3 day private south coast tour with all the gems and hopefully northern lights
A scenic 3-day private tour in a 6- or 12-passenger supertruck from Reykjavík. Pickup at 09:00 on day 1. Driver-guide and vehicle included; accommodation and meals excluded. Route follows the Golden Circle and Iceland's south coast to Jökulsárlón and back, with evening northern-light checks when feasible.
In Collaboration with Iceland Backcountry travel. Updated on February 14, 2026.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Iceland Backcountry travel, inspired by the tour 3 day private south coast tour with all the gems and hopefully northern lights. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Þingvellir National Park (Almannagjá, Öxarárfoss)
- Geysir geothermal area (Strokkur)
- Gullfoss waterfall
- Seljalandsfoss & Skógafoss waterfalls
- Reynisfjara black sand beach
- Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon
- Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon & Diamond Beach
- Dyrhólaey peninsula views
- Evening northern lights checks (weather dependent)
Explore all itineraries in Reykjavík.
Itinerary
Day 1
Golden Circle then south coast to Vík. Pickup in Reykjavík at 09:00. Evening northern-lights check near Vík if conditions allow.
Pickup from hotel in Reykjavík
Meet your driver-guide for vehicle orientation and departure.
Tips from local experts:
- Be ready in the hotel lobby 10 minutes before pickup time to keep the schedule.
- Bring any small daypack you’ll want during the day; larger luggage will stay in the truck.
- Confirm the driver has your room/phone number if your room key is held at reception.
Þingvellir National Park (Almannagjá & Öxarárfoss)
Walk the rift valley and view Öxarárfoss; UNESCO World Heritage site.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear sturdy, waterproof shoes—paths can be wet and icy in winter.
- Stay on marked paths and follow site signage to protect fragile geology.
- Carry warm layers and a windproof outer layer; weather changes quickly.
Geysir geothermal area (Strokkur)
Explore geothermal fields and watch Strokkur erupt every few minutes.
Tips from local experts:
- Stand at a safe distance from geysers; follow barriers and guide instructions.
- Bring a protective layer for camera equipment against steam and spray.
- If you prefer quieter moments, walk a short distance from the main boardwalk.
Lunch at Geysir visitor area
A relaxed lunch stop near the geothermal area (local café/visitor centre).
Tips from local experts:
- Specify dietary needs to staff; many visitor cafés can accommodate common allergies.
- Keep jackets and footwear on hand—you'll continue sightseeing right after lunch.
- Use restroom facilities here; next extended stop is later in the afternoon.
Gullfoss waterfall
Short walks to vantage points to experience the power of the falls.
Tips from local experts:
- Paths can be icy or wet—use provided walkways and handrails where present.
- Bring a waterproof outer layer; spray and wind are common near the falls.
- Follow staff and signage for safe viewing points and closed-area notices.
Eyjafjallajökull viewpoint (brief photo stop)
Quick panoramic stop to view Eyjafjallajökull volcano from the south-coast approach.
Tips from local experts:
- This is a short roadside stop—keep personal items secure from wind gusts.
- Use this moment for wide-angle photos; care for other traffic when stopping.
- If cloud cover blocks the view, the stop remains useful for landscape photos.
Seljalandsfoss waterfall
Walk along the base and view the fall from different angles (path may be slippery).
Tips from local experts:
- The trail behind the waterfall can be wet; waterproof shoes and a hood are recommended.
- Follow marked trails and barriers; sections may be closed in icy conditions.
- Plan short stops for photos—keep moving to maintain the group's schedule.
Reynisfjara black sand beach
Short visit to the famous basalt stacks and black sand beach near Vík.
Tips from local experts:
- Observe warning signs and never turn your back on the sea—sneaker waves are dangerous.
- Keep a safe distance from the waterline when taking photos.
- Windproof layers and gloves help during short beach walks in winter.
Accommodation check-in — Vík area
Drop-off and check-in at chosen accommodation in Vík í Mýrdal (accommodation not included in tour price).
Tips from local experts:
- Have your accommodation confirmation ready for a smooth check-in process.
- Leave larger bags in the hotel and bring a small evening-layer for the northern-lights check.
- Ask reception about local conditions and shortest routes for evening walks.
Evening northern-lights check (weather permitting)
Short local outing to a nearby dark location to look for aurora activity; timing depends on weather and aurora forecast.
Tips from local experts:
- Northern lights are weather-dependent—bring warm layers and insulated footwear.
- Keep camera on a tripod and use manual exposure settings for best photos.
- If conditions are poor, the guide will advise and suggest alternative observation times.
Day 2
East along the south coast: lava fields, canyons and glacier lagoon. Overnight in the Kirkjubæjarklaustur area with an evening check for northern lights when feasible.
Depart Vík
Morning departure east along the Ring Road.
Tips from local experts:
- Have a light breakfast or grab snacks—longer driving stretches follow.
- Keep small personal items accessible; the truck holds larger luggage securely.
- Charge cameras/phones overnight to ensure full battery for the day.
Eldhraun lava field (Skaftáreldar area) – brief stop
Drive-by and short walk to view the extensive moss-covered lava field formed in a historic eruption.
Tips from local experts:
- Stick to established tracks to avoid damaging the delicate moss cover.
- Carry waterproof boots; the ground can be uneven and boggy in spots.
- This is primarily a scenic stop—plan short walks rather than long hikes.
Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon (conditional stop)
If road and weather conditions permit: short visit to viewpoints over the canyon.
Tips from local experts:
- This stop is conditional on road/weather—bring suitable footwear as trails have uneven surfaces.
- Follow marked viewpoints and avoid getting too close to edges.
- Allow time for photos; hiking longer sections may not be advised in icy conditions.
Foss á Síðu & Dverghamrar (short exploration)
Visit a small waterfall and basalt column formations; noted in local folklore.
Tips from local experts:
- Respect private property signs and stay on public paths where indicated.
- Basalt formations can be sharp—wear sturdy footwear and keep a safe distance.
- This area is suitable for a gentle stroll rather than long hikes.
Lunch & short break — Kirkjubæjarklaustur area
Lunch stop and brief rest before continuing to the glacier lagoon.
Tips from local experts:
- Plan a relaxed lunch to recharge for the afternoon; kitchen hours vary in winter.
- Use this stop to refill thermos bottles and restroom before heading to Jökulsárlón.
- Check local weather updates with the guide for afternoon plans.
Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon
View floating icebergs and seals from the shore; time for photography and walking along the lagoon edge.
Tips from local experts:
- Stay behind safety fences and follow the guide’s instructions near the lagoon edge.
- Bring spare batteries—cold drains camera/phone batteries faster.
- If you plan close-up photos, keep a safe distance from unstable icebergs.
Diamond Beach (Breiðamerkursandur)
Short visit to the beach where ice pieces wash ashore and create striking contrasts on the black sand.
Tips from local experts:
- Keep a safe distance from the water—waves can be unpredictable even on calm days.
- Allow a brief walking window; icy sand can be slippery—wear good soles.
- Avoid climbing on large ice chunks; they can roll or shift unexpectedly.
Accommodation check-in — Kirkjubæjarklaustur area
Drop-off and check-in (accommodation not included in tour price).
Tips from local experts:
- Provide any preferred room requests to the accommodation in advance for smoother check-in.
- Store wet outer layers separately to keep rooms dry and comfortable.
- Ask the front desk for local northern-light best-viewing spots for the evening.
Evening northern-lights check (weather permitting)
Guide-led local observation from a dark location near Kirkjubæjarklaustur if conditions allow.
Tips from local experts:
- Dress in insulating layers and bring hot drinks in a thermos for comfort.
- Use a tripod and remote shutter for long-exposure aurora photography.
- If the forecast is poor, the guide will plan an alternative evening for aurora checks.
Day 3
Return to Reykjavík with stops at Dyrhólaey, Skógafoss and the Sunnumörk shopping centre in Hveragerði (earthquake exhibition), arriving in Reykjavík mid-to-late afternoon.
Depart Kirkjubæjarklaustur
Early departure for the return leg with scenic stops along the south coast.
Tips from local experts:
- Have a small daypack ready—luggage remains in the supertruck.
- Confirm expected arrival time at Reykjavík with your guide if you have onward plans.
- Keep cameras accessible; morning light is often good for coastal photos.
Dyrhólaey peninsula (viewpoint)
Panoramic viewpoint over the south coast and sea arches; short walk possible.
Tips from local experts:
- Access can be limited in high winds—follow guide advice and signage.
- Birdlife (including puffins in season) may be visible—bring binoculars if interested.
- Stay on designated paths and respect fenced viewpoints for safety.
Skógafoss waterfall (view & optional short hike)
Visit the powerful waterfall with the option to walk partway up the adjacent trail for top views.
Tips from local experts:
- If you plan to climb, wear sturdy shoes—the stairs can be steep and slippery.
- There are restrooms and a small café nearby; use facilities before continuing.
- Allow buffer time—this is a popular stop and may be busier depending on season.
Lunch in Skógar area (short break)
Quick lunch and restroom break near Skógar before the final return leg.
Tips from local experts:
- Choose warm, comfort food to recharge—kitchen opening times can be limited in winter.
- Use this stop to change layers after waterfall spray or wind exposure.
- Confirm vehicle departure time with the guide to keep the schedule on track.
Sunnumörk shopping centre — quick visit to earthquake exhibition
Short stop at Sunnumörk in Hveragerði to view the local earthquake exhibition (exhibition located inside the shopping centre).
Tips from local experts:
- Exhibition opening hours may vary—allow a short flexible window for a quick visit.
- Restrooms and a café are available in the shopping centre for comfort and warm drinks.
- Ask the guide for local context about Hveragerði's geology and hot-spring activity.
Return to Reykjavík — drop-off
Final drive back to Reykjavík with drop-off at the original pickup area or agreed hotel.
Tips from local experts:
- Provide the guide with any onward-transport details or departure times so arrival is timely.
- Expect arrival in Reykjavík in the early-to-mid evening depending on road/traffic conditions.
- Gather personal items from the truck and confirm hotel or airport drop-off arrangements with the guide.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 3 |
| Highlights | 9 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Couples |
| Transfers | 4 |
| Restaurants | 3 |
| Total Activities | 21 |
| Total Places | 25 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Attraction, Meal, Hotel, Experience, Culture |
Why this experience
You'll explore Iceland's South Coast over three days in a private 4x4 vehicle, visiting waterfalls (Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss), the black sand beach at Reynisfjara, glaciers, and ice caves. The "hopefully northern lights" part means your guide will monitor aurora forecasts during your stay and position you for optimal viewing on clear nights. This multi-day format lets you move at a relaxed pace, spend time at each site without rush, and increase your odds of catching both the geological wonders and the aurora.
A private guide adjusts the itinerary daily based on weather and aurora activity, making this flexible and responsive to conditions. You're not locked into a fixed bus schedule. You sleep comfortably between days and explore thoroughly.
Before you go
- Best time: September–March (northern lights possible; some sites accessible year-round)
- Budget: Check the booking widget for current pricing
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate (mix of driving and short walks; some hikes can be challenging)
- What to bring: Warm layers; windproof jacket; waterproof boots; rain gear; camera; fully charged phone; snacks; water
- Getting there: Typically includes hotel pickup in Reykjavík on day 1
- Accessibility: Contact operator during booking if you have concerns about vehicle access or walking distances
Frequently asked questions
What's included in this itinerary?
This itinerary includes 3 days of private 4x4 vehicle touring on Iceland's South Coast, visits to major waterfalls and Reynisfjara, flexible itinerary based on weather/aurora forecasts, professional guide commentary, and evening aurora monitoring. Accommodation and meals are not typically included. Check the booking widget for exact inclusions.
Where do we sleep each night?
You'll arrange accommodation separately (guesthouses, hotels, etc.). Confirm with your operator where they recommend staying along the South Coast route.
What if there are no northern lights?
Aurora sightings depend on solar activity, cloud cover, and darkness. The guide will position you for the best chance, but sightings aren't guaranteed. Most operators allow rebooking if you don't see lights; confirm this policy when you book.
How much driving is involved?
Expect 1–2 hours of driving per day, with plenty of stops for exploration and photos. The pace is leisurely, not rushed.
Can we customize the itinerary?
Yes. Private tours allow flexibility. Discuss preferences when booking and the guide will adapt within reason.
Complete your trip in Reykjavik
Extend your South Coast experience before or after.
- Golden Circle Private Tour — Add Iceland's most iconic natural sites
- Landmannalaugar Highlands — Colorful mountains experience
- Northern Lights Tour — Dedicated aurora hunting
Browse all Reykjavik itineraries at TheNextGuide.
Last updated: March 2026
