South Coast Adventure and Northern Lights

About

Two is always better than one. Start the day by exploring South Iceland's stunning natural landscapes, rich history, and unique geological features and finish it off by gazing at the northern lights. A trip of dreams. 

South Coast's greatest hits

• Get close and personal with Seljalandsfoss waterfall, an iconic spot on the south coast, walk behind the water for a unique 360-degree view
• Explore Skógafoss waterfall, famed (among other things!) for its starring role in Game of Thrones
• Discover Gljúfrabúi waterfall, a hidden gem nestled among the cliffs, waiting to be explored
• Walk along the world-famous Reynisfjara black sand beach
• Take in the view of Sólheimajökull glacier, a glacier tongue sticking out of Mýrdalsjökull glacier
• Spend the day soaking breathtaking scenery featuring some of Iceland’s most famous active volcanoes
• During summer time, there's a real good chance to see puffins at Reynisfjara and Dyrhólaey

Here's what you'll see and do

Your tour will start with pick-up directly from your accommodation in Reykjavík. After pick-up we’re heading directly south along the shore. During the first part of the drive, we’ll pass Hellisheiðavirkjun, the geothermal power plant responsible for fulfilling the capital’s energy needs. During ideal weather conditions, you’ll be able to see the ice cap of Mýrdalsjökull glacier and the Westman Islands on the horizon.

Our first stop is Skógafoss Waterfall. It is one of the most iconic waterfalls in the country and was even featured in Game of Thrones. His 60m (196 ft) drop will keep you speechless for sure. Your guide will tell you all about the hidden treasure chest behind the waterfall and with some luck, you will be the first one to find it.

Now it's time to hit the road again. After a short ride, we stop at Reynisfjara black sand beach. The beach was once rated as one of the 10 most beautiful places in the world and as soon as you put a foot on the beach, you will know why. Basalt columns and the well-known Reynisdrangar rock formations await you. Not to mention the magnificent ocean waves you can watch there. Your guide will tell you all the interesting stories and sagas that are connected to this place.

We’ll make our way further East and visit Vík í Mýrdal, a picturesque fishing village. You’ll have some time to walk around there and admire this village that sits in the shadow of Mýrdalsjökull glacier.

Heading back in the direction of Reykjavik, our last stop will be the ever-popular Seljalandsfoss waterfall. The waterfall lays underneath the well-known Eyfjallajökull, the volcano that erupted in 2010. 

If conditions allow, we take a walk behind the waterfall’s curtain before paying a visit to its nearby cousin Gljúfrabúi, found hidden from view in the mountainside. Gljúfrabúi (or Canyon Dweller) is a beautiful waterfall located at Hamragarðar in South Iceland, close to its better-known counterpart, Seljalandsfoss waterfall. It is one of the hidden gems of the South Coast, and thus an excellent spot for photographers and those seeking to admire nature in peace.

Next stop: Northern lights 

Our expert guides read the weather forecast to pinpoint the best spots for the Northern Lights spectacle. Decision time is 6pm, and if the stars are aligned, we'll pick you up at an agreed time for an out-of-town adventure.

While you wait

Once your guide locks in the perfect spot, it's time for the northern lights – get your cameras ready! As you soak in the sights of the aurora, the experience you've travelled to Iceland for, we'll treat you to traditional pastries and Brennivín, our favorite local liquor. (Ask your guide why it's also known as Black Death). Plus, we'll keep you warm during the hunt with cozy blankets and yummy hot chocolate.

Your guide will tell you about the science behind the northern lights and keep you entertained with folk stories and old beliefs connected to them.

Our guide was absolutely amazing and his enthusiasm to share the lights with us was such a delight to see as his passion was lovely to see. He managed to give me the opportunity to propose under a star surrounded by the green glow of the lights, what more could we have asked for! - 5-star review on Tripadvisor

If the northern lights don't show up

Even with our top-notch guides, northern lights sightings cannot be guaranteed. Not to worry, though! If the lights decide to play hide-and-seek and we don't see them during the tour, we'll invite you to a Small Group Northern Lights Tour on another day — no refunds in this case, but loads of cosmic fun. Just shoot us an email ASAP (info@holidaytours.is) to reschedule (subject to availability).

In case we can’t operate the tour at all during your stay in Iceland, we will fully refund you the tour price. And you'll have to come back!

Return to Reykjavik full of life-long memories, and why not choose another tour with us, such as the Private Golden Circle Tour?

Choose the South Coast Adventure and Northern Lights tour if you

• Want the convenience of doing two activities in one day with the same company
• Enjoy flexibility of a small group tour
• Want to educate yourself about the geology, history, and culture of Iceland
• Have seeing the northern lights on a your bucket list

Book now