Travelers highly prefer the South Coast of Iceland private day tour, which showcases some of the country's most breathtaking attractions. Explore the scenic coastline on a day trip, encountering the majestic waterfalls both Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss. During summer, catch sight of adorable Puffins at Dyrhólaey and visit the famous Black sand beach (Reynisfjara). Conclude your adventure in the charming town of Vík í Mýrdal, before returning back.
If you wish, you can also choose to go glacier walking at Sólheimajökull. We are flexible and can tailor the South Coast Iceland private tour to your preferences and interest, ensuring you see and experience exactly what your desire.
When driving from Reykjavik towards the South Coast Iceland, the first attraction are the two waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss. When stopping at Skogafoss we have an option to visit the museum in Skogar (cultural heritage collection and turf houses). Skogafoss is a big waterfall having a cascade of 60 meters and a width of 25 meters. It is a beautiful scenery where you can walk all the way up to the waterfall and feel the spray on your face. Due to the spray the waterfalls produce, then you very often see a rainbow in a sunny day. You can walk up a staircase which leads you to an observation deck on the top of the waterfall. It will give you a spectacular view of the waterfall and the surrounding landscape.
On the way back to Reykjavik, along the South Coast of Iceland we will stop at Seljalandsfoss. The waterfall you will be able to walk behind and witness spectacular view. It is 60 meters high and has its origins in the famous glacier and volcano Eyjafjallajökull. The water is clean, and therefore a good idea to full up your water bottle before continuing the tour.
Drive up to Dyrhólaey and see seabirds including Puffins in summer. Enjoy stunning view of the black sand beach. Dyrhólaey was once and island off Iceland's South Coast. Today accessible by all vehicles. At the top, you'll find an old lighthouse. The view extends in all directions. Black sand to the west and east, mountains to the north and the Atlantic Ocean to the south.
The final destination on the South Coast Iceland tour is the small village of Vík (the filming set/location of KATLA the Netflix series) where you will have a wonderful view of Reynisdrangar. We usually choose this location for lunch due to the selection of good restaurants there. Katla is the name of the dangerous volcano located in the glacier above the village.
The option to walk on glacier (Sólheimajökull) is very popular, which takes about 3 hours. The glacier is a outlet glacier on the South Coast of Iceland and is part of Mýrdalsjökull glacier. A lagoon has been formed in front of the glacier which certainly add to the charm of the location. If you choose the option to take a hike on the glacier, then unfortunately it will limit our ability to visit all the other attractions mentioned above, on the south coast. But remember this is once in a lifetime experience, especially if you are lucky with the weather. The tour difficulty changes from easy to moderate as you need to be able to climb the various formations having crampons attached to your hiking boots. All necessary glacier walk equipment will be provided.
Other type of setup in Golden Circle private tours
This below description combines Iceland's most popular tour with a horseback riding experience on the same day.
We have made slight modification to the Classic Golden Circle day tour, including an hour-long detour for an Icelandic horse ride. During this extended tour, you'll have the opportunity to explore the captivating natural wonders within the “Golden circle”, such as Thingvellir National Park, Iceland's most beautiful waterfall, Gullfoss, and the bubbling hot springs at the Geysir area. Thingvellir earned a spot on the World Heritage list in 2004 for its cultural significance.
Icelandic horseback riding is a unique experience which many of our guest do not want to miss. Not only the ride itself but also the ability to enjoy then beautiful nature at the same time. The staff at the horse farm are experienced tour guides and will give you a clear guidance to all the abilities of the group, regardless of prior experience. The famous Icelandic horse is especially strong animal, and the only horse species in the world that can perform 5 gaits, instead of 3 gaits which is normal for all horses. Those are Walk, Trot, Canter, Tölt and Flying pace.
Witness the famous natural attractions within the Golden Circle classic tour, while immersing yourself in Iceland's unique geothermal energy sources.
Geothermal Energy has been used in regions which shows obvious surface manifestations of activity near tectonic boundaries worldwide. Thanks to Iceland location on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, the country boasts and an abundance of geothermal resources. Embark on the Golden Circle tour and witness the remarkable showings of geothermal energy first hand.
Embark on a remarkable tour that showcases Iceland's impressive geothermal wonders and national attractions. Here are the highlights of our itinerary.
Join us on this captivating journey that combines Iceland's geothermal wonders with its fascinating natural attractions. Book your tour today and discover the extraordinary power and beauty of geothermal energy in action.
Icelanders often claim to be pioneers in the utilizating geothermal energy for space heating and bathing. However if we look at the history, this practice dates back to the first century in Pompeii, Italy. In the 13th century, Snorri Sturluson, renowned writer, politician, and a poet in Iceland, used geothermal baths and even heated his turf hourse with hot water. Furthermore the French people in the city of Chaudes-Aigues installed a district heating system in the 14th Century using geothermal resource. Thus, it becomes evident that geothermal energy has a fascinating historical background, which you will have the opportunity to explore and learn about during this tour.
In summary, Icelanders can be considered pioneers in using geothermal energy for both space heating and bathing in hot natural pools and swimming pools. Using geothermal for electricity generation first became reality in Iceland in the seventies last century.
What is “geothermal energy”?
Read more about geothermal energy HERE
Below you see photos of geothermal power plants. In this Golden Circle tour we will have visit Hellisheidi power plant (303 MWe and 200 MWth)
Our private Golden Circle day trip links some of the country’s most impressive natural attractions, such as Gullfoss, Geysir and Thingvellir in one day.
The first stop is usually Thingvellir National park, which is an interesting place both from a geological point, but also historically. Geology is very special as Thingvellir is situated on the tectonic plate boundaries. You literally see how the two tectonic plates separate North America and Europe. The fissures have been moving apart at the rate of 2 centimeters every year which gives the fissure spectacular appearance. Here you will also see the amazing clear glacier water which can be found in some fissures created during an earthquake in the year 1789. Thingvellir is UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Historically, the world first parliament was founded there in the year 930 AD, also known as "Althing". Althingi General Assembly continued to convene there until 1798 when it was moved to Reykjavik. In the eyes of Icelanders this place is a national shrine and is protected area by law since 1928.
The Golden Circle classic trip will take you to the most beautiful Waterfall in Iceland named Gullfoss (translated Golden waterfall). From Gullfoss we will go to the bubbling geothermal hot springs at Geysir area. You will see the hot spring Strokkur spouting hot water 30 meters (100ft) into the air every 5-10 minutes interval.
If the time schedule allows, then we may stop before heading to Reykjavik at Kerid a volcanic crater. This vibrant blue gem erupted some 6 thousand years ago.
You may choose other setup of this day tour, or you may ask us to tailor make your experience based on your preferences:
Such as a visit to the greenhouse at Fridheimar, the famous tomato farm and restaurant, or you may choose to visit Geothermal baths in the Secret lagoon or Fontana Spa at Laugarvatn
Click here to see the tour location and standard route on a map
