3 Day Summer South Coast, Golden Circle and Jökulsarlon glacier lagoon

Exploring Iceland in just three days might seem ambitious, but this tour makes it surprisingly manageable. Organized by Troll Expeditions, the 3-Day Summer South Coast, Golden Circle, and Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon tour offers a balanced blend of breathtaking scenery, cultural highlights, and authentic Icelandic experiences — all wrapped into a compact itinerary. With an average rating of 5.0 from over 110 reviews, it’s clear that many travelers find this tour delivers on its promise of an immersive, well-organized adventure.

One of the best parts? The guided glacier hike and boat ride at Jökulsárlón stand out as authentic highlights, giving you a hands-on experience that’s both memorable and visually stunning. However, travelers should consider that the tour is quite full, with many stops packed into just three days — so if you prefer a more leisurely pace, this might feel a bit rushed. Still, for those with limited time wanting a comprehensive taste of Iceland’s highlights, this tour hits the mark. It’s perfect for travelers eager to see iconic spots without sacrificing comfort or authenticity.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary covering Iceland’s top sights in just three days.
• Expert guides and comfortable transportation ensure a smooth experience.
• Included activities like glacier hiking and a boat ride at Jökulsárlón add adventure.
• Two nights’ accommodation with breakfast help reduce the stress of planning logistics.
• Small group size (up to 18 travelers) offers a more personalized experience.
• Good value considering the number of attractions and activities packed into the trip.

A Practical Breakdown of the Tour

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip works well for travelers who want a fast-paced, all-in-one Iceland experience. If your time is limited but you still want to see the Golden Circle, waterfalls, glaciers, and the iconic Jokulsárlón lagoon, it’s a solid choice. The inclusion of accommodations, breakfast, and key activities like glacier hiking and boat rides makes it especially appealing for those who seek both comfort and adventure. Reviewers also appreciated the knowledgeable guides and the comfort of transportation, which can be a real help when navigating Iceland’s sometimes unpredictable weather and terrain.

What to Expect – The Raw Details

Day 1: The Golden Circle

Your adventure begins with a visit to Thingvellir National Park. Here, you get a rare glimpse of the tectonic plates pulling apart, creating a scenery that’s both geologically dramatic and historically significant—this was Iceland’s site of the earliest parliament dating back to 930 AD. Expect a walk through a landscape where history and geology collide, and don’t forget your camera for the expansive views.

Next, the powerful Gullfoss waterfall will likely be a highlight for many. It’s one of Iceland’s most iconic spots, with water plunging into a deep canyon — on sunny days, the mist creates rainbows that are perfect for photos. Reviewers have described this as a “rainbow in the mist,” and it’s easy to see why.

The geothermal area of Geysir is next, featuring Strokkur, which erupts every 5 minutes, shooting water up to 40 meters. The geothermal activity here is lively and colorful, a real visual treat even if Geysir itself erupts infrequently.

Day 2: South Coast & Glacier Hiking

The second day starts with the dramatic Seljalandsfoss waterfall, where you can stroll behind the curtain of water — an experience many travelers say is “an Instagram-worthy moment.” Bring waterproof gear, as the spray can get you wet, but the views are worth it. Just a short stop away is Skogafoss, another stunning waterfall, with a 60-meter drop. Climb the staircase above for sweeping views of the falls and surrounding landscape, a favorite activity for many.

The highlight? The Skaftafell National Park glacier hike. After meeting your local glacier guide, you’ll gear up with helmets, crampons, and ice axes for a 90-minute trek across an outlet glacier fed by Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest ice cap. The experience is both humbling and exhilarating, and reviewers have praised guides for their professionalism and safety briefings. This is a rare chance to walk on a real glacier, with some reviewers noting it as “spectacular” and “a must-do.”

Day 3: Jokulsárlón and the Black Sand Beach

Your final day kicks off with a visit to Jökulsárlón, the glacial lagoon filled with floating icebergs. The boat ride among the ice is a surreal experience, often described as “peaceful” and “magnetic,” with huge ice chunks drifting past you. The lagoon’s depths are about 200 meters, fed by Breiðamerkurjökull, an outlet of the Vatnajökull glacier. Several reviewers have mentioned how the silence and stark beauty make it one of Iceland’s absolute must-sees.

Just before heading back to Reykjavík, you’ll stop at Reynisfjara Beach, where the black sand, crashing waves, and basalt columns create a dramatic coastal landscape. Bird lovers might also be excited to see puffins nesting on nearby cliffs in summer. The powerful waves here are notorious, so always keep a safe distance, but the scenery is unforgettable.

What the Tour Includes & What to Consider

What’s Included?

• Accommodation for two nights with breakfast, which means you won’t have to worry about finding a place to stay each night.
• Guided glacier hike with all safety equipment; guides are trained professionals, ensuring both safety and a fun learning experience.
• Boat ride at Jökulsárlón, giving you a closer look at the floating icebergs.
• Pickup and drop-off from designated bus stops, making logistics easy.
• Wi-Fi and Icelandic music onboard to keep you comfortable and entertained during transit.

What’s Not Included?

• You’ll need to cover your own lunch and dinner — bringing snacks or picnic supplies is a good idea, especially on busy days.
• Optional gear rentals, such as waterproof jackets, pants, hiking boots, and accessories, are available for a small fee.
• Luggage storage is also extra if you’re traveling with large bags, but the tour is designed for day use, so pack light if possible.

Timing & Group Size

Starting early at 8:00 am, the tour packs in a lot, and reviewers note it’s best suited for those who are okay with a full schedule. The small group size (maximum 18 travelers) helps keep things personal, and many guests appreciated the friendly, knowledgeable guides. Some reviews mention a guide named Thales, who was praised for making the experience “amazing” and for his friendliness and professionalism.

Authentic Experiences from Reviews

One reviewer highlighted the “excellent, friendly, and informative driver and guide,” which made the trip even more memorable. Another pointed out how the hot springs and geysers offer colorful and lively scenery, even if Geysir itself erupts infrequently. The glacier hike was described as “spectacular,” with guides providing safety gear and expert instructions, turning what could be intimidating into a fun adventure.

Travelers also appreciated the hotels with full breakfast, which helped start each day on a good footing. The quiet, stunning environment of Jökulsárlón, combined with the boat ride, left many feeling like they’d experienced a true slice of Icelandic wilderness.

The Bottom Line

This tour offers an excellent snapshot of Iceland’s diverse natural beauty—from geothermal areas and waterfalls to glaciers and ice lagoons—within a manageable schedule. The inclusion of guided glacier hikes and boat rides elevates it from just sightseeing to immersive adventure. The small group size, friendly guides, and comfortable accommodations make it suitable for travelers who want a well-organized, authentic experience without the hassle of planning every detail themselves.

While the itinerary is quite full, the pace keeps travelers engaged and offers plenty of photo opportunities and memorable moments. The value for the price is high, considering the number of highlights, activities, and convenience included. If you want to see Iceland’s top sights without sacrificing comfort or authenticity, this tour is certainly worth considering.

Who Should Book This Tour?

If your time in Iceland is limited but you still want a comprehensive, guided experience that covers the most iconic sites, this tour is perfect. It’s suitable for travelers who enjoy adventure, natural beauty, and cultural sites all in one go. It also appeals to those who value small-group travel and appreciate expert guides who can enhance the experience with local knowledge.

However, if you prefer a more leisurely pace or want to spend more time at each location, this might feel a bit rushed. But for the adventurous, the curious, or those who want a balanced mix of sightseeing and activity, this tour hits the sweet spot.

FAQ

How many days is this tour?
This is a 3-day tour, with approximately two nights’ accommodation included.

What is the starting time?
The tour begins at 8:00 am each day.

Are meals included?
No, lunch and dinner are not included, so it’s advisable to bring snacks or plan for meals during the day.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but check your comfort with outdoor activities like glacier hiking and long days on the road.

What gear do I need for the glacier hike?
The tour provides safety equipment like helmets, harnesses, crampons, and ice axes, but you might want waterproof clothing and sturdy shoes.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, there is a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the start.

Are there any extra costs during the trip?
Optional gear rentals such as waterproof jackets, pants, and hiking boots are extra, as well as luggage storage if needed.

How many people will be on the tour?
The group size is limited to 18 travelers, ensuring a more personal experience.

In summary, this 3-day Iceland tour from Troll Expeditions offers an excellent balance of adventure, scenery, and comfort, making it ideal for those wanting to tick off Iceland’s biggest sights in a short time while enjoying the guidance of knowledgeable locals. Whether it’s the iconic waterfalls, the glacier hikes, or the glacier lagoon’s silent beauty, it promises a memorable journey into Iceland’s rugged, breathtaking landscape.