Iceland: South Coast and Northern Lights Tour

The most rewarding part of this tour is the sheer variety packed into one south-coast run: a waterfall you can walk behind, a second waterfall pounding onto black rock, a glacier, basalt columns, sea stacks, and Iceland’s southernmost village. After a short break in Reykjavík, you head back out into the dark for a Northern Lights hunt.

I like the comfortable bus, with large seats, USB charging, and free Wi-Fi, and I like the mix of live storytelling and the GPS-linked audio guide. Guides such as Darren, Amelia, Rosa, and Eric have been praised for clear instructions, Icelandic stories, geology, and good humor. The drawback is the length: this can mean around 10 hours on the road before the evening section, and late returns at stops can leave you rushed.

• Seljalandsfoss gives you a wet, unusual view: walk behind the 60-meter waterfall when conditions allow.
• Skógafoss delivers the drama: climb the steps beside one of Iceland’s strongest and most photogenic falls.
• Reynisfjara demands caution: Atlantic waves, basalt columns, and sea stacks are spectacular but powerful.
• Vík is small but useful: with only 291 residents, it is still the largest settlement for 70 kilometers.
• The Northern Lights section lasts about three hours: sightings depend on clear skies and solar activity.
• The $173 price covers a lot of ground: it is strongest for first-time visitors who want major sights in one day.

A Big South Coast Day From Reykjavík

This is not a relaxed village tour. It is a long, efficient sweep through some of southern Iceland’s most famous sights, followed by a separate evening outing. The total duration is about 13 hours, with roughly three hours reserved for the Northern Lights portion.

You meet at Reykjavík’s BSI Bus Terminal at least 15 minutes before departure. If you choose pickup, be ready at your designated stop at least 30 minutes early. Pickup vehicles carry the Reykjavik Excursions or Gray Line logo, and the route can take up to 30 minutes to collect everyone.

Once aboard, you get a modern coach with free Wi-Fi and a USB charger at every seat. The audio guide uses GPS to deliver information as you pass different places, with languages including Spanish, Chinese, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, and Korean. Bring your own headphones, since they are not included.

The live guide speaks English. That personal voice matters on a long drive. Strong guides have filled the hours with Icelandic folklore, geology, history, and practical reminders about when to return to the bus. Darren, Amelia, Karen, Rosa, and Eric are among the guides whose storytelling and organization have made a clear impression, though your guide will depend on the departure.

From Hengill’s Lava Fields to the South Coast

The drive begins through the lava fields around Hengill mountain, an active volcanic area that quickly gives you a sense of Iceland’s raw geology. The scenery changes as the bus reaches farmland and the broad southern coast.

On a clear day, look for Hekla and the glacier-capped Eyjafjallajökull. The Westman Islands may also appear offshore. Weather can erase these views, so do not treat them as guaranteed attractions. In Iceland, the sky can change fast, and the bus ride itself becomes part of the experience.

The route is a good fit if you want context while looking out the window. It is less ideal if you prefer to spend long, quiet periods at one place. This schedule has several major stops, and each one has a return time you need to respect.

Seljalandsfoss: The Waterfall You Can Walk Behind

Seljalandsfoss drops about 60 meters from the cliffs and is famous for its path behind the falling water. When the route is open and conditions are safe, you can walk around the back of the cascade and look outward through a curtain of spray.

This is one of the tour’s most unusual stops, but it is also one of the wettest. Wear waterproof trousers, not just a jacket, and protect phones and cameras. Good outdoor shoes matter because the path can be slippery.

The time here is enough to see the waterfall and take photographs, but it is not an invitation to linger indefinitely. A guide may point out nearby features, including a smaller cave-like waterfall. That extra view has been part of some departures, but you should not assume it will be offered every time.

Skógafoss and the Climb Above the Falls

Skógafoss is broader and more forceful than Seljalandsfoss, with water dropping in a thick white sheet. On sunny days, spray can produce a rainbow, though weather decides what you see.

A flight of steps rises beside the waterfall. Climbing gives you a higher view over the falls and toward the surrounding countryside. It is a short walk, but wind, wet steps, and winter conditions can make it harder than it looks.

This stop rewards a little effort. If you only photograph the falls from below, you miss the elevated viewpoint that makes the visit feel more complete. Still, the group schedule can feel tight, especially if earlier passengers have returned late to the coach.

Sólheimajökull: A Glacier From the Road

The stop at Sólheimajökull lets you see an Icelandic glacier without joining a technical glacier hike. You walk toward the glacier and take in the ice and volcanic surroundings, with your guide explaining the setting.

Do not confuse this with a guided climb on the ice. The experience described here is a sightseeing stop, not a crampon excursion. Its value is that it adds a completely different texture to the day after two waterfalls.

The walk can be cold and exposed. Waterproof clothing and sturdy shoes will make it far more comfortable. In poor weather, the glacier may look less distinct, but the stop still breaks up the long drive and gives you a chance to stretch your legs.

Reynisfjara’s Basalt Columns and Atlantic Power

Reynisfjara is the stop that deserves the most caution. The beach is made of black volcanic sand, and the Atlantic can hit it with frightening force. Offshore are jagged sea stacks, while the cliffs include a large cave lined with geometric basalt columns.

The setting is striking because it combines volcanic rock with open ocean. The basalt columns look almost built by hand, but they are the result of cooling volcanic material. Your guide will give instructions about staying back from the water.

Follow them closely. Strong waves can reach farther up the beach than expected, and the wind can be severe. One departure found the conditions so rough that people were nearly swept off their feet. This is not a place for a casual stroll beside the surf.

Reynisfjara is also a good example of why the tour works best with practical clothing. A waterproof jacket, waterproof trousers, gloves, hat, and shoes with a firm sole are not overpacking here.

Vík, Iceland’s Southernmost Village

Vík has only 291 residents, yet it is the largest settlement for 70 kilometers. That small scale gives the village a useful sense of place after the dramatic natural stops.

The stop usually provides a chance to eat, use facilities, and take a break before the return journey. Food and drinks are not included, so plan to buy lunch or bring something with you. Some bathrooms along the route may charge a small fee, though cards are accepted.

Vík is not a large sightseeing center, and the tour does not give you hours to explore it. Think of it as a practical village stop with a memorable location, not a full independent visit.

The Long Return and Evening Reset

The south-coast portion can run close to 10 hours in total, depending on traffic, weather, and how quickly the group returns to the bus. Some departures have arrived back in Reykjavík around 7 p.m., leaving a short window before the Northern Lights section.

That gap matters. You may have enough time for a quick meal and a change of clothes, but you should not count on a leisurely dinner. Passengers returning late at earlier stops can reduce time at later ones, so the group’s punctuality affects everyone.

The Northern Lights trip is a separate evening outing, not simply the same bus continuing after dinner. You return to the meeting point or designated pickup arrangement and join the night section with a specially trained Northern Lights guide.

What the Northern Lights Hunt Really Means

The evening portion lasts about three hours. The guide studies weather and cloud conditions before departure, and the operator may cancel if the chances are poor. That approach is sensible, but it cannot guarantee an aurora.

The lights need dark, clear skies and activity from solar storms. Even with careful planning, you may spend time outside and see nothing. One cancellation was handled with a refund, while other departures were offered another attempt on a later night. The exact remedy can depend on the booking arrangement, so check the terms when you reserve.

If the aurora appears, the wait can pay off. Guides may make extra stops when the lights begin moving and offer tips for photographing them. Bring a fully charged phone or camera, and remember that a tripod or manual camera settings can help, though no equipment guarantees a good photograph.

Dress more warmly than you think necessary. Standing still in an open area for an hour or two feels much colder than walking between daytime sights. The Northern Lights guide may be less lively than the daytime guide, but the main purpose is to find workable skies and give you a chance to see the aurora.

Comfort, Group Size, and Timing

The coach is one of the tour’s strongest practical features. Large seats, charging points, and Wi-Fi make a long day easier, especially if you need to manage photos or contact your accommodation.

The tradeoff is group size. A bus carrying around 60 people can move efficiently between major sights, but loading takes time, and one late person affects the whole schedule. The guide will usually write return times on a board or repeat them clearly. Treat those times as firm.

The audio guide adds useful background, but it does not fully replace a live guide. You need headphones, and some departures have had trouble providing the audio service. If the app matters to you, download it before setting off and bring compatible headphones.

Is $173 Good Value?

At $173 per person, the tour covers transport from Reykjavík, a local guide, the major south-coast stops, a separate Northern Lights search, Wi-Fi, USB charging, and the in-app audio guide. Food, drinks, and headphones cost extra, and hotel pickup is included only if you select that option.

For a first Iceland visit, the value is strong. You see several famous places without renting a car, navigating winter roads, or trying to judge whether the Northern Lights forecast is worth following. The day also gives you a guide’s explanation of Icelandic geology and culture instead of leaving you to identify every volcano and rock formation yourself.

The price is less attractive if you dislike long coach rides, large groups, or fixed stop times. A pair of smaller tours on separate days would give you more breathing room, though likely at a higher total cost. This experience prioritizes reach and convenience over a slow pace.

Who Should Book This Tour?

I would choose it if you have limited time in Reykjavík and want the main South Coast sights in one outing. It suits first-time visitors, winter visitors hoping to combine daytime scenery with an aurora attempt, and anyone who does not want to drive in changing weather.

It also works well for people who value a guide’s stories. The best daytime guides have added Icelandic fairy tales, geology, and local context, turning long stretches of road into useful travel time.

I would think twice if you want a quiet, small-group experience or if you need a relaxed meal break between tours. You should also be comfortable walking on wet, windy ground and spending much of the day seated on a bus.

Practical Details Before You Reserve

The tour operates with Northern Lights departures at 10 p.m. from August 15 to September 30 and from March 15 to April 15. From October 1 through March 14, the listed departure time is 9 p.m.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve without paying immediately under the reserve-now, pay-later option. There is no minimum group size requirement.

Pack waterproof layers, warm clothes, a hat, gloves, and good outdoor shoes. Bring food or money for meals, headphones for the audio guide, and a charger if you plan to photograph the waterfalls and aurora.

Should You Book It?

Book this if your priority is seeing a lot of Iceland in one demanding but well-supported day. The waterfalls, glacier, Reynisfjara, and Vík make a strong daytime route, while the evening hunt adds a real chance to see the Aurora Borealis without promising what nature cannot control.

Skip it if you want generous time at each stop or cannot face another coach ride after a full day outdoors. For most first-time visitors with only a few days in Reykjavík, the $173 price is fair, provided you accept the long hours, weather risks, and group schedule.

FAQ

How long does the full Iceland South Coast and Northern Lights tour last?

The full experience lasts about 13 hours, including approximately three hours for the Northern Lights section.

Where does the tour depart from?

The main meeting point is the BSI Bus Terminal in central Reykjavík. You should arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled departure.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes, pickup is available if you select that option. You should be at your designated pickup point at least 30 minutes before departure.

Which places does the daytime tour visit?

The route includes the lava fields around Hengill mountain, Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Sólheimajökull Glacier, Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, and Vík.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, so bring provisions or plan to buy food during the stop in Vík.

Is the audio guide available in languages besides English?

Yes. The in-app audio guide is available in Spanish, Chinese, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, and Korean. You need to bring your own headphones.

Can I walk behind Seljalandsfoss?

The waterfall is famous for its path behind the falling water. Access depends on safety and conditions, and waterproof clothes and good shoes are recommended.

Are the Northern Lights guaranteed?

No. The Aurora Borealis depends on clear skies and solar activity, so sightings cannot be guaranteed. The operator checks conditions before deciding whether to run the outing.

When does the Northern Lights section operate?

It operates from August 15 to September 30 and from March 15 to April 15 at 10 p.m. From October 1 to March 14, it operates at 9 p.m.