"Locals often say the south coast is where Iceland shows you all its moods in a single day," says Jan, one of our local guides. He continues, "You'll see waterfalls, glaciers, volcanoes and black-sand beaches, all shaped by the same powerful forces." If you're looking to venture beyond Reykjavík and experience the landscapes that have made Iceland famous, this full-day tour is an ideal introduction. As you travel through ever-changing scenery, you'll gain a deeper understanding of how fire and ice have shaped the island's dramatic character.
Your first stops are two of Iceland's most iconic waterfalls. Seljalandsfoss pours from an ancient sea cliff, creating one of the country's most photographed sights. While nearby, Skógafoss crashes down in a powerful curtain of water. On sunny days look out for rainbows framing the falls. Next, head to Eyjafjallajökull – roughly pronounced AY-ya-fyat-la-yer-kutl. This glacier-capped volcano made headlines and caused air travel chaos during its eruption in 2010. Today, its snow-covered peak lies dormant and peaceful.
Head just half an hour east, and the black-sand beaches of Vik reveal another side of Iceland's volcanic landscape. This is Jan's favourite spot. He adds, “The dark beaches meet jagged black basalt rock formations that, according to legend, were once trolls turned to stone by the sunrise.” You can decide for yourself whether it was magic or the cooling lava and the wild Atlantic waves that created this otherworldly-looking coastline. As you look around, your guide will share local stories and legends that bring the beautiful yet harsh and isolated landscapes to life.
