Epic 3-Day Winter Tour of the Golden Circle and South Coast with Ice Caving at Jokulsarlon

Day two begins with breakfast at your hotel. Then, your group will hit the road, heading to the beautiful South Coast, a stunning area known for its waterfalls and beaches. 

You’ll see three breathtaking waterfalls today: Seljalandsfoss, Skogafoss, and Gljufrabui. Each offers excellent opportunities to marvel at nature’s beauty and capture superb photographs.

Seljalandsfoss has a cavern behind it and a path encircling it. You can walk around it and marvel at its splendor from every angle. Ensure you wear waterproof gear and boots with good grip to enjoy the experience fully.

Skogafoss is a similar height to Seljalandsfoss, at around 200 feet (60 meters). It has an impressive width of approximately 82 feet (25 meters), and its immense power is comparable only to a few other waterfalls around the country.

Gljufrabui is a lesser-known hidden gem nestled behind a cliff and tumbling into a narrow canyon. It’s a magical place overlooked by the average traveler, and you’ll be glad you got to appreciate its beauty.

Next, it’s time to visit Reynisfjara, a world-famous black-sand beach. It’s renowned for its towering cliffside basalt columns and dramatic sea stacks jutting from the ocean. With its jet-black sand and waves crashing on the shore, it’s a breathtaking landscape to behold.

Another highlight today is the Dyrholaey scenic reserve. You’ll love the scenic vistas down to the ocean and the striking volcanic rock arch, an excellent photography spot.

After a second brilliant day packed with amazing attractions, finish by seeing if you can spot the northern lights. Your South Coast accommodation is in an excellent location for viewing the lights when conditions are optimal.

Seeing the aurora borealis tops the memories list for many winter travelers to Iceland. As you gaze up at the colorful, star-filled sky, you’ll know it’s the perfect end to your day.

On the final day of your sightseeing tour, you’ll discover more diverse natural landscapes, topping off your multi-day experience to ensure you’ve covered all the top sites.

After a hearty breakfast, your guide will take you further east along the South Coast, allowing time to stop at the Fjadrargljufur canyon and the Skaftafell nature reserve. Both are known as areas of immense natural beauty and offer hiking opportunities. You may be able to see these picturesque landscapes covered in a blanket of snow, depending on when you visit.

Next up is the awe-inspiring Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon. Marvel at the towering icebergs broken from the Breidamerkurjokull outlet glacier, part of the mighty Vatnajokull ice cap, as they lie amid a stunning setting of glacial meltwater.

You’ll be mesmerized by Jokulsarlon, from the scale of the icebergs to their fascinating colors. They could be white but often have streaks of black and sometimes appear a brilliant blue.

You might even see seals basking on icebergs or swimming through the water. It’s possible to spot them year-round here.

You’ll also see the nearby Diamond beach, where giant ice chunks float away and wash up on shore. It’s surreal to stand in this fairytale place where diamond-like ice shimmers against the beach’s black sand.

Ice caving is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and today, you’ll get to try this magnificent activity. Your guide will take you to an ice cave close to the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, accessible only in winter.

No previous experience is necessary, and your guide will ensure you have any required safety equipment. Then, you’ll step inside to witness the breathtaking colors and ice formations, something you’ll never forget.

After your ice-caving adventure, you’ll begin the long but scenic drive back to Reykjavik. Your driver will drop you back at one of the city’s major hotels or a downtown bus stop, where the tour finishes.