, however, quite easy to walk between the major sites.
What to See & Do in Reykjavik
The local arts scene is strong in Iceland, with annual events and festivals, many of artists from which have hit the international stage.
Major events taking place in Reykjavík include Iceland Airwaves, Reykjavík Pride, RIFF (The Reykjavík International Film Festival), The Reykjavík Literature Festival, Culture Night, the Reykjavík Arts Festival, Food & Fun, the Reykjavík Fashion Festival and the Sónar music festival.
Amongst the famous people from Reykjavík are musicians like Björk Guðmundsdóttir and Sigur Rós, and writers Halldór Laxness (born on the main street, Laugavegur) and Arnaldur Indriðason.
Those eager to soak up the local culture should visit the city’s many museums, exhibitions and galleries, and check out live music at the cafés, bars, and concert venues dotted around. You could look at the programmes of what’s on at the Harpa music hall or the theatres, or else plan a few hours at the lighthouse at Grótta, the shopping street of Laugavegur, or the old harbour and the flea market.
You could even book a bird- and whale watching tour or a visit to Viðey island. There are a lot of things to do and the possibilities are endless.
Make sure to visit the public square of Austurvöllur, one of the city’s most popular gathering places, where you’ll also find the national parliament, the Alþingi, as well as the state church, a statue of independence hero Jón Sigurðsson, cafés, bars and restaurants.
Austurvöllur was central in the protests following the banking collapse of 2008, along with Lækjargata, home to the House of Government. You are also not likely to miss the great church of Hallgrímskirkja that towers over the city from the hill of Skólavörðuholt, from which you’ll get a great view of the city.
Try a walk by the city pond, Tjörnin, to greet the many birds that frequent the area and to visit the city hall, stationed by its banks. A beautiful park lies by the pond, ideal for a nice walk, and sometimes concerts get held there.
Further off is the campus of the University of Iceland, the Nordic house and the Vatnsmýrin wetland, a particularly pleasant place, but be mindful to not disturb the wildlife there by keeping to the pathways.
For a nice swim on a warm day, we particularly recommend Nauthólsvík beach, which is heated with geothermal water. Those who love a dip should also visit the Laugardalur valley, home to one of the city’s best swimming pools, which sits a short walk away from Ásmundarsafn gallery, a beautiful botanical garden and a domestic zoo.
A walk by the Ægissíða beach, with its old fishing sheds, in the west part of Reykjavík also holds a particular charm. From there, you can see all the way to president’s house at Bessastaðir, which is also a historical site in its own right, having been the educational centre of Iceland for centuries.
Another place that offers one of the city’s best views is Perlan, up on Öskjuhlíð hill. The hill itself is a popular place to spend a few hours, with over 176,000 trees and great opportunities for walking and cycling. Perlan also has and observation deck with great views, a café and an exhibition centre.
Furthermore, the city is a short drive from many of Iceland’s major attractions, most famously the Golden Circle and the Blue Lagoon. In close vicinity you’ll also find the Heiðmörk preservation area, a favourite local site of the people of Reykjavík, as well as the Blue Mountains, one of Iceland’s best skiing venues.
Finally, we’d like to stress that these are only some suggestions of the many things you might check out in Reykjavík. Whatever you choose to do, we hope you’ll be able to make the most of your visit and we wish you a pleasant stay in our capital.
Jökulsárlón,Jökulsárlón is Iceland’s most famous glacier lagoon. Conveniently located in the southeast by Route 1, about halfway between the Skaftafell Nature Reserve and Höfn, it is a popular stop for those travelling along the South Coast or around the Ring Road of the country.
Geography
As a glacier lagoon, Jökulsárlón is a lake that is filled with the meltwater from an outlet glacier. In this case, it is Breiðamerkurjökull, a tongue of Europe’s largest ice cap, Vatnajökull.
It stands out, however, due to the fact that it also fills with icebergs breaking from the glacier, some of which tower several stories high.
These icebergs, other than their scale, are notable for their colouration. Although they are, as expected, largely white, most are also dyed electric blue in part, with black streaks of ash from eruptions centuries past.
When the icebergs finally make it across the lagoon, they either drift out to sea or wash up on the nearby shore. Because of the way they glisten against the black sands of Breiðamerkursandur, this area has been nicknamed ‘the Diamond Beach’.
In spite of being a rather recent formation, Jökulsárlón is the deepest lake in the country, with depths of 248 metres (814 feet). With a surface area of 18 square kilometres (7 square miles), it is also growing to be one of the largest.
History
Jökulsárlón has not been around since Iceland’s settlement; it only formed around 1935. This was due to rapidly rising temperatures in the country from the turn of the twentieth century; since 1920, Breiðamerkurjökull has been shrinking at a dramatic rate, and the lagoon has begun to fill its space.
Today, the expansion of Jökulsárlón is accelerating. In 1975, it had less than half its current surface area.
In the relatively near future, it is expected that the lagoon will continue to grow until it becomes a large, deep fjord.
Though a dark omen for Iceland’s glaciers and ice caps in general, the retreat of Breiðamerkurjökull has resulted in an incredibly beautiful, if temporary, site. This has not been overlooked by Hollywood.
Jökulsárlón has been featured in the James Bond films A View to Kill in 1985 and Die Another Day in 2002, 2001’s Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, and 2005’s Batman Begins.
In 2017, Jökulsárlón was enveloped into the Vatnajökull National Park, thus it is now fully protected by Icelandic law.
Wildlife
Because of the wealth of herring and capelin that the tides bring into the lagoon, Jökulsárlón is somewhat of a hot-spot for Iceland’s wildlife.
In summer, it is a nesting site for Arctic Terns; stay well away from their nesting area, as these birds are notorious for the fierceness with which they protect their eggs, dive-bombing the heads of any they see as a threat. Skuas also nest on the lake’s shores in this season.
Seals can be reliably spotted here throughout the year, swimming amongst or else hauling out on the icebergs. Jökulsárlón provides them with a safe haven to rest and socialise, especially considering the waters of southeast Iceland are renowned for their population of orcas.
Vatnajökull,Vatnajökull glacier is the largest glacier in Europe, covering 8% of Iceland’s landmass.
It is the central feature of the Vatnajökull National park, found in the south west of Iceland, a popular spot for activities like glacier hiking from Skaftafell, boat tours in the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, and ice caving tours between November and March.
Facts about Vatnajokull
Vatnajökull has a surface area of approximately 8,100 square kilometres (3127 square miles); though it is rapidly shrinking due to climate change, its recession is not quite as advanced as at other glaciers, such as Langjökull and Mýrdalsjökull. In parts, it is a kilometre deep (over three thousand feet), and its average thickness is around half of that.
Vatnajökull also holds the tallest peak in Iceland beneath its ice; Hvannadalshnjúkur is 2,200 metres tall (7,218 feet). It also conceals some of the most active volcanoes in the country, the most notable being Grímsvötn, Öræfajökull and Bárðarbunga.
Volcanic activity in the region has occurred on and off throughout the centuries, and many geologists believe that several eruptions are overdue. If their calculations are correct, it would mean significant volcanic activity for Vatnajökull over the scope of the next half-century.
Depending on winds, this could result in worldwide consequences in terms of air-travel, agriculture and the general climate.
The glacier boasts over 30 outlet glaciers, which are channels of ice that flow out of ice caps but remain constrained on the sides of the valley. The major outlet glaciers of Vatnajökull include Dyngjujökull in the north, Breiðamerkurjökull, and Skeiðarárjökull to the south. To the west, one can find the outlet glaciers Síðujökull, Skaftárjökull and Tungnaárjökull.
Numerous rivers run out of Vatnajökull, making up some of the greatest glacial rivers in Iceland. The most notable are:
Tungnaá (west)
Köldukvísl (west)
Þjórsá (west)
Jökulsá á Fjöllum (north)
Skjálfandafljót (north)
Jökulsá á Brú (northeast)
Jökulsá í Fljótsdal (northeast)
Jökulsá í Lóni (south)
Hornafjarðarfljót (south)
Jökulsá á Breiðamerkursandi (south)
Skeiðará (south)
Núpsvötn (south)
Hverfisfljót (south)
Skaftá (south)
Vatnajokull National Park
Vatnajökull National Park was established in June 2008 and has slowly grown to include more and more areas. The park now covers an area of 14,141 square kilometres (5,460 square miles), 14% of the country. It is the second largest national park in Europe.
Rivers divide the highland plateau to the north of the park. The volcanic table mountain Herðubreið towers over this particular region, along with volcanoes Askja, Snæfell and Kverkfjöll.
The canyon Jökulsárgljúfur was carved out by glacial floods centuries ago. At the upper end of the canyon, you'll find Dettifoss, the most powerful waterfall in Europe. Further north, the horseshoe-shaped canyon Ásbyrgi is believed to have formed when Óðinn's eight-legged horse, Sleipnir, stepped his foot down from the heavens.
East around Snæfell, one can find wetlands and ranges, home to roaming herds of wild reindeer and abundant birdlife. Steep mountain ridges make up the south side of Vatnajökull, where outlet glaciers crawl onto the lowlands. The sandy plains of Skeiðarársandur also lie to the south, and the glacial river Skeiðará runs through this vast desert.
One of Iceland's most visited landmarks in the National Park is the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, which sits at the base of the outlet glacier Breiðamerkurjökull. Here, large icebergs that have broken off the glacier float across a vast lake before ending up in the Atlantic Ocean, or washed ashore on the nearby Diamond Beach.
This is one of the best seal-watching spots in the country.
The Future of Vatnajokull
The volume of Vatnajökull reached its peak around 1930 but has since been in a steady process of decline. Because of rising levels of global temperature, Vatnajökull has on average lost about a metre (three feet) of its thickness annually over the past 15 years.
If temperature levels continue to rise, the glacier could be all but gone nearing the end of the next century, leaving only small ice caps on top of the highest mountain summits.
Efforts are being made to prevent what some say is the inevitable, with reforestation projects going on all around the glacier, a proven method of cooling the area. Time will tell how successful they are.
Vatnajokull and Jokulsarlon in Popular Culture
The beauty of Vatnajökull National Park has not gone unnoticed by those in film or television. Many famous scenes have been shot here, starting with James Bond: A View to Kill in 1985. Other notable films with scenes here include Batman Begins, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, and James Bond: Die Another Day.
Most famously, however, many places in Vatnajökull have been used in the HBO Series Game of Thrones, north of the Wall. The Wall itself is constructed with CGI using shots of the glacier.
Skógafoss,Skógafoss is one of Iceland’s biggest and most beautiful waterfalls with an astounding width of 25 meters (82 feet) and a drop of 60 meters (197 feet).
Due to the amount of spray the cascade produces, at least one rainbow is present any time the sun emerges from behind the clouds.
Located on the Skógá river, this mighty cascade is clearly visible from Route 1 and is an excellent place to stop and stretch the legs while travelling Iceland’s South Coast. The river below Skógafoss holds a large char and salmon population and is thus a favourite spot for fishermen in the summer.
The land underneath the waterfall is very flat, allowing visitors to walk right up to the wall of water. This will get you drenched, although, on a summer’s day, it can be quite tempting.
Skógafoss can also be viewed from the top as a steep staircase leads to an observational platform above the cascade. Many nesting seabirds can be found on the route up.
Geography
Skógafoss is located near the small village of Skógar, south of the Eyjafjallajökull glacier volcano. There you’ll find the Skógasafn folk museum, an open-air museum with both old wooden houses and turf houses, as well as a regional museum with various artefacts from this area.
A part of the Skógasafn Regional Museum is the Museum of Transportation, which showcases the history and evolution of transportation, communication and technologies in Iceland. There, you can see how this nation evolved from the age of the working horse to the digital communications of the 21st century.
The Skógasafn museum also includes a café and a museum shop, and in the village of Skógar, you will find both a hotel and a restaurant.
At the eastern side of Skógafoss, you will find one of Iceland’s most famed hiking routes; the Fimmvörðuháls pass. The 22 kilometre (14 miles) trail takes you along Skógá river, between two glaciers, Mýrdalsjökull and Eyjafjallajökull, before ending in the beautiful Þórsmörk valley.
Skógafoss is often visited alongside the waterfall Seljalandsfoss, which is just a little further along the South Coast. Both fall from cliffs of the same height, and while Skógafoss is much more powerful, Seljalandsfoss has a cave behind it, which means it can be fully encircled. It is also next to a much lesser known but still awe-inspiring waterfall, Gljúfrabúi.
Folklore
A gold ring is on display at the Skógasafn museum. According to legend, the ring is from a chest that was owned by Þrasi Þórólfsson, one of the first Viking settlers in the area, who by some accounts was a giant. Folklore states that before his death in 900 AD, Þrasi buried a chest filled with gold in a cave behind Skógafoss waterfall.
Many attempts were made to retrieve the chest after Þrasi’s death, and years later, locals managed to grasp a ring on the side of the chest. As they pulled, the ring broke off, and the treasure was lost forever. The ring was then given to the local church before it made its way to the museum.
Seljalandsfoss,Seljalandsfoss is a waterfall that can be fully encircled, situated on the South Coast of Iceland with a drop of 60 metres (200 feet).
Due to the waterfall’s close proximity to the Ring Road and impressive natural features, it is one the country's most famous and visited falls. Majestic and picturesque, it is one of the most photographed features in all of Iceland.
Geology and Surroundings
Seljalandsfoss waterfall, part of the river Seljalandsá, has its origins underneath the glacier Eyjafjallajökull. The volcano beneath this ice cap was the one that erupted in 2010 and caused havoc at airports across Europe.
The cascade of the falls is relatively narrow but falls from a tall cliff that once marked the country's coastline, the sea is now located across a stretch of lowlands and is visible from the site.
The most distinguishing feature of Seljalandsfoss is a pathway that stretches all the way around it. The cliffs behind the falls have a wide cavern, and rocks and paths allow guests to fully encircle it in summer.
Though a mesmerising opportunity, visitors should be prepared to get dampened due to the perpetual mist of the falls, which also tends to make the rocks of the pathway slippery.
Floodlights have been set up on both sides of the waterfall, which impressively illuminate the scene during the night when the midnight sun is not out. The lights were installed in 2001 due to the growing popularity of the falls as a tourist destination.
After visiting Seljalandsfoss, it is common for visitors to continue north to the waterfall Gljúfrabúi, which is found partially hidden behind a rock face. Because of Seljalandsfoss extreme popularity, Gljúfrabúi is widely considered the hidden gem of the scene, as it is too often overlooked.
Seljalandsfoss is also usually visited alongside the nearby Skógafoss. The waterfall falls from the same height, and while it cannot be encircled, it is much more powerful and steeped in the legend of a giant’s hidden treasure.
Visitor Centre Controversy
In 2017, it was announced that a visitor’s centre was to be constructed near the falls. The design of the building indicated that it would be seven metres (23 feet) high and 2,000 square metres (21,500 square feet) in size. Landowners in the area opposed to the idea, proclaiming that the centre would greatly alter the natural appearance of the waterfall’s renowned scenery.
The project has neither been fully approved nor wholly cancelled, with ideas surfacing of either significantly reducing the size of the construction, or moving the visitor centre’s location further away, for instance to the nearby farmstead Brekkuhorn.
Seljalandsfoss in Popular Culture
Along with a multitude of South Iceland’s most famous natural attractions, Seljalandsfoss can be seen in Justin Bieber’s music video for his song ‘I’ll Show You’. Please enjoy the video without emulating any antics that will endanger yourself or the environment.
The waterfall was also a featured waypoint during the first leg of the sixth season of The Amazing Race, an American reality TV series.
Geysir,Geysir is a famous hot spring in the geothermal area of Haukadalur Valley, found in south-west Iceland.
Making up just one of the attractions along the world-renowned Golden Circle sightseeing route, alongside Þingvellir National Park and the mighty Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir is most well-known for having lent its name to geysers all around the world.
Geography
Though Geysir itself is rarely active these days, Haukadalur Valley boasts a plethora of hot springs and geysers, including the powerful Strokkur, Smiður and Litli-Strokkur.
Strokkur is, arguably, the country’s most famous hot spring, shooting vast jets of boiling water from 20 metres (65 feet) up to 40 metres (130 feet) high. Don’t worry about missing this incredible spectacle of nature, as Strokkur erupts every five to ten minutes; just make sure to have your camera ready.
Geysir is much larger, but years can go by between eruptions here; it is currently in an inactive phase. When it does erupt, the water can shoot up in the air as high as 70 metres (230 feet).
Just a few minutes walk north of Geysir are a wealth of fumaroles emanating steam and gas into the cool Icelandic air. Aside from watching the hypnotic pillars of steam, you will also be able to observe the yellow sulphuric stains along the fumaroles themselves, a result of the earth’s minerals crystallising around the rock bed.
At the southern part of the valley, Þykkuhverir, you’ll find various bubbling mud pots. These spooky brown cauldrons are actually fumaroles that boil up through the loose ground; after a dry spell, these mud pools are likely to transform into a hardened fumarole.
Nearby Attractions
About two kilometres (one mile) from Geysir is a preserved natural pool called Kúalaug. It has room for three to five people at a time, but care should be taken, as the area around the pool is very delicate. The temperature is 39-43°C (102-109°F), depending on where you are positioned in the pool.
The water is slightly muddy, as the pool is built on soil, and the bottom is slippery due to algae, so caution is advised when relaxing here.
Haukadalur has also seen a rise in reforestation in recent times thanks to continued experiments and research in the area. Today, Haukadalsskógur is one of the largest forests in south Iceland, boasting accessible walking paths (also for wheelchair users), fascinating vegetation and The Tree Museum, built in the memory of forester Gunnar Freysteinsson.
History
Haukadalur has been inhabited and used as a church site since the Age of Settlement. Given its historic value, it should be noted that scholar, Ari “The Wise“ Þorgilsson, grew up here; it was also where the first pastoral school in Iceland was built.
The current wooden church was last rebuilt in 1938 but its architectural style dates back to 1842, making it well worth a visit to see how Iceland looked before industrialisation.
For accommodation, Hotel Gullfoss is approximately 7 kilometre from the Geysir area, and closer still is Hotel Geysir on the other side of the road from the attraction, where you will also find a restaurant, café and a souvenir shop.
Gullfoss,Gullfoss (translated to ‘Golden Falls’) is one of Iceland’s most iconic and beloved waterfalls, found in the Hvítá river canyon in south-west Iceland.
The water in Hvítá river travels from the glacier Langjökull, before cascading 32 meters (105 feet) down Gullfoss’ two stages in a dramatic display of nature’s raw power. This incredible site is seen by most visitors, as it is on the Golden Circle sightseeing route.
Because of the waterfall’s two stages, Gullfoss should actually be thought of as two separate features. The first, shorter cascade is 11 metres (36 feet), whilst the second drop is 21 metres (69 feet). The canyon walls on both sides of the waterfall reach heights of up to 70 metres (230 feet), descending into the great Gullfossgjúfur canyon. Geologists believe that this canyon was formed by glacial outbursts at the beginning of the last age.
In the summer, approximately 140 cubic metres (459 cubic feet) of water surges down the waterfall every second, whilst in winter that number drops to around 109 cubic metres (358 cubic feet). With such energy, visitors should not be surprised to find themselves drenched by the waterfall’s mighty spray.
As mentioned, Gullfoss makes up a part of the highly popular Golden Circle sightseeing route, alongside Geysir geothermal area and Þingvellir National Park. Many Golden Circle tours include additional activities that can be taken from Gullfoss, such as ascending the mighty nearby glacier Langjökull and entering its ice tunnels, or snowmobiling along its gleaming surface.
History
In the early days of the last century, Gullfoss was at the centre of much controversy regarding foreign investors and their desire to profit off Iceland’s nature. In the year 1907, an English businessman, Howell, sought to utilise the waterfall’s energy and harboured ambitions to use its energy to fuel a hydroelectric plant.
At the time, Gullfoss was owned by a farmer named Tómas Tómasson. Tómas declined Howell’s offer to purchase the land, stating famously “I will not sell my friend!” He would, however, go on to lease Howell the land without the knowledge of a loophole that would allow him to proceed with his plans.
It was Tómas’ daughter, Sigríður Tómasdóttir, who would lead the charge to stop Howell’s ambitions. Having grown up on her father’s sheep farm where she helped pave the first road to Gullfoss, she sought to get the contract nullified, hurriedly saving her own money to hire a lawyer.
The ensuing legal battle was an uphill struggle; the case continued for years, forcing Sigríður to travel many times by foot to Reykjavík, a distance of over 100 kilometres (62 miles). Circumstances became so difficult that Sigríður threatened to throw herself into the waterfall if any construction began.
Her tenacity, however, resulted in success. In 1929, Howell’s withdrew from the lease, unable to keep up with the costs and difficulties of his plan. The waterfall fell back into the hands of the Icelandic people.
Today, Sigríður is recognised for her perseverance in protecting Gullfoss and is often hailed as Iceland’s first environmentalist. As such, she is one of the most famous figures in Iceland’s history. Her contribution is forever marked in stone; a plaque detailing her plight sits at the top of Gullfoss.
Interestingly, the lawyer who assisted Sigríður, Sveinn Björnsson, went on to go down in history too; he became the first president of Iceland in 1944.
Restaurant / Cafe
Besides Gullfoss, visitors can enjoy the views from Gullfoss Cafe, a locally run delicatessen that serves a wide variety of refreshments and meals. The menu has options to tantalise everyone’s taste buds: hot soups, sandwiches, salads and cakes. There is also a shop on site where visitors’ can browse and purchase traditional Icelandic souvenirs.
Eyjafjallajökull,The glacier volcano of Eyjafjallajökull is notorious the world over for causing havoc to air travel in 2010, and stumping television anchors everywhere as they tried to pronounce it. 1651 metres (5427 feet) tall, it is one of the most dominant features of the South Coast.
Geography
The glacier of Eyjafjallajökull is approximately 100 square kilometres (39 square miles), making it the country’s sixth largest. It sits close to the fourth greatest, Mýrdalsjökull, which also conceals another notorious volcano, this one called Katla.
While Eyjafjallajökull’s eruption was huge and disruptive, it pales in comparison to the potential of Katla. Far more explosive, and under much thicker ice, an eruption here in unfavourable wind conditions could have worldwide consequences.
The magma chambers between both of these mighty volcanoes are connected, and, unfortunately for us, an eruption at Eyjafjallajökull is usually followed by one at Katla within a decade.
Eyjafjallajökull has many glacial outlets, the most famous being Gígjökull. Many rivers flow from its meltwater, and one of these falls into the beautiful South Coast waterfall, Seljalandsfoss, which it is possible to fully encircle.
Eruptions
Eyjafjallajökull’s most recent eruption was no doubt the most famous in Iceland’s history (although the honour really should go to Laki, the 1783-4 eruption of which caused an ash cloud so great that Europe fell into a famine that many historians believe led to the French Revolution). On March 27th, 2010, magma began to bubble from beneath the surface, and by April 14th, ash was starting to billow from the peak.
800 people were evacuated, in fears not of magma, but of equally dangerous glacial floods, which have decimated Icelandic towns in the past. Animals were ordered to be kept inside, and those with respiratory problems told they should also stay indoors.
Air travel across Europe was halted, as, by the evening of April 15th, the ash was already over the UK, Scandinavia, and parts of Germany. Holidaymakers were trapped, waiting for news, and would end up stuck for eight days; in Scotland and Ireland, there were even flights delayed in May due to lingering effects.
Thankfully, no one was injured, although the ash is thought to have caused respiratory issues for some in the south of the country. Many farms were also destroyed by the ash and floods, with some farmers still struggling to recover today.
Since settlement in 874, Eyjafjallajökull has also erupted in 900, 1612, and from 1821 to 1823. The latter released a huge amount of fluoride which is believed to have affected the bone health of humans and animals alike at the time.
Eyjafjallajokull today
Eyjafjallajökull is now entirely safe to visit and is seen on most tours of the South Coast in clear weather. In the town of Hvolsvöllur, there is a visitor’s centre on the volcano, which focuses on the experience of one family whose farm, Þorvaldseyri, was one of the many destroyed by the floods, lava and ash.
It is very unlikely that Eyjafjallajökull will erupt again any time soon, with hundreds of years between each eruption, but as mentioned, its neighbour Katla might start rumbling...
Dyrhólaey,Dyrhólaey Peninsula is a 120-metre promenade famed for its staggering views of Iceland’s South Coast, as well as its historic lighthouse and wealth of birdlife. It is home to a rock arch of the same name.
Dyrhólaey, which translates to Door Hill Island, is of volcanic origin and was once an island before joining up to the Icelandic mainland. In ancient times, passing sailors used to refer to Dyrhólaey as ‘Cape Portland’.
It is also the southernmost part of the Icelandic mainland, making it a popular stop for sightseers travelling along the Ring Road, and can be found close by the coastal village of Vík í Mýrdal.
Other features along the South Coast en route to Dyrhólaey from Reykjavík include the waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, and the glacier Eyjafjallajökull.
Dyrhólaey Arch
Dyrhólaey’s most instantly recognisable attraction is the promenade’s massive rock arch, a result of centuries of erosion. As a result, its name is in direct reference to this enormous arch. In fact, this natural feature is so large and dramatic that one daredevil pilot even flew through it, back in 1993. Boats can easily cruise through its opening.
Dyrhólaey Wildlife
Dyrhólaey has an abundance of birdlife, the most common year-round being Eider Ducks. Iceland’s favourite winged resident, the migratory Atlantic Puffin, can be found here from May to September.
It is one of the best places to reliably locate them, and one of the closest to Reykjavík after the islands in Faxaflói Bay which can be visited by boat from the Old Harbour.
While watching puffins, it is striking how little they seem to fear people, as they allow you to get very close. Be aware, however, they do not like to be touched, and if one flies off in a panic, the whole flock might follow it, so be respectful.
Features at and around Dyrhólaey
From your position atop the promenade of Dyrhólaey, you can enjoy staggering views over Iceland’s black sand beaches, complemented by the glittering waves of the Atlantic on one side, and distant mountainscapes to the other.
The most notable stretch of coast here is called Reynisfjara, renowned for its incredible geology, with the sea-stacks of Reynisdrangar jutting up out to sea. If you visit this beach while seeing Dyrhólaey as part of a South Coast adventure, be sure to follow the warning signs and stay away from the water as dangerous sneaker waves here are commonplace.
To the north, you will also able to see the creeping glacier, Mýrdalsjökull. This amazing ice cap conceals a secret; beneath its surface is one of the most explosive and notorious volcanoes in all of Iceland, Katla. Long overdue, experts say that it is a matter of when - not if - it will erupt over the coming years.
On top of Dyrhólaey stands Dyrhólaeyjarviti, a beautiful old lighthouse that consists of a white, square concrete tower. The first lighthouse in the area was built in 1919; the current construction was completed in 1927. Visitors here will be able to see the lighthouse flicking out beams of white light to sea every ten seconds.
Þingvellir,Þingvellir National Park is the only UNESCO World Heritage site on the Icelandic mainland and one of the three stops on the world famous Golden Circle sightseeing route, alongside the Haukadalur Geothermal Valley (Geysir) and Gullfoss Waterfall. Just to the south of the park is Þingvallavatn, Iceland’s largest natural lake.
Geography
The first thing that visitors to the National Park notice is its sheer aesthetic beauty; dried magma fields, covered in Icelandic moss, sit carved by glacial springs and surrounded by a bowl of ancient mountain peaks.
Two of the greatest attractions in the park are the exposed North American and Eurasian tectonic plates; it is one of the only regions in the world where you can see geology such as this on land.
Visitors are encouraged to walk along the North American tectonic plate, where they can read more about the area’s fascinating formation and history, before descending into the valley below.
History
Þingvellir can be anglicised to ‘Fields of Parliament’, a nod to the area’s fascinating history and relevance to Icelandic culture. It is here, after all, that the world’s first democratically elected parliament that remains functioning, Alþingi, was formed in 930 AD.
It may seem unlikely that Vikings would want to be under such an uncombative government, but the thirty or so clans that lived in Iceland at the time sought to prosper in their harsh new environment.
The first gathering was such a success that the meetings became annual, and it became a place where disputes were settled, criminals were tried, and laws to the benefit of all were laid down.
This saw the birth of the Icelandic Commonwealth, a time of independence and freedom for the Icelandic people before they became constituents of the Norwegian monarchy. Sessions would continue to be held at Þingvellir until 1798.
Though the parliament was removed by the Danish at this time, it returned 1845 to Reykjavík.
Another major reason as to why Þingvellir is considered so important to Icelanders is the fact that this is where the decision was made to abandon the belief of Paganism and the Norse Gods; the people adopted Christianity in 1000 AD under threat of invasion from Norway.
This turning point in history was left to the pagan lawspeaker, Þorgeir Þorkelsson, who rested on the choice for one day and one night before reappearing to share his decision.
To symbolise the country’s change, he threw idols of his old deities into the northern waterfall Goðafoss, the name of which translates to ‘Waterfall of the Gods’.
Silfra Fissure
Þingvellir is one of the most widely visited attractions in Iceland, in large part due to the fact that it is home to the glacial spring, Silfra fissure, one of the top ten sites in the world for snorkellers and scuba divers.
Silfra (meaning ‘Silver’) is a submerged ravine within the park, boasting visibility of up to 100 metres (328 feet) and a temperature just above freezing. Participants in these tours will be attired at the Silfra carpark in neoprene hoodies and gloves, as well as an undersuit and drysuit for thermal protection.
Strokkur,Strokkur is Iceland’s most visited active geyser. One of the three major attractions on the world-famous Golden Circle sightseeing route, it is usually visited alongside Gullfoss Waterfall and Þingvellir National Park.
Strokkur is found in the Geysir Geothermal Area, titled after the Great Geysir, which lent its name to all others across the world. It is the greatest active geyser on site; Geysir itself is in a period of inactivity. Strokkur erupts more regularly than Geysir ever did, blasting water to heights of around fifteen to twenty metres every five to ten minutes, although it is known to reach up to forty metres.
Strokkur and Haukadalur Valley
Strokkur is the primary feature of the Haukadalur valley and the main reason why it is one of the most visited sites in the country. While Geysir will very occasionally still erupt to enormous heights, it is nowhere near reliable enough to justify the area’s popularity.
Haukadalur valley, however, has many other features that make it worth a visit. The natural beauty of the area is shaped by the forces of the earth; fumaroles, hot-springs, mud-pits and other little geysers are littered around, and the ground itself is dyed vividly by elements such as sulfur (yellow), copper (green) and iron (red).
Opposite the main geothermal area in Haukadalur Valley is a restaurant, cafe, hotel and luxury gift shop.
Science behind Strokkur
Active geysers like Strokkur are rare around the world, due to the fact that many conditions must be met for them to form. They are thus only found in certain parts of highly geothermal areas.
The first condition that is necessary is an intense heat source; magma must be close enough to the surface of the earth for the rocks to be hot enough to boil water. Considering that Iceland is located on top of the rift valley between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, this condition is met throughout most of the county.
Secondly, you will need a source of flowing underground water. In the case of Strokkur, this comes from the second largest glacier in the country, Langjökull. Meltwater from the glacier sinks into the surrounding porous lava rock, and travels underground in all directions.
Evidence of this flowing water can be found in Þingvellir National Park, where there are many freshwater springs flowing straight from the earth.
Finally, you need a complex plumbing system that allows a geyser to erupt, rather than just steam from the ground like a fumarole. Above the intense heat source, there must be space for the flowing water to gather like a reservoir. From this basin, there must be a vent to the surface. This vent must be lined with silica so that the boiling, rising water cannot escape before the eruption.
Environmental Issues with Strokkur
One of the main reasons that Geysir entered a period of inactivity was due to the fact soap used to be pumped into the vents to make the eruptions more dramatic; it damaged the structure of the vent and prevented water building up. Strokkur, therefore, is guarded against all interference, with chains keeping visitors a good distance away.
Unfortunately, however, there have been incidents where people have meddled with its natural state. For example, an artist called Marco Evaristti once poured food colouring into it to make the eruption pink. He defended himself by claiming that nature was open to artists to utiltise and the fact the colouring was all-natural, but he became a pariah amongst many Icelanders, and was arrested and fined (though never paid it).
Sólheimajökull,Sólheimajökull is an outlet glacier of the mighty icecap of Mýrdalsjökull on the South Coast of Iceland. It is one of the most easily accessible glaciers to reach from Reykjavík, just 158 kilometres (98 miles) away.
For those who are based in Reykjavík, it is by far the favourite spot on which to take guided glacier walks, competing nationally for popularity only with Svínafellsjökull in the south-east.
Geography of Solheimajokull
About eight kilometres long and two kilometres wide (five miles long and just over a mile wide), Sólheimajökull is an impressive feature. Due to the way it descends from Mýrdalsjökull, however, without a clear distinction between the two, it appears much bigger.
Mýrdalsjökull itself has many other outlet glaciers; overall, it is the fourth largest ice cap in Iceland. Beneath its thick surface is one of the country’s most infamous volcanoes, Katla.
The nearby Eyjafjallajökull erupted in 2010 causing widespread havoc at European airports. Throughout history, eruptions in Eyjafjallajökull mean that Katla will also erupt, and so the volcano is due to go off soon. However, volcanoes and all seismic activity in Iceland is highly monitored, meaning that it is perfectly safe to travel around the area and even take an ice cave tour in the glacier above.
Sadly, like all the glaciers in Iceland bar one, Sólheimajökull is shrinking rapidly. A glacier lagoon at its base reveals how quickly it is receding: the length of an Olympic swimming pool every year. It seems like this change is already an irreversible consequence of climate change, and it may be gone within decades.
Visitors to Iceland should, therefore, make sure they witness the ice-cap while it is still with us.
Sólheimajökull has several distinctive traits that separate it from other glaciers. Firstly, it is incredibly easy to find, laying just off of the Ring Road that encircles Iceland. Secondly, it is not surrounded by tall mountains, meaning those who ascend it can attain incredible views of the South Coast. Thirdly, it is home to many walls of ice that can be climbed up with ice axes on certain tours.
There are also crevasses that snake across the surface, spectacular ice ridges and formations, and a vivid colouration that dances between a gleaming white, electric blue, and ash black. Occasionally, you will even find an ice cave, though these can never be guaranteed.
A river runs from the meltwater of the glacier tongue, called the Jökulsá á Sólheimasandi. This river runs through a glacial outwash plain - otherwise known as a black-sand-desert - of Sólheimasandur to the nearby ocean.
Tours on Solheimajokull
Many day tours run from Reykjavík to Sólheimajökull, for glacier hikes or as part of a greater South Coast tour.
Greater South Coast tours include visits to other features, such as the incredible waterfalls of Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss, the black sand beach Reynisfjara, and some even reach Vatnajökull National Park and the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon.
Hidden crevasses and ice caves, slippery surfaces, and the threat of rock- or ice-falls all pose dangers on glacier hikes, but glacier guides have to pass several training courses to deal with these eventualities, making the activity quite safe for those in a fit state of health.
All guests are equipped with helmets, ice axes, and crampons, and should arrive wearing warm clothes and sturdy hiking boots.
It is forbidden to ascend glaciers without the correct equipment or training, for your safety and the safety of others. There have been injuries and deaths on Sólheimajökull before, and glacier guides have had to risk their lives to rescue those who flouted the rules.
Mýrdalsjökull,Mýrdalsjökull is a glacier in the south of the Icelandic highlands. It is the country's fourth largest ice cap, covering nearly 600 square kilometres (232 square miles), and its highest peak is almost 1500 meters tall. It is most well-known for sitting atop the notorious and explosive volcano, Katla.
Mýrdalsjökull is visible from Route 1 on the South Coast, sitting to the north of the village of Vík. It is visited on some snowmobiling, ice caving and helicopter tours, and one of its glacial outlets, Sólheimajökull, is the most popular place in the country for ice-climbing and glacier hiking.
Eruptions beneath Myrdalsjokull
Since 2010, the world has known of the volcano beneath Eyjafjallajökull; after all, it halted European air travel for over a week and stumped news readers everywhere. Few, however, are aware of the much larger volcano right beside it.
Mýrdalsjökull conceals Katla, one of the country’s most active volcanoes, having erupted, on average, once every fifty years since 930 AD. Because of the glacier above it, these eruptions tend to cause enormous ash clouds. It is these ash clouds that lead to flights being grounded, crops and livestock poisoned, and have the potential to change the world’s climate.
The last major eruption beneath Katla was in 1918, in which such huge lahar floods occurred that the southern coastline was extended five kilometres outwards. This area is also very susceptible to glacial floods, or 'jökulhlaup', during eruptions, even when the lava does not break through the surface of the ice. These are as dangerous as the lava itself, having wiped out whole Icelandic villages before.
Historically, the area was little settled for this reason.
Katla is connected to the same volcanic system as Eyjafjallajökull and usually erupts violently a few years after Eyjafjallajökull does. As the ex-president, Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson said in 2010:
‘The time for Katla to erupt is coming close… it is high time for European governments and airline authorities all over Europe and the world to start planning for the eventual Katla eruption’So it is currently several years overdue. Katla is monitored heavily, and roads around it closed when seismic activity increases. All road closures around Iceland can be found on Road and Coastal Administration's website.
Tours on Myrdalsjokull
While there are no eruptions immediately imminent, tours continue to run onMýrdalsjökull, allowing visitors to enjoy the glacier. It is, for example, possible to snowmobile across its surface throughout the year and take ice caving tours beneath it from October to April, with departures from both Reykjavík and Vík.
Considering the ice caves under Vatnajökull glacier are usually only accessible from November to March, this provides a wider window of opportunity for travellers to Iceland outside of the depths of winter. It should be noted that the caves in Mýrdalsjökull do not have the same blue ice, however.
Tours around Myrdalsjokull
Mýrdalsjökull can be seen on all South Coast tours that reach Vík and beyond in clear weather. It can also be seen from above on helicopter tours that depart from Reykjavík.
The best perspectives of the glacier, however, can be found on the popular Fimmvörðuháls hiking trail, which goes between Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull. Part of this hike can be done in a day, or you can take the complete route from Þórsmörk to Skógar on a three-day trek
Skaftafell,Skaftafell is a nature reserve located in Vatnajökull National Park in the south-east of Iceland. It is an oasis of this nation’s diverse landscapes and features, so beautiful it was once a national park in its own right.
Nature of Skaftafell
Skaftafell is notable for its rich flora, growing between sands and glaciers, and for its amazing, contrasting scenery. Visitors will find a wealth of natural attractions, from cascading waterfalls to glacier lagoons, geological formations to black sand deserts.
The rugged region is known for its fantastic photo opportunities, with many awe-inspiring panoramic views.
Like many areas along the South Coast of Iceland, Skaftafell Nature Reserve is known for its glorious hiking trails, often called a ‘hiking paradise’. Unlike in the Highlands, where hikes tend to go on for multiple days, here there are far shorter. There are easy treks that lead to diverse sites such as the waterfall Svartifoss which is surrounded by bizarre and beautiful basalt columns, as well as to glaciers such as Svínafellsjökull.
With a qualified guide, it is an excellent region to try your hand at a spot of either ice climbing or glacier hiking; both activities are two of the most authentically Icelandic experiences you can partake in whilst in the country.
The nature reserve is also the perfect base camp for those seeking to climb Iceland’s highest peak, Hvannadalshnúkur, or for those wishing to spend a number of days exploring the region's attractions, including Vatnajökull glacier, Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon and the nearby Diamond Beach.
Getting to Skaftafell
Just off the Ring Road in the south-east of the country, it takes approximately four hours to reach Skaftafell from Reykjavík. The South Coast, however, is one of the regions most popular sightseeing routes, so the journey usually takes much longer, as visitors will want to make several stops along the way.
Examples of the beautiful natural features found en route to Skaftafell include the waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, the glaciers Mýrdalsjökull and Eyjafjallajökull, the black sand deserts of Sólheimasandur and Skeiðarársandur, as well as the dramatic coastal rock formations at Dyrhólaey and Reynisdrangar. The villages of Vík and Kirkjubæjarklaustur are also along Route 1 if you need to stop and refuel on refreshments.
Those who have made it all the way to Skaftafell will want be sure to check out the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, a giant lake filled with enormous icebergs breaking from a glacial tongue, and slowly drifting to sea. At the nearby Diamond Beach you can watch them wash upon the shore, and in both the sea and lagoon are many seals which can routinely be spotted.
Skaftafell Visitor Center
You will find a Visitors Centre at Skaftafell which acts as the main information and meeting point for tour operators and independent travellers. At the Skaftafell Visitor Centre, you will find answers to virtually any questions you might have about the greater Skaftafell area, including its history and geology. The Visitors Centre also contains information about nearby hiking trails, recreational options and accommodation.
There is also a hotel at Skaftafell, though it tends to book up very early. Luckily, the south-east is dotted with hotels, cabins and cottages in which you can stay, and the area is not far from the settlements of Höfn or Kirkjubæklaustur.
Þingvallavatn,Þingvallavatn (anglicised to Thingvallavatn, ‘the Lake of the Fields of Parliament’) is a rift valley lake located roughly forty-minutes drive from Iceland’s capital city, Reykjavík.
Features of Thingvallavatn
Þingvallavatn is partially within the boundaries of Þingvellir National Park, Iceland’s oldest National Park and only one with UNESCO World Heritage Site status.
Covering an area of 84 square kilometres (32 square miles), Þingvallavatn is the largest natural lake in Iceland with its greatest depth measuring at 114 metres (374 feet). Þingvallavatn is situated on the Mid-Atlantic Rift, on a part of the ridge known as the Reykjanes Ridge.
The lake has only one outflow, the river Sog.
Of particular note to biologists and fishermen are the four morphs of Arctic Char that inhabit the lake. The lake’s char are an excellent example of species evolving to fit and adapt to a secluded environment; over ten thousand years, one species of Char has transformed into four different-sub branches. Other fish in the lake include the the Brown Trout and the Three-Spine Stickleback.
History and Geology
Þingvallavatn takes its name from the historical founding of the Alþingi, which occurred in 930 AD at what is now known as Þingvellir National Park. Þingvellir literally translates to ‘Fields of Parliament’.
The Alþingi was the first democratically elected representative parliament in world history (examples such as Ancient Athens were direct, not representative, democracies); Icelanders used to travel by foot or horseback simply to congregate at Þingvellir where they would hear the latest laws and judgements of the island.
Þingvellir National Park is also notable for its geology. Given its position on the Mid Atlantic Ridge, the park is one of the only places on the planet where visitors can see both the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates standing exposed from the earth.
Footpaths allow you to get up close and personal to the plates, standing right where the ancient settlers once did. In between the tectonic plates lies fields of dried volcanic rock, blanketed with a thick, yet fragile layer of Icelandic moss.
Scuba Diving in Thingvallavatn
Scuba diving around Þingvallavatn revolves around two sites, Silfra Fissure and Davíðsgjá (David’s Crack), the former being one of the most popular spots on the planet for snorkelling and underwater exploration.
Silfra Fissure is situated between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates and is filled with crystal-clear glacial water originating from the Langjökull ice cap. The water measures at between two degrees Celsius all year round, with a slight current preventing the fissure from ever freezing over.
Davíðsgjá is found within Þingvallavatn and is often considered the darker and more dramatic cousin of Silfra Fissure, resembling the gorge formation so prevalent across the Mid Atlantic Rift.
Only certain tour operators provide tours into Davíðsgjá, so make sure to do some research beforehand if you are looking to access this dive site during your time in Iceland.
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach,Reynisfjara is a world-famous black-sand beach found on the South Coast of Iceland, just beside the small fishing village of Vík í Mýrdal.
With its enormous basalt stacks, roaring Atlantic waves and stunning panoramas, Reynisfjara is widely considered to be the most beautiful example of Iceland’s black sand beaches. In 1991, National Geographic voted Reynisfjara as one of the Top 10 non-tropical beaches to visit on the planet.
Reynisfjara is found around 180 kilometers (112 miles) from Iceland’s capital city, Reykjavík, and is a popular stop-off for those taking a sightseeing tour along the popular South Coast.
Driving to the beach is particularly easy, taking an approximate two and a half hours from the capital, so can easily be done within half a day, or a full one combined with other features.
Folklore
Upon visiting the beach, travelers will immediately observe rocky sea stacks sitting off the shoreline, known as Reynisdrangar.
According to local Icelandic folklore, these large basalt columns were once trolls trying to pull ships from the ocean to shore. However, these trolls were dim and went out too late in the night; dawn broke on the horizon, turning the trolls into solid stone.
Another legend tells of a husband whose wife was kidnapped and killed by two trolls. The man followed the trolls down to Reynisfjara where he froze them, ensuring that they would never kill again.
So mesmerizing are these features that they featured in Season 7 of the HBO Series Game of Thrones; you can spot them in a few scenes shot ‘North of the Wall’.
The sea stacks themselves are home to thousands of nesting seabirds. Species that can be found here include puffins, fulmars and guillemots, making it a must-see location for all birdwatchers out there.
Surrounding Sites
Reynisfjara beach is located conveniently in the middle of the South Coast, adjacent to the village of Vík. This means that those taking the Ring Road around the country, or else those heading to the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, will pass it, and are encouraged to make a stop.
The closest major landmark is the Dyrhólaey rock arch and cliffs. While many seabirds are found at Reynisfjara, it is nothing compared to the numbers here. From May to August, it is one of the best places to see puffins from land.
En route to Reynisfjara from Reykjavík, you will discover waterfalls, such as Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, and glaciers, such as Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull. Further along the South Coast, you will reach the Vatnajökull National Park, with its many glacier tongues, glacier lagoons, black sand deserts, and the incredible Skaftafell Nature Reserve.
Potential Dangers
Visitors to Reynisfjara must be made well aware of the potential dangers present at the beach. First of all, the rolling, roaring waves of Reynisfjara are particularly violent, often pushing far further up the beach than many would expect.
These are called sneaker-waves, and they can appear when least expected, even on incredibly still days. There are no significant landmasses in between Antarctica and the shores of Reynisfjara, meaning waves have thousands of kilometers to build.
Visitors are advised to never turn their back on the waves, and keep a safe distance of at least 30 meters (98 feet).
Aside from these sudden and dramatic shifts in the tide, the rip currents offshore are infamous for their strength and ability to drag helpless people out into the freezing cold open ocean. A number of fatal accidents have occurred at Reynisfjara, the last of which occurred in January 2017.
Vík í Mýrdal,Vík í Mýdral, or just Vík, is the southernmost village on the Icelandic mainland, located 186 kilometres (110 miles) from the capital Reykjavík.
Often visited by those travelling the popular sightseeing route along the South Coast, it is a wonderful place to stop, recharge, and if you are taking your time, rest for the night. Though it only has around 300 residents, the village is very popular amongst tourists for its convenience and beautiful surrounding landscapes.
Features near Vik
Reaching Vík from Reykjavík takes approximately two and a half hours, and en route, there are many marvellous features to admire. Two of the country’s most famous waterfalls, Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss, lay between the two destinations; the former has awe-inspiring power, whereas the latter can be fully encircled.
The glaciers Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull can also be seen on clear days; both of these cover volcanoes which are particularly explosive, with Eyjafjallajökull famously disrupting European air travel in 2010. Out to sea in especially good weather, the Westman Islands can also be seen on the horizon.
Just before Vík are the popular birdwatching cliffs of Dyrhólaey, where you can also find an enormous rock arch curving out into the ocean. This is one of the best places for birdwatching in Iceland, with thousands of puffins nesting here from May to August.
The village itself sits opposite one of the country’s most famous features: Reynisfjara black sand beach. Considered one of the world’s most beautiful non-tropical beaches, it boasts incredible geology.
Particularly of note are the Reynisdrangar sea-stacks, said to be two trolls frozen in the light of the morning sun as they tried to pull a ship into shore.
Though this beach makes for a lovely walk, particularly for those staying in Vík overnight, as they can see it under the midnight sun or northern lights, it has its dangers. Sneaker waves can be notorious here, so visitors should stay far from the water’s edge, and never go for a swim. Lives have been lost here before.
The route to Vík from Reykjavík is beautiful and continues to be so as you travel further along the South Coast, through the Skeiðarásandur black-sand-plains into Vatnajökull National Park. This beautiful region is often the final destination of those passing through Vík, as it is home to the largest glacier in Europe, the Skaftafell Nature Reserve, and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.
Of course, ambitious travellers will carry on from here to encircle the full country.
Wildlife around Vik
Vík, due to its closeness to the Reynisfjall and Dyrhólaey cliffs, has a rich birdlife. Short walks from the village will take you to the nesting grounds of gulls, fulmar, guillemots, and in summer, puffins.
Due to its coastal location, visitors to Vík have a decent chance to see seals on the shore. There is also a slim chance to see whales or dolphins; the twenty or so species that live in Iceland’s waters can appear at any time.
Services in Vik
Vík has a wide variety of public services, due to its remoteness and its importance in connecting the east and west of Iceland. There are gas stations, shops and cafes, a swimming pool, a wool factory that can be visited, and a wide range of accommodation options for all budgets.
Please note, however, that as the village has such a small year-round population, those with special dietary requirements should purchase their food from Reykjavík before departing.
Hvolsvöllur,Hvolsvöllur is a small town of 950 people in south Iceland, conveniently located by the Ring Road. It is often travelled through or stopped off in by those exploring the South Coast or encircling the country.
It is very popular as a place to stay in a cabin or bungalow for those who want to be close to the sites of the west and south, such as the Golden Circle, but away from the hustle and bustle of Reykjavík.
Economy and transport
Hvolsvöllur’s main economy is services to the surrounding agricultural area, which has an additional 600 people. It is also a growing place tourism, considering its easy accessibility to Iceland’s capital and some of its major natural sites.
Sitting on the Ring Road means a constant flow of travellers use Hvolsvöllur’s services. It also has a tiny local airport, with flights to the Westman Islands.
Museum
The area around Hvolsvöllur features prominently in one of the most famous Icelandic sagas, Njál’s saga. These sagas were epic works of fiction, which encapsulated much of the history (and folklore) of Iceland in its early era.
Njál’s saga is often thought of as one of the best, as many believe it to have been written by legendary historian and poet, Snorri Sturluson.
There is an excellent Icelandic Saga Centre in the town that those who love literature and history should not miss checking out.
‘The Exhibition of Njál’ is the first of its two exhibitions, introducing guests to the characters of the sagas, along with the Viking cosmology and the literary arts that have existed in Iceland for centuries.
The other is on the history of trade, commerce and the cooperative movement in the 20th century. While this may not seem fascinating, Iceland’s journey through this time is actually quite a riveting story.
In the early 1900s, the country had little changed since the medieval era. People still scraped a living off fishing and farming, lived in turf houses or, if they were extremely poor, caves, and had very little industry or infrastructure. The nation was still under the Danish Crown, with little to no contact with the outside world.
Fast-forward to 1999, and Iceland was already the developed country it is today, leading the world on issues such as gender equality, technological prowess, social fairness and civil rights.
You can also view a model of Alþingi, Iceland’s parliament, founded at Þingvellir in 930 AD here.
Hvolsvöllur also has homed the Lava Centre since 2017, an interactive museum where visitors can learn about the earthquakes and volcanoes that shape this country.
There is also a nice gallery in town, and a good restaurant in the Saga Hall, a replica of a medieval longhouse.
Nearby attractions
Hvolsvöllur has a number of interesting hiking routes in its vicinity. Among interesting sights is the large and peculiar rock Drangurinn by the farm Drangshlíð, under the Eyjafjöll mountains.
Hvolsvöllur is also a short drive from many other interesting attractions, among them some of Iceland’s most famous. One of Iceland’s oldest swimming pools, Seljavallalaug, is about 44 kilometres (27 miles) from the town. At a 14 kilometre (nine mile) distance is the rural area of Fljótshlíð and the farm Hlíðarendi. According to Njal's Saga, its hero, Gunnar, lived there.
There is good trout and salmon fishing in the nearby rivers. Several interesting caves, both natural and man-made are in driving distance from Hvolsvöllur.
There is also a number of beautiful waterfalls not far off, the most well known being Seljalandsfoss, which you can walk behind, and Skógafoss, one of Iceland’s highest and most beautiful falls.
Of course, as mentioned, the town is also a perfect launching point from which to explore the Golden Circle, which consists of the Geysir Geothermal Area, Gullfoss Waterfall, and Þingvellir National Park.
Reynisdrangar,Reynisdrangar are impressive rock formations situated near the shore of Reynisfjara beach by the coastal village Vík on the South Coast of Iceland.
The formations are the remains of large and imposing sea cliffs, made up of basalt, that serve as a vital part of the area’s allure; they shoot dramatically out of the ocean under the looming cliffs of Mt. Reynisfjall, making for a beautiful site, and have a folklore that is equally impressive.
More modern visitors will be excited to know that these pillars also feature in Season 7 of Game of Thrones, at Eastwatch by the Sea.
Dangerous Waves
Before getting into the wonders of Reynisdrangar, it is important for potential visitors to be aware of the dangers at the site.
These majestic rock pillars rise from the sea just off of Reynisfjara, a famous black sand beach on the South Coast, by the village of Vík. Though incredible due to its diverse and dramatic geology, Reynisfjara is gaining a notorious reputation for its sneaker waves.
There are no significant landmasses between Antarctica and Reynisfjara, giving waves the entire length of the Atlantic Ocean to build strength. This means that even on still, summer days, they can rise from seemingly nowhere and chase far further up the sand than would ever be expected.
It is absolutely imperative, therefore, that guests stay at least 30 metres (98 feet) from the water’s edge. Those who flout these rules put their lives and the lives of others at risk; people have died here before.
Folklore
As with almost all bizarre features in this country, there is an Icelandic folk tale that explains the origin of the Reynisdrangar pillars and their eerie appearance.
According to legend, a couple of trolls saw a ship out to sea by night, and waded out to reach it. They got hold of it, and began to drag it to shore, but as so often happens in troll stories, they got their timing wrong.
Before they were even close to getting to the shade, dawn broke. The trolls and ship were instantly frozen into stone, and they have remained immortalised since, as a warning to their kin.
This is not the only folk tale in this area. According to local legend, two other trolls murdered a woman, whose husband hunted them down, tricked them into coming out at night, and ensured they too were turned to stone. Their remains can be found inland.
Surroundings & Wildlife
Most visitors will only see the Reynisfjara sea-stacks from the shore of Reynisfjara, although there is an incredibly rewarding alternative view of them from above. Those with a reasonable level of fitness can venture up the bewitching cliffs of Mt. Reynisfjall, by a road to the west of Vík.
The mountain furthermore holds thousands of puffins every summer, from May to August. These adorable creatures have very little fear of people, and can be approached within metres (although you should never try to touch them). Other birds can be seen gliding around the cliffs such as Arctic terns, fulmars and seagulls.
The oceans of Iceland are pregnant with life, so lucky visitors may also see seals in the water, or even one of Iceland’s twenty species of whale and dolphin.
Öxarárfoss,Öxarárfoss is a waterfall situated within Þingvellir National Park in southwest Iceland.
The waterfall flows out the river Öxará, cascading in two drops over the cliffs of Almannagjá gorge, which marks the eastern boundary of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.
Description
The waterfall has a height of 13 metres (44 feet) and an average width of six metres (20 feet). The pool of water at the waterfall’s base is dotted with large, smooth rocks, which get especially icy in winter. The waterfall can be visited year round, but expect large crowds during the peak season of the summer.
During the depths of winter, the waterfall is entirely frozen over. Ice climbers have been known to scale it, but this should only be done with and by experts.
Surroundings and History
Öxarárfoss is one of the most popular attractions of Þingvellir Natural Park, which in turn, is one of the most popular attractions of Iceland. The National Park is one of the three famous sites of the Golden Circle along with Gullfoss waterfall and the Geyser Geothermal Area, for both geological and historical regions
The geological reason is that, as mentioned, Þingvellir lies between the tectonic plates. As they pull apart, the land is torn, and thus there are many beautiful ravines and lava fields to be found.
The most famous of these ravines is Silfra. Like the others, it is filled with crystal clear glacial water, which emerges from a spring, but unlike the others, it is possible to take snorkelling and diving tours here.
The water from the crevasses such as Silfra feed into the lake Þingvellavatn; in fact, the river Öxará, which feeds Öxarárfoss, is the only source of the lake that does not come from a spring.
The historical reason that makes Þingvellir so famous is that it was the original site of the Alþing, the Icelandic parliament founded in 930 AD. This parliament continues to exist in Reykjavík but for nine centuries flourished here.
Icelanders would meet annually to pass laws, settle disputes, and share news. It was both incredibly progressive, giving a voice to all people and granting women divorces long before many other nations were considering it, and barbaric, hosting many battles and the prosecution of dozens of witches.
It is thus featured in many sagas, and though not always mentioned in them, Öxarárfoss was a witness to this long history.
One notable piece of folklore about the waterfall was that it was said to have prophetic powers for the year ahead. At midnight on New Years Eve, it would run red with either wine or blood, with the former promising prosperity ahead, and the latter warning of war.
Haukadalur,Haukadalur is a geothermal valley in South Iceland on the popular Golden Circle route.
Lying to the north of Lake Laugarvatn, it is home to hot springs, fumaroles, mud pots and geysers, including the famous Great Geysir and the active Strokkur. The area is noted for the vivid colouration of its surrounding hills, caused by elements deep in the earth being brought to the surface by the geothermal activity.
History of Haukadalur
Haukadalur has been mentioned in historic writings as far back as 1294, in which its geysers were described following an earthquake that activated them. Since the 18th Century, it has been drawing visitors to the island including two different Kings of Denmark in 1907 and 1922.
Throughout the 20th Century, images of the Great Geysir erupting at Haukadular began to symbolise Iceland. It’s activity, however, was unreliable, so unnatural efforts were made to stimulate it more regularly, such as lowering the water table in 1935 and pumping soap into it 1981.
These, however, limited the geyser’s long-term activity, so that it rarely goes off today, although, in the early 2000s, it did have a period where it was spouting water over 140 metres (459 ft) high. Even so, the geyser Strokkur is still very active, erupting to heights of 30 metres (98 ft) every five to ten minutes.
Today, most of the near-two million visitors to Iceland will see Haukadalur Valley on their travels.
Surroundings of Haukadalur
Haukadalur Valley is located about an hour and a half’s drive inland from Reykjavík, thus making many sites of the South and West easily accessible. The most notable of these are the other points on the Golden Circle: Gullfoss Waterfall (about five minutes away) and Þingvellir National Park (about forty minutes away).
It is also, however, within an easy driving distance of Flúðir, home of the Secret Lagoon, the Kjölur Highland Road, which leads into Iceland’s interior, Sólheimar eco-village, and Faxi Waterfall.
Svínafellsjökull,Svínafellsjökull in an outlet glacier of Vatnajökull, the largest ice cap in Europe. It is one of the country’s most popular places for glacier hiking due to its incredible formations and excellent views.
Getting to Svínafellsjökull
Svínafellsjökull is part of the Skaftafell Nature Reserve, a place of popularity amongst hikers, photographers, and those with a passion for raw natural beauty.
This reserve was even a National Park in its own right, before the creation of the enormous Vatnajökull National Park which absorbed it.
The reserve is easy to reach throughout the year if travelling from the capital of Iceland, Reykjavík, as it is located just off the Ring Road which encircles the country. Travelling on this route east for four hours, you will come to a left turn onto Route 998, which will take you to the car park and visitors’ centre.
Most tours onto Svínafellsjökull start here, although some go from Reykjavík and the village of Vík. Reaching the glacier requires a short hike.
If travelling yourself, the villages of Vík and Kirkjubæjarklaustur are good for stopping off for fuel, rest and refreshment. There are also many significant attractions en route to admire, such as the waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss and the black sand beach of Reynisfjara.
Features of Svínafellsjökull
Svínafellsjökull competes with Sólheimajökull for the country’s most popular glacier for hiking. While Sólheimajökull is closer to Reykjavík, and has better walls for ice-climbing, Svínafellsjökull has distinct appeals of its own.
Firstly is in its surface. While Sólheimajökull, as mentioned, has walls, Svínafellsjökull is made up of many sharp ridges that, while not possible to climb on, are much more beautiful to behold.
Secondly, it boasts even more beautiful views from its heights. From Sólheimajökull, you can achieve magnificent panoramas over the wastelands of Sólheimasandur and the black sand beaches of the south coast, but from Svínafellsjökull, you are able to see across Vatnajökull National Park with its many other glacier outlets and mountains, the forested beauty of Skaftafell, and the ocean.
Both glaciers, however, are matched when it comes to surrounding attractions, meaning a visit to them can incorporate many other sites. Svínafellsjökull, for example, is near to Jökulsárlón, a magnificent glacier lagoon filled with giant icebergs, while Sólheimajökull is close to the aforementioned waterfalls.
Both also have beautiful colouration, with deep blue ice, gleaming white snow, and veins of black ash, memories of eruptions centuries past.
If glacier hiking in summer, the colouration is less vivid but the journey easier and the views usually clearer. If hiking in winter, the intensity of the blue ice is mesmerising, and there is a greater chance of finding an ice cave on the glacier that is safe to enter.
Svínafellsjökull’s beauty has not just been appreciated by Icelanders and visitors; it, like many other destinations in the country, was noticed by the producers of Game of Thrones.
Many of the scenes filmed ‘North of the Wall’ in Season 7, during the dramatic battle of the penultimate episode, were shot on Svínafellsjökull. The greater Vatnajökull was used throughout the series as the base to which the Wall itself is built with CGI.
South Coast,The South Coast of Iceland is the country's most visited sightseeing route, along with the Golden Circle.
This incredible shoreline stretches from the greater Reykjavík area in the west to the magnificent Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon in the east and is lined with countless natural wonders such as cascading waterfalls, volcanoes, black sand beaches and glaciers.
Geography, Nature & Wildlife
The South Coast is the most easily accessible part of the country’s southern region, found along the Route 1 highway (the Ring Road), which encircles Iceland. The area consists of a diverse lowland that transitions between, marshlands, bays, cultivated pastures, estuaries and black sand deserts.
Underneath the soil rests a vast lava field, known as Þjórsárhraun. Its edges reach several hundred metres offshore where the ocean waves crash upon them, thereby protecting the lowland from the invasion of the sea. This results in the South Coast being unusually lacking in the deep fjords that so distinctly characterise the rest of Iceland's shoreline.
The region boasts vibrant bird life during all seasons. Freshwater birds nest in the marshlands and around the estuaries, while seabirds flock around the cliffs of Reynisdrangar and Dyrhólaey, including the North Atlantic puffin between May and August. Some species stay throughout the harsh Icelandic winter, including the northern diver, the loom and various species of gulls and ducks.
Seals are often found along the shore, particularly around the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach. As with everywhere in Iceland, you should always keep an eye out to sea, as whales and dolphins reside all along its coastline.
Highlights of the South Coast
The South Coast offers an unprecedented array of natural wonders that draw thousands of visitors each day.
When driving the route from Reykjavík city, the first major features are the two great waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, which sit beneath the notorious subglacial volcano, Eyjafjallajökull. On clear days from these beautiful cascades, the Westman Islands can be seen across the ocean.
A little further down the route is the glacier Mýrdalsjökull, which covers one of Iceland’s most explosive volcanoes, Katla. Many glacier hikes are taken here upon the outlet of Sólheimajökull.
The aforementioned Dyrhólaey cliffs are next, home to many seabirds. Even if you come outside of puffin season, they are well worth a visit; jutting out to sea is an enormous rock arch of the same name, which you can marvel at from many angles.
Adjacent to the village of Vík is the famous black-sand beach, Reynisfjara, home to the rock pillars of Reynisdrangar, said to be two trolls frozen by the light of the sun. Though beautiful, this area is gaining notoriety for its dangerous sneaker waves, so visitors should be sure to stay well away from the edge of the water, even on a calm, still day.
There are no landmasses between Reynisfjara beach and the continent of Antarctica, so you can imagine how the waves can build momentum.
After passing through Vík, you will cross the glacial sand plain of Skeiðarársandur, before entering Vatnajökull National Park, home to the largest ice cap in Europe, Vatnajökull itself, dozens of glacial outlets and the magnificent Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon.
While almost all of these sites can be seen from Route 1, they make up a fraction of what the South Coast has to offer. The vast sand plains of Sólheimasandur are home to a crashed DC-3 Plane Wreck, and within the Vatnajökull National Park is the dramatic Skaftafell Nature Reserve.
Less than a kilometre from Seljalandsfoss is the hidden gem of Gljúfrabúi waterfall, and short distances from Jökulsárlón you will find the Diamond Beach, where icebergs wash on the black-sand shore, and another glacier lagoon, Fjallsárlón.
Diamond BeachThe Diamond Beach is a strip of black sand belonging to the greater Breiðamerkursandur glacial plain, located by Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon on the South Coast of Iceland.
Here, the icebergs which fill Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon wash up on shore, standing dazzling and defiant in stark contrast to the black sand beach. It is, therefore, a favourite amongst photographers, nature-lovers, and wildlife-enthusiasts. Many seals call this beach home, and it is one of the best places in the country to see orcas from the shore.
Breiðamerkursandur
Breiðamerkursandur is a glacial outwash plain located in the municipality of Hornafjörður. The sand stretches approximately 18 kilometres along Iceland’s South Coast, more specifically from the foot of Kvíárjökull Glacier to the famed glacier lagoon Jökulsárlón, that nests by the foot of Breiðamerkurjökull Glacier.
Both glaciers make up part of the 30 outlets of Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest ice cap and the central feature of the Vatnajökull National Park. Many of these are seen en route to the Diamond Beach as you travel along the South Coast.
The outwash plain was formed when three of Vatnajökull’s outlet glaciers, Breiðamerkurjökull, Hrútárjökull and Fjallsjökull, flowed forward due to volcanic activity and ground the rocks of the underlying surface, creating and pushing forward the glacial sediments.
Such sand plains are a common part of the Icelandic landscape, due to the island being volcanically active as well as boasting numerous ice caps. The terminus (the tip of a given glacier) also dug deep into the ground and left what is now the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. Although now the deepest lake in all of Iceland, it only began to form in 1935.
The glacier lagoon and Diamond Beach are fantastical sites, however, the rate of their expansion is, unfortunately, a consequence of climate change. With the rate that the glaciers are melting, there may be no ice left at either site within decades.
Jökulsárlón Icebergs
Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon is one of the most famed and visited attractions in Iceland. Floating on the lagoon are enumerable icebergs that have broken off the resident glacier, creating an ever-changing scenery of incredible allure.
The river Jökulsá connects the lagoon to the Atlantic Ocean, meaning that these icebergs eventually drift out to sea where they are polished by the waves before floating back to the black sands of Breiðamerkursandur. The name ‘Diamond Beach’ thus comes from the white ice on the black sand appearing like gemstones or diamonds, as they often glisten in the sun and sharply contrast their jet black surroundings.
Safety at the Diamond Beach
The Diamond Beach is a safe place for any responsible traveller; unlike at Reynisfjara, another South Coast black-sand-beach, sneaker waves and rip currents are not notorious for whisking unwitting tourists out to sea. However, there are still dangers to consider.
The main one of these is the icebergs themselves. Under no circumstance should you climb upon an iceberg, due to their slippery surfaces and sharp edges.
This is especially the case if the iceberg is at all in the water, as it could flip and trap you underneath, or else be pulled out to sea by a current with you on it.
The risk of injury and illness in the form of hypothermia is so great that extortionate fines exist to deter any ‘rebels’ looking for a thrill-seek. These have only come about due to serious incidents, to protect not only tourists at the lagoon but guides and staff who may feel obligated to embark on a dangerous rescue if they see someone at risk.
Pickup time : 08:00.
Pick up might take 30 minutes. Please be ready at your selected location. Read carefully if you will be picked up at your hotel or at the nearest designated area (Bus Stop). For walking distance to bus stops, please check busstop.is.
All accommodation in hotels with breakfast
Ice cave tour
Glacier hiking
English speaking guide
All transport
Dinner
Lunch
What to bring:
Warm clothes, layers of wool and fleece. Windproof and rainproof clothing.
Winter hiking shoes
Camera with extra batteries
Good to know:
Customers travelling on their own will receive a single room. Reservations for 2 people will be allocated a double room. For bookings of 3 or more, triple rooms will automatically be allocated. For example, a group of 8 will receive 2 triple rooms and 1 double. If these arrangements do not meet your requirements, please contact the provider.
The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, and therefore cannot be guaranteed, but this itinerary is designed to maximise your chances to see them if weather allows. Please be advised that there is no specific Northern Lights hunt on this tour, but your guide will notify you if the conditions are favourable and advise you on how to best spot them
It can happen, in the case of extreme weather, that an activity is cancelled. If your chosen activity is cancelled, we will assist you with rearranging or booking other activities when possible, and any potential price difference will be refunded to you.
Please note that only pick up and drop-off from designated pick up locations in the greater capital area is available, not from Keflavík International Airport. Therefore, we do not recommend attempting to start this tour on your arrival day in Iceland. Arrival time back to Reykjavík at the end of your tour can vary depending on weather and traffic.
It is highly recommended that you do not book your flight home the same night as bad weather or delays could affect your journey. Please be sure to arrange accommodation for this evening and an airport transfer the next day to take you to Keflavík International Airport for your departure.
For your convenience, it is recommended that you pack lightly for this tour, in a small bag or backpack. If you have large luggage with you, please check with your accommodation if they offer luggage storage for your time on this tour. If that is not a possibility, you can take your larger luggage along for a small fee.
Note that Icelandic roads and pavements can be slippery in the wintertime. We recommend you bring shoes with slip-resistant soles or ice-grip shoe covers. The covers can be purchased in most supermarkets and gas stations around the country.
Daily itinerary
Day 1 - The Golden Cirlce
You will be picked up from your accommodation, and from there, set out to explore the most popular tourist trail in Iceland: the Golden Circle. Three sites make this trail world-famous, all of which you will get the chance to visit.
The first of these is Þingvellir National Park, the only UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Icelandic mainland. Sitting directly between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, it is an area of fascinating geology and stunning nature; it is the best place in the world to see the edges of these continents. It is also the original site of what is now the world’s longest-running, ongoing parliament. The Alþingi that was formed here in 930 AD and still continues in Reykjavík today.
The second site you will visit is the Geysir Geothermal Area. The largest geyser here, Geysir, gave all others around the world their name. It is mainly inactive these days, but the nearby Strokkur erupts every 5-minutes or so, blasting water as high as 30-metres. The surrounding area is beautiful, with the earth dyed in the colours of the elements, and many hot springs dotted around.
The third and final classic location on the Golden Circle is Gullfoss. Otherwise known as ‘the Golden Waterfall’, this feature is iconic. Tumbling down two steps into a dramatic ravine, its scale and might are mesmerising. There are several viewing platforms that you can admire it from; in good weather, one opens right beside where it’s falling.
As you head in for the night, keep an eye on the skies for the Northern Lights.
Day 2 - The South Coast and glacier hiking
On your second day, you will explore the South Coast of Iceland. This area is famed for its wealth of landmarks and dramatically diverse scenery, all of which is visible from the road as you drive.
The first places you will stop at are two impressive waterfalls, Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss. Between these waterfalls, you may see Eyjafjallajökull, the sub-glacial volcano that erupted in 2010 and famously halted European air traffic.
Your next stop, however, will be at Sólheimajökull, the glacier tongue upon which you will be hiking. When here, you will be provided with all your equipment, and receive a safety briefing. Following this, you will ascend the glacier, and be rewarded with some spectacular views. The colour, shape and scale of the ice is awe-inspiring, and you will be told all about the history, future and science of the glaciers.
After this adventure, you will continue exploring the wonders of the South Coast. The next stop is the black sand beach Reynisfjara, which is renowned for its fascinating geology, with the Reynisdrangar sea stacks and Dyrhólaey rock arch. After a short stop in Vík, you will continue onto Skaftafell Nature Reserve, which is so spectacular it was once a National Park in its own right; now it is part of the greater Vatnajökull National Park.
Following your time here, you will head onto the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. This is often referred to as the crown jewel of Iceland’s nature. Here, hundreds of great icebergs litter a serene lake, creating an otherworldly spectacle. When these bergs eventually make it out of the lagoon, they wash up on the nearby shore, lending it its name, the Diamond Beach.
You will spend the night in the Jökulsárlón area.
Day 3 - The ice caves and return to Reykjavík
On your third day, you will get to explore one of the magnificent ice caves of Vatnajökull glacier. These incredible natural features only appear over winter and are weather-reliant, so the chance to enter one is an incredibly rare opportunity. You will be provided with crampons and helmets, before following your guide into this ethereal space.
Once you have revelled in the beauty of the ice caves, you will return to your van and return to Reykjavík. This drive is long but promises to be spectacular. You guide will point out anything that you missed the day before.
You'll arrive in the city in time for a late dinner, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the famous Reykjavík nightlife. It is highly recommended that you do not plan to fly out the same night in case of any delays or bad weather. Enjoy the charms of Iceland's capital and visit one of its many restaurants and bars.
Accommodation
Due to increased demand for travel services in Iceland and low availability, travel companies in Iceland can not guarantee specific accommodations. However, we can always provide you with the best available accommodation at the time of your booking. Below you can see our preferred partners for accommodation. For the first night, they are Hótel Hvolsvöllur and Hótel Eyjafjallajökull. For the second night, they are Hótel Höfn and Hótel Vatnajökull. In the case of these hotels not being an option, an alternative of the same standard will be arranged.
Hótel Hvolsvöllur
Standard bedrooms with private bathroom in 3 star hotel in Hvolsvöllur. Breakfast is included.
Map
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Reviews
English
Kelly Anne
The entire experience was amazing. We couldn’t thank Good John enough for being a phenomenal tour guide, extremely knowledgeable and personable. He is the reason our trip was absolutely perfect. We were fortunate enough to have completed everything on the itinerary and more! His countless stories and knowledge of Iceland made the experience that much more enjoyable, allowing us to get to know Iceland in an intimate way. We were a group of four and he saw to it that anything within his power was done so that we’d each have an unforgettable trip. Our glacier hike with Iggy and Ice Cave tour with Sophie allowed us to interact with even more guides who welcomed us and safely guided us through experiences that could really only happen in the amazing country of Iceland. By the way Iggy, we really liked Chasing Ice, thanks for the recommendation!! I highly recommend this tour for anyone who truly wishes to experience the best of Iceland.
Zahron Mitchell
Guide was very knowledgeable and friendly. Sites were awesome and picture perfect. Two small complaints: - Other members of the tour were not respectful of the time while visiting certain landscapes. This should have been enforced more diligently by our guide - I expected our guide to be with us through the evening and give us better pointers in seeing the Northern Lights. We were left to our own during the evening.
Alice
We had bad weather all the 3 days (rain and fog and very high temperatures for the winter) and of course it's not the fault of the tour guide, but I think that in these case they must adapt and be flexible in order to give clients a good experience. And it was not the case, because the guide take us on the established places even with rain and fog and we couldn't see nothing whereas he could have taken us to other place or doing alternative activities (in Iceland there are a lot of things to do and see) instead of make the classic tour. It was just horrible. The worst thing was when they took us on the glacier, that was melting, and we risked our lives. A man felt down a river on the glacier, knock his head and if the guide didn't help him, he would have been gone into the glacier and die ! We were very very scared, and the guide just told us that was the first time it happened.... Ok, sure, but in this case you must adapt to the weather condition and don't take tourists on the glacier if it's melting ! Moreover, the thing I really didn't appreciate was the last day on the return trip, around 12 am the sun cames out ! We finally saw Iceland landscapes, it was magnificent but the guide didn't want to stop in nice places to let us visit. We just stop few minutes in one place and then he took us in an horrible place to eat where we couldn't see the landscape (I guess in this place the guides have conventions to eat cheaper, that's why he choose that). And then, when we got in the bus to continue the return trip the sun was already down (around 16 o'clock)! We paid 1.300 euros for this horrible adventure! I really recommend the guides to try do adapt because climate change is becoming very impactful and this kind of situation will be happen more frequently. For sure, the next time I'll go to Iceland I'll rent a car !
Marnie Otto
Wonderful 3 day trip with Margaret!!! Some of the most spectacular sites i've ever seen!!! Margaret was very knowledgable, providing us all with detailed information about the sites. Relaxed, physically doable for my 54 yo self and loads of fun!!! I especially loved the glacier hike!! Our guide was terrific, explaining so much about the geologic awesomeness of Iceland!!! One of the best trips of my life. I'll be back!!!!!!!!
Fanny Lam
A very good choice if you are going to Iceland in winter with limited daylight and unpredictable driving condition. With the limited daylight, I felt that our tour guide Loftur had done a great job trying to show us as many as possible, even meaning it was still dark when we arrived to certain spots, but this has nothing to do with the tour arrangment. He briefed us on the Icelandic history, culture and geography, and open to any questions which is much appreciated. I was pleasantly surprised when Loftur stopped over for Icelandic horses. Love them! Loftur also stopped over for hiking, less well-known waterfalls and small towns for toilet breaks from long drive. Personally I think it was very thoughful. I was fortunate enough to see the Northern Lights too - but people should not take it for granted as this is a natural phenomenon and no guranatee is granted. The hotels were nice and comfortable, glacier hiking and ice caves visits were well arranged, i enjoy this tour a lot and definitely would consider the tours from this agency when I visit Iceland again!
Christy Xu
Love this tour but wished I was coming another time of the year. During December day light was short and very limited. However our bus guide Hugler(don't know if I spell right) did a very good job taking care of the while bus despite some crazy weather (crazy wind and rain). We didn't see the aurora during this trip due to heavy cloud. Glacier hiking and the ice cave were the highlight of this tour. Accommodation was comfortable and schedule was reasonable. If you don't want to drive yourself and want a overview of iceland, this is the tour for you. Once again, thanks to our awesome bus guide! Iceland is beautiful and I'd like to come again!
Kai
The 3 days tour was really good. Highly recommend to anyone. Our guide Ingrid(I hope I spelled correctly), she’s patient, knowledgeable and offer great insight of Iceland. With her advise, our tour manage to catch the northern lights! Thank you Ingrid !
Simona L.
The tour was great, we highly recommend it - The tour was well organised and time distributed well. Our guide (I think his name was Gunnor) was really good and gave us interesting insight into the culture and history. He is also a good driver that made us feel safe in the unpredictable Icelandic weather! Unfortunately our visit to the ice caves was cancelled due to the bad weather but we were refunded promptly.
Vicky Man
It was an amazing tour. Our tour guide is so good and helpful. We are absolutely lucky to see the aurora! Also, the beauty of nature in Iceland is very impressive.
Felipe Moscon
Jessie Lam
The trip was good and we were lucky to see the aurora near our hotel at night ! The blue ice cave and glacier are amazing! The trip is well planned !
Sandra Villaseñor
It has been one of the best experiences I have ever encountered. The tour just makes it perfect to really relax and enjoy every place. Our Guide was excellent!! He was the best in explaining all Iceland's wonders and driving us to them. The Hotels are top choice and service is Great. I highly recommend this tour, you will have nothing to worry about while you have the most amazing Iceland experience.
Delnaaz
Our tour with Aurora Hunters was good. Our tour guide Gustav was in time to pick us up, he was also kind enough to take us to see the Icelandic horses. Since our glacier hike got cancelled we had enough time on hand and Gustav gave us the option to either see the wrecked plane or go see the secret lagoon. Gustav also took some great pics of the group. On New Years Eve we were lucky to see fire works in front of us and the Northern lights behind us, truely a magical moment! Just a suggestion, it is better to have a separate driver and a separate guide, as you cannot be talking about he history of the place and focusing on driving. We unfortunately sat at the back and were not able to hear a single thing Gustav was talking about. We requested him to be a bit louder as we would like to know the history behind the place we were visiting however he said it would be too loud for the people sitting in front. Overall, it was a good memorable trip.
Helen Lee
The tour was amazing and our guide Ikun(?) was super nice. The three-day tour was as fruitful as I expected. We enjoyed all the activities including visiting the Golden Circle, glacier hiking, ice caving, etc. And so lucky to see the aurora in Höfn too! One more point was about the hotel for the first night. As the original one we should have was full, the tour arranged another hotel for us but it was even better! It had the sauna and hot tub which were very good. Highly recommend this 3-day tour to others! And also my nice tour guide! :)
Thomas Chan
The 3 day tour is excellent. We are very lucky to see the northern light in the two night during the trip although the weather is cloudy. The weather is changing in every 5 minutes. So there is a time gap with clear sky and we are lucky. We joined the tour in Winter (end of December) where the sun light is just limited. But we were able to see the main attraction during the day time (The highlight is the Glacier walk and exploring the Ice cave) . It really depends on your luck as well for how large the Ice cave is as it is formed differently every year. Our tour guide is also very nice and take care of us well.
Rian Edman
I thought this was a very well organized and beautiful tour of the South Coast. I was considering driving to see all these sight by myself but was glad that I didn't. Our guide (Friðjón) was fantastic, offering insightful commentary the whole journey that provided a lot of background about Icelandic culture and history that I would not have got sitting in a car by myself. The accommodation was fantastic. I don't think that I've ever appreciated a hot tub more than after spending a day being soaked through in Icelandic winter rain. The one gripe I would have is that I think the pickup process could be improved. It was chaotic the first morning with hundreds of tourists trying to figure out which bus they were supposed to be on as numerous buses pulled up to collect people at the city hall.
Glenn Koh
The tour was just amazing. Despite the short day hours of sun we have in the winter, we managed to pack in so many activities and amazing sights through it all. The weather was generally good to us as we explored the different waterfalls, the geysers, and the other main sights. I would say the highlight for me was exploring the ice caves. The journey there was fun as it was out first time on a vehicle that rode on glaciers. The cave itself was extraordinary with the tour guide explaining to us so much while we stare in awe in the beauty of the cave. The glacier hike was also quite a memorable activity. It was raining non-stop while we tracked up the glacier. I think the view and understanding that we were literally walking on ice made it worth it. As a reminder, bring waterproof material of everything you have. For the sights, the black sand beach and the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon took the win for me. Our tour guide made it sure that the moment we reached the area it was sunrise, so all our photos just look so so amazing. And of course, time to give thanks to our amazing tour guide Kobe (Kobenn). He was super funny throughout the entire trip, teaching us so many things about Iceland and the formations and even random facts on our journey. He made sure that we were well taken care of, whether it be grocery shopping along the way, or toilet breaks and even the food. When we were in the hotel, he was constantly checking the sky to see if theres a possibility of the northern lights, and would come and ask if we wanted to go check. When we were on our way back to the main city, he made the effort to check up on one of the waterfalls we missed due to bad weather, and quickly made a stop there when he knew it was lit up in the dark. Seeing that waterfall lit in the darkness was an incredible experience. Even after that, he was still checking the sky to see if he could see the Northern Lights. He told us he has some luck with them, and decided to stop by a viewing point on the way back. Thanks to his dedication, we got to see the lights on the last day of our tour. If anything, this tour has taught us that Iceland really has so much to offer beyond its sights and activities. The Icelandic people; our tour guide and all the people we met along the way also made us love the place. We will definitely come back! Oh yeah, the hotels we stayed were really good too!
Lu Li
David is very nice tour guide, who arrange the trip reasonable in order and didn't miss anyone. We spent 2 nights in the same hotel which is convenient for us to leave our stuff. But I think if we could move to Hofn town, it would be easier for us to see the northern light. We still managed to see Aurora on the second night of the trip. We asked David if he could come back to hotel to drive us towards north-east to find a clear sky. He kindly agreed despite of the long drive next day. As a very experienced guide, he find us a clear sky full of stars and with his camera he predicted Aurora's appearance. We saw the incredible view before 11 p.m. This trip is amazing and unforgettable. Although we seldom saw the sun and it was cloudy and rainy most time, we didn't cancel any items and the scenery was beautiful in its won way. However, I still recommend you come around Nov or Feb when the weather is better.
Elizabeth Goldstein
It was such a great trip! The weather turned out great, despite a rainy forecast, and the sights were unreal. It was nice to have anything taken care of for us, to see some great landmarks and engage in some fun active adventures, and have our hotels and transportation all included in a very reasonable fee. Our guide, Jon Sigfus, was kind, informative, and punctual, and kept us all in order as we went from location to location. 10/10 would recommend.
Tessa Clare
This tour was great but changed a lot due to weather (so not anyone’s fault in particular!). Because of this we did not do the glacier hike or visit hofn - essentially our whole second day was different. This has been recognised by the arora hunters team so thank you for that. Our driver Gustov was friendly and took lots of wonderful photos for us. We sat at the front of the bus so we heard a lot of the history but I know people at the back were not able to hear him well. Also on pick up we were told there was no hold for our suitcase and we had to leave to leave it at the hotel so I would suggest double checking before paying for this option. But over all the blue ice cave was amazing, we had lots of beautiful snow, the beaches and waterfalls were also beautiful. Our accomodation was really nice but wasn’t any of the above options because they were booked out. We were lucky enough to see the northern lights on New Year’s Eve which Gustov took some amazing pictures of. All and all I would definitely recommend this trip to people who are okay with plans changing last minute!
Pang Shuk Ching
Very disappointed as it wasnt the big blue ice cave it shows from Guide to Iceland’s website but was just one of the very small blue ice cave in Vatnatjokull, if i had known it, I would NOT have joined this tour as my main point for this tour was the big blue ice cave which was posted on Guide to Iceland’s website, it was more or less a mislead.
Natalie Gerber
This tour was perfect. Everyone really worked hard to make the experience perfect. Our driver, William, did what he could to get us everywhere on time. Because of his awesome suggestions we were able to rearrange the schedule to better adapt to the shortened daylight of winter. Both Glacier experiences were very special. This was an amazing trip and I highly recommend it to anyone visiting Iceland.
Stefanie Boensch
This tour is what made my holiday the incredible experience that it was. The tour guides are very knowledgeable and entertaining and the sites we visited is exactly what I had expected to see and experience. We were lucky to have been able to view the Northern Lights multiple times and our guide had done all he could to assist with this. The accommodations were also lovely and the staff super friendly. All in all this was the best part of my holiday and it was totally worth every penny! Thank you to my tour guide Tony (I'm sorry I couldn't remember your wonderful Islandic name) - you made this trip that much more amazing!!!!
Lok To Wong
The tour was quite packed but we managed to see most of the main spots in Iceland within three days! We had to wake up quite early in the morning so it was quite tiring as we also went nothern lights hunt at night. However the tour is really worth joining, we especially liked the glacier hiking on the second day it was super impressive! Our tour guide Steffen was really nice and he shared lots of Iceland fun facts to us! Would definitely recommend this tour to others!
Christopher Destajo
We highly recommend this tour! It's the perfect opportunity to see the different sides of Iceland: from the thrilling glacier hiking, picturesque view of mountains covered in snow, to the raging seas to the majestic waterfalls. All the hotels we stayed in were really good and the staff was very accommodating. The time spent in each spot was just right and enough for us to enjoy the place. We also want to give a shout out to our tour guide, Thor. The weather on the 2nd and 3rd day of our trip was not so good so we weren't able to go to the ice caves. However, Thor was able to find some alternative sights and he even gave us a tour around Reykjavik. In the end, we didn't feel shortchanged at all. He also went out of his way to make sure we found our air bnb place and got in safely. It was definitely beyond his call of duty! This tour is such an amazing experience.
Mustafa Kamal
If you are looking for a trip that could pack as much spots as possible while still enjoying the moment in every tourist attraction, this trip is the way to go. For me personally, this trip serve as a "scouting" session for my next true Iceland trip. I am a photographer kind of traveler who are willing to wait very long hours to take perfect shots on every spot. This trip couldn't help with that. On every spot, we were given on average 40 minutes to enjoy the area and take some pictures. That is not enough for me but for regular traveler that should be enough. Another issue is about timing, I suggest not to join this trip during winter time because the daytime is very short. There is not much to see while its dark out there. We were taken on a very early morning to Skogafoss waterfall and we could not see its beauty very well. Apart for that, this is a great trip. The guide will take you around the country quite efficiently, the accomodation was good, the activities was pre-booked with some group discount (something that would probably too expensive if you try to book it yourself)
sam pham
we were a group of five and thoroughly enjoyed the experience despite unfavourable weather. our tour guide Kobe (forgot his icelandic name) was helpful and motivated. he even stopped mid way on the way back so we could capture northern lights on our last day! the downside for me was perhaps the ice cave, which was underwhelming. we only got to see one cave, which was a bit short, due to other caves being filed with water :(
K. Aten
Well worth the money and in my opinion a absolute must if you have the time. The scenery of the South Coast is amazing and the glacier/ice caves were once in a lifetime experiences. Our guide, Carlos, was very knowledge and friendly. He was always looking to maximize our daylight time showing the must see sights, as well as a few extra when time allowed. An important thing to know is that despite the name Aurora Hunters, actual taking you out to search for the lights is not included on the tour and his highly dependent on your guide. We were lucky enough that Carlos cared enough about our experience to take some time to search for lights when the weather and time allowed.
RACHEL Chiu
We joined 3 days 2 nights tour to Golden Circle, South Coast Tour & Northern Lights.... we had a great time in this trip. Our tour guide Indrid (from Aurora Hunters) she is Amazing, Nice, Poliet and explain the history & environment of Iceland very clearly. My friend and I were enjoy it so much . We loved Iceland so much and definately will thru Guide to Iceland to book the tour for sure!
Sandee Jayasekara
We absolutely loved this tour. Rocky was an awesome tour guide and Benni an excellent driver. Rocky was always up for a chat and was very informative, providing us with the legends and tales of Iceland. Rocky's music taste was excellent and the little details like playing songs relevant to every attraction we went to made the tour that much more enjoyable. The tour takes you to all the attractions you want to see in the golden circle and south coast. Our favourite bits were the glacier hike, the ice caves and visiting Diamond Beach and the glacier lagoon. Unfortunately we weren't able to see the Northern lights on the tour, but Rocky stayed up both nights looking for clear sky in order to help us see them. Once we went to bed he also sent us texts to let us know if there were any changes in the sky. Iceland is so beautiful, we will definitely be back!
Alis Li
I enjoyed all the beautiful spots a lot. I think the only factor that could affect the experience would be the weather and the condition of the natural surroundings. We were lucky enough that the glacier was good for hiking and the weather was not too bad for you to enjoy the whole experience. We also got to be able to explore the newly found ice cave with very good clarity of ice without being affected too much by the volcanic mud. We did not have the chance to see aurora due to the cloudy weather. Other than that I would say that the over all experience was amazing. Our guide Finn was very passionate about Iceland and obtained such a lively vibe in a professional manner. He was very knowledgeable and caring, literally you cannot ask for any better tour guide. Icelandic people are friendly and they have very high respect regarding to their job. I was kinda sceptical before going to Iceland trying to find a good tour among so many tour options out there and the negative reviews always scare you a bit. However I have learned that, it is completely the natural factor that might not satisfy people. It is very important to hold your expectation as it is and accept whatever the island offers and just enjoy it. It is part of the beauty of this place that every year the nature brings you different surprise and leave its trail for you to trace back to. Also one of the most important thing about joining a group tour rather than driving by yourself is that you are taught to know how to preserve the nature without destroying it. The unique Icelandic ecosystem is beautiful yet also fragile (for instance if you step on moss it dies immediately but only shows 30 years later). Join the group and interact with your guide! Learn about Iceland from a local and build up your connection to the nature. This will bring so much more worth than what you pay for!
ziqi chen
Really satisfying nice trip!!! My guide Thor is a very considerate and responsible guide and also experienced driver. He is always ready to help us. The tour van is warm and comfortable with available wifi. Every spot is spectacular! The glacier hiking is really interesting and funny and the blu ice cave is big and unique! The black beach and Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon are beyond my expectation, nevertheless my favorite spot is diamond beach which i would like to have longer time than 20 minutes. Furthermore, I am content with the accommodations which are clean and cozy with delicious breakfast! When we went back to Reykjavík, our guide drove us one by one to the nearest stops. It is very hard to say goodbye to my guide Thor and the three-day wonderful tour. Wish i can go back to Iceland once more!
Li Lu
Rebecca Chiou
Overall was great experiences, only weather was not really good, but our guide, Carlos, he was nice and interesting, he tried his best to fully manage well for all schedules, lucky we did participated the Blue Lagoon whatever weather was terrible. He also supported to get back my baggage from airline, much appreciated :)
Samantha Cranford
Wow. That is all I can say about this excursion. It well exceeded our expectations. First of all, our guide, Omer, was phenomenal. He really went above and beyond to ensure we had an amazing experience. Not only did he take us to everything included on the tour, but he also went out of his way to show us some of his favorite spots in Iceland. On the first day, we were unable to see Seljalandsfoss because of the weather, so he made a point to stop on our way home on the last day so we would not miss out. He also did a great job of keeping everyone on time so we could make the most out of the daylight hours. The favorite part of our trip was hiking the ice cave on day 3. This was a truly unique and breathtaking experience I don't think we'll ever forget. Our guides for each activity were extremely knowledgeable and added so much to our overall experience. Although the weather did not permit us to see the Northern Lights, we were not let down by this experience. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone looking to get a first hand experience with Icelandic nature!
Jack Smith
Completely amazing from start to finish! Saw everything I was hoping to see and more. Our tour guide was awesome! We also had a few other guides for the glacier hike and also the ice caves. This place is a photographers dream. I want to do all over again during the summer as I know the landscape will change. The people of Iceland, I felt at home and safe at all times.
Yu Wing Kei
I just ended this tour and it was amazing. Although I came to Iceland under rainy weather, our guide Ragnheidur was so nice and helped us to have a good time in this trip. I am really glad to have her as our guide. It was a pity that due to cloudy weather, we couldn’t see Aurora light at night. But the waterfalls, glacier hiking and ice cave were beautiful and it’s worth to go again if I have chances. The hotels and meals were good after the long bus trip. It is really a great trip for me in Iceland for a few days and I hope I’ll come to Iceland again!
Danny Hernandez
michael perko
I just got home from the 3 day tour( Golden Circle, South Coast glaciers and ice cave exploring ) with Guide to Iceland! It is difficult to put in words how wonderful the experience was. Our guide #Baddi was suburb!! You could really feel his passion for his country and it showed the entire trip without exception. You get every penny worth of this cost! The Waterfalls, Glacier Hiking and Ice cave exploring where the highlights for me! We were not able to catch any Northern lights, but that was certainly no fault of the tour. Baddi definately gave us every opportunity, the weather just did not cooperate at night. The hotel accommodations where very nice and the meals that were provide where very nice. I could see how someone traveling with a tight budget might find the Evening dining at the Hotel restaurants expensive, however that was not our experience and the food and wine were excellant. I would definitely recommend this to anyone visiting Iceland and in fact I have already done that to everyone I know. I will be coming back to Iceland the using Guide to Iceland again very soon!!!
Lily He
Sudhir Pai
We took this 3 day tour in November 2018 as part of the 2 in 1 bundle which included this tour and a one day trip to snaefellsnes national Park. The trip was wonderful , all thanks to our guide Juan. Glacier hike and jokulsarlon glacier lagoon were the highlights of our trip. We were little disappointed with the blue ice cave which was rather too small. But otherwise, this trip was one of the best we ever had. Our guide also took us to dinner at night and also suggested different restaurants and food as per our taste throughout the tour. Definitely, would recommend this to anyone visiting Iceland during winter. Thanks Guide to Iceland , Aurora Hunters, and Juan . Wonderful experience!!
Ailin Ge
Best adventure experience ever! The trip was well organized and we went to all the must go places in 3 days. Our tour guide Daniel is amazing!!! this trip is your best choice.
Miguel Castro
It was great! Iceland is a beautiful country, and with this tour we had the chance to spend yime in different areas of the country. Although we suffered with the weather, our guide Trondt was able to keep the morale up and found activities. Excellent experience!
Sean A
The trip was fantastic and well organized hitting all the high points of the regions we traveled. The details of the trip have been sufficiently described by other travelers who have taken it so I am not going to reiterate what has already been said. The tour provides an optimal sightseeing experience of Iceland in a 3-day period. What made the difference was the tour guide, Harpa who was very insightful and well-informed. She kept her cool and demonstrated her leadership qualities and wisdom when couple of minor unpredictable issues came up. With her charm and easygoing personality, Harpa brought a sense of cohesiveness for the group and made it that much more enjoyable for everyone. She has in-depth knowledge of the history and geography of Iceland and with her quick-witted Icelandic storytelling skills, she provided a fun and educational trip for everyone. I came back from the trip with a wealth of knowledge and fond memories. I highly recommend this tour if you want see the best of Iceland in 3 days. Thank you “Guide to Iceland” and thank you Harpa.
mark chua
This is a must tour when you will visit Iceland in winter. Aurora Hunters through our guide, Ragnheidur, did an excellent job touring us around and keeping us safe throughout the journey. She managed to add on some more stopover which is not included in the itinerary. Kudos to the team of Guide to Iceland. Lets meet again in Summer!
Meng Shiuan Tsai
The 3 day trip is amazing, inclding golden circle, we also having glacier hiking and ice cave adventure. The most interesting of this trip is glacier hiking, if you do enjoy trekking, dont miss this and tell the guide take you as far as you can go. Ice caving is quite easy also kill lots of your films, more than glacier hiking I think. Last thing but not the least, our guide Baddi take us to lots of place had shot film before, sharing pics he took in iceland and also share lots of thoughts about Icelanders. You wont want to spend too much time sleeping on the van if your guide is Baddi, lol.
TomT
Our 3 day golden circle and South Coast tour in November 2018 was brilliant! We saw and experienced everything on the itinerary and more! From volcanic glaciers, geysers and lots of different waterfalls, to black sand and "diamond" beaches as well as a glacial lagoon, there's so much to see in these 3 days! Our guide, Ingunn was fantastic! Having grown up on a farm in the area and worked as a glacier guide, she was really informative, engaging and helpful throughout the tour, and told us lots of interesting and entertaining stories about the area! It was quite an active tour and highlights definitely included the glacier hike and ice caves, where we were provided with helmets, crampons and ice axes for walking on the ice! The hotels were fine, with good breakfast buffets. On the first night we had a lovely dinner at the Eldsto art cafe, just down the road from Hótel Hvolsvöllur. The restaurant at Hotel Hofn on the second night was too small to seat all the tour groups arriving around the same time, so we had to wait a bit for a table, but the pizza was good! We were also lucky enough to see the northern lights after dinner on the second evening! The hotel receptionist even called each room, and Ingunn knocked on all our doors to make sure we didn't miss them! We'd absolutely recommend this tour, and hope you enjoy it as much as we did!
Simon J
We had an excellent experience with Guide to Iceland's tour. Our tour guide (excuse me I do not know how to write his name - it was pronounced Pat-tay) was incredibly knowledgable about all the places he took us to. We got unlucky with unseasonably mild weather which meant rain and fog, but our tour guide was able to adapt the tour to make sure we still saw amazing stuff despite the weather. So we were assured that he had backup plans for every possibility, which is really essential and should re-assure anyone looking to book. The guide was also able to weave in lots of stories from Icelandic/Norse mythology and talk about how such lore was key to Icelander's perceptions of the landscapes we were seeing, which was a really nice touch. We've actually bought a book on Icelandic mythology since we left because we found this side of it so interesting. Can't recommend booking enough.
Dean Fitzgerald
Alex Zelentsov
Amazing 3-day tour with excellent guide. Planning and organization was excellent. The guide provided a lot of useful and interesting information. Would recommend to my friends and colleagues.
Jevgēnijs Kušelis
Had an absolute blast all 3 days thanks to our guide Rocky (as well as Lisa, F1 and our driver whose name escapes me). Enjoyed amazing scenery (including some spots off the official route) in some great company (the group was quite diverse and friendly). Have already recommended this tour to most my friends and colleagues, and definitely recommend this tour (from Aurora Hunters) to anyone coming to Iceland solo.
Kunal Paymaster
This is a fantastic way to explore the southern coast of Iceland if you don't want to drive on your own. The sites covered on the tour, although touristy, are worth visiting. Iceland has much to offer and the landscape is unlike anything we'd ever seen before. The Jokulsarlon glacier and ice cave (day 3 of the tour) are the highlights of the tour and the scenery was simply outstanding. The tour operator - Aurora Hunters- does a good job with all the logistics, including transportation and accommodation. Our tour guide Sikka? was very nice and friendly too providing a ton of information about the sites and Iceland in general, which made the tour more enjoyable. Highly recommend this tour for those who want to explore all that the southern coast of Iceland has to offer but don't wont to drive on their own.
Emily Owens
THE EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME! THANK YOU, ROCKY! This was absolutely amazing. I’ve always been hesitant when it comes to guided tours — I like my independence and I like to be active. This completely erased all of my concerns. There was the perfect mix of activity and relaxation. I read tons of reviews before booking, which is why I’m writing this one. I make many decisions these days based on other reviewers, so I feel it’s my duty to return the favor. The 3-day Golden Circle Guided Tour with Aurora Hunters was led by Rocky (his full name is much longer) and an amazing driver (who I also don’t no his real name). There was about 16 of us total in our group (some solo travelers, one family, and a few couples). It’s fair to say he MADE this trip 10X more amazing than I ever anticipated which was the cherry on top of an amazing Iceland sundae! His sense of humor, enthusiasm, knowledge, energy, and overall priority to make this trip the best it can be for us are just a few reasons why I was so impressed. Among many of the fun things we did, I’m going to touch on two in particular because they were the times we deviated from Rocky and had a different temporary guide (don’t worry, it’s part of the tour — we were forced to leave Rocky for a couple hours on two of the days). On day two, we did a glacier hike led by Lisa who was willing to take us as far we wanted to go until our group could no longer ignore their stomach growls so we decided to return. This was a great workout! I wouldn’t say it was strenuous, but it also isn’t for the sedentary folk. You’re climbing through ice for a couple hours. They give you the equipment you need, but be sure to go in having some food in your stomach and wearing a couple layers. Rest assured, each leader does a great job of syncing with their group to make sure everyone’s on the same page and sticking together. AMAZING TOUR, LISA! Very knowledgeable and experienced. On the last day, we did the ice cave tour which was led by F1 (also not his full name but it’s what he goes by to those who can’t roll & fold their tongue 8x to speak the beautiful Icelandic language). F1 showed us a brand new cave that was just discovered in October 2018. His passion for the glacier/ice was contagious. He works on the caves on his “off” days to create what I would easily say are some of the most breathtaking sites on this planet. THANKS FOR AN INCREDIBLE EXPERIENCE, F1! And once again I must give another shout out to ROCKY and the “BEST” driver we could’ve asked for (I can’t remember his name at the moment). YOU BOTH TRULY GAVE US A TRIP TO REMEMBER and I will gladly be recommending you and this company/tour to every single person I speak to who may come visit some day. THANK YOU!
On Ki Chan
Good. Our guide was very knowledgeable. Although the weather was bad, we still enjoy a wonderful trip.
Tracy Menichiello
This tour was wonderful! We ended up in a small group of 6 which made the trip feel very relaxed. We had time for all of the listed stops plus a few extra. The stops and activities were truly amazing with breathtaking views and once in a lifetime experiences. Our guide Christian was so knowledgeable and friendly. He really made our tour special.
Pam
We had a great trip to Iceland and this tour was the highlight for sure. Our guide Trond was excellent. He provided great commentary on the history and customs of Iceland and went out of his way to try to help us see the Northern Lights. Sadly we had cloudy nights and missed them but still had a great time. We really enjoyed the glacier hikes and ice cave! The accommodations were great and Trond took great care of out group-We highly recommend this tour!
Shiau Ying Ch'ng
Look no further. Just book this tour! It was the most amazing trip ever! Iceland itself is very amazing and our guide and driver, THOR.. knew a lot about the history of Iceland. I love the stories he shared while he is driving us to the destination. For those who have difficulties planning your trip, I would highly recommend you to take this tour as it is very worthy. Both hotels we stayed are top notched with good breakfast. We were very lucky to see Northern Light on the first night although it is not very bright. The lifetime experience on glacier hiking and ice cave is beyond word to describe. Thank you for the amazing tour!
Yolande Haydon
This was outstanding experience led by an extremely knowledgeable and personable guide. We packed us much as possible into our three days, and learned so much about Iceland's geography, geology, history and people along the way. Hiking on the glacier and the tour of the Blue Diamond ice cave were led by experts, ensuring challenges tempered with safety. It could only have been better if we'd seen the Northern Lights, something outside the control of the tour company.
Yuan Gu
Wonderful tour ! Our guide Harpa was very helpful and fun, and lead us even to some hidden jewels which were truly amazing! highly recommend!
Susan Kirk
Excellent tour- we would absolutely choose this group again. Our guide, Christian, was affable, knowledgeable, and fun to tour with. Our group was small (6 plus the driver) which gave it a personalized feel. We had plenty of time so we never felt rushed, but the list of sights we saw was complete. The glacier hike and all of the outdoor sights were a joy. Listened to some great Icelandic music on the road too!
若亞 顏
Overall, it was a fantastic 3 day tour . Although the weather is changeable, our tour guide Heimir rearrange the order of the stops flexibly to make sure we could join both glacier hiking , ice cave and other spots. To be honest, I felt a little disappointed about the glacier hiking due to the time we staying on the glacier. The time was quite short but I thought is was disrpted by the bad weather. The storm came right away when we arrived the parking lot. As for ice cave, we were really lucky to see a quite big and beautiful one . And we had enough time to take pictures in the cave and there were only our group. We finished these two activities on the second day because the weather was awful on the third day. Besides, we were unlucky that it wasn’t the right time to see the dimonds on the beach ,which I eager to see, however; our gide Heimir took us to another place th see the dimonds near the glacier . Dimonds there were really spectacular and was one of my favorite spots in Iceland . To conclude, I felt thankful for the all arrangement of our guide , or we might miss those activities and amazing sceneries if I we went by ourselves . I definitely satisfy this 3 day tour!
Julie Breeze
I really want to take the time to write a proper review for this awesome tour. I just got back home to the USA last night, and am off again tomorrow on a business trip to TX, so this has to be brief right now! It's not difficult to give this tour 5 stars ! Our guide, Olafur Valtyr Rognvaldsson (better and more easily known as OLI) was awesome! He kept us entertained throughout the tour, and was a font of all knowledge relating to Iceland and its heritage. He was also our driver (we did not have both a driver and a guide, Oli did double duty) and we felt very safe with him driving through the snow and rain. I was glad I was not driving in that! Our minibus seated 20, and there were 18 of us on the tour, so it was a little snug in the bus, but not too bad. (The worst part was the couple who kept eating dried fish - the smell of very fishy dried fish in a warm bus was a little nauseating to say the least!) Oli was pretty good at keeping us on schedule, and was very flexible in moving things around so that we were able to see all the major sites in reasonably good weather. We did the Ice Cave Walk on the second day rather than the third day to take advantage of the fact that it was the end of the season and it would be closing on our last day. We also went to a different glacier from the original one on our schedule because the snow was coming down thick and fast on the one we were supposed to climb and it would not have been a pleasant trek. We had an awesome guide for the glacier walk - he made sure we were all safe, and gave us lots of information about the glacier. We also had the opportunity to sample nature's 'champagne' - 700yr old crystal clear ice! Big G (our guide) climbed up a ways to hack out some clean and clear ice for us to try. We were glad of it at that point, as the climb up the glacier left us all hot and sweaty, despite the cool weather! All of the areas we visited were outstanding. The waterfalls, the beaches, the national parks were spectacular and we had plenty of time at each to enjoy the sites. The Geyser was interesting ... I expected something like Old Faithful, but it was a much tamer version! Still fun, though! One of the most fun parts of the trip was when Oli took us to a 'secret' waterfall - we waded through a stream and climbed over rocks to get through an opening and when we entered through the gap in the rocks, there was a fantastic waterfall hidden from the road. Really cool way to end our tour! Oli also took us to see the Icelandic horses, which wasn't technically a part of the tour, but was a testament to his flexibility and him wanting us to have a great experience. He also pointed out a great place to see the Aurora, but unfortunately, we had cloud both nights and so we were not able to view that natural phenomenon. Although we were there at the beginning of April, it was still pretty chilly in the mornings and evenings, and when the wind blew it was bitingly cold! I was pleasantly surprised with the quality of the two hotels we stayed in. Both were very clean, and while the rooms were small, modern and minimalist, they were very comfortable. Be warned, though, that the food in the hotels is VERY expensive! We were a captive audience at the first hotel and dinner was $US44 a person - a small bbq chicken breast, three boiled potatoes and a scoop of boiled vegetables!! Tasty, but extortionately priced for what really could only be described as Diner food. The second hotel, in Hofn, was expensive too, but the food was stellar and much better value than the first hotel. Regardless, both hotels were very nice and food in Iceland is very expensive everywhere. The breakfasts in both hotels were very nice and you could certainly eat a substantial amount to keep you going throughout the day. I would, without a shadow of doubt, recommend this tour if you want to experience Iceland at its best. Our guide, Oli, was excellent and from what I am reading from other reviews, so are all the other guides used by Aurora Hunters. But, of course, we think we got the best one!!! Thanks to Oli (Olafur Valtyr Rognvaldsson - I sure hope I spelled that correctly!) we had a fantastic trip.
Avery Foret
On a 3 day tour, a guide can really make or break your experience and ours (Oddur) was TREMENDOUS!!! Kept us on schedule, allowed sufficient time at each sight, was happy to chat about anything and everything Iceland. If you only have 3 days in Iceland - do this tour! You see so much in a short amount of time and it was the tour of a lifetime.
Nancy Guido
Our 3 day Aurora Hunters tour was fabulous! This was quite the adventure tour and it was more than I could have hoped for. We hiked on a glacier, in an ice cave, behind waterfalls, and more! Went to the back beach, glacier lagoon and diamond beach...each stop was more fabulous than the next. Our guide Christian was a delight. He was filled with history, great information on the sites we were visiting and his knowledge of Iceland was amazing. He was wonderful and I would go another tour with him anytime. The days were planned so you had the right amount of time at each stop. Very well planned. We made it to every planned stop and our guide also threw in a few extra stops along the way. The trip just kept getting better & better. The only reason I did not rate this 5 stars are as follows. There was supposed to be a driver & a guide, we only had one person. He was the driver and full of information but he didn't guide us anywhere except the glacier hike. The hotel we stayed at in Hvolsvollur was not very good. You may want to think about switching but there may not be any other options in this area. Name should be changed as you are not hunting the Aurora. Still a wonderful, fabulous trip and I would travel with you again!
Ringhio Maida
3 Day South Coast Tour - un bellissimo tour! Abbiamo visto una natura spettacolare e soggiornato in hotel davvero ottimi! La nostra guida era molto preparata e gentile ma un po' troppo rigida per i nostri gusti! Esempio: alla laguna glaciale si è fermato nel parcheggio dove usano sempre sostare, ma gli spettacolari iceberg (causa il vento, così ci ha detto) erano da un'altra parte! Bastava fermarsi un pochino prima! Nel programma poi e scritto che lì ti portano sia il pomeriggio che il mattino dopo, per poter vedere quello spettacolo con due luci diverse (e per vedere anche le foche), invece il mattino dopo siamo passati davanti ma senza fermarci! E quindi non abbiamo visto neanche le foche! Essere così vicini ad una delle cose che volevamo così tanto vedere e passare avanti è stata una delusione! Eravamo preparati che il tour avrebbe potuto subire variazioni per via del tempo, ma non è stato il nostro caso, noi abbiamo avuto una gradissima fortuna: tre giorni di sole senza una nuvola! Sicuramente un tour che consiglio, ma dipende molto dall'elasticità della guida o forse anche da come vengono organizzarte le varie tappe. Comunque meglio non scrivere, nella spiegazione dettagliata del tour, cose che poi non si mantengono.
ZHU JIAQI
3天2晚的团真的非常值！基本上每天都有三个左右的景点，冰川徒步和几个瀑布我都很喜欢，特别是第二晚非常幸运得看到了非常强烈的极光！感动到哭！第二晚的住宿也非常好，总之体验很不错！导游兼司机Harpa时间都安排得很妥当，接送很准时，也会给我们很好的建议，讲解也很到位！好评！
Yixian Ma
It was an excellent trip with the guide Harpa. We met so many spectacular views which are so memorable for us.
chihyin wang
真的沒辦法租車再參加這個團吧
Athena
This 3 days 2 nights trip is really fantastic and I had fun in these few days as the places that I have visited were impressive. The tour guide Rocky did a really great job, he made this tour a bit more fun. He explained a lot on each places which gave me more ideas about the attractions. He and the driver made us a certain amount of extra stops which really impressive. Rocky brought us to watch the northern light every single night. But there were no northern light on the first night so he bought us again on the second night. However, the northern light on the second night was weak and we could not see it. But he promised that if the northern light appeared, he would call us. That night, thanks to Rocky's call, we could able to watch the norther light. I definitely recommend people join this tour and it is totally worth it !!!! And lastly, thank for Rocky and the driver provided us a really great tour!!! GRANT REWARD LOL
Liyuan Zhao
三天的时间基本浏览完了冰岛南部的所有景点，行程紧凑，安排的非常合理。导游兼司机David和他的同伴讲解的很好，也很能活跃气氛，一路上都很开心。有点可惜的是没能看见极光，但是瀑布、冰洞、冰川已经让人震撼。
Andrea Piersante
Beautiful adventure, the power of nature Iceland, one evening we also saw the aurora, perfect trip, I hope to return soon,thanks Guide To Iceland
zhangyi
Our guide Hattler (not sure about spelling) is soooo nice. We had a perfect tour with him. Although we forgot something in the hotel where we stayed for the first night, he managed to bring it to us after the tour. So many thanks. And we really love the hotel in Hofn. It was facing the sea and the open sky was covered by aurora and stars! Far beyond expectation, thanks again.
Carolina Sabater
This was a 10.5 trip I will never forget! It has far exceeded our expectations. Iceland is just beautiful and so special during the winter months. We were so lucky to have Sjonni as our guide. He was just perfect! Travelling with a local makes this trip much more interesting than driving by your own. You learn a lot about the country, people, traditions, legends. We drove around 1300 km and there was not one second of boredom. Sjonni prepared a great playlist with iceland music. Thanks to him, we also have seen really amazing northern lights on our first night. Walking on a blue coloured glacier and hiking to the blue Ice Cave makes this trip so special and gives you a feeling of absolute happiness! Iceland was long time on my bucket list and thanks to this tour, it will remain there and wait for a repetition ;-)
Alexis Yohros
Lindsey Schenker
Vala and Bardi made this tour four us! The sights were breathtaking and their knowledge about the areas really put a lot into perspective. Vala and Bardi were very accommodating with guest requests and kept us entertained on the long bus rides with jokes and singing! Our favorite was the glacier hike and the black sand beaches!
Stanley Wang
This 3d2n is a fantastic introduction to the real Iceland. Thanks to Heimir, our wonderful guide, for such an informative tour. Great sense of humour, and super knowledgeable about everything. There was a never a moment where we weren't engaged somehow... honestly learnt heaps and super impressed by all the scenery! The glacier hiking was fantastic (and so were the other sites)... We were super lucky with the weather all the way through, but even then, we had to change to a different cave due to flooding. I guess that's all part of traveling in Iceland. Be open minded and it will all work out!
Sarah M.
We had a wonderful experience! Three days in a beautiful landscape with Agnes, our expert guide! Everthing was very professional and handled excellently when weather conditions did not cooperate. Despite this, we were able to see and do everything we planned, which was so much more than we expected. The acommodations were great and the tour was a great value. We would have missed out on so much of Icelandic culture if we had traveled around alone. I would jump back on the bus in a heartbeat.
Teh Mei Ling
It a great and fantastic trip! This 3d2n tour really worth the money spent! Our tour guide.. Vala and the driver David is a fun and enjoyable person to get along.. loves their jokes and story throughout the tour. What a great companion to have both of them as our guide and driver! More than words can say! A great thumb up for the great 5 star services provided!
Serena Patel
Our tour was amazing! I planned this trip for my husband and I, both our parents, and my little brother, so going on this 3 day tour made everything super easy. The tour guide, Rocky, was extremely nice, funny, and accommodating. He made the long drives enjoyable, educating us about Iceland, answering all our questions, and playing fun music that coordinated with the weather or next stop on the tour. They even made an extra stop so we could pet some Icelandic horses, and made sure we could see all the spots on the tour, when it got too late for us see Glacier Lagoon on the day it was originally scheduled. I really appreciate how they made sure we got to see everything on the itinerary and more! And they took us out to see the northern lights each evening, even though nature did not work in our favor. Thanks Rocky for being such an awesome tour guide! Everyone in my family loved the tour and we've been recommending this tour to all our family and friends interested in going to Iceland. We hope to return to such a beautiful country again in the future!
lina
It was a really fantastic trip, guide is so nice, always recommend very good things to us. You will amaze by a such tour.
Samuel Ellis
Our tour was fantastic! We were really debating whether or not to book a tour or just rent a car and do everything ourselves, but the tour was completely worth it. On one hand, the weather is quite unpredictable in Iceland, so having an experienced driver removed a great deal of stress from our vacation. Rain, fog, wind, snow and ice were elements that never caused us an ounce of concern because our driver handled it all with ease. Our tour guide also helped provide context to all of the waterfalls, glaciers and other sites that we visited! We learned a lot about Iceland's culture, history, and values which made everything we saw significantly more impactful. We also got to stop at some random places that we NEVER would have thought to find along the way; like an dairy farm that made their own AMAZING ice cream and had baby calves that we got to pet. The two hotels we stayed at were great, but the second in Hofn really stood out as an amazing hotel with great rooms, food and views of the mountains and harbor.
Andrew Boxall
Wen
Jonathan G. organized a 6D5N tour for us which included this 3 Day South Coast Tour. He did a fantastic job organising everything for us, and always replied my questions promptly. He made the whole process of planning a holiday in Iceland so seamless and fuss-free. We were lucky enough to meet him in person at the Guide to Iceland office in Reykjavik, and he was just as nice and helpful in person! He patiently went through our itinerary with us and cleared up all our questions. I strongly recommend booking a tour through Guide to Iceland, especially for winter trips - leave it to the professionals! — My family and I did the 3 Day South Coast Tour with Rocky as our guide, and Halli as our driver. Rocky made the long drives entertaining with his dry humour and commentary, and the songs on his playlist were always spot on! Halli was a great driver and ensured we had a smooth and safe journey the entire trip. I really recommend joining this small group tour, especially in the winter, due to the adverse weather conditions that most people may not be familiar with. Our tour included 17 people on a minibus which was comfortable enough for a 3D2N tour. Our hotels were comfortable and we were lucky to have a group who was always on time, so we were able to spend ample time at each spot. Of course it would've been better to spend even more time at each destination, but considering how we were squeezing all this into a 3 day trip, I think it was great! Fanda was our guide for the ice caves, and he was also an excellent guide. His enthusiasm and happiness was infectious, and he was just a joy to be around. The ice cave was not as spectacular as I had imagined it to be, but the ice caves change all the time depending on the time and weather, so perhaps we weren’t too lucky in that respect. At least we saw some deep blue glacier ice which was really dreamy. Thank you Jonathan G, Rocky, Halli and Fanda for taking care of us and showing us how beautiful Iceland is!
Jeremy
Overall it was a very enjoyable tour. I agree that the first day (Golden Circle) included a lot of waterfalls and was otherwise not very active. The second and third day on the south coast were great in terms of activity level and variation of activities. I personally felt the bus was quite comfortable - reclining would be nice, but there are stops programmed quite often so that you'll get up and move frequently. The bus did have some AV problems making it hard to hear the driver/guide from the back - the bluetooth system didn't work for the back speakers. Also, while they strove to have a wifi hotspot, it ultimately didn't work. Overall I think these are small problems that, frankly, shouldn't make or break anyone's trip. The tour is designed to have some flexibility to adapt to the weather, which was a nice touch given the notoriously unpredictable weather. I would like to see some more active elements to this tour (or perhaps a separate tour that focuses on being more active?). There was no visible aurora where we stayed. I agree with another reviewer in that, while you can't blame the company for the aurora availability, naming the tour group "aurora hunters" sorta implies that we're going to saddle up and go driving to a place that's clear enough to see it (if it's active). As it stands, this tour is not designed to do any active driving to see aurora; if it's where you are at the hotel, you'll see it. If not, too bad. There are separate tours from Reykjavik that leave in the evening that are "active pursuit."
Yuan Tang
Overall good tour. Day 1, felt a bit wasted, we saw many many falls, that's it. Day 2 was more exciting, we saw the black beach with cool shaped cliffs, and did blue glacier hiking. Day 3, was supposed to see blue ice cave but did not see because it was flooded, so we ended up glacier hiking again, on this glacier hiking, the lady guide was very good and funny. We also saw the diamond beach, which was very beautiful. Then it was a long drive back to Reykjavek. A few things: 1) driver/guide's English has a strong accent, hard to understand him without listening very carefully; 2) 14 people bus (we got one more person on day 3, so 15 passengers, plus the driver, and his wife, the seats are very uncomfortable, I'm relatively small, but the seat was still felt very small to me, cannot have it inclined because the person behind me would have his knees stuck. Drives were long, which was understandable, but I wish the seats were more comfortable. 3) Didn't see the northern lights or blue ice cave, which obviously was not the tour's fault. When asked if driver/guide would take us to see the northern lights, he said no. I was like, your tour is called "Aurora Hunter" and we are not hunting for northern lights? In all, Iceland is a cool place, the hotel rooms were clean, tour was well organized, food was expensive but pretty good. Thank you Aurora Hunter.
Sha
My husband and I had a great time during our tour with Aurora Hunters! Our guide did a really great job on working around the weather and we got to do everything that was scheduled but just in different order. We even got to do extra stops that weren’t on the itinerary. We were fortunate enough to see the Auroras during our hotel stay in Selfoss. All the hotels they put you in have aurora wake up calls and all you have to do is look out the window or go outside and you’ll see it! We love Iceland! Thank you for everything!
Daniel Dykes
We loved our tour! Our guide, Þröstur, was very friendly and knowledgeable, and the glacier guides for the hike and the ice cave were also excellent. Everything was well-organized and on time, and they even dropped us off right at our hotel at the end! A big rain storm prevented us from going into the ice caves, but we still had a nice excursion to Vatnajökull anyway. Þröstur was very proactive about planning around the storm and keeping us informed, so that we were well prepared for the late start on the day of the storm. Great tour and good value!
Melanie
Our Feb 15-17 tour with Havar was amazing; and as is Icelandic weather in winter - we had a taste of everything! Snow, hail, rain, wind, snow while sun was shining, clouds, sunshine (even a reminder to use sunscreen, which we hadn't thought to bring!), etc. We were there during Chinese New Year, so the company was running ~8 tours instead of the usual 1-3 - but everything went well. (Even in the hotel that specifically reopened mid-winter to accommodate all the masses!) Our weather turned out to be amazingly cooperative - on several occasions, we arrived in cloudy gloom - only to have the sun pop out 15 mins later! Jokulsarlon's turquoise iceberg looked completely different, as did Reynisdrangar looming figures in the sea and Gullfoss falls. Had an amazing experience of watching streaks of the Northern Lights fade in and out from the hot tub of our first hotel. All our worst weather seemed to happen as we were driving, but Havar was safe and knew exactly how to handle it. We were SO glad that we decided against renting a car, and went instead with this group!!
Sean
We went on the 3 day tour on the 20th Feb and overall I was very glad we booked this tour. We were up against it with the weather as a storm rolled in mid trip but our tour guide Rocky was able to improvise so we extended the plan for day 1 to see both Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls. We went in search of Northern Lights that evening but unfortunately no luck. Day 2 was effected by the storm but rather than doing nothing Rocky arranged us to go to a Lava exhibition nearby which was good. The afternoon glacier hike was probably the highlight of the tour and really quite unique. Unfortunately the storm from the day before meant the ice caving was cancelled due to water levels which was a shame but we still went for a hike on the glacier around the “entrance” which was a good alternative and not a wasted day. This is a trip you could do yourself in a self drive but I would recommend doing a tour instead for 2 reasons. 1, the conditions were not good (snowy, icy, windy) so why drive and arrive stressed out? Our driver was great (sorry I can’t remember his name) and we arrived safely and in good time. 2, you actually learn more by having a tour guide as you drive and Rocky was great. He had lots of stories, jokes and a great music playlist! It definitely made it more fun. The ability to improvise the schedule was also really good and I felt like he really wanted us to get as much out of the three days as possible. His parting comment was to look for the lights in front of our hotel last night as he thought the streetlights were dim enough and there they were a couple of hours later! Probably wouldn’t have bothered looking there if he hadn’t said, thanks!
Parna
Harp was an amazing guide and made the 3-day tour every bit enjoyable. We loved all the beautiful places and were fortunate to catch the Northern lights on the 2 night! The tour was organized to work around inclement weather at times, including making a pit stop at a museum to avoid a storm during the glacier walk. Thank you for such an amazing experience!
Caitlyn Plaskett
We were fortunate to have the most amazing driver and guide. I can’t imagine how anyone else could’ve made it better! We loved the personal touch of all the amazing stories and information we learned along the way. We had mostly great weather, but did have to adapt due to some intense snow. Our guide and driver came up with a way to try to get us to almost all of our anticipated stops safely so that we could still enjoy everything. I will say that the ice caves were not as spectacular as we had built them up to be in our heads, but everything else was as beautiful as expected. The glacier hike was a little tougher than we anticipated, but the reward of the views were well worth it! The hotel accommodations were wonderful as well. I would recommend this company for anyone who is considering it. This was the highlight of our trip and we are so glad we did this. Thank you SO much for everything! Our minds were blown.
Syngil Steven Yang
Our 3 day tour was amazing! Our guide, Harpa, was fantastic, and she regaled us with amusing stories and anecdotes about Iceland throughout the trip - and played an eclectic selection of music appropriate for every destination. The road conditions and high winds were atrocious, so I was very glad to leave the driving to our exceptionally capable helmsman, Seany (sp. ?). In spite of a few itinerary changes due to weather conditions and delays, we were able to see all the sites. Our favorites were Gullfoss, Diamond Beach, and the glacier walk (which was the highlight). We were fortunate enough to see the Northern Lights while in Hofn on our daughter's birthday - an incredible gift. We generally prefer not to take organized group tours when vacationing, but this tour allowed us to cover a lot of ground in a short period of time without the hassles of organizing every detail. - SSY
Laurie Nathan
What a phenomenal journey we had. I don't have enough superlatives to describe this tour and this country. From the moment of pickup until we were dropped off, everything was perfect. Oli was the best--a capable driver was the least of his amazing-ness. As we were leaving the Golden Circle to head east, the weather was awful. One road was closed; the next had an accident. Oli found the way, kept us safe and kept us informed of everything. His knowledge of and pride in his country was evident. My daughter and I had been to Iceland in 2007 and we couldn't believe the changes since then. Iceland is definitely a top tourist location now. We started with the Golden Circle. The national park was gorgeous...gorgeous views, fun to hike the little we hiked. Then onto Gullfoss in winter. Climbing the hill toward the falls was painful as the wind blew shards of sleet/ice into us. I could have done without Geysir; it was not as great as I'd remembered but hey, it was still cool. The trip east was beyond my wildest hopes and expectations. We climbed glaciers twice; we saw two ice caves; we tasted glacial ice. We visited black sand beaches; the Diamond Beach was so cool. We learned about local myths. We learned about the people who settled Iceland. We learned about geology and how alive Iceland remains today. Would I do this tour again? In a New York minute! I am already talking about my next trip to Iceland--this time in the summer. Our only disappointment? The constantly overcast sky didn't allow us to view the Aurora Borealis. I guess I need to plan two more trips--another in the winter to go with the one in midsummer.
Syngil Steven Yang
Claire McCarthy
Great tour! The weather in Iceland in February is so unpredictable so we are very glad that we were not personally driving. You see so much on this tour! Huge shoutout to Heri for driving us to all the destinations safely. Not an easy task! The pick up took a lot longer than expected so it was a bit frustrating to be told to be ready at 8:00 am but not be picked up until 9:30. But overall we were very happy, as we saw all the attractions on the south coast. The Diamond Beach was simply stunning and we are so lucky to have seen it with basically no other tourists on it. Our guide Vala was great at keeping us informed and on schedule, dealing with all the weather had to offer!
Katerina Izotova
We took a 3 day South coast Northern lights, Jokulsarlon Ice Cave, Golden Circle and Glacier Hiking tour on 17th of February 2018. It was amazing! Our tour guide, Rocky (Rognvaldur) and our driver Halli did everything to get all our attraction points at the nice weather. The weather in winter is unpredictable, so they did everything to see both Skogafoss and Seljalandfoss on the first day of trip with a beautiful sundown. We cached a rainbow there! On the end of the first day, Rocky asked us if we want to hunt a Northern Lights. It was not included in the trip, but he had a connection with a local guide and the sky , so we saw it and did an amazing pictures! Next day we had a wonderful hiking trip on Solheimajokull glacier. We been there early, so we had a glacier for our own. Rocky was very patient when he taught us how to put all our equipment . My husband has a drone with him, so we need some extra time there - to set it up and fly. It was just a little bit windy, but we able to do it! Ice Cave was interested, but we had a very cloudy weather, so we didn't have a lot of colors, but it was a nice experience. Put a check mark in my to do list I don't know if it was a trick, but our group got the best weather in every destination points! We started a last day at Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, it was cloudy and sadness, but when we moved to Diamond beach 15 minutes later, we've got a sun! Later, we stopped in Vik and had a time to walk to the beach ( it was not on the itinerary), after that we stopped at Black sand beach, and got a sun again! We ended up in Raykjavik at 6pm. When we stopped at one small souvenir shop and talked with the owner, he said that we been one of the few people who saw a Northern lights this week. Thanks a lot to Guide to Iceland and Rocky and Halli especially! We will be back on the summer to see a rest of Iceland!
Andrew Ayvazov
Magda
The tour was great! We have seen so many beautiful places, even more than it was said at the website. Our guide Gustaf told us many interesting stories. I'm very satisfied that I could took part in this trip
tarun gupta
Our guide Ole was amazing. He told us a lot of history about every place we visited. This tour included everything we wanted to see in Iceland without the hassle of driving myself in snowy conditions..highly recommend this tour to everyone looking to tour south coast of Iceland
Benoit Le Bihan
This 3 days tour was a mind-blowing journey full of awesome discoveries. Every guide during the attractions were very helpful as well as the bus driver. The timing of the visit was perfect. Don't hesitate and book your tour! You won't regret it.
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