4 Day South Coast, Golden Circle and Snæfellsnes

Come on a 4-day excursion with us to explore the most famous locations in the Golden Circle and the South Coast. See our stunning glacier lagoon Jökulsárlón, Europe's largest glacier and travel to the one of the most visually stunning areas of Iceland Snaefellsnes peninsula.

Price from 107,800 ISK
Price from 785 EUR
Price from 873 USD
Price from 1,141 CAD
Price from 673 GBP
Price from 6,023 RMB
tour type
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Duration

4 Days

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Highlights

✓ Thingvellir National Park ✓ Gullfoss waterfall ✓ Geysir geothermal area ✓ Skógafoss & Seljalandsfoss waterfall ✓ Glacier Hike at Skaftafell in Vatnajökull ✓ Jökulsárlón, the Glacier Lagoon ✓ Reynisfjara, the Black Sand Beach ✓ Kirkjufell, “the Church Mountain” … and more

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Included

✓ Snæfellsnes Peninsula, the Hidden Treasure of the West Day Tour ✓ 3 Day South Coast, Golden Circle & Jokulsarlon Tour ✓ Three Nights of Accommodation in comfortable hotels with breakfast included and private bathroom ✓ Glacier Equipment ✓ Free Icelandic Ice Cream And more…

Are you ready for the adventure?

Overview

Hop on a comfortable minibus with a friendly and experienced guide and a small group on a 4-day excursion with us to explore the most famous locations along the Golden Circle, the South Coast and the Snaefellsnes peninsula.

In this tour, you’ll get the chance to see the beautiful Western Iceland. There, you’ll explore the hidden gem of the West, the peninsula of Snæfellsnes also known as “Iceland in a nutshell” it is characterized by magnificent and picturesque sites: glacial-carved mountains, endless black beaches, moss topped lava fields, volcanic craters, coastal cliffs topped off by the volcanic glacier Snæfellsjökull and the Center of the Earth.

On the second day, you’ll be taken to the famous Geysir and the geothermal area, Gullfoss the powerful waterfall, Thingvellir National Park in the Golden Circle. 

On the third and forth day, you’ll be taken to the famous South Coast. Along the shore, you’ll get to see the famous black sand beach, Reynisfjara, our stunning glacier lagoon Jökulsárlón in Vatnajökull National Park, where you’ll also get the change to explore Europe’s largest glacier.

Daily itinerary

Day 1

You will be picked up from Reykjavík, and from there, set out to see Iceland’s most famous places.

Kirkjufell, “The Church Mountain”, and Kirkjufellfoss waterfall

This iconic narrow mountain has become the landmark of Snæfellsnes in recent years. It became famous after being presented as the “Arrowhead Mountain” on Game of Thrones. The erosive powers of the glaciers during the last ice age about 12,000 years ago gave this mountain its shape. Due to this unique look, it is one of the most photographed sights in Iceland and just across you will see the beautiful waterfall Kirkjufellsfoss which completes your perfect shot of the mountain. There are numerous vantage points for the perfect photograph and our guides know them all!

Búdakirkja, the Black Church of Búdir

On the south coast of the peninsula, there’s a village with only a hotel and a tiny black church called the Búdakirkja that sits alone among a field of lava rocks. Búdakirkja was built on the spot in 1703 and reconstructed in 1987 after a claim by a single member that lobbied to have it back. It has a historic graveyard, a bell and chalice from the time it was erected. It is a listed building, owned by the National Museum of Iceland, but it is in the care of the Búdir parish. Without a doubt, this picturesque chapel has a romantic air about it and is a real attraction to the site.

Arnarstapi fishing village & Hellnar and Arch

This tiny fishing village has picturesque coastal cliffs which derived from glowing magma hitting the wild waves of the Atlantic. Known in Iceland as the most beautiful harbor of the country. Thousands of years later erosion has formed beautiful stone arcs and a remarkable marine geyser. Enjoy a walk along the coastline while your guide tells you all about Bárður, half-man half-troll, and his misdeeds in the area.

Ytri Tunga beach and Seal Colony

Ytri-Tunga is a sandy beach that has a little secret hidden away down by the sea, behind the farmhouses… a seal colony! Seals love to spend their time on the rocks of this beautiful beach. They are friendly and curious and will climb up on the rocks for you to spot them from a distance.

Lóndrangar and Basalt Cliffs

The Lóndrangar are a pair of rock pinnacles in Iceland and are remnants from a bigger crater which has mostly eroded away. Looming over the entire southern coastline, Lóndrangar, a set of 75-meter high basalt pinnacles set the tone for what’s to come. They host a variety of seabirds, northern fulmars and puffins, and others.

Djúpalónssandur, beach of black volcanic sand

A beach of black volcanic sand and stones where for centuries Icelandic fishermen rowed out to the fertile fishing grounds of the Atlantic ocean. Still today we find the so-called “lifting stones” which fishermen of yore used to test out their strength and prove themselves worthy of the physically straining life of Atlantic rowboat fishing. You can try to lift them yourself! In 1948 a British fishing trawler stranded on the sand reefs of Djúpalónssandur. Five men perished while 14 were rescued by local rescue squads. The remains of the ship are still there, strewn across the beach as an eerie reminder of the awesome power of nature.

Saxhóll volcanic crater

Formed over 4,000 years ago, this volcanic crater has now been made accessible via an iron staircase giving you the option of hiking it. The hike is not too challenging and gives you a 360° view of the lava fields with Snæfellsjökull glacier looming over.

After you had seen all these magical places, you’ll get back on the bus and we’ll take you to the hotel to rest and get ready for the second day of your tour.

Day 2

Geysir Geothermal Area

The Geysir geothermal area hosts hundreds of colorful hot springs and two geysers, erupting hot springs. One is called “Geysir” and name giving for all the geysers in the world. Today, however, it erupts very seldom. The other geyser is called “Strokkur” and erupts every 5 minutes up to 40 meters.

 

 

Gullfoss Waterfall

The melting water from Iceland’s second biggest glacier, Langjökull, falls into a deep canyon forming the majestic “Golden Falls”. On a sunny day, you can see the glacier Langjökull in the distance and enjoy a rainbow in the mist of the waterfall, an Instagram blockbuster waiting to happen!

Traditional Dairy Farm and Free Ice Cream

We visit Efstidalur farm owned by the same family since 1850. This Icelandic family-run business sticks to traditional Icelandic farming culture and focuses on cows and cattle breeding. You will be able to enjoy their tasty farm-to-table dairy products, see the stunning mountain view and pet the friendly animals. Tröll Expeditions will invite you to taste the ice cream yourself and while watching the animals relaxing in the stable.

Thingvellir National Park

We visit the place where the two tectonic plates, the North American and the Eurasian plate, are moving away from each other. Few places in the world offer a better and clearer view of this massive geographic activity. The biggest natural lake in Iceland is also located at Thingvellir National Park and hosts a great variety of fish and bird life. Thingvellir is also an important place for Icelandic national history. At Thingvellir Icelanders founded their parliament in 930 a.d. where the chieftains had their annual meeting every summer. The name “Thingvellir” translates to “Parliament Plains”.

Day 3

Seljalandsfoss waterfall

Our arrival is announced by the powerful theatrics of Seljalandsfoss. Bring a raincoat and you’ll be able to make the short hike behind the falls. The scene behind the fall and the trembling ground from the power of the falling water makes for an automatic Instagram blockbuster!

Skógafoss waterfall

Further east along the coast is Skógafoss waterfall. Skógafoss is an incredibly picturesque sight. Tucked in a little gorge, the river Skógá tumbles down a 60 meter cliff before continuing down the landscape towards the Atlantic Ocean. Alongside the gorge a staircase can take you to the shelf above the waterfall for stunning views. See if you can count your steps on your way up.

Glacier Hike in Skaftafell in Vatnajökull National Park

We will hike an outlet glacier spawning from the one of the largest glaciers in the country, Vatnajökull. After meeting our highly trained glacier guides and strapping on our safety and glacier equipment, including helmets, harnesses, crampons and ice axes we hike on the ice for an hour and a half. A spectacular experience and opportunity to learn more about this breathtaking and increasingly rare natural phenomena. Skaftafell area has been used as a filming location for many famous TV shows and films, such as Game of Thrones, Interstellar, James Bond, and others… Follow the steps of your favorite characters into the glacier!

Day 4

Jökulsárlón, the Glacier Lagoon

Then comes Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, a 200m deep glacial lagoon fed by Breiðamerkurjökull, an outlet glacier of Europe’s largest glacier. Enormous icebergs come from Breiðamerkurjökull all year round so the lagoon is usually filled with ice that floats south. Try walking alongside the glacier lagoon enjoying the magnificent views and dead silence of Icelandic nature.

The Diamond Beach

On the other side of the road the icebergs from Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon float into the Atlantic Ocean where they are quickly thrown back to shore by the tide and winds. This black sand beach is full of smaller ice rocks in all shapes and sizes, sparkling like diamonds in the daylight. The ice itself comes in all shades of white and blue forming beautiful contrasts, guaranteed to make your Instagram account pop!

Reynisfjara, the Black Sand Beach

Later, we visit the black sand beach of Reynisfjara where the Atlantic coastline presents massive waves hitting the unique basalt columns in the cliffs above the sand. Rock pillars in the water and the cliffs of Dýrhólaey are seen in the distance. This area of the south is also a paradise for bird lovers, as puffins and dozens of other unique species nest on top of these cliffs in the summertime from June to August.

 

So, what are you waiting for?

Come and join us to see the Golden Circle, blue caves in South and glacier hiking! This is the ultimate Icelandic experience on a minibus with a small group and friendly experienced guide guaranteed.

Book this tour by selecting a date.

 

General Information

Departure

✓ 08:00

Difficulty

✓ Easy to Moderate

Minimum age
Minimum age for glacier hike is 8 years. Children under 8 years can take part in all other activities.
Highlights

✓ Kirkjufell, “the Church Mountain” & Kirkjufellfoss waterfall
✓ Búðakirkja, “the Black Church of Búðir”
✓ Ytri-Tunga beach and seal colony
✓ Snæfellsjökull glacier (sightseeing)
✓ Arnarstapi fishing village
✓ Lóndrangar and basalt cliffs
✓ Djúpalónssandur beach
✓ Saxhóll crater
✓ Ólafsvík fishing village
✓ 
Thingvellir National Park
✓ Gullfoss waterfall
✓ Geysir geothermal area
✓ Efstidalur farm also known as the “Ice cream farm”
✓  Skógafoss waterfall
✓  Seljalandsfoss waterfall
✓  Skaftafell Nature Reserve in Vatnajokull National Park – Glacier Hike Tour
✓  Jökulsárlón, the Glacier Lagoon
✓  Diamond Beach
✓  Reynisfjara – The Black Sand Beach

Included

✓ Snæfellsnes Peninsula, the Hidden Treasure of the West Day Tour
✓ 3 Day South Coast, Golden Circle & Jokulsarlon Tour
✓ Three Nights of Accommodation in comfortable hotels with breakfast included and private bathroom
✓  
English speaking guide
✓  Small Group (21 persons max)
✓  Wi-Fi and Icelandic music on board
✓  Glacier equipment: helmet, harness, crampons, and ice axe
✓  Accommodation for 3 nights in a comfortable hotel with breakfast included and private bathroom

What you need to bring

• Warm clothes (first layer)
• Waterproof clothing (second layer)
• Hiking boots (available for rent when booking)
• Joy and happiness!

Good to know

• Order or availability of attractions may change due to road or weather conditions.
• We recommend that you pack a small suitcase for this tour. Luggage storage is available for free if you bring it to the pickup location.
• We have to adjust timings to try to avoid big crowds.
• Pick up is from designated locations in Reykjavík. Pick up from Keflavík airport or outside of the greater capital area is not available.
• You will see the designated pick up locations in Reykjavík on a drop-down menu at the time of booking.
• You can bring some favorite snacks and beverages if you like.
• We recommend you bring hiking boots with slip-resistant soles. Hiking boots are available at the time of booking.

Map

Reserve your spot for this three-day and two-night trip in Winter Wonderland now. 

FAQ

How does pick up work?

For tours that state that they pick up from Reykjavík, we ask all our customers to send their pick up location at least 24 hours prior to the departure of their tour. We cannot be responsible if you do not provide your pick up location, we won’t be responsible if you miss your tour. We offer free pick-up from Reykjavik city center. Pick up starts at the scheduled departure time for the tour can take up to 30 minutes. We ask our passenger to be ready in their listed location so they can be easily found.

What are designated pick up locations?

Due to regulations of Reykjavik City, tour companies are allowed to stop at certain designated bus stop locations in the city centre to pick up passengers. It is stated on your voucher whether we will pick you up directly from your accommodation or from the bus stop.

How can I find the nearest designated pick up location?

Find the closest designated pick up location using the map below:

What should I wear for glacier tours?

Weather in Iceland is very unpredictable. For tours during winter: warm clothing as first layer, waterproof jacket with a hoodie, hiking boots with ankle protection and hard sole, a hat and gloves are ideal. For tours during summer, bringing a light rain jacket or a soft shell with a hoodie is in most cases enough protection. Icelanders often say, “If you don’t like the weather, just wait 5 minutes”. Jeans are not recommended for our trips as they become very heavy, cold and uncomfortable to wear when they get wet.

Do I need hiking boots?

We encourage bringing hiking boots for glacier tours. They have to hard on the sole and tight around the ankle. If you don’t have them, we have them for rent in all sizes in Skaftafell or Sólheimajökull. You can add them to your reservation at the time of booking or rent them on location pay with cash or card. The price is ISK 1,500 per pair. For ice climbing tours, boots are included in the price.

How difficult are glacier hikes?

We offer glacier hiking tours in Skaftafell and one in Sólheimajökull. Both locations either easy or moderate in difficulty. Our tours are considered to be safe for anyone in good physical condition. If you are fit to walk for about an hour on an uneven surface a glacier hike is for you. Longer tours will be more challenging in endurance and some areas of the glacier. We also recommend you remember that we offer all the safety equipment necessary and you will be hiking with a professional and certified glacier guide. If you have specific questions regarding one of our glacier tours, feel free to email us.

If I am pregnant, can I join a glacier hike?

This is a personal choice. We have had pregnant women on our glacier hikes and we always recommend you read the description of the activity to get a better idea. In any case, feel free to contact our Service Team for further questions and concerns.

What if it’s raining?

It rains a lot in Iceland, but we do not let rain stop us from going out and enjoy nature. All we need to do is choose our clothing wisely, which is why we recommend wearing waterproof clothing as the second layer. Of course, safety is our #1 priority. In case of extreme weather conditions, we will cancel our tours and do our best to reschedule. In these cases, you’ll receive a full refund.

How much luggage can I bring?

The limit is one 24″ suitcase per person. You can store your luggage in our office for 1,000 ISK. It can be added as an extra at the time of booking. If there is room on the bus, then we will bring the piece of luggage with us on the tour. The luggage fee however is non-refundable upon payment in all cases.

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