Iceland · Hiking

Express Glacier and Highland Adventure (Summer)

2 Days Pickup service provided in Reykjavík. to Drop-off service provided in Reykjavík. Moderate pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Two-day summer adventure across Iceland’s South Coast and highlands
02 Guided glacier hike on Sólheimajökull with optional ice climbing upgrade
03 Visit Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls
04 Explore Þórsmörk by 4x4 with glacial river crossings
05 Hike into Stakkholtsgjá Canyon and visit Gígjökull Glacier
06 Enjoy a Viking BBQ in Þórsmörk on day 2
07 Overnight stay at a 3–4 star hotel on the South Coast
08 50-shot professionally edited photo package included per person

Discover some of Iceland’s most dramatic landscapes on this two-day summer adventure combining South Coast highlights with highland exploration. Walk beside iconic waterfalls, step onto the ice of Sólheimajökull on a guided glacier hike, and enjoy an overnight stay along the South Coast before heading deeper into the wild landscapes of Þórsmörk.

On day two, travel by 4x4 through rugged terrain and glacial river crossings to reach a valley framed by glaciers and mountains. Explore Gígjökull Glacier, hike into Stakkholtsgjá Canyon, enjoy a traditional BBQ in the wilderness, and take in sweeping views from Valahnúkur. Along the way, your certified driver also captures professionally edited photos to help you remember the journey.

Discover some of Iceland’s most dramatic landscapes on this two-day summer adventure combining South Coast highlights with highland exploration.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 2 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

City Reykjavik

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

South Coast & Glacier Hike

Your journey begins with a hotel pick-up in South Iceland, heading towards Iceland’s breathtaking South Coast, where black sand beaches, towering waterfalls, and icy giants shape the dramatic landscape.

Morning: Waterfalls of the South
Embark on a scenic drive along Iceland’s South Coast, where every turn reveals new natural wonders. Your first stop is Seljalandsfoss, one of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls. Here, you can walk behind the curtain of cascading water, offering a unique and immersive perspective—don’t forget your rain jacket!

Next, continue to the powerful Skógafoss waterfall. With its 60-meter drop and mist-filled air, it often displays vivid rainbows in the sunlight. Take the stairway to the top for sweeping views of the rugged terrain and witness the raw energy of Iceland’s natural forces up close.

These two waterfalls are a stunning introduction to the South Coast’s beauty, offering the perfect mix of serenity and dramatic adventure.

Midday: Glacier Hike with Optional Ice Climbing on Sólheimajökull (3.5h)
Gear up for a glacier adventure on the mighty Sólheimajökull, a frozen tongue extending from the Mýrdalsjökull ice cap.

Glacier Hike – Lace up your boots and strap on crampons as you step onto the ancient ice. With your experienced glacier guide, you’ll explore shimmering blue crevasses, ice ridges, and natural formations shaped by centuries of glacial movement. The ever-changing terrain offers a dynamic and exciting hike.

Optional Ice Climbing Upgrade – For those looking to add a thrill, upgrade your glacier hike with an introductory ice climbing experience. Scale vertical ice walls using ice axes and ropes under the supervision of your certified guide. No previous experience needed—just a taste for adventure!

Expert Guidance – Your guide will ensure safety and share captivating stories about Iceland’s glaciers, their past, and the effects of climate change on these frozen wonders.

Overnight on the South Coast
After an incredible day of natural exploration and icy adventure, unwind at your cozy South Coast accommodation. Surrounded by peaceful countryside or rugged coastline, it’s the perfect spot to rest and recharge for the next leg of your Icelandic journey.

Day 02

Thórsmörk Captured: Highland Tour

Your adventure begins at 8:00 AM with a hotel pickup in the South. Travel through lava fields and towering mountains set the stage for the day. After approximately an hour, your journey takes an exciting turn as your expert guide navigates rugged 4x4 trails and crosses glacial rivers, bringing you into the heart of Thórsmörk—a hidden valley surrounded by the mighty Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers.

Morning Stop: Gígjökull Glacier – Witness the Power of Volcanoes

Your first stop is the Gígjökull Glacier, a striking icefall that was forever transformed by the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull volcanic eruption. Walk along the black volcanic sands, hear the story of how this massive glacier changed overnight, and witness the raw, untouched beauty of nature’s power.

Mid-Morning: Stakkholtsgjá Canyon – Iceland’s Hidden Wonderland

Venture further into the Stakkholtsgjá Canyon, a Jurassic Park-like gorge with towering moss-covered cliffs and a glacial river meandering through its depths. Hike approximately 2 kilometers (1.25 miles) into the canyon, crossing small streams before reaching a hidden cave with a waterfall. This secret spot is a photographer’s dream, where light dances through the narrow opening, illuminating the misty cascade within.

Midday: Wilderness BBQ at Langidalur Hut

After a morning of exploration, relax and feast on a traditional Icelandic BBQ in the heart of Thórsmörk at Langidalur Hut, a charming mountain lodge nestled beneath the towering peaks. Savor a freshly prepared grilled meal featuring Icelandic lamb, fish, or vegetarian options, along with traditional sides such as rúgbrauð (Icelandic rye bread), fresh salads, and skyr (Icelandic yogurt). Enjoy the crisp mountain air and panoramic views while your guide shares tales of Viking explorers who once roamed these lands.

Afternoon: Valahnúkur Hike – The Ultimate Icelandic Panorama

With renewed energy, embark on a 2-hour roundtrip hike to the Valahnúkur peak, one of the most spectacular viewpoints in Iceland. Standing atop the summit, take in 360-degree viewsof the surrounding glaciers, rugged mountain ridges, braided glacial rivers, and untouched wilderness. This unforgettable vantage point is a must-see for adventure lovers and photographers alike.

Evening: Return to Reykjavik

Arrive back in Reykjavik in the early evening, where you’ll be dropped off at your hotel, concluding your epic summer glacier adventure.

With memories to last a lifetime and stunning photographs to cherish, your two-day tour of Thorsmork and the Icelandic Highlands will be an epic adventure through Iceland’s untouched wilderness. We will capture the magic of these unique landscapes for you to trea

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Pickup service provided in Reykjavík. to Drop-off service provided in Reykjavík. 1 city · 2 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

✔ Certified Driver and Professional Photographer
✔ All Transportation including pickup and drop-off from Reykjavik
✔ 3-4 Star Hotel along the South Coast for 1 Night
✔Single Occupancy or Double Occupancy for two if requested
✔ Hotel Breakfast on Day 2
✔ Viking BBQ in Thorsmork on Day 2

What's Not Included

Food and drinks

Know before you go

– Lunch and Dinner are not included in the price of this tour besides the Thórsmork picnic.
– Pickup and Drop off are exclusively from the greater Reykjavik Area.
– The length of each day and order that you visit these attractions can vary depending on weather and road conditions.
– Photo packages may sometimes take more or less than 14 days to edit. This is just our average turn around time.

Logistics