Absorb the South Coast Extended.
| Private Tour |
Experience the ultimate exploration of the South Coast with an extended private tour featuring additional stops and breathtaking sights
Highlights.
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Seljalandsfoss is a stunning waterfall that stands 62 meters (203 feet) tall. The waterfall is a part of the Seljalandsá river and is fed by spring water originating from the moor Hamragarðaheiði. Many people believe that Seljalandsfoss is fed by melting water from the glacier-capped Eyjafjallajökull, a volcano that famously erupted in 2010 and affected air traffic throughout Europe. However, the water in Seljalandsfoss is bright and clean due to its spring water source.
The waterfall cascades into a beautiful meadow, making it look like a curtain over a tall cliff that once marked a coastline by the ocean before eruptions extended the land. A walking path behind the waterfall allows visitors to see a unique angle of the waterfall and its surroundings. This trail continues from behind the waterfall and around it.
Seljalandsfoss is among the most photographed waterfalls in Iceland, and for a good reason. It was featured in Justin Bieber's music video "I'll Show You" and was the first leg of the sixth season of the American series "The Amazing Race."
If you plan on walking behind Seljalandsfoss, wear shoes with a good grip, as the path can be slippery. Also, wear waterproof clothing due to the spraying from the waterfall.
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Gljúfrabúi is a hidden gem located near the magnificent Seljalandsfoss waterfall in Iceland. As you enter the enchanting canyon of the Gljúfursá river, you will be greeted by the awe-inspiring sight of Gljúfrabúi. This stunning waterfall stands at 40 meters (131 feet), making it one of the tallest waterfalls in Iceland. The canyon is a true marvel of nature, with its walls adorned in lush moss, creating a vibrant and colorful backdrop for this captivating natural wonder. The combination of the roaring Gljúfursá river and picturesque surroundings makes Gljúfrabúi a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Visiting Gljúfrabúi is about witnessing its beauty from a distance and immersing yourself fully in the experience. Be prepared to get wet as you venture into the canyon and get up close to the majestic waterfall. The sound of the cascading water and the spray that fills the air will awaken your senses and leave you in awe of the power and grandeur of nature.
To make the most of your visit, it is recommended to wear waterproof shoes and clothing, as you will be walking through streams and getting close to the waterfall. The feeling of the cool water on your skin and the misty air surrounding you will make for a truly unforgettable experience. Don't forget to bring your camera to capture the beauty of Gljúfrabúi and create lasting memories of your time in Iceland.
Gljúfrabúi is not just a place to visit but also a place to connect with nature and appreciate the wonders of the world. It serves as a reminder of the beauty and power in our natural surroundings and is a testament to Iceland's incredible landscapes. So, when you find yourself in Iceland, be sure to include Gljúfrabúi in your itinerary and prepare to be amazed by its mesmerizing beauty.
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Skógafoss is a stunning waterfall in Iceland, situated in the tiny village of Skógar, with a population of around 25. It drops 60 m (197 ft) off a cliff that has been eroded over time. The waterfall is 25 m (82 ft) wide and can grow up to 30 m (98 ft) wide after heavy rainfall. Skógafoss is located on the Skógá river, which flows from under Eyjafjallajökull, a glacier-capped volcano that last erupted in 2010. Skógafoss became grey from all the ash blowing into the Skógá river during that eruption.
On sunny days, you can see a rainbow forming, and sometimes even a double rainbow, due to the significant amount of spray produced by the waterfall. The area underneath the waterfall is flat, making walking right up to it easy, but be aware that you may get wet from the spraying. If you're feeling adventurous, you can climb a 527-step staircase to an observation platform above the waterfall, offering a fantastic coastline view.
The cliff on which Skógafoss cascades marks the former coastline of the south coast. This magnificent waterfall has been featured in various popular culture: the music videos Fjara by Sólstafir in 2012 and I'll Show You by Justin Bieber in 2015, the 2013 films Thor: The Dark World and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, and the TV series Vikings (season 5) and Game of Thrones (season 8).
The folk museum has a noteworthy golden handle that is said to be from a chest filled with gold, owned by the settler Þrasi Þórolfsson, who hid the chest behind Skógafoss before his death around AD 900. Many attempts were made to retrieve it until a rope was fixed to the handle to pull the chest out one day, but the handle broke off, leaving the gold-filled chest lost forever. That handle served as a door handle on the Skógakirkja church until 1890.
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Nestled in the breathtaking gorge of Kvernugil, near the Skógafoss waterfall, the Kvernufoss waterfall is a hidden gem that will take your breath away. This stunning waterfall uniquely blends two of Iceland's most famous waterfalls - Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi, making it a must-visit attraction for anyone who loves nature. With a towering height of 30 meters (98 feet), Kvernufoss is a majestic sight often overlooked by tourists.
One of the most fascinating things about Kvernufoss is that it is situated inside a canyon covered in lush green moss, creating a stunning natural wonderland that is truly captivating. The moss-covered walls of the canyon are a sight to behold, and the way they contrast with the crystal-clear water of the waterfall is simply breathtaking.
But that's not all - behind the waterfall is a cave that allows visitors to walk behind the cascading water, providing an unforgettable experience you won't find anywhere else. Walking behind the waterfall is an adventure that is both exhilarating and awe-inspiring. The sound of the water crashing down, the mist in the air, and the feeling of being surrounded by nature is a memory that will stay with you forever.
Overall, Kvernufoss is a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered by anyone who loves nature, adventure, and stunning scenery. Whether you're an avid hiker or just looking for a unique experience, this majestic waterfall is worth a visit.
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The Sólheimajökull outlet glacier is situated in the southwestern part of the Mýrdalsjökull ice cap, stretching for 11 km (6.8 mi) in length. This glacier is easily accessible; a 15-minute walk leads to a viewpoint towards its edge. The ice is bluish-white and covered in black ash bands from the nearby volcanic eruptions. Most of the ash comes from the Hekla volcano, which stands at an elevation of 1,491 m (4,892 ft), and the Katla volcano, which is the most active volcano in Iceland and lies beneath Mýrdalsjökull. Katla usually erupts twice every century, so it is expected to erupt soon.
Over the past 100 years, Sólheimajökull has been retreating and advancing, and since 1930, its snout's location has been measured yearly. The measurements and aerial photos depict the glacier's rapid melting caused by global warming. In 2011, a lagoon began forming in front of Sólheimajökull, which has grown in diameter and depth due to the glacier retreating as much as 50 m (164 ft) per year. Studies reveal that within the next 100-200 years, all glaciers in Iceland will become extinct.
Sólheimajökull is the most popular outlet glacier for glacier hiking, offering a spectacular view of the vast black sand desert, Sólheimasandur. It was formed in a glacier outburst flood from the Katla volcano system lying underneath Mýrdalsjökull. The desert also houses the wreckage of a DC-3 plane from the US Navy, which ran out of fuel and landed there in 1973. All aboard survived the landing; the wreckage was left there, making it a popular attraction. However, it is forbidden to drive to the wreckage, and it's strongly advised against trying to walk to it since people can get lost or, even worse, lose their lives, as some have.
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Dyrhólaey is a promontory in Iceland that used to be the southernmost point until the Kötlutangi spit formed during the 1918 eruption of the Katla volcano. It is 120 m (390 ft) high and was formerly an island that originated from an underwater eruption over 100,000 years ago. The promontory features a gigantic black archway of lava that has eroded over centuries, forming a hole big enough for boats to pass through, hence the name Dyrhólaey (e. Door Hill Island). The archway stands in front of the promontory, similar to the famous Surtsey eruption in 1963, southwest of the Westman Islands.
Dyrhólaey is divided into two sides: the western and higher side, called Háey, is made of tuff, while the lower and eastern side, called Lágey, is mainly made of basalt. The southern end of Dyrhólaey forms a 100 m (328 ft) high narrow strip with vertical cliffs facing out to sea on either side.
On top of Dyrhólaey is the square concrete Dyrhólaeyjarviti lighthouse, designed by the renowned Icelandic architect Guðjón Samúelsson and built in 1927. The lighthouse has a red-painted lantern tower that shines a bright light and has the most powerful lens of all lighthouses in Iceland. The view from Dyrhólaey over to the Reynisfjara black sand beach is quite spectacular, and on clear days, the view extends even further.
Dyrhólaey is an important nesting site for seabirds, and from May to September, puffin colonies reside on its cliffs. Since it is a nature reserve, access to Dyrhólaey is sometimes limited from the beginning of May until late June during the daytime to protect the birds during nesting season.
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The Reynisfjara black sand beach is a popular destination in southern Iceland. It has black sand and basalt-columned walls that create a spectacular attraction. In 2021, it was rated the 6th best beach in the world by Big 7 Travel on their annual list of The 50 Best Beaches In The World. However, it can be hazardous due to the mighty ocean waves and rockfalls from the cliffs caused by coastal erosion. Tragically, fatal accidents have happened there throughout the years. Climbing up onto the basalt columns for a photo may be tempting, but it is not recommended as people have been surprised by sudden "sneaker waves" that can snatch them and pull them out to sea. The backwash is powerful due to the steepness of the beach, and the waves can appear calm but are almost unbroken when they reach the shore. It is essential to keep a safe distance from the waves and admire the forces of nature from afar.
Reynisdrangar is a collection of basalt sea pinnacles that rise out of the sea by Reynisfjara. According to an old tale, they were created when two trolls tried to drag a three-masted ship to land at night. When daylight broke, they and the ship became stacks of pinnacles standing in the sea. Reynisdrangar is the same geological formation as the 340 m (1,115 ft) high mountain Reynisfjall, made of volcanic tuff from an eruption under a glacier in the penultimate Ice Age. The mountain has irregular layers of tuff, pillow lava, veins, and loops of columnar basalt. On the beach, you can see the beautiful formations of basalt columns, and it is the nesting site of puffins and other seabirds. Climbing up to them is not recommended as it may disturb them. The basalt columns are also the inspiration for Hallgrímskirkja church, Þjóðleikhúsið (The National Theatre of Iceland), and Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Center. In the southern part of Reynisfjara is Hálsanefshellir, a magnificent basalt cave. It is important to note that it should only be explored during low tide to avoid being pulled out by the waves, and rocks can fall unexpectedly.
Reynisfjara is a well-known location and has appeared in several movies and series, notably the Icelandic Netflix series Katla, the 7th season of Game of Thrones, the 2013 film Star Trek: Into Darkness, and the 2014 film Noah.
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Vík í Mýrdal is a village located on the southernmost tip of Iceland. It has a population of about 750 people and is the only seaside village without a harbor. Instead of a harbor, the villagers use fishing boats with wheels to move their catch to a small fish factory. The village is relatively young and was founded in 1833 when two farmers began importing goods from England to sell to nearby inhabitants. A company was later founded in 1916 to transport goods between England and Vík using the ship Skaftfellingur.
In 2010, the village was affected by volcanic ash during the eruption of Eyjafjallajökull. Additionally, black sand from the nearby beach, Víkurfjara, is sometimes blown across the village during stormy weather. However, visiting the beach during summer lets you see various seabirds such as fulmars, gulls, guillemots, and puffins nesting. You may also spot seals by the beach.
Vík is located near the Mýrdalsjökull glacier cap, where the dormant volcano Katla lies underneath. The volcano hasn't erupted since 1918, so an eruption is expected soon. If it erupts, it could melt enough glacial ice to trigger a flash flood that could destroy the whole village of Vík. Due to this possibility, the villagers periodically practice drills where they rush to the church Víkurkirkja high up on a hill. This church is believed to be the only building that can withstand such a flood.
The village of Vík and its church, Víkurkirkja, are the primary settings of the Icelandic Netflix series Katla. The series follows a group of people in Vík struggling in the aftermath of Katla's eruption.
Information.
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Parking fees
Pickup & drop-off within the Reykjavik Capital Area
Private transport in an air-conditioned vehicle
Knowledgeable & experienced English-speaking driver-guide
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Food & drinks (your private driver-guide can recommend stops for lunch and refreshments during the tour)
Entry or admission fees
Tip or gratuity
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Please respect nature - do not throw out trash or walk on any moss.
For environmental responsibility purposes, you do not need to print out your e-ticket.
Your private driver-guide can always recommend different restaurants in the area and make stops on the way so you can purchase food/snacks/drinks, but you are also welcome to bring a packed lunch.
The total duration of this tour is dependent on the time spent at each stop.
Road conditions or adverse weather could make some stops inaccessible during winter, so the itinerary may need to be altered if necessary.
Dress according to the weather by wearing warm and wind-/waterproof clothing in layers and bring gloves and a hat.
Wear suitable footwear, preferably waterproof with a good grip, in case of slippery conditions due to ice, rain, or gravel paths.
We may occasionally need to alter the tour itinerary due to unpredictable weather and road conditions in Iceland, especially during winter. The weather in Iceland can be quite unpredictable.
Description.
The weather can be unpredictable in Iceland, so during winter, you may expect us to occasionally alter the tour itinerary if weather/road conditions are unfavorable.
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the captivating landscapes of the South Coast of Iceland with our exclusive private tour. This extended adventure allows you to discover hidden gems and iconic landmarks that make this region a must-visit destination.
Our expedition begins at the majestic Seljalandsfoss waterfall, a true marvel of nature. Witness the cascading water gracefully plunging from a towering cliff and be awed. But the adventure doesn't end there! We'll also explore the enchanting Gljúfrabúi waterfall in a hidden canyon. Step into a magical world surrounded by mist and the soothing sound of falling water.
Next, we venture to the renowned Skógafoss waterfall, an imposing cascade that never fails to impress. Feel the mist on your face and the ground shaking beneath your feet as you approach. Take a moment to absorb this natural wonder's sheer power and beauty.
Continuing our expedition, we visit the lesser-known but equally captivating Kvernufoss waterfall. This hidden gem rewards those who seek solitude and tranquility. Stand before this picturesque waterfall, surrounded by lush greenery, and feel a sense of serenity wash over you.
Prepare to be amazed as we journey to the Sólheimajökull glacier valley. Witness the awe-inspiring beauty of a glacier up close. Marvel at the glistening ice formations and learn about the fascinating geological history of this icy wonderland. Your knowledgeable guide will provide insights into the effects of climate change on these magnificent glaciers, leaving you with a deeper appreciation for our fragile environment.
As we continue our exploration, we reach the iconic Dyrhólaey promontory. This dramatic cliff formation offers breathtaking panoramic views of the rugged coastline and the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean. Keep your eyes peeled for the graceful flight of seabirds and the playful antics of puffins, which call this place home during summer.
No journey along the South Coast would be complete without a visit to the Reynisfjara black sand beach. Step onto the dark volcanic sands and let the crashing waves serenade your senses. Marvel at the towering basalt columns that rise from the shoreline, creating a surreal and otherworldly atmosphere. But exercise caution, as the waves here can be powerful and unpredictable.
We wrap up our journey in the picturesque village of Vík, nestled in the breathtaking landscapes of the South Coast. Vík offers a harmonious combination of natural splendor and the quaint charm of a small town. One of the highlights in Vík is the enchanting Víkurkirkja, a charming church on top of a hill that attracts visitors with its timeless architecture and stunning surroundings. It's a beloved spot for capturing the beauty of the area.
With our private tour, you'll have the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the wonders of the South Coast of Iceland. Let our experienced guides lead you on an unforgettable journey, where each stop unveils a new layer of natural beauty and leaves you with memories that will last a lifetime.
Select Your Date.
Or contact us here for a tailored experience. Every tour takes you to the highlights of its area - yet there are so many other spectacular locations to explore on the way.
FULL REFUND IF CANCELLED UP TO 48 HOURS PRIOR TO YOUR DEPARTURE