Reykjavík: 2-Day Tour with Icebergs, Glaciers & Waterfalls

A Reykjavík 2-day tour with icebergs, glaciers, and waterfalls lets you see some of Iceland’s most stunning natural wonders in a short time. You will travel along the south coast to visit famous spots like Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, two of Iceland’s most impressive waterfalls. Along the way, you can also see black sand beaches and get up close to massive glaciers and floating icebergs.

This tour often includes an optional boat ride at the glacier lagoon and a visit to the Solheimajokull Glacier, adding more adventure to your trip. With hotel pickup and comfortable transportation from Reykjavík, you get a convenient way to explore Iceland’s unique landscape without planning every detail yourself.

Itinerary Overview

This 2-day tour out of Reykjavík takes you to Iceland’s south coast, where you’ll see famous waterfalls, black sand beaches, glaciers, and floating icebergs. You will visit natural landmarks, enjoy scenic drives, and have opportunities to explore or take photos at many unique sites.

Day 1: South Coast Highlights

Your journey begins by heading east from Reykjavík along the south coast. The day’s first stops focus on waterfalls, starting with Seljalandsfoss, where you can walk behind the curtain of water. Next, you’ll visit Skógafoss, a powerful waterfall with a wide cascade and striking mist.

In between the main waterfalls, you may also explore Glufrabui, a smaller and less crowded waterfall hidden in a cliff. The black sand Reynisfjara Beach is visited for its dramatic basalt columns, sea stacks, and striking ocean views.

Throughout the day, you’ll pass by green fields, lava landscapes, and distant mountains, making the drive itself part of the experience.

Day 2: Glaciers and Icebergs

On day two, you travel even further east to reach the Vatnajökull region. The main highlight is Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where large blue and white icebergs float quietly in a lake fed by Breiðamerkurjökull glacier.

You may also visit Diamond Beach, where pieces of iceberg from the lagoon wash up on the black sand shore, creating a dramatic contrast. Several tours offer a chance to take a short glacier hike or optional boat ride among the icebergs for a closer look. The route back to Reykjavík takes you past Fjaðrárgljúfur, a beautiful river canyon that’s worth a brief stop for photos.

Tour Inclusions

Your tour package typically covers transportation from Reykjavík for both days, ensuring you don’t need to drive or navigate. Hotel or guesthouse accommodation for one night is included, often with breakfast provided in the morning.

Most tours include a professional English-speaking guide, entrance to all major sites, and loan of safety equipment for outdoor activities, such as crampons or helmets, if required.

Meals other than breakfast are usually not included, so you should plan to bring lunches or prepare to buy meals at local stops along the way. Special excursions, like glacier hikes or boat rides at Jökulsárlón, may be offered as optional add-ons and can require an extra fee.

Exploring Glaciers and Icebergs

This part of your tour features some of Iceland’s most unique landscapes. You’ll see ancient blue ice, massive glaciers, and the beauty of icebergs floating on turquoise waters.

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

At Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, you’ll watch large chunks of ice break off the Vatnajökull glacier and drift toward the sea. The lagoon’s deep blue water shows reflections of twisting icebergs, some streaked with volcanic ash from past eruptions.

Both large and small icebergs move slowly across the surface. Seals are sometimes seen swimming among the floating ice. The lagoon connects directly to the Atlantic Ocean, allowing tides to carry smaller ice chunks out to sea.

Glacier Hike Experience

You’ll join a guided glacier hike, usually at a spot like Skaftafell in Vatnajökull National Park. After getting safety instructions, you put on gear such as ice axes, helmets, and crampons.

The guides will show you how to walk safely on the glacier’s rough and slippery surface. You can spot crevasses, deep blue moulins (glacial holes), and other icy features as you hike. The view from the glacier includes mountain peaks and wide, snowy valleys.

This activity helps you better understand how glaciers shape the land. It is important to listen to the guides, as they help you move safely and explain glacier science in simple terms.

Floating Icebergs and Ice Caves

You may have a chance to get up close to floating icebergs on a boat tour at Jökulsárlón. The sight of blue and white icebergs from different angles gives you a deep look at how glaciers change over time.

When conditions allow, exploring a natural ice cave is a highlight. These caves, formed in Vatnajökull glacier, glow with shades of bright blue as sunlight passes through thick ice walls. The ice caves are always changing, so each year they look different.

Inside, the guides point out interesting features like smooth walls, frozen arches, and crystal-clear ice. The air is much colder here, so wearing warm layers is important.

Diamond Beach Visit

Diamond Beach, right beside Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, is where pieces of glacier ice wash up on the black volcanic sand. These ice chunks sparkle in the sunlight, looking like jewels scattered across the shore.

The contrast between the deep black sand and the clear or blue-colored ice makes for striking photos. You will see many shapes and sizes, as some pieces are big enough to sit on, while others are small and delicate.

This beach is easy to reach and safe to walk on, but you should avoid climbing on wet or sharp ice. It’s a perfect place to watch the waves crash against glacier fragments as they finish their journey from the Vatnajökull glacier.

Waterfalls and South Coast Attractions

Iceland’s south coast is filled with natural wonders, where you can visit famous waterfalls, dramatic coastlines, and striking black sand beaches. You get the chance to see diverse landscapes, from lava fields and volcanoes to glacier views and wildlife habitats.

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

Seljalandsfoss is one of the most iconic waterfalls in South Iceland. The waterfall drops around 60 meters (197 feet) from ancient sea cliffs. You can walk behind the curtain of water thanks to a sturdy path, which allows for unique photos and a fresh perspective.

To the side of Seljalandsfoss, you can also find the hidden Gljúfrabúi waterfall for a quieter experience. The whole area is surrounded by green fields and volcanic landscapes created by eruptions over centuries.

Skógafoss Waterfall

Skógafoss waterfall is another major highlight on the south coast. It has a wide drop of 25 meters and falls about 60 meters down, making it powerful and loud. On sunny days, you might see a rainbow form in the mist.

There is a staircase with about 500 steps leading to the top, providing a viewpoint over the falls and the surrounding lava fields. From the top, you can see the start of trails heading towards the highlands, including the famous Fimmvörðuháls hiking route between glaciers Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull.

At the bottom, you can walk close to the wall of water. The force of the falls and the green, mossy cliffs around it make Skógafoss a top spot for photos and nature lovers. Keep an eye out for birds nesting in the cliffs.

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

Reynisfjara is known for its unique black sand made from volcanic lava. The beach is located near the village of Vík and faces the open Atlantic Ocean. You’ll see impressive basalt columns and the striking sea stacks called Reynisdrangar rising from the waves.

Strong waves and shifting tides make swimming unsafe, so visitors should keep a safe distance from the waterline. This site is famous for wildlife like puffins nesting on the cliffs during spring and summer.

Across the beach, you can spot the Dyrhólaey peninsula, another great viewpoint for both the volcano-shaped coastline and seals sometimes seen along the shore. The area’s otherworldly landscape is shaped by nearby volcanoes and glacial outwash, giving it a memorable, dramatic look.

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Essential Travel Information

This tour covers a full two days, starting in Reykjavík and exploring Iceland’s southern coast. You’ll need to be ready for varying weather, outdoor activities, and basic accommodation conditions.

Departure from Reykjavík

Your journey begins in Reykjavík, with pickup usually arranged at select hotels or designated bus stops in the city center. Departure times are often early, around 8:00 AM, so plan to arrive at your pickup location 10–15 minutes before the scheduled time.

You will return to Reykjavík on the evening of the second day. Traffic, weather, and sightseeing can sometimes delay return times, so avoid booking flights on the evening of your return.

Safety Equipment and Guidelines

You will visit glaciers and explore rugged landscapes that can be icy, windy, and cold, even in summer. Tour providers almost always supply main safety equipment, such as helmets, crampons, and ice axes, especially for glacier walks.

If you have specific medical concerns, inform your tour operator before departure. Cell service can be spotty on the south coast, so let someone know your plans and stick with your group throughout the tour.

Meals and Facilities

Meals are not always included in the tour price—check your booking details carefully. Tours typically stop at cafes, gas stations, or small restaurants along the route, where you can buy lunch and snacks. Dinner and breakfast might be provided at your accommodation or nearby.

Bring a water bottle, as you can refill it at most stops; Icelandic tap water is safe to drink. Restroom facilities are available at major stops and lunch locations, but may be basic and have small fees in remote areas. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meal options are usually available, but let your tour provider know in advance to be sure.

Frequently Asked Questions

This 2-day tour from Reykjavík lets you see glaciers, waterfalls, and icebergs up close. You will have expert guides and safety equipment for the journey.

What are the main attractions included in the 2-day tour from Reykjavík covering icebergs, glaciers, and waterfalls?

You will visit Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, two of the most famous waterfalls on the south coast. There is also a stop at Gljúfrabúi, a more hidden waterfall nearby.

The tour often includes a trip to a glacier, usually in Vatnajökull National Park, and a chance to see icebergs at the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.

Are meals and accommodations included in the 2-day Reykjavík icebergs, glaciers, and waterfalls tour?

Meal stops are included in the schedule, but meals themselves may not always be provided in the base price. It is best to check with your tour operator if breakfast, lunch, or dinner is covered.

Accommodation for one night is usually arranged by the tour company and included in the tour price.

What should participants bring or prepare for the Reykjavík 2-day icebergs, glaciers, and waterfalls expedition?

You should bring warm, waterproof clothing and sturdy hiking boots. Gloves, hats, and layers are important, as the weather can change quickly.

Bring a small backpack for personal items, snacks, a water bottle, and your camera.

How physically demanding is the Reykjavík 2-day tour involving icebergs, glaciers, and waterfalls?

Most of the tour is suitable for people with a normal level of fitness. There may be some light hiking to reach waterfalls or ice caves.

The glacier walk may involve uneven ground and colder conditions, but guides are there to support participants.

What are the safety measures and guidelines followed during the glacier activities on the tour?

Qualified guides lead all glacier and ice cave trips. You will be given necessary safety equipment like helmets, crampons, and harnesses for glacier walks.

Guides share safety instructions and watch for any changes in the weather or conditions to keep you safe.

Can the 2-day tour with icebergs, glaciers, and waterfalls from Reykjavík be customized for private groups?

Some providers offer private tour options for families or groups. Customization may include your preferred pace, attractions, or additional stops.

Contact the tour company directly to discuss private or custom tour requests.