Reykjavík to glacier ice in one day sounds like a fantasy. This tour pairs a guided walk on Sólheimajökull glacier with classic south-coast stops, including the famous chance to see and hear big water up close. You start with views out toward Eyjafjallajökull and then trade roads for crampons and icy ridges.

What I really like is the way it’s built around doing glacier walking safely. You get ice hiking gear and safety equipment, and the guides teach the basics so you know how to walk and what to watch for on uneven ice. Second, the payoff back on land is strong: you hit Seljalandsfoss (including the option to walk behind it) and Skógafoss, which also shows up in films like Thor: The Dark World and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.

One drawback to plan for: this is weather-dependent on the glacier. If conditions shift, the glacier portion is still the heart of the day, so you’ll want to dress for cold rain and be ready for a physical hike, not a casual stroll. Also, children aged 9 and younger aren’t permitted, and ice climbing isn’t part of the program.

Key Highlights You’ll Care About

• A real glacier walk (not a photo stop): 1.5 to 2 hours on Sólheimajökull with safety guidance.
• Gear is included: crampon-style ice hiking gear plus safety equipment, so you’re not piecing it together.
• Guides focus on safety and understanding: you’ll get taught how glacier equipment works and how to move on ice.
• Two waterfall hits on the way back: Seljalandsfoss plus Skógafoss, with time to actually enjoy both.
• South-coast context from the bus ride: you pass under the Eyjafjallajökull area and learn why this glacier matters.

A Day That Feels Like Ice First, Water Second

This is a classic Iceland pairing: ice time in the morning or early part of the day, then waterfalls as your wind-down. That order matters. On glacier days, your body and mind are busy with the basics—foot placement, balance, pacing—so you’ll appreciate that the day finishes with easier walking on land.

On the glacier, you’re not just seeing ice. You’re walking across an ice field with the kind of shapes people only see in close-up—ice ridges, cold shadows, and deep-looking crevasses. The guides are there to help you use the basic glacier equipment and keep everyone on the right trail.

Then the waterfalls hit. Seljalandsfoss is famous because you can walk behind it, which turns a normal viewpoint into a sensory experience. Skógafoss is more “big waterfall in your face,” and it’s also the starting point of the Fimmvörðuháls walk toward Þórsmörk—useful context if you’re planning longer hikes later in your trip.

From Reykjavík to Sólheimajökull: The Eyjafjallajökull Route

The day starts with a drive from Reykjavík that’s long enough to set the tone. It’s about a 2-hour ride to the glacier area, and along the way you pass right under the region connected to Eyjafjallajökull, the volcano that caused major disruptions in spring 2010.

Just east of that volcano lies Sólheimajökull, an outlet glacier from Mýrdalsjökull. That connection matters because it explains what you’re walking on. Instead of treating the glacier like a single object, you’ll understand it as part of a larger ice system—one that changes over time.

If you’re the type who likes meaning behind the scenes, you’ll probably enjoy the guide-led explanations during the bus ride as well as on the glacier. It turns the travel time into more than just transit.

Practical note: this is a long day overall (10.5 hours). So even if the bus portion is straightforward, you’ll want to plan your energy like it’s an all-day hike. Snacks and water help, and warm layers are non-negotiable.

The Glacier Walk: What 1.5–2 Hours on Ice Really Requires

Your main event is the glacier walking tour of Sólheimajökull. Expect 1.5 to 2 hours on the glacier itself, depending on conditions. This isn’t ice climbing, so you won’t be asked to do technical climbing moves. But it still isn’t a sidewalk stroll.

You’ll move across ice with ridges and features that can be uneven underfoot. That’s why glacier equipment is included and why the guide teaches how to use it. Basic gear use is part of the experience, and it’s also the difference between feeling confident and feeling like you’re guessing.

In past groups, guides have shown the fun side too—helping with photos, pointing out ice details, and even using proper safety setup to let people peek at deep crevasses from a controlled position. That’s the kind of “safe access” you’re hoping for on a glacier day.

What to wear and bring for the glacier portion

You’re told to bring warm clothing, rain gear, and hiking boots, and I agree with that fully. Glacier weather can be windier and wetter than you expect, especially if clouds move in. Dress like you might end up getting splashed, even if the forecast looks calm.

A practical layering mindset helps:

• Warm base layer (not cotton if you can avoid it)
• Insulating mid-layer
• Waterproof shell
• Gloves you can actually move in
• Boots with good traction

If you’re new to hiking in traction gear, don’t worry—this tour is designed to teach the basics with experienced mountain guides.

Seljalandsfoss: Walking Behind a Waterfall (Yes, You’ll Get Wet)

After the glacier, the tour slows down in a good way: you stop at Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss. Seljalandsfoss is the one that turns heads because you can walk behind the waterfall. That’s not just for the view—it changes the whole experience from “watching from afar” to “being inside the sound.”

The catch is simple: you’ll get wet. The recommendation is to bring a raincoat or waterproof coat if you want to walk behind it. If you skip that, you’ll still enjoy the waterfall from the front, but you’ll lose the behind-the-waterfall experience that makes Seljalandsfoss special.

Timing also matters here. In winter especially, daylight is short and the angle of light can shift quickly. If you’re going at a darker season time, you’ll appreciate any extra minutes the day can give you to explore both falls comfortably and still have some light.

Skógafoss and the Fimmvörðuháls Route: Big Water With Hike Context

Next up is Skógafoss. It’s another well-known Iceland waterfall, and it gets extra points because it’s connected to an actual hiking route: it’s the starting point for the Fimmvörðuháls walk toward Þórsmörk.

That matters if you’re the type who likes to plan future days. Even if you’re not doing that full hike now, seeing Skógafoss from the base gives you real geography. You can look at the waterfall and understand it as part of a larger trail network, not just a single stop.

Skógafoss has also been used in films like Thor: The Dark World and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. If you recognize it from screen moments, that recognition can make the stop feel extra real.

The tour gives you time to enjoy it, not just pass through. But since this is a shared-day schedule with glacier timing and weather, you’ll want to keep your pace flexible and accept that timing on Iceland days can shift.

What’s Included (and the Stuff You Must Handle Yourself)

This tour includes the heart of what you need for glacier walking:

• A guided glacier hike of about 1.5 to 2 hours
• Ice hiking gear and safety equipment

Those inclusions matter because glacier gear isn’t just comfort—it’s safety. It also saves you from the hassle (and potential expense) of renting everything separately.

What’s not included:

• Hotel pickup
• Food and drinks

So you’ll want to plan your meals like an all-day adventure. Bring water and snacks if you’re the kind who likes control over timing. On Iceland tours, the day moves fast and it’s easy to end up hungry in the middle of the day.

Where you meet also matters for smoothness. The main departure point for Reykjavík day tours is the BSI Bus Terminal, and you should be ready there 15 minutes prior to departure. If you’re late, you’ll miss the start, and you don’t want that stress added to an already long day.

Price and Value: Why $213 Can Make Sense Here

At about $213 per person for a 10.5-hour day, the price isn’t just for “a bus ride to a glacier.” You’re paying for guided glacier work plus the equipment and safety setup that makes glacier walking feasible for normal visitors.

You also get multiple major south-coast landmarks in one go: glacier time plus two waterfall stops. That bundling is a big part of the value. Iceland is spread out, and this is a way to do meaningful distance without having to drive yourself in conditions that can change quickly.

Is it expensive? It is. But it can also feel fair if you judge it by what’s included:

• expert guidance where mistakes are costly
• safety equipment you can’t replicate with casual hiking gear
• time at Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, both of which reward real patience and walking

If you already know you’ll do multiple south-coast sights, the day can be a good consolidation. If you’re looking for a relaxed, low-activity day, it may feel pricey because it’s still physically active on ice.

Who This Glacier + Waterfall Day Fits Best

This tour suits you if you want Iceland’s extremes in one shot: ice features you have to see up close and waterfalls you can feel. It also fits well if you like learning as you go, since guides explain glacier behavior and walking technique, not just how to pose for photos.

You’ll likely enjoy it most if:

• You’re comfortable with moderate hiking effort (especially on uneven terrain)
• You can handle cold and wet conditions with proper layers
• You want a guided experience with equipment and safety support
• You don’t mind a long day schedule

It might not be your best match if:

• You’re looking for a gentle walk only
• You have mobility limitations that make traction-foot travel difficult
• You’re traveling with children under 9 (not permitted)

Should You Book This From Reykjavík?

I’d book this tour if you want a structured, guided glacier day without needing to manage gear, safety, or timing yourself. The combination of Sólheimajökull glacier walking plus Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss makes the day feel like a complete south-coast story, not a single “tick-box” photo stop.

Skip it (or consider another option) if weather uncertainty would make you stressed. Glacier operations depend on conditions on the ice, and your enjoyment depends on showing up ready for cold, wet, and active walking.

If you’re on the fence, choose it when you can dress well and when you’re comfortable putting in effort for those 1.5–2 hours on ice. That’s where the value lives.

FAQ

How long is the glacier hike on this tour?

You get about 1.5 to 2 hours of guided glacier walking.

Where do I meet for the tour in Reykjavík?

You meet at the BSI Bus Terminal, and you should arrive about 15 minutes before departure.

Is hotel pickup included?

No, hotel pickup is not included.

Is food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

What glacier equipment is provided?

The tour includes ice hiking gear and safety equipment.

Is ice climbing included?

No. Ice climbing is not included.

Are children allowed on this tour?

Children aged 9 and younger are not permitted.

What language is the tour guide?

The tour has a live guide in English.

What should I bring?

Bring warm clothing, rain gear, and hiking boots. Waterproof layers are especially useful if you want to walk behind Seljalandsfoss.

Does the tour run in all weather?

It depends on weather conditions on the glacier.