3-Day South Iceland Adventure: Waterfalls, Glaciers & Volcanic Highlands
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
3 days (approx. 72 hours)
Fitness Level
Moderate — comfortable walking and short hikes; able to handle uneven terrain and stairs
Overview
Three days through South Iceland condenses volcanic drama, coastal cliffs and glacier ice into a compact, guide-led route. From Heimaey’s eruption history to the rainbow slopes of Landmannalaugar, this tour is a fast, scenic primer on the island’s raw geography.
3-Day South Iceland Adventure: Waterfalls, Glaciers & Volcanic Highlands
Select participants and date
A low, cold light slides across black sand and a bus eases away from Reykjavík, engines humming like a promise. Within an hour the modern city gives way to farmland and then to a landscape that seems to have been sketched and re-sketched by fire and ice. Waterfalls unspool from cliffs, glaciers bruise the skyline, and volcanic cones puncture the horizon — each stop on this three-day route feels less like a detour and more like a reveal.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Waterproof everything
Rain and spray are constant—pack a waterproof jacket, pants, and dry bags for electronics.
Sturdy boots recommended
Expect uneven paths, river gravels and wet rock behind Seljalandsfoss—sturdy, grippy hiking boots reduce slips.
Respect coastal safety
At Reynisfjara watch from a distance and never turn your back on the Atlantic; sneaker waves can sweep people into the sea.
Optional glacier walk readiness
If joining the Sólheimajökull glacier hike, listen closely to the guide, bring sunglasses and layers, and be prepared for icy footing.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Atlantic puffin
- Arctic fox (rare sightings)
History
The 1973 Eldfell eruption on Heimaey evacuated the island’s population and reshaped local life; the Eldheimar museum chronicles the event and recovery.
Conservation
Southern Iceland’s moss and geothermal soils are fragile—stay on marked trails, avoid removing natural materials, and pack out waste to protect recovering landscapes.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Hella
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Waterproof shell (jacket & pants)
Shields you from spray, rain and highland gusts on waterfalls and in Landmannalaugar.
Sturdy hiking boots
Provides grip on wet rocks, glacier moraine and volcanic scree.
Microspikes or crampons
Useful for the optional glacier walk on Sólheimajökull when icy patches remain.
summer specific
Daypack with dry bag
Carries layers, water, camera and keeps electronics dry during coastal stops.