Reykjavik South Coast Winter Tour: A Full Review

So, you are perhaps thinking of taking a trip down Iceland’s South Coast during the winter, huh? Very smart. Very, very smart indeed. I actually got back just weeks ago, that is from a three-day jaunt beginning and ending in Reykjavik. The entire point of the excursion? Really just to drink in all that frozen beauty the area has on display during the chilliest part of the year. Because I’m always game to spill the details on adventures like these, this review ought to give you just a little nudge to go forth and get that ticket bought! Now I figure I will tell you all about my experiences, my impressions and some hopefully useful suggestions. And really, if you wind up doing the same tour, my hope is that you gain just a bit more joy after reading through this little piece.

Why the South Coast in Winter, you Ask?

What is it about the South Coast of Iceland during winter that has such appeal? I suppose the transformation really, and the dramatic changes that occur the moment the temperatures fall, ought to have something to do with that. What were somewhat lush fields now turn to icy plains, and the rivers become these powerful ribbons of ice, really. Furthermore, all those waterfalls? Completely gorgeous when they’re fringed with ice formations! And who would forget, then, the Northern Lights that you might actually get to peek at, that could dance right over you, really illuminating all that untouched snow! I figure it’s this collision between the elements, really, and that particular peacefulness about the colder season, that makes the South Coast quite desirable. Then there are, too, the ice caves only reachable during winter, almost otherworldly formations you won’t soon forget, seriously. They are just beyond cool!

Selecting Your South Coast Tour

Tour companies are actually all over in Reykjavik. And so many of them, that offer that trip down south, so picking the correct one actually did get tricky. After all, several factors became central to my mind. Do I feel like finding that right balance involving cost and experiences? Am I seeing enough that actually lines up to something interesting? Then comes reading all the fine print and comparing. To be perfectly frank, reading reviews from other people did wonders to actually point out potential landmines and pluses involved with specific tours. Now, what won my affections involved “From Reykjavik: South Coast 3-Day Winter Tour with Glacier,” after noticing some really good things coming out of other reviews. Those reviewers went gaga for how it included glacier hiking *and* cave exploration without causing costs to blow into the stratosphere. Furthermore, all those places it promised to take us actually felt just about right for someone seeing the highlights instead of attempting to go deep on anything in particular. It also just felt like it really crammed as much enjoyment in as could fit. All pretty persuasive!

Day 1: Waterfalls and Black Sand Beaches, and More

I would almost say we kicked things off by heading straight to Seljalandsfoss, like that much-photographed waterfall, basically? You might even be able to walk right behind the waterfall. I probably wouldn’t forget to tell you that during winter that path gets extremely icy, as well, therefore I actually had to make sure I had great shoes on (which, it might even go without saying, applies to almost all outside activities during the tour, actually.) Very quickly later? Skógafoss, where that trek up all those steps basically leads to killer views cascading water tumbling from up above! Each waterfall actually possessed distinct vibes; to say the least, the thundering power existing at Skógafoss contrasted the grotto-like experience occurring at Seljalandsfoss. Later in the day it ended with that stunning black sand coastline out at Reynisfjara, boasting bizarre basalt columns. It actually felt fairly alien looking around all those sights, I will be the first to admit. Oh, and it could be extremely windy that far from Reykjavik. My first tip? Listen to the weather and remember a shell! After those spots? A perfectly comfortable hotel in Vik, so that actually gave plenty of recovery time getting ready for day two. Pretty great.

Day 2: Ice Cave Explorations and Glacier Hiking (Yay!)

Right now comes, easily, the part most people find exciting: The glacier! That hike into one of those famed ice caves occurring over at Vatnajökull felt actually more amazing in the flesh than within brochures, definitely. Even just looking over those infinite gradations within the blue was more than worth actually venturing onto slippery ice, honestly! This trip gave us crampons (all necessary equipment will almost definitely get covered as part of your booking) that gave a fairly decent degree relating to grip walking along the surface. Now it just came time to walk across frozen water… Glacier hiking then? Not quite as claustrophobic even for those normally disinclined, really, that will almost definitely give fantastic panoramas overlooking that entire south! Honestly though, my advice: bring gloves *just in case*. Really just holding any piece regarding equipment will get uncomfortable within just moments if left undone, actually. Then later following cave adventures and glacier traversing, we headed straight for accommodation in proximity to the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, basically getting situated nice and easy. I might feel compelled to suggest packing more than just camera equipment though, too, so those memories have nice accompanying creature comforts attached.

Day 3: Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach Wonders

This morning got kicked off right down there within spitting distance from Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. So, expect enormous icebergs coasting calmly from their glacial source right on out to the North Atlantic! Next to the lagoon actually lies Diamond Beach. That spot features iceberg chunks all littered everywhere all along the volcanic sands. Oh wow… so unique. My tip that nobody considers: get footwear capable relating to complete submersion! Honestly, some of my finest photos came after moving close. I probably would advise really just going that one small additional meter you get pictures many don’t actually take! Later during our drive heading back we squeezed in several impromptu stops looking over all those fantastic viewpoints missed originally! Pretty cool tour, that makes time for discovery! After that drive heading west all throughout the day it’s basically back where things first took place: Reykjavik. One last meal out there then that plane departs early tomorrow!

Photographing Your Winter Trip

Okay now: how should I plan shooting photos on a photo tour similar to this? During daytime situations that change fairly often (like overcast vs blinding sunlight) consider taking images involving various different exposures just in case conditions morph immediately just after! The Northern Lights basically present their very particular difficulties. Tripods turn essential here, along with prolonged exposures. So, practice before showing up. Get adept making adjustments while facing frigid circumstances. Batteries can, too, drain rather rapidly during cooler conditions, yet. Bring along extras along those outdoor experiences to keep working non-stop.

Was This Winter Tour Really Worth it, at the End?

So, after experiencing everything up near Iceland’s South Coast during winter, do I suggest that particular “From Reykjavik” tour previously named? Quite loudly yes. The tour ticked many boxes in providing scenic wonder coupled alongside proficient organization as well as knowledgeable guides too it’s almost really just the right balance regarding planned exploration along simultaneous room relating to personal wanderings! Okay it’s absolutely pricey even when amortized along that time involved on locations far, too. Even after factoring those caveats still the experience proved worthy. That untouched splendor discovered along this southern side existing only briefly becomes imprinted inside memories long afterwards. Seriously; purchase! If just that slight persuasion has worked you now. And get prepared meeting sights beyond comprehension, really!