South Iceland Highlights and Northern Lights Combo Full-Day Tour

Traveling to Iceland and wanting to see the best of its dramatic south side? This South Iceland Highlights and Northern Lights Combo Full-Day Tour might just be what you’re after. We’ve looked into what it offers, and it’s a solid choice for those who want to maximize a day with minimal hassle.

One thing we really appreciate is how this tour handles the logistics—no worrying about driving or catching buses between stops. The second is the opportunity to try for the Northern Lights in the evening, with the reassurance of free rebooking if they don’t show initially. On the flip side, some travelers find the long day demanding, especially if you’re not used to 14-hour excursions. Still, it suits those eager to see a broad slice of Iceland in one go, particularly if you prefer guided tours over self-driving.

This tour is better suited for travelers who love natural scenery, want convenience, and are OK with a full, sometimes tiring day. It’s not ideal if you’re looking for a relaxed pace or want to spend more time at fewer stops, but it’s an efficient way to tick off key sights.

Key Points

• Convenience and Comfort: Transportation, guides, and amenities like WiFi and bathrooms are included, making for a smooth day out.
• Diverse Sights: From waterfalls and glaciers to black sand beaches, you’ll see a broad spectrum of South Iceland’s natural beauty.
• Northern Lights Guarantee: If you don’t see the auroras, you can try again—no extra charge.
• Weather Flexibility: The tour is weather-dependent; cancellations due to poor weather are handled with options.
• Value for Money: For $169, you get a full day of sightseeing plus the chance to chase the auroras.
• Group Size: The tour accommodates up to 60 travelers, which balances social atmosphere and comfort.

This tour from Reykjavik is designed to give you a taste of Iceland’s most iconic southern landscapes, topped with an evening hunt for the Northern Lights. Let’s break down each part of the day so you know what to expect.

Meeting Point and First Stops: Easy Start and Impressive Waterfalls

The tour kicks off at Bus Stop #12 Höfðatorg in Reykjavik, a straightforward meeting point, especially if you’re staying in the city center. From there, your coach takes about two hours to reach the first major highlight: Skogafoss. This waterfall is a true photo magnet, with the sheer volume of water cascading down making a thunderous sound. We loved the option to view it from ground level or go up the winding staircase for a view from above. As one reviewer put it, “It was an absolutely awesome day,” and Skogafoss is often a standout for many travelers.

Exploring Glaciers: Solheimajokull

Next, your journey continues to Solheimajokull Glacier, where you get about 45 minutes on site. You’ll take a brisk walk toward the glacier, with a chance to see how climate change is visibly affecting the landscape. Touching the icy surface provides a tangible connection to the environment—an experience that sticks with many. A knowledgeable guide shares insights and safety tips, making it accessible even for those without prior ice or glacier experience.

Black Sand Beaches and Coastal Views

Then, it’s on to Reynisfjara Beach, one of Iceland’s most famous black sand beaches. Here, the striking Reynisdrangar sea stacks rise from the ocean, and the geometric shapes of the cliffs and caves make you feel like you’re walking through another world. Keep a safe distance from the notoriously unpredictable waves—several reviews mention the importance of respecting the water’s power. You’ll spend about half an hour here, enough to soak in the views and snap plenty of photos.

Lunch in Vík

A brief 15-minute drive drops you into the charming village of Vík for your lunch stop. Note that lunch isn’t included, so it’s worth bringing snacks or planning to buy something local. Many travelers appreciate the free time to stretch their legs and enjoy the scenic surroundings, even if the meal is on your own.

The Showstopper: Seljalandsfoss

Driving about 50 minutes, your next stop is Seljalandsfoss. This waterfall is frequently called Iceland’s most-photographed—and for good reason. The winding path behind it offers a unique perspective, and many reviews mention how magical it feels to stand behind the cascading water. It’s a crowd favorite, but the experience is worth sharing with others.

Return to Reykjavík and Rest Before the Night

After about three hours exploring, your driver takes you back to Reykjavík, arriving around 7 pm. You then get a few hours free to relax or stroll before the evening part of the tour begins.

Northern Lights: The Evening Hunt

The second part kicks off after some rest, with the tour venturing far from city lights in search of clear skies. The tour’s unique selling point is the guarantee to try spotting the Aurora Borealis—and if you don’t see them, you can rebook without extra charges. This flexibility is a huge plus, especially considering Iceland’s unpredictable weather.

On the Northern Lights tour, you’ll enjoy hot chocolate while waiting under the stars, and guides are experienced at spotting the auroras, increasing your chances of witnessing this natural phenomenon. Multiple reviews highlight the professionalism of guides like Daniel, who is dubbed “the Aurora whisperer,” and others praise the overall organization.

What’s Included and What’s Not

For $169, this tour includes transportation with WiFi, a restroom on board, and hot chocolate during the northern lights hunt. It’s a good value considering the full day of sightseeing and the aurora chase. However, lunch is not included, so plan accordingly. The tour also offers free rebooking if the auroras are elusive, which takes some pressure off.

Based on reviews, the overall experience is highly regarded. Many travelers mention the excellent guides—“Jennifer was our excellent guide for the day,” and “Victoria was excellent”—who offer interesting commentary, keep the group organized, and handle last-minute changes smoothly.

One reviewer notes how the guides adjust the itinerary based on weather and other conditions, which means fewer crowds and better chances to see everything. This flexibility is especially helpful in Iceland, where weather can be unpredictable.

The stops are generally well-paced, with enough time for photos and short walks. Some travelers mention that the long day can be tiring—particularly if you’re not used to 14-hour excursions—but for most, it’s a worthwhile adventure.

The transportation, a comfortable coach with WiFi and a bathroom, helps ease the fatigue. One traveler pointed out that the bus was “very dirty,” but most reviews highlight the professionalism and careful driving of the crew, making the long hours manageable.

Authentic Experiences and Highlights

We loved how many reviews emphasized the spectacular scenery—waterfalls, glaciers, beaches, volcanic landscapes—and the chance to see real Icelandic nature without the stress of self-driving. Several users mention that their guides shared fun facts and stories, making the trip engaging beyond just the visuals.

The Northern Lights portion is a big hit, with many seeing the auroras on their first try. The rebooking policy is a real plus if the weather doesn’t cooperate initially, giving you another shot without paying extra. Multiple reviews praise the professionalism of guides like Daniel and Ritchie, who go above and beyond to make sure everyone gets a good experience.

The Good and the Not-So-Good

While most feedback is excellent, some travelers have had less positive experiences. One review criticizes the tour for being disorganized and the bus being dirty, with WiFi and charging ports not working. This review reminds us that, like any tour, quality can vary, and some companies might have lapses. However, the majority of feedback highlights well-run trips with friendly guides and stunning sights.

This tour is perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive day of south Iceland’s most iconic sights without the hassle of driving themselves. It suits those who are comfortable with a full schedule and long hours, and who want the chance to see the Northern Lights if conditions are right.

If you’re traveling with family or friends who appreciate nature and don’t mind a busy day, this trip fits the bill. Keep in mind, the itinerary is quite packed, so if you prefer a more leisurely pace, you might prefer shorter, more focused tours.

The South Iceland Highlights and Northern Lights Combo Tour offers a well-rounded experience that balances stunning scenery, knowledgeable guides, and the excitement of chasing the auroras. The value is good, especially with the flexibility of rebooking if the lights don’t appear on your first try.

It’s best suited for travelers who want to see a lot in one day, enjoy guided tours, and are prepared for a long but rewarding adventure. The included amenities like WiFi and bathrooms make the trip more comfortable, and the stops are carefully chosen to showcase Iceland’s natural beauty.

If you’re looking for a full-day snapshot of south Iceland that also offers a chance to see the Northern Lights, this tour is worth considering. Just pack warm clothes, bring some snacks, and get ready for a day full of memorable sights and experiences.

Is the tour suitable for those with limited mobility?
Since the stops involve walking outside, this tour might not be ideal for travelers with mobility issues. The walks are generally short, but some terrain, like stairs at Skogafoss or uneven paths at glaciers, can be challenging.

What’s the weather like on this tour?
The tour is weather-dependent, especially the Northern Lights part. Iceland’s weather can change quickly, so be prepared for cold, wind, or rain even in summer.

Are meals included?
No, lunch isn’t provided, so you should bring snacks or plan to buy food during the Vík stop.

Can I see the Northern Lights every night?
Not guaranteed, as sightings depend on weather and aurora activity. The tour offers rebooking options if you don’t see them on your initial attempt.

How long is the total tour time?
The entire experience is about 14 hours, including travel, sightseeing, and the Northern Lights hunt.

Is there a restroom on the bus?
Yes, the bus is equipped with a restroom, which is helpful during the long day.

This tour packs a lot into a single day, making it a worthwhile option for travelers eager to cover Iceland’s highlights without the stress of organizing logistics themselves. Just remember to dress warmly and stay flexible—you might just catch the Northern Lights, or at least see some of Iceland’s most breathtaking scenery.