Ice turns into art on Sólheimajökull. This 10.5-hour tour from Reykjavík mixes a real glacier walk with classic South Coast waterfalls, plus a drive that passes under the famous Eyjafjallajökull area. You’ll go to Sólheimajökull, an outlet glacier from Mýrdalsjökull, and spend time on ice where ridges, ice sculptures, and deep crevasses are the main event.

What I especially like is the hands-on glacier instruction and the chance to see how fast ice changes in a place that’s already in retreat. On the way back, the stops at Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss give you two very different waterfall moods, so the day doesn’t feel like one long freeze-and-stare session.

One drawback to plan for: it’s a long day outdoors, and the glacier part runs only when conditions allow. If you’re not comfortable with cold weather and steady walking on uneven ground, you may find it tiring.

Key things that make this tour worth your time

• A 1.5–2 hour guided glacier walk on Sólheimajökull with ice formations, ridges, and crevasses as your classroom
• Basic glacier gear and safety coaching included, plus equipment to help you move securely on the ice
• Waterfall pairing that actually works: walk-behind energy at Seljalandsfoss, then a taller, iconic view at Skógafoss
• You pass under the Eyjafjallajökull volcano area, tying today’s scenery to Iceland’s recent eruption story
• Small-group feel in practice (one group described about 10 people), which helps with pacing and photo stops

Sólheimajökull glacier walking: what you’re really doing for 1.5–2 hours

This trip is built around one main activity: stepping onto the Sólheimajökull glacier tongue and walking with a guide. The time on ice is typically 1.5 to 2 hours, and it’s long enough to feel like you’re more than just “a quick photo stop.” You’re moving across an active ice field where the surface can look smooth from far away, then reveal ridges, sculpted shapes, and sudden depth up close.

You’ll also hear the practical lesson behind the spectacle: how glaciers behave and why these giants are disappearing. The guide isn’t just narrating from a distance. You get coached on using the basic glacier equipment and on safe ways to walk. In past groups, guides like Bart, Gary, and Tinna were singled out for being both competent and hands-on, including helping people with positioning and photos.

One important note: this is glacier hiking, not technical climbing. Ice climbing is not included, so you’re not expected to do rope work or vertical moves. That’s good news if you want glacier access without the more advanced skill set.

The drive from Reykjavík: time on the road, time to read the country

A big chunk of the day is travel. It’s about a 2-hour drive from Reykjavík to reach the Sólheimajökull area. During the ride, you’ll pass beneath the region of Eyjafjallajökull, the volcano that caused major trouble in 2010. Even if you’ve heard that story before, seeing the surroundings as you head south helps it land in your brain.

As you continue east of that volcano, you get closer to where Sólheimajökull sits. This outlet glacier comes from Mýrdalsjökull, Iceland’s fourth-largest glacier. You don’t just visit an attraction here; you’re transported into the real geography of Iceland’s ice system.

Practical takeaway: treat this as a “full-day weather and timing” activity. In winter, sunset steals your photo light early, so how you use your time matters.

Safety on ice: gear, crevasses, and how the guide keeps you moving

The tour includes ice hiking gear and safety equipment, and you’ll be taught the basics of how to use it. You should expect cold hands-on instruction: how the gear helps with grip, how to step, and what to do when the surface changes.

This matters because Sólheimajökull includes deep crevasses. You won’t be thrown into danger, but the guide may show you one using the proper safety setup. In one praised moment, a guide let a group peek at a crevasse using correct equipment, which is the kind of controlled realism that turns fear into understanding.

Also pay attention to fitness. One review described the hiking intensity as in the middle-to-challenging range, and another noted that if you normally don’t hike, your legs can feel it. The glacier walking is still walking, not strolling. Wear boots you trust and pace yourself.

If you’re worried about safety, this is a good sign: the tour is structured around trained mountain guidance and equipment, not guesswork.

Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss: two waterfalls, two different ways to experience them

After the glacier hike, the tour returns toward Reykjavík with two waterfall stops that are both famous for different reasons.

Seljalandsfoss: walk behind the curtain of water

Seljalandsfoss is part of the Seljandsá river, which has its origins in Eyjafjallajökull glacier. The stand-out feature is simple and unforgettable: you can walk behind the waterfall.

That’s not optional if you want the full experience. Bring rain protection. Even if the forecast looks decent, waterfall spray can soak you fast. If you want the behind-the-water feeling, pack a raincoat or waterproof layer and expect your clothes to take a hit.

Skógafoss: iconic height with movie-history swagger

Next comes Skógafoss, another major Icelandic waterfall. It’s also the starting point of the Fimmvörðuháls walking route toward Þórsmörk, so it attracts hikers who want a longer trek.

Skógafoss has also appeared in films like Thor: The Dark World and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, which makes it feel oddly familiar when you arrive. The practical value here is that it’s a high-impact view even if weather chops up your plans elsewhere. You get drama without needing special skills.

What the 10.5 hours feels like in real life

At 10.5 hours, this tour is a commitment. You’re not doing a short “hit one thing” excursion. You’re stacking experiences: transport time, glacier training and walking, then two waterfall stops.

Here’s the rhythm I’d expect you to mentally plan for:

• Start at the BSI Bus Terminal in Reykjavík and you’ll want to arrive early enough to check in. (The meeting point is the main departure spot, so punctuality pays.)
• Travel down and out to the glacier area.
• Focus on the glacier walk with the guide and use the included gear.
• Return by bus with the two waterfall stops.

A small timing tip for winter: daylight gets tight. One group suggestion was that an earlier start could buy extra time at the falls when conditions are darker. You can’t control the schedule, but you can control one thing: be ready at the terminal on time so you don’t lose minutes to avoidable delays.

Price and value: is $213 fair for a glacier hike day?

At $213 per person, this isn’t a budget activity. But it also isn’t just scenery-on-a-bus. You’re paying for:

• A long day of transport out of Reykjavík
• A guided glacier walk (1.5–2 hours) on Sólheimajökull
• Ice hiking gear and safety equipment
• Live English-speaking guide support

Glacier-guided time is the expensive part anywhere, because safety, training, and equipment are built in. The two waterfall stops then add strong value because they’re iconic, close together on the way back, and they don’t require extra tour fees.

So, is it worth it? If you’re set on doing a real glacier walk during your Iceland trip, this price feels reasonable. If you mainly want photos and don’t care about stepping onto ice, you might choose something shorter. But for the right traveler, $213 buys you the main event rather than a drive-by.

Who this tour suits best (and who should think twice)

This is a strong match if you:

• Want a guided glacier experience with real safety instruction
• Are okay with a cold-weather day and steady walking for a couple of hours
• Like your Iceland days a little more active than just viewpoints

It may be a poor fit if:

• You dislike hiking on uneven, icy surfaces even with gear
• You’re traveling with kids who don’t meet the age limit
• You expect a relaxed, minimal-effort day

Also: children aged 9 and younger are not permitted. And ice climbing is not included, so if that’s your goal, you’ll need a different type of glacier activity.

What to pack so the day doesn’t feel miserable

The tour is weather-dependent on the glacier, so you need layers that still work when conditions shift. At minimum, plan around:

• Warm clothing
• Rain gear or a waterproof coat
• Hiking boots with good grip

For waterfall comfort, I’d treat waterproof gear as mandatory rather than optional. Seljalandsfoss spray is real if you walk behind it.

If you tend to run cold, bring extra layers for your upper body. The glacier time can be brief enough to be manageable, but the combination of wind and cold makes “I’ll be fine” a risky plan.

Getting the most out of the glacier walk (without overthinking it)

You don’t need special glacier expertise before you go. You do need a willingness to listen and follow guidance. During the walk, focus on:

• Keeping a steady pace instead of sprinting for photos
• Taking the guide’s instructions on foot placement seriously
• Using your equipment correctly (and asking if anything feels off)

One reason glacier tours can feel intimidating is that people imagine danger. A good guide flips that. In past groups, guides were praised for letting people safely get closer to features like crevasses and for helping with photos and questions. That’s the vibe you want: curious, controlled, and practical.

Should you book this Reykjavík to South Coast glacier day trip?

Book it if you want the classic South Coast hits plus the one activity most people only dream about: stepping onto Sólheimajökull with trained guidance. The value comes from the glacier instruction and safety gear, not just from the views.

Skip it if you want something gentle, if you’re likely to struggle with cold and steady hiking, or if your trip window is so tight that a weather-related change would ruin your schedule.

If you do book, do two things before you go: wear boots you trust, and pack waterproof gear for Seljalandsfoss. Those two choices alone can turn a cold, wet day into one of your favorite stories from Iceland.

FAQ

How long is the glacier hiking part?

The guided glacier hike runs about 1.5 to 2 hours.

What exactly is included with the tour?

You get ice hiking gear and safety equipment, plus a live English-speaking guide for the glacier walk.

Is ice climbing included?

No. Ice climbing is not included on this tour.

Where do I meet the group in Reykjavík?

You meet at the BSI Bus Terminal, and you should arrive 15 minutes early.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

What should I bring?

Bring warm clothing, rain gear, and hiking boots.

Is the tour guaranteed to run every day?

Operation depends on weather conditions on the glacier, so the tour may change based on conditions.

Can children join?

Children aged 9 years and younger are not permitted.

What language is the guide?

The live tour guide provides English.