Tour or Solo? Iceland’s South Coast Waterfalls and Sólheimajokull Glacier
Tour or Solo? Iceland's South Coast Waterfalls and Sólheimajokull Glacier
There are a lot of variables when deciding to book a tour or explore a location solo. During a trip to Iceland, I asked had to decide whether to explore Iceland’s South Coast Waterfalls and Sólheimajokull Glacier on my own or book a tour.
One of the first things I took into consideration was the cost. As a solo traveler, I only had to purchase one ticket for a tour. Was the cost of that ticket cheaper or more expensive than renting a car to see Iceland’s South Coast Waterfalls and Sólheimajokull Glacier?
The second thing I took into consideration was time? Would I be rushed at the three sights that I wanted to visit? The Sólheimajokull Glacier, Skógafoss Waterfall, and Seljalandsfoss Waterfall are some of the most beautiful sites in all of Iceland. If I was going to book a tour, I wanted to make sure that I would have ample time at all three of the locations.
The third thing I took into consideration when trying to decide if I should take a tour or go solo was equipment. To climb the Sólheimajokull Glacier, it is highly recommended to wear boots with crampons. I had neither with me, which was ultimately the main reason I decided to take a tour.
The final reason I took considered was how much information about the Sólheimajokull Glacier and South Coast Waterfalls a guide would provide. I had decided to take this tour last minute and knew very little about the Sólheimajokull Glacier or the South Coast Waterfalls.
After taking all of these things into consideration, I decided the following:
1) It would be about the same price to take a tour as it would to rent a car.
2) I could find a tour that would give me at least 90 minutes at each waterfall and at least three hours climbing the glacier.
3) I didn’t have the proper equipment to climb the Sólheimajokull Glacier on my own.
4) I knew little about these areas and thought I would learn a lot from a guide.
All of this helped me decide to book a tour rather than visit the Sólheimajokull Glacier and South Coast Waterfalls solo.
Tour or Solo? Iceland’s South Coast Waterfalls and Sólheimajokull Glacier - Table of Contents
- Tour or Solo? Iceland’s South Coast Waterfalls and Sólheimajokull Glacier
- About My Tour of Iceland’s South Coast Waterfalls and Sólheimajokull Glacier
- Sólheimajokull Glacier Experience
- Skógafoss Waterfall
- Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
- Tour or Solo? If you Decide to Take a Tour Consider These Tour Agencies
- Support Buzzin’ Around the World – Visit Our Affiliates
- Earning Points and Rewards
- Related Content
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About My Tour of Iceland's South Coast Waterfalls and Sólheimajokull Glacier
I chose to go with the Glacier Experience from Arctic Adventures. This tour was called the Sólheimajokull Glacier Experience and South Coast Waterfalls tour and cost 15,900 ISK ($148).
Pick-up for this tour was at 8:00 am at the Harpa Concert Hall in downtown Reykjavik. Our guides met us on time with two different minibusses. The two busses were necessary as half of our group would be visiting the Sólheimajokull Glacier, while the other half would be touring the Black Sand Beach. We would then come together as a whole group to visit the South Coast Waterfalls.
Sólheimajokull Glacier Experience
The first stop on this tour was the Sólheimajokull Glacier.
Upon arriving at the glacier, we were met by our guide at the base camp, who would be taking on our hike. Arctic Adventures recommended wearing serval layers of warm clothing, gloves, and boots. I did not have any boots but was able to rent a pair from Arctic Adventures.
Our Sólheimajokull Glacier guide was wearing a t-shirt and light pants. I wish I wouldn’t have worn so much clothing because it was much warmer on the glacier than I expected.
Before setting off to climb the Sólheimajokull Glacier, were fitted with a climbing harness, given an ice pick, helmet, and a pair of crampons for our boots. The harness was only for precaution in case any of us fell in a crevice. After a brief safety demonstration and a quick question-and-answer session, we were ready to climb the glacier. The initial “climb” was merely a hike through mud and dirt as much of the Sólheimajokull Glacier had melted over the past few years. We approached the starting point and paused for pictures.
Walking on the glacier was surprisingly easy. Our guide had stated that very few people fall and no one had ever fallen into a crevasse. I thought to myself, “You have never climbed a glacier with Buzz.” To his credit, he was right. No one in our group fell, although a few older people had some issues with the steeper parts.
One of the cool things about the Sólheimajokull Glacier is that since it is melting, it looks different every week. Our guide had a giant ice ax and was always cutting the path through the glacier. He explained that the route he had taken a few days ago was no longer navigable due to ice melt. The new route gave us a unique path that would most likely only last a few days.
The Sólheimajokull Glacier is near the Katla Volcano, which is very active. Due to the high activity, the glacier ice is mixed with layers of volcanic ash from numerous eruptions. One unique part of the climb was that we were able to continually fill our water bottles with the water from the glacier. A few times, my water bottle also filled with a few flakes of volcanic ash. Our guide said that the ash is good for you, although I am not sure if he was serious.
Most of our equipment was for show. The harnesses were never used. The ice pick was only used for posing for a picture. Below you can see a graceful picture of me posing using my ice pick.
The entire Glacier Experience took about three hours. We didn’t climb as high as some of the other groups as our tour was for beginners. I thought it was just the right amount of glacier climbing for me. When we arrived at an area where the glacier plateaued, we turned around. Had we taken the advance climb, we would have continued up the ledge at the end of the plateau.
We turned around and began hiking back towards the base camp and parking area. My biggest advice for people climbing the glacier would be to make sure you rent waterproof boots. A few people had very wet or ruined shoes.
When we returned to the base camp, we returned our equipment and had some time to relax near the restaurant while we waited for the rest of our tour group to arrive. About thirty minutes later, they rejoined us, and we set off to see the two most beautiful waterfalls on the South Coast of Iceland.
A Tour of the Skógafoss Waterfall
After the Glacier Climb and a quick lunch at the restaurant, we set out to visit the two most famous South Coast Waterfalls.
Our first of the two waterfalls was Skógafoss. Skógafoss is located in a valley where the water drops down from a high cliff. The water then flows away from the waterfall via a river. We spent about an hour at Skógafoss, and I experienced the waterfall from both the ground level and the top of the cliff.
Skógafoss is stunningly beautiful but was also very crowded. An hour seemed to be just the right amount of time.
I am not in great shape but usually have no trouble walking up to twenty miles a day on some of my trips. I was surprised by how tired I was climbing to the upper viewing area. My knee was sore for the next few days. This injury could have been from a combination of the glacier climb and then climbing a few hundred stairs.
I was a little disappointed by the view of the waterfall from the top of the cliff. The view of the valley was much more spectacular than the waterfall itself. Because of the magnificent view of the valley, I was glad that I climbed up all the stairs. It was well worth being sore for a few days.
Our guide said that this was one of the nicest days of the year in Iceland. It was 55 degrees and sunny. She pointed out how lucky we were to have nice weather, because this late in the summer it is often raining.
A Tour of the Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
The Seljalandsfoss Waterfall is equally as spectacular as Skógafoss, in my opinion. Seljalandsfoss has a path that goes behind it allowed 360 degrees of viewing.
It was difficult to get pictures from behind the waterfall due to the spray getting on my camera lens. There were multiple hiking paths around the waterfall, but after walking on a glacier and climbing 100s of stairs, I decided to take it easy and enjoy the view from behind Seljalandsfoss.
We spent about an hour at Seljalandsfoss and then returned to Reykjavik. It was a fun, yet tiring nine-hour day. I had booked a redeye flight to Barcelona, so my day wasn’t close until over. I wouldn’t get to my hotel in Barcelona until about 3:00 p.m. the next day.
The Golden Circle tour is considered the classic “must-do” Iceland tour. I think if someone only had enough time to do one tour in Iceland that they should do the Glacier Experience and South Coast Waterfalls Tour. The Glacier walk was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and the waterfalls were breathtakingly gorgeous. Arctic Adventures provided a grand tour that I will remember for the rest of my life. I wholeheartedly recommend them and believe it was well worth every dollar of the price.
Tour or Solo? Iceland’s South Coast Waterfalls and Sólheimajokull Glacier - Tour Options
Below are some different options for touring Iceland’s South Coast Waterfalls and the Sólheimajokull Glacier. I am an affiliate partner of Viator. If you book a tour using one of the links below, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I would greatly appreciate it if you would consider booking using one of my links.
If you prefer to book through Arctic Adventures, you can do so HERE. I receive no commission if you book through Arctic Adventures.
Prices are accurate as of May 2023.
 South Coast Waterfalls, Black Bach & Glacier Adventure / Small Group Day Tour - $119.00 Explore the scenic South Coast with a full-day guided trip from Reykjavik. Visit glaciers, the Black beach of Reynisfjara, Eyjafjallajokull glacier volcano, and of course, several beautiful waterfalls. Take a hike on Solheimajokull glacier for an unforgettable adventure. Tour includes all necessary hiking safety equipment, hotel pickup and drop-off, and is done in a small group to create a more personal and enjoyable.experience. |
 2 Day South Coast waterfalls, Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and Glacier Hike - $453.49 Experience all of what the Icelandic south coast has to offer in this 2 day tour. You will see Skaftafell Glacier Hike, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Diamond Beach, Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach and waterfalls |
 South Coast tour with Waterfalls, Glacier touch & Farm Dinner - $187.55 If you really want to see Iceland´s raw and spectacular beauty, this day trip is one that you absolutely must take. The Icelandic South Coast is in a league of its own in regards to untamed and intimidating beauty. Drive past 3 of Iceland's most powerful volcanoes, listen to stories of elves and trolls, and visit a local farm. |
 South Coast: Glacier Hike, LAVA Centre, Waterfalls & Black Sand Beach - $179.00 Join us to find out why Iceland is named the Land of Ice & Fire, with this exciting day on the South Coast that includes a glacier hike on the crevasse riddled Solheimajökull glacier. This tour should not be missed by those seeking sightseeing and adventure! Join this small group tour and you'll stop at the must see Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls, visit the famous black sand bleach, learn all about Iceland's geology and volcanoes at the newly opened LAVA Centre and hike across one of Iceland's massive glaciers. This is a one day tour you'll not forget. All of Hidden Iceland's tours operate with a maximum of 12 people, and you will be joined by friendly and knowledgeable English speaking guides. |
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