Iceland: South Coast and Northern Lights Tour

The best part of this 13-hour Iceland tour is the sheer variety packed into one long day. You go from lava fields and volcano views to waterfalls, a glacier, black sand, basalt columns, and the village of Vík, then return to Reykjavík for a second outing beneath the Northern Lights. It is a big itinerary, but the scenery earns the time on the bus.

I like the comfortable coach, with large seats, USB charging, and free Wi-Fi. I also like the guides’ mix of geology, Icelandic stories, history, and humor. Guides such as Darren, Amelia, Eric, and Karen have made the long drives more enjoyable for past groups. The drawback is simple: this is a very full day, and the Northern Lights are never guaranteed. Bad weather can cancel the evening portion or leave you waiting in the cold.

Key points to know before booking

• Two separate outings in one day: The South Coast trip returns to Reykjavík before the Northern Lights search begins, so you may change buses and guides.
• Big sights, big distances: Expect several hours on the coach, with stops that can feel rushed if passengers return late.
• Seljalandsfoss gets you wet: The path behind the waterfall is a special experience, but waterproof trousers and shoes matter.
• Reynisfjara requires care: Atlantic waves can be dangerous, and strong wind can make the beach uncomfortable.
• The Northern Lights depend on nature: The operator checks weather and cloud conditions, but no guide can promise an aurora.
• Good value at $173: You cover major South Coast sights and an evening search in one booking, though a smaller group may offer more time at each stop.

Why this South Coast route works

Iceland’s South Coast is one of the easiest places to see several of the country’s signature sights in a single day from Reykjavík. The route follows the main road east, across lava fields and open farmland, with volcanoes and glaciers appearing when weather allows.

The first stretch takes you through the lava fields around Hengill mountain. This active volcanic area gives you an early lesson in Iceland’s restless geology. As the bus continues south, you may see Hekla and the glacier-capped Eyjafjallajökull rising beyond the coastal foothills. The Westman Islands can also appear offshore on clear days.

You will spend a lot of time seated. That is the trade-off for reaching Vík and the glacier area without renting a car or driving in winter weather. A live English-speaking guide adds useful context, while the downloadable GPS-sensitive audio guide provides commentary in English, Spanish, Chinese, Dutch, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, and Korean.

The live guide matters more than it may sound. Strong guides have filled the drive with Icelandic folklore, geology, and local customs, while giving clear instructions about when to return to the bus. One useful habit is to note the return time as soon as you leave the coach. Late passengers can shorten everyone else’s time at later stops.

Seljalandsfoss: walking behind the falling water

Your first major waterfall stop is Seljalandsfoss, a tall, narrow fall dropping about 60 meters from the cliffs. Its special feature is the path that leads behind the curtain of water.

This is not a dry sightseeing platform. Spray reaches the path, and the rocks can be slippery. Wear a waterproof jacket, waterproof trousers if you have them, and shoes with a good grip. A phone or camera without protection may not survive the experience happily.

The route behind the fall gives you a different view from the standard front-on photograph. You see the water dropping in front of the sky and feel the wind and spray at close range. If conditions make the path unpleasant or unsafe, follow the guide’s instructions rather than forcing it.

The time here is useful but limited. Get your bearings quickly, take the main photographs, and allow enough time to return to the coach. The changing Icelandic weather can turn a bright stop into a wet one within minutes.

Skógafoss and the climb above the river

Skógafoss is a broader and more forceful waterfall, with water plunging over a clean cliff face. On a sunny day, spray often creates a rainbow near the base. The scale is easy to appreciate from below, where the falling water makes a steady roar.

A staircase beside the waterfall leads upward to a higher viewpoint. The climb is short but can feel demanding after time on the bus, especially in cold wind or wet conditions. From above, you get a wider view across the river valley and surrounding country.

I would not spend the entire stop taking photographs at the base. If your legs and weather permit, go partway or all the way up the stairs. The upper view gives you a better sense of how the water fits into the wider terrain.

The guide normally gives a clear meeting time. Pay attention to it. The route is large enough for people to spread out, and the bus cannot wait indefinitely for every last photograph.

Sólheimajökull and the changing glacier view

The stop at Sólheimajökull offers a look at one of Iceland’s outlet glaciers. You do not join a glacier hike on this tour. Instead, you walk toward the glacier area and see the ice from a designated access point.

This distinction matters when you compare tours. You get a strong introduction to Iceland’s ice fields without the equipment, safety briefing, and extra time required for a guided glacier walk. The approach can be uneven, and good outdoor shoes are important.

The glacier is also a useful counterpoint to the waterfalls. The South Coast is not only about dramatic water. It shows how volcanic ground, ice, rivers, and the sea shape the country together. Your guide may explain local geology during the walk or on the drive.

Allow for weather here. Wind can make the open area feel much colder than Reykjavík, and rain can reduce visibility. Keep your hat and gloves handy rather than buried at the bottom of your bag.

Reynisfjara: black sand and powerful waves

Reynisfjara is one of the most striking stops on the route. The beach is made of dark volcanic sand, with jagged sea stacks offshore and a large cave lined with basalt columns.

The columns are formed from cooling volcanic rock. Their regular shapes look almost built by hand, but the patterns come from natural cracking as lava cooled. The cave and sea stacks make this a rewarding place for photographs, especially when surf breaks against the dark shore.

This is also the stop where you need the most respect for the sea. Waves can run much farther up the beach than expected, and strong wind can make it hard to keep your footing. Do not turn your back on the Atlantic, do not approach the water for a closer picture, and follow any marked limits or guide instructions.

The beach may feel exposed and cold. That is part of its character, but it can also make the stop tiring. A warm base layer, waterproof outer clothing, gloves, and sturdy shoes will make a real difference.

Vík, lunch, and the practical middle of the day

Vík is the southernmost village on Iceland’s main Ring Road and has only a small population, yet it is the largest settlement for about 70 kilometers. On this route, it serves as a useful place to pause after the waterfalls, glacier, and beach.

Lunch is not included, so plan to buy food or bring something with you. The available time can vary with road conditions and how promptly the group returns to the coach at earlier stops. One past tour ran late because people repeatedly returned after the agreed time, leaving less time between the day tour and evening activity.

This is a good place to use the restroom, eat, and refill your water. Some Icelandic facilities charge for restrooms, and card payment is accepted at some stops. Keeping a bank card ready is easier than searching for coins in a wet coat.

Vík is not a long independent visit. Think of it as a practical stop and a chance to see a small community in a remote part of the country, rather than a full town tour.

The long return to Reykjavík

The return drive is part of the deal. The South Coast section can take roughly ten hours, depending on weather, roads, traffic, and how quickly the group moves at each stop. The full experience lasts about 13 hours, including around three hours for the Northern Lights portion.

The modern bus helps. Each seat has a USB charger, and Wi-Fi lets you stay connected when the signal permits. You can use the audio guide through the downloadable app, but headphones are not supplied, so bring your own wired or wireless pair.

A large coach can hold around 60 people, according to the experience of one group. That makes the price attractive, but it also means slower loading, more varied walking speeds, and less flexibility than a small-group trip. If one person is late, everyone loses time.

The tour operator uses clear meeting instructions and marked pickup vehicles when hotel pickup is selected. Pickup can take up to 30 minutes as the vehicle visits several stops. If you use the central meeting point, go to the BSI Bus Terminal at least 15 minutes before departure.

The evening Northern Lights search

After the South Coast portion, you return to Reykjavík for a break before setting out again. This is not one continuous coach journey from morning to midnight. The evening search is a separate part of the day, usually with a different guide and possibly a different vehicle.

Departure times change by season. From August 15 through September 30 and from March 15 through April 15, the Northern Lights trip operates at 10:00 p.m. From October 1 through March 14, it operates at 9:00 p.m.

The guide checks weather and cloud conditions before departure. That is a sensible approach, since auroras need dark, clear skies and depend on solar activity. The company says it will not set out unless conditions suggest a reasonable chance, but that still cannot turn nature into a schedule.

You may spend a couple of hours outside at a viewing area, waiting for the sky to change. Bring more clothing than you think you need. The cold feels sharper when you are standing still, especially after a tiring day outdoors.

A trained Northern Lights guide can help you with camera settings and point out changes in the sky. Still, expectations matter. Sometimes the lights appear clearly and remain visible long enough for photographs. Other times clouds win, or a faint glow is all you see. Several trips have been cancelled because of poor conditions, with some people offered another evening or a refund for the cancelled portion.

What the $173 price really buys

At $173 per person, this tour is priced as a practical package rather than a luxury outing. You are paying for transport to distant sights, a local guide, the South Coast route, and a trained Northern Lights guide later that night.

It is good value if you have one open day, do not want to drive, and want to cover the classic sights quickly. The cost is also easier to justify in winter, when road conditions and darkness can make independent driving stressful.

The value is weaker if you want long, quiet visits at each stop. A smaller-group South Coast tour may give you more flexibility, while a separate Northern Lights trip lets you choose another night if the forecast changes.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and the option to reserve now and pay later make booking less risky. Read the current terms carefully, particularly for what happens when the evening search is cancelled.

Who should book this tour?

I would choose it for a first Iceland visit when time is limited and the goal is to see the major South Coast sights without renting a car. It suits active people who can handle short walks, wet weather, wind, and a late return.

Families and mixed-age groups can manage it, but the long day may tire young children or anyone who dislikes bus travel. Bring snacks, water, warm clothing, headphones, and a portable battery even though USB charging is provided.

I would look elsewhere if you prefer a small group, want a relaxed pace, or already have several nights available for separate Northern Lights searches. The large coach keeps the price reasonable, but it reduces personal attention and can make the schedule feel tight.

FAQ

How long does the full tour last?

The complete experience lasts about 13 hours. The South Coast section takes most of the day, followed by roughly three hours for the Northern Lights search.

Where does the tour meet?

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

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes, hotel pickup is available if you select that option. You should be at the designated pickup point at least 30 minutes before departure, and pickup vehicles carry the Reykjavik Excursions or Gray Line logo.

What languages are available for the audio guide?

The in-app audio guide is available in Spanish, Chinese, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, and Korean. Live guiding is in English.

Are headphones included?

No. Headphones for the downloadable audio guide are not included, so bring your own.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. You should bring snacks or plan to buy lunch during the stop in or near Vík.

Are the Northern Lights guaranteed?

No. The aurora depends on solar activity, darkness, and clear skies. The operator checks conditions and may cancel when the chance of seeing the lights is poor.

What should I wear?

Wear warm, waterproof clothing, including a waterproof jacket and trousers, headwear, and gloves. Good outdoor shoes are recommended, especially for the waterfalls, glacier approach, and black sand beach.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want a high-impact first look at Iceland’s South Coast and prefer someone else to handle the long drive. The waterfalls, glacier, Reynisfjara, and Vík make a strong day, and the comfortable coach plus good live guides can turn the travel time into part of the experience.

Book with realistic expectations about the Northern Lights. You may see an unforgettable aurora, or the evening may be cancelled or end without a sighting. For $173, the combination is fair value, but the best reason to choose it is the South Coast. Treat the aurora as a welcome extra, not the promise that determines the whole trip.