South coast and glacier tour in Iceland

For some time already my dream was to walk on a glacier. It became a reality in Iceland with Reykjavik Sightseeing and Icelandic Mountain Guides. I was invited to take their South coast and glacier tour. So let’s start from the very beginning. We started our trip from Reykjavik. In order to reach our incredible destinations we made our way through farming lands and passed small villages. The views of pastures with beautiful Icelandic horses were just spectacular. 

The first stop was the rugged Sólheimajökull Glacier located some 160 kilometres and a bit more than 2 hours driving distance from Reykjavik. Sólheimajökull is an outlet glacier that flows from the main almost 1500 metres high Mýrdalsjökull glacier where the Katla Volcano rests. Walking on the glacier wearing special crampons on my shoes and exploring the amazing glacier myself was a very special experience. Read more about walking on the glacier here.

The next destination was the stunning Skógarfoss waterfall. Up close, I felt the water spray on my face. A local legend has it that there is treasure buried in a cave behind the 60 m high Skógarfoss waterfall so if you find it, return to the driver (joking). There is also an opportunity to climb 527 steps up the hill to see the majestic 60 meter high waterfall from above and witness the water plummet down on its way to the Atlantic Ocean.

We made a stop on our way back to have a look at probably the most famous volcano of Iceland, Eyjafjallajökull. It disrupted air travel in Europe for some weeks in 2010. I was very lucky to fly back home from Barcelona to Riga just a day before the total European air traffic closure. Actually, Eyjafjallajökull is not a very active volcano. Before 2010 it last erupted in 1823 and may have erupted four or five times in the past 2000 years.

Last but not least, we visited Seljalandsfoss waterfall that is one of Iceland’s most famous attractions. To get a different perspective you can take a walk from behind and look through the wall of water. Seljalandsfoss waterfall drops 60 metres and is part of the Seljalands river that has the origin in the nearby volcano glacier Eyjafjallajokull.

What did I like about this Reykjavik Sightseeing tour?

Reykjavik Sightseeing is the leading operator of guided day tours in Reykjavik city and the southwest of Iceland. It operates a new fleet of coaches where each seat is equipped with a touchscreen tablet complete with a unique “In Bus Audio guide” giving information in 1 of 10 languages of your choice according to the GPS determined location.

You may also choose a Classic south coast tour by Reykjavik Sightseeing. Then instead of the glacier walk, you will visit famous Reynisfjara black sand beach edged in by dramatic cliffs of hexagonal columns, and out of the ocean raise the 66-metre high Reynisdrangar rock pillars, resembling trolls that have been turned into rocks by sunlight. If you like this trip and have more time, check this 4 days in Iceland itinerary!  Certainly, you know that no trip to Iceland is complete without visiting Blue Lagoon! Make sure you know what to wear in Iceland.

Want to learn more? Check the things you should know about visiting Iceland in November!   

What do you think? Share your impressions in the comments section!
Note: I was invited by Reykjavik Sightseeing tours and  Icelandic Mountain Guides but all opinions are my own.

Author: Anita Sāne

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