South Coast of Iceland: Hidden Gems & Lava Show Tour

If you’re planning a trip to Iceland and want a well-rounded, visually striking experience, the South Coast of Iceland: Hidden Gems & Lava Show Tour might just be what you’re looking for. While I haven’t personally taken this tour, I’ve gathered enough details to give you a clear picture of what to expect and whether it suits your travel style.

What I really like about it are the diverse stops, from peaceful waterfalls to erupting lava, and the chance to see multiple iconic sights in one day. Plus, the live lava show in Vík promises a fiery finale that’s both safe and mesmerizing. On the flip side, it’s a full 10-hour day, which could be a lot if you prefer a more relaxed pace or want to explore at your own speed.

This tour seems perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive taste of south Iceland’s natural wonder without the hassle of planning each stop. If you enjoy a mix of outdoor adventure, striking scenery, and a bit of Icelandic volcanic energy, this could be a great fit. It’s also good for those who appreciate guided tours that include transportation and expert commentary.

Key Points

• Diverse sights packed into one day — waterfalls, caves, glaciers, beaches, and volcanic activity.
• Includes a live lava show, making the volcanic stories more vivid and dramatic.
• Comfortable transport with a small group — pickup from multiple Reykjavik locations.
• Focuses on natural beauty and Iceland’s volcanic landscape—a mix of scenic walks and awe-inspiring sights.
• Pricing offers good value considering the range of experiences and transportation included.
• Suitable for light walkers who want a comprehensive but manageable tour.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour covers all key stops: Kvernufoss waterfall, Rútshellir cave, Sólheimajökull glacier, Víkurfjara beach, and the Lava Show in Vík. You’ll get to walk behind a waterfall, explore a Viking-inspired cave, stand close to a glacier, stroll along a black sand beach, and end with a fiery lava display.

The price of $259 per person reflects a full day of sightseeing with guide support, transport, and the show included. It’s a pretty fair deal for experiencing so much in one trip, especially considering the transportation logistics taken care of.

However, meals and personal expenses aren’t included, so bringing snacks or lunch might be wise—especially since there’s a break at a cozy local café. Also, the tour involves light walking, so comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are a must.

The Itinerary: What Will Your Day Look Like?

The day kicks off with pickup from one of 16 locations around Reykjavik—whether you’re staying downtown or near your hotel, chances are you’re covered. You’ll board a van and set off for your adventure.

First stop: Kvernufoss waterfall
This one’s a hidden gem, often less crowded than the more famous waterfalls. The highlight here is walking behind the cascading water for a truly intimate experience. It’s a peaceful, scenic spot that offers plenty of opportunities for photos, and you’ll likely feel the refreshing mist on your face as you stand behind the curtain of water.

Next: Rútshellir cave
This isn’t just a regular cave. It’s a man-made Viking-era site with legends and early settlement stories wrapped around it. Exploring Rútshellir feels like stepping into Iceland’s ancient past, and it’s a chance to see a mysterious piece of history that’s quite different from the natural sights.

Mid-morning: Sólheimajökull glacier
Here, the landscape turns even more dramatic. Standing close to the ice outlet, you see the raw, powerful nature of Iceland’s glaciers. The views are often described as stunning and awe-inspiring. Photographers will love capturing the contrasts of ice and volcanic ash, and the experience of being near a glacier gives you a tangible sense of the changing climate and Iceland’s volcanic origins.

Late morning: Víkurfjara beach
Compared to the more popular Reynisfjara, this black sand beach offers a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere while still showcasing striking sea stacks and volcanic sands. The peacefulness here stands out, and you get a sense of the raw volcanic energy that shaped this landscape.

Afternoon: Lava Show in Vík
The tour’s fiery highlight is the Lava Show, where molten lava flows just meters away from you in a controlled, safe environment. This experience is often described as mesmerizing and intense—a perfect way to cap the day and get a visceral sense of Iceland’s volcanic power. Multiple reviews mention how close you are to the flowing lava, making it feel incredibly real and exciting.

Return journey:
After the show, it’s a comfortable van ride back to Reykjavik, lasting about 2.5 hours. You’ll be dropped off at your original pickup point or nearby, with plenty of time to reflect on the day.

Authentic Insights from Reviews

What travelers consistently mention is the stunning scenery—the waterfalls, glaciers, and beaches. One reviewer pointed out how the views from Sólheimajökull are breathtaking, describing it as “a landscape straight out of a postcard.” Others highlighted the peacefulness at Víkurfjara, being away from tourist crowds, which made the experience even more special.

The Lava Show draws high praise for its fiery spectacle. One person noted, “Seeing the lava just meters away was unreal. It’s a safe but incredibly intense experience,” which captures how well-managed and exciting this part is.

Some reviewers mention the timing and logistics—the day moves smoothly, with just enough breaks to keep everyone comfortable. The group size seems manageable, allowing for a more intimate experience and easier photos.

A few travelers say the full-day schedule can be long, especially if you’re not used to 10-hour excursions. Packing layers and snacks helps make the trip more comfortable.

Practical Tips & Considerations

• Dress warmly and in layers—the weather can change quickly, and you’ll be outside much of the day.
• Wear comfortable shoes suitable for light walking, especially at waterfalls, glaciers, and beaches.
• Bring a camera or smartphone—you’ll want to capture the dramatic scenery and lava flows.
• Consider bringing snacks or a packed lunch, since meals aren’t included.
• The tour is suitable for most travelers able to do light walking; if you have mobility issues, check with the provider.
• Pickup options are numerous, making it easy to join from most parts of Reykjavik.

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Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience offers a great balance of scenic variety and adventure, making it ideal for travelers who want to see a broad swath of Iceland’s natural beauty without multiple separate trips. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy photography, geology, or volcanic landscapes.

If you’re looking for a tour that’s packed with memorable sights but doesn’t require strenuous activity, this fits the bill. It isn’t specifically family-focused, but older children and teenagers with an interest in natural wonders will likely enjoy the lava show and glacier views.

However, if you prefer a more relaxed pace or want to spend extra time exploring one site thoroughly, you might find the schedule a bit tight.

The Sum Up

The South Coast of Iceland: Hidden Gems & Lava Show Tour offers a well-rounded, visually compelling glimpse into some of Iceland’s most striking landscapes. From the peaceful mist of Kvernufoss to the explosive heat of the lava show, this tour hits many of the highlights in a single day.

For travelers wanting to experience Iceland’s volcanic heartbeat, icy wilderness, and dramatic beaches—all with the comfort of guided transport—this tour provides excellent value. It’s best for those who want a manageable, yet exciting day and don’t mind a full schedule.

While it’s not perfect for travelers seeking a slow-paced, leisurely exploration, the variety of sights and the chance to see lava flow just meters from you makes it a memorable, photo-worthy adventure. If you love stunning views, unique geological features, and a bit of fiery drama, this tour will deliver.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, transportation is provided in a van, with pickup from 16 different Reykjavik locations, making it convenient to join from most central spots.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 10 hours, including driving, sightseeing, breaks, and the Lava Show.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, a camera, and snacks or small meals for the break. Layers are important because weather can change.

Is the Lava Show safe?
Yes, the Lava Show is a guided, controlled event designed to safely let you see flowing lava just meters away, providing a powerful visual experience.

Does the tour have a family-friendly option?
The information doesn’t specify family suitability, but the tour includes light walking and fascinating sights that older children and teenagers might enjoy.

Are meals included?
No, meals are not included, but there’s a short break at a local café for refreshments.

What’s the best time to book?
Check current availability; the tour can be booked with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Can I take photos during the Lava Show?
Absolutely—many reviews mention capturing incredible photos of the flowing lava and fiery scene.

Is this tour suitable if I want to see Reynisfjara beach?
No, this tour visits Víkurfjara, which is a quieter alternative without the crowds, but still offers similar volcanic scenery.

This tour offers a vivid snapshot of Iceland’s volcanic soul, perfect for those eager to see nature’s power and beauty in one full day.

You can check availability for your dates here: