5-Day West Iceland, Ice Cave and South Iceland Small-Group Tour
Overview
Available languages
5 days
Mobile ticket
Take this 5 Day South Coast and West Iceland Adventure with an experienced guide. Your guide will take you to all of the major highlights of the south and west coast of the island including the popular Golden Circle, stunning Snaefellsnes area, fascinating waterfalls, Fjadrargljufur Canyon and the magnificent Glacier Lagoon as well as a visit to a natural ice cave. Hotel pick-up and drop-off is included, as well as a 4 night accommodation. If the conditions are right you might also be able to spot the dancing Northern Lights!
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Minimum age is 10 years
Please note that the order of the itinerary might change due to conditions in the areas
The success of the Northern Lights is very weather dependent
Ice caves are an ever-changing natural phenomena, the choice of which ice cave visited is made with your safety in mind
What to bring: Warm outdoor clothing, a waterproof jacket and pants, headgear and gloves
Good hiking shoes are recommended
This is a small group tour ensuring a more personal experience
Please note that if you are a solo traveler and would like to have your own room then please contact the operator directly after the booking is confirmed. Otherwise you will be paired up in a shared twin room with another person of the same gender.
What To Expect
West Iceland Day 1
Accommodations
Accommodation provided
Deildartunguhver Thermal Spring
During this first day you will be exploring Deildartunguhver hot spring, the most powerful hot spring in all Europe. Here you can relax at Krauma Geothermal Baths (optional extra) or stop by a nearby farm where you can have the chance to pet Icelandic horses! Whilst the surroundings are very picturesque, make sure to always stay on the pathways.
Snorralaug
Historical hot spring pool Snorralaug, treasured as the bathing spot of Iceland’s most famous poet and politician, Snorri Sturluson.
Hraunfossar
"The Lava Waterfalls" is a collection of smaller waterfalls cascading through the cracks of lava formations.
Barnafoss
On the river Hvítá in Borgarfjörður. Hraunfossar flows out of a lava field into Hvítá near Barnafoss, creating a stunning scenery from the waters that flow from Langjokull Glacier.
Gerduberg basalt columns
The day ends with Gerðuberg, a cliff of dolerite, a coarse-grained basalt rock, located on the western peninsula of Snæfellsnes. This amazing wonder was created from ancient flowing lava being cooled against the sea water.
West Iceland Day 2
Accommodations
Accommodation provided
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
Hellnar Church
After a filling breakfast at our hotel, we continue westwards. Making our way through alpine scenary we will arrive at our first stop Arnarstapi. It is a quaint fishing village at the foot of Mt. Stapafell and you will get the chance to check out it's surrounding area.
Vatnshellir Lava Cave
Within Snaefellsnes National Park is Vatnshellir Cave, an 8,000 year old lava cave. You will have the chance to be guided by an expert explaining all the features relating to its formation and history.
Djupalonssandur Beach
Charming village where we will stop for lunch. Then we'll continue to the beautiful black pebble beach at Djúpalónssandur. This beach is isolated from the rest of the coast surrounded by tall, rugged cliffs facing the Atlantic Ocean.
Kirkjufell Mountain
To cap off the day we will head to the photogenic Kirkjufell Mountain with stunning views.
The Golden Circle
Accommodations
Accommodation provided
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
Thingvellir National Park
First on our list of stops of the Golden circle, we will arrive at one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Thingvellir. Given this status for its magnificent historical and geological importance. Explore this wonder that is the site of the meeting point of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Thingvellir is also home to the longest-running parliament in the worlds, the Althingi. Don't forget to look our for the largest natural lake in the country, Thingvallavatn.
Continuing deeper inland we will arrive in the geothermally active area of Haukadalur. Home to Geyser of which all others are named after. Although it erupts infrequently it's neighbour Strokkur, 50 metres next to it, erupts every 5 minutes as reliable as clockwork. Water erupts from 20 metres to as high as 40!
Gullfoss Falls
Gullfoss is located a 5 minute drive from Geysir. The waterfall is located in the canyon of the Hvítá river in southwest Iceland. breathtaking Gullfoss Waterfall. There you traverse a narrow path that provides close-up views of the massive, two-tiered waterfall below.
Volcano Hekla
A view to the infamous volcano Hekla opens up as we drive to our next stop, Seljalandsfoss Waterfall.
Seljalandsfoss waterfall
Seljalandsfoss is situated along the Seljalandsá river where the waterway plummets 40 metres over a cliff face. Seljalandsfoss is unique among waterfalls, as the shape of the cliff over which it falls allows visitors to walk behind the chute via a footpath at the base of the falls.
Skogafoss
Skógafoss is one of Iceland’s biggest and most beautiful waterfalls with an astounding width of 25 meters and a drop of 60 meters. Due to the amount of spray the cascade produces, at least one rainbow is present any time the sun emerges from behind the clouds.
Reynisfjara Beach
Reynisfjara is a world-famous black-sand beach found on the South Coast of Iceland, just beside the small fishing village of Vík. Witness the enormous Renisdrangur basalt stacks and roaring waves coming from the Atlantic. The day will be finished with a hunt for the Northern Lights and continuing on to our hotel close to Vík.
Ice Caving and Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon
Accommodations
Accommodation provided
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
Vatnajokull Glacier
Today we’ll commence upon our glacier adventure portion of the trip, exploring a natural ice cave in Vatnajokull Glacier. The magical stroll in the ice cave will take about 45 minutes. Your guide will point out some awe-inspiring features, you’ll learn how the cave was formed and the story behind its brilliant blue color. Make sure you have your camera with you’re sure to catch some truly inspiring photo opportunities throughout your hike.
Glacier Lagoon
Jökulsárlón is a glacial lagoon, bordering Vatnajökull National Park in southeastern Iceland. Its still, blue waters are dotted with icebergs from the surrounding Breiðamerkurjökull Glacier, part of larger Vatnajökull Glacier. The Glacier Lagoon flows through a short waterway into the Atlantic Ocean, leaving chunks of ice on a black sand beach.
Fellsfjara
The Diamond Beach is a strip of black sand belonging to the greater Breiðamerkursandur glacial plain, located by Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon on the South Coast of Iceland. Here, the icebergs which fill Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon wash up on shore, standing dazzling and defiant in stark contrast to the black sand beach. It is, therefore, a favourite amongst photographers, nature-lovers, and wildlife-enthusiasts. Many seals call this beach home, and it is one of the best places in the country to see orcas from the shore. If the forecast is favorable, we’ll keep our eyes out for the Aurora Borealis before we head to our accommodation in Skaftafell.
The South Shore and Glacier Walk
Vatnajokull
After breakfast, our specialist guide will select the best route for your hike on the glacier. Before you make your way you will be provided with all the necessary glacier equipment, some of which you will have used in the ice cave. Our guide will provide expert insights about the glacial expanse beneath your feet. We will get a chance to visit some more highlights of the south coast (daylight / time permitting) before we get back to Reykjavik.
Options
Shared room option
This option includes a shared room. Please note that if you are a solo traveler and do not choose the single room option you will be sharing a room with another participant of the same gender. Pickup included
What‘s Included
Small group experience
Reykjavik pickup and drop-off
A guided glacier hiking and ice cave adventure
The popular Golden Circle sightseeing
Accommodation for 4 nights
Free wi-fi on board
Food and drinks, other than breakfast
Gratuities
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
60 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Perfectly curated Iceland tour – unforgettable experience with an exceptional guide!!!
408vaibhavl,Apr 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did the 5-day Snæfellsnes and South Coast tour with Arctic Adventures, and it was easily one of the most beautifully curated trips I’ve ever experienced. A huge part of that was our guide, Bjorn—truly one of the most delightful, charming, thoughtful, accommodating and resourceful people I’ve met. He went above and beyond to make sure everyone was comfortable and enjoying every moment. I chose this tour after a lot of research, and I’m so glad I went with Arctic Adventures. Everything was incredibly well organized from start to finish. We traveled in a comfortable minibus with 11 fellow travellers with frequent, well-timed stops for meals and breaks. The accommodations were in small hotels in quiet villages, each offering breathtaking views. One of the highlights was seeing the Northern Lights on our very first night, right outside our hotel in Hellissandur—an unforgettable experience. The itinerary was perfect—we covered all the iconic sights across Iceland including waterfalls, geysers, black sand beaches, lagoons, lava fields, glacier walks, and even ice caves, along with some lesser-known hidden gems. Despite seeing so much, the pace was relaxed and never exhausting. I can’t recommend Arctic Adventures enough—and if you’re lucky enough to have Bjorn as your guide, you’re in for an incredible experience.
Take this tour- It's a must, to see all of Iceland's wild beauty without the stress of driving and getting into accident
Lourdes J,Apr 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Driving in Iceland is dangerous due to very high winds, snow, rain, etc.. it changes from moment to moment. This is a wonderful tour to take with a highly experienced driver in those elements that is continuously informed by the office of any weather or road dangers in his path. The tour covered all of the beautiful highlights in the golden and silver circle. This tour in particular is a small group, so you get to know everyone, and we had the most delightful group of young solo travelers, elderly couples, family , we all got along so well. Also being 20 or less people, you travel in a sprinter rather than a large bus, so there are places that are more accessible. Being a small group , people are more respectful of times of departure from each area. In a large group it's more likely that you will loose time waiting for those rogue tourists that only think of themselves. The driver we had DJ Christof was a wonderful safe driver that truly cared about his group. The restaurants he took us to were very good ,considering that you won't find much variety in Iceland midrange restaurants in general. He was entertaining and very nice. The hotels we stayed in were comfortable and clean. The breakfasts they serve don't have much to offer: boiled/scrambled eggs, cold cuts, oatmeal, yogurt, bread & bacon. A few fruits. I loved not having to plan our trip to see all of the highlights, that was taken care of, and most importantly we had enough time in each place to explore. I would have liked another 30 mins at black diamond beach, because the pictures were spectacular and there was a lot of walking to get from there to the glacier lagoon. The driver/guide does not go with you at the stops, you are on your own to explore and take along as you want taking pictures or hiking, I loved that, I hate to feel like sheep being herded. I would warn future travelers that the glacier hike is incredible, and you are assigned a guide there, but It is a strenuous activity. There are steep walks on rocks and ice, so know your physical limits. Do take bottled water with you, as you will get thirsty, and a backpack that you could put your jacket into if you get too warm. **Very IMPORTANT** buy yourself hiking spikes for Iceland, regardless if on a tour. You will need them everywhere to walk on ice, keep them in the bus with you. The sprinter is somewhat tight in space, not much legroom and the overhead compartment is small for larger backpacks, so you'll have it on your lap if there aren't empty seats. **Wear layers, it will be windy freezing one moment and warm- take off your coat the next. Ski goggles or large. sunglasses are great when there is hail flying into you.
A Memorable Trip to Iceland
pr0m0ti0nb,Apr 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We joined the 5-Day Snæfellsnes Peninsula and South Iceland Tour with Arctic Adventures, and it was a wonderful experience. Maggie was a very professional, knowledgeable, and kind guide. She shared many interesting insights about Iceland and gave us helpful tips that allowed us to see the Northern Lights. The tour followed the itinerary well, and we were lucky to enjoy glacier hiking, feed Icelandic horses, and take in the beautiful scenery. Thank you, Maggie, for your care and hospitality—highly recommended!
Exciting, weather unpredictable so events changed . Our guide Vignir made sure we were safe at all times . Thanks ,
aileensK1858TD,Mar 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Totally brilliant, unpredictable, Awsome country. Vignir a brilliant, funny, professional, knowledgeable guide . Thanks.
Tour experience feedback
chois959,Mar 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00The whole experience was good. The tour guides were both nice and professional and the spot arrangements appropriate. Of course, it will be perfect if more time can be spent on the blue ice cave exploration in Vatnajokull since only we were only able to spend a brief moment (5-10 minutes) in the cave whereas we were given to understand from the customer services that we can spend at least 45 minutes in the cave.
2 + 3 great tour...
AndreaJM1970,Feb 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Iceland is a fantastic country, visiting two distinct parts of the country proved to be a good decision. We want to recognize the fantastic job of our guide Gunnar, he was amazing in all senses, helpful, knowledgeable and funny. We do recognize his job and highly recommend it. Thank you.
Worth the price
t85561878,Jan 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This tour worth the price ! If u have only have one week time in Iceland u should book this tour ! Our guide was incredible and knowledgeable!
epic iceland adventure :D
Freedom32385607521,Dec 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00this tour was sooo cool! we got to do quite a lot of things (despite the hours of daylight not being on our side) in such a short span of time, without it ever feeling too tiring or rushed. our tour group was relatively small and lead by the legendary Ronan who was incredibly knowledgeable and always up for a chat! would definitely recommend - we can't wait to go back to iceland!! - d, c & r :)
Ronan is the best!
484shaunm,Dec 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour was fantastic and Ronan was the best tour guide we have ever had. He knew all the best places and what was worth spending time on and what could be done quickly / skipped during to limited daylight. Would totally recommend doing a tour with Ronan and would love to do a tour with him again in the future
The first two days in...
Deborah M,Sep 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00The first two days in West Iceland are so so. The south iceland and ice cave glacier exploration are outstanding.
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Operated by Arctic Adventures