South Iceland Highlights and Northern Lights Combo Full-Day Tour

This full-day tour from Reykjavik promises an immersive peek into Iceland’s most iconic natural sights—from thundering waterfalls and glaciers to black sand beaches—plus a nighttime quest for the elusive Northern Lights. With a solid rating of 4.5 out of 5 from travelers and a 92% recommendation rate, it’s clear this experience resonates with many visitors. The tour’s flexibility, convenience, and the chance to chase the aurora make it a compelling choice for those wanting a comprehensive taste of South Iceland without the hassle of self-driving.

What truly draws us in is the carefully curated itinerary, designed to maximize sightseeing while reducing travel stress, thanks to a knowledgeable guide and comfortable coach. We love the fact that the tour includes free rebooking for the Northern Lights display, which adds an extra layer of reassurance. However, one thing to keep in mind is the long duration (around 14 hours), so it’s best suited for energetic travelers who don’t mind a full day of adventure and some early mornings.

This experience suits travelers eager to see multiple highlights in one day, especially those who prefer to relax and enjoy the scenery without the burden of navigating Iceland’s sometimes tricky roads. If you’re a nature lover, picture yourself touching ancient glaciers, standing behind waterfalls, and marveling at the black sands—then topping it all off with a dance of shimmering lights in the night sky.

Key Points

• All-in-One Itinerary: Combines South Iceland sightseeing with a Northern Lights hunt in one seamless day.
• Comfort & Convenience: Includes pickup, Wi-Fi, restroom on the bus, and a well-paced schedule.
• Authentic Experiences: Stops at Skogafoss, Solheimajokull Glacier, Reynisfjara Beach, Vik, and Seljalandsfoss showcase Iceland’s natural diversity.
• Expert Guides & Flexibility: Guides like Ritchie and Noi receive praise for their knowledge and adaptability.
• Value for Money: For $169, you get a full day of sightseeing, a scenic journey, and a chance to see the aurora—things that might cost more if booked separately.
• Rebooking and Weather Policy: Free rebooking for the Northern Lights if clouds block the view, plus full refunds if canceled due to weather or low booking numbers.

A Day in South Iceland: What to Expect

Starting Point & Logistics

The tour kicks off conveniently in Reykjavik at bus stop #12 Höfðatorg, Thórunnartún 6, with easy access for most travelers. With a maximum group size of around 60, the tour maintains a lively but manageable atmosphere. The coach, equipped with Wi-Fi and a restroom, ensures comfort during the long drives.

The Waterfalls: Skogafoss & Seljalandsfoss

Our first stops are Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss—two of Iceland’s most photographed waterfalls. Skogafoss’s thunderous cascades are truly mesmerizing, with options to view from the ground or climb the winding staircase to a vantage point above. Reviewers mention the spectacular views from both levels, making it more than just a photo op.

Seljalandsfoss, on the other hand, is special because you can walk behind it, providing a unique perspective. Travelers like James appreciated the ability to see the waterfall from all angles, capturing fantastic photos and feeling the mist. Both waterfalls are free to visit, with the only cost being time spent enjoying their natural beauty.

The Glacier Experience: Solheimajokull

Next, we head to Solheimajokull Glacier, a sight that many find both awe-inspiring and a stark reminder of climate change—glaciers like this are retreating rapidly. The guided walk alongside the glacial lagoon gives you a close-up look at this ancient ice formation. Touching the glacier ice is a highlight for many, offering a tangible connection to Earth’s history. As reviewer Joana noted, the glacier’s breathtaking landscape is unmatched, making this a highlight of the trip.

Black Sand Beaches & Vík

Reynisfjara Beach is often called Iceland’s most beautiful black sand beach, with its geometric basalt columns and the Reynisdrangar sea stacks in the distance. Reviewers like Shaun found the scenery “wonderful,” but many warn to stay vigilant of the “creeper waves”—common advice for this wild coast. It’s a place for the adventurous, with stunning views at a safe distance.

In Vík, the tour pauses for lunch (not included), giving travelers a chance to stretch, grab a snack, and enjoy the charming village atmosphere. Many reviewers, including Julie, appreciated the balance of sightseeing and downtime, noting that the stops leave plenty of time to soak in each site.

The Iconic Waterfall: Seljalandsfoss

Back on the road, we visit Seljalandsfoss again, but from a different angle—this time from behind, where you can witness the waterfall’s curtain of water enveloped in a natural grotto. It’s often called Iceland’s most revered waterfall and is one of the most photographed spots in the country. Ritchie, the guide praised in reviews, is known for his engaging storytelling here, enhancing the experience.

Return to Reykjavik & Nighttime Aurora Chase

After a full day of exploring, the coach heads back to Reykjavik for a few hours of rest. Then, the Northern Lights tour begins. This part of the experience is what makes this trip stand out—your guide actively searches for clear skies away from city lights, and if clouds block the view, you can rebook for another night at no extra cost. Reviewers highlight guides like Daniel and Noi for their professionalism and enthusiasm, making the aurora hunt both informative and fun.

What’s Included & Not

For $169, you get Wi-Fi, a restroom, and hot chocolate during the Northern Lights segment—adding comfort to an already impressive experience. Lunch is not included, so plan accordingly. The tour also offers free rebooking for the aurora if the weather doesn’t cooperate initially, which is a significant plus considering the unpredictable nature of the Northern Lights.

The Real Value of This Tour

While the price might seem high at first glance, it covers a full day of diverse sights, expert guiding, transportation, and the elusive Northern Lights experience. Independent travelers might spend more trying to piece all this together on their own, especially considering the logistics and timing involved. The guided nature ensures you won’t miss the highlights, and the comfort amenities make the long day more manageable.

The stops at key sites like Skogafoss and Reynisfjara are perfect for capturing memorable photos, while the glacier walk offers a rare chance to touch a piece of Earth’s frozen history. The inclusion of the Northern Lights chase—especially with free rebooking—adds a magical finish to the trip, increasing the chances of a spectacular night sky display.

Authentic Experiences & Authentic Guides

According to reviews, guides like Ritchie and Noi are praised for their knowledge, engaging stories, and ability to adapt the itinerary based on conditions—making the experience feel personalized rather than rushed. Many reviewers also appreciated the friendly, professional attitude of the drivers and guides, which creates a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere.

Considerations

This tour is quite long, making it best suited for travelers who are comfortable with full-day excursions. Also, since the Northern Lights depend heavily on weather conditions, there’s always a risk of not seeing them, though the free rebooking policy helps mitigate this. The tour is popular, often booked 54 days in advance, so planning ahead is advisable if you want to secure a spot.

This South Iceland Highlights and Northern Lights Combo is an excellent choice for travelers wanting a comprehensive, guided day trip that balances sightseeing with comfort. It offers a carefully curated mix of Iceland’s most photogenic waterfalls, glaciers, and beaches, all wrapped up with the thrill of chasing the Northern Lights. The inclusion of free rebooking for the aurora makes it less stressful for those hoping for a sky-show, and the knowledgeable guides add genuine value to the experience.

It’s especially suitable for those who prefer to avoid the logistical hassle of self-driving, want a well-paced day, and are excited about the prospect of witnessing the Northern Lights—if nature allows. The overall value, given the number of sights, the comfort of the coach, and the expertise of guides, makes this a standout option for a full Icelandic adventure in a single day.

FAQs

Is pickup offered for this tour?
Yes, pickup is provided, making it easy to start your day without worrying about transportation.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 14 hours—from pickup in Reykjavik to returning after the Northern Lights chase.

What sites are visited during the day?
Stops include Skogafoss Waterfall, Solheimajokull Glacier, Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, Vík (lunch stop), and Seljalandsfoss Waterfall.

Can I see the Northern Lights on this tour?
Yes, the tour includes a Northern Lights hunt with the option to rebook if the aurora doesn’t appear initially, thanks to the free rebooking policy.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included. The Vík stop provides an opportunity to purchase food or snacks.

Are the stops suitable for all fitness levels?
Most stops are accessible, but some, like the glacier walk, involve light hiking. It’s best to assess your comfort with outdoor activity.

What amenities are available on the bus?
The coach is air-conditioned, equipped with Wi-Fi, and has a restroom, ensuring comfort during the long drives.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Generally yes, but consider the length and outdoor nature of some stops, and ensure children are comfortable with the schedule.

What happens if the weather is poor?
If weather conditions prevent seeing the Northern Lights, you can rebook for another night at no extra cost, or receive a full refund if canceled due to weather.

This tour offers a full, authentic Icelandic experience wrapped into one day—perfect for those who want to see the highlights and chase the aurora without the headache of organizing it all themselves.