Private South Coast Nature Highlights

Private South Coast Nature Highlights Photo #1 of 2 Photo copyright ShoreTrips.com.

Overview

Glaciers, waterfalls, and black sand beaches all in one day.

As your drive out of Reykjavik moves east along the southern coast, your first view of the terrain is a vast expanse of agricultural land before the mountains and glaciers. This area snuggles up to the coastline and some of the villages, among them Hella and Hvolsvollur, sit right on the road. Before the huge eruption in 2010 this area was mostly known for raising horses and for its famous Icelandic tales from Njals Saga, but since the eruptions, the area has seen a tremendous increase in volcano tourism.

The Eyjafjallajökull Glacier is not really the biggest or the best volcano in Iceland but it is the one that everyone wants to see because it did erupt so dramatically. How can this volcano be a glacier? In Iceland volcanoes sit under glaciers and your guide will explain the natural forces that created this unique contract. Eyjafjallajökull Glacier is now thought of as a 'resting beast' and you will see it though more interesting is the terrain around it. The effect of the volcano is clear, as is the land that sits in front of the volcano is barren. In good weather the volcano is clearly visible with the white surface of the glacier emerging slowly from underneath a thick blanket of black ash.

In 1991, Islands Magazine said that the black sand beach of Vik, Iceland was one of the ten most beautiful non-tropical beaches on Earth. It’s easy to see why! Vik is Iceland’s southernmost village and faces the open Atlantic Ocean, framed by a long black volcanic sand beach. Nearby the spindly Reynisdrangar rock formations stick out of the sea, and as the legend goes, were formed when trolls attempted to drag three ships ashore. It stretches forever and the view is beautiful.

Waterfalls are a natural accessory to the glaciers and the volcanoes. Two that are in the vicinity of the southern coastline are impossible to pronounce but breathtaking to watch. Seljalandfoss Waterfall can be spotted from the Ring Road you are traveling. If you wish to get a closer look and time allows, your guide can help you walk behind the falls where the spray fills the air and the roaring sound is dramatic. Skógafoss Waterfall looks like an ordinary waterfall from a distance but has much more impact as you get close. You can approach the falls even further with a walk on the riverbed to really feel the power of the water.

Reynisfjara black sand beach is way at the southern end of the route and it is even more beautiful in some ways than the beach at Vik and less visited. Solheimasandur beach is a vast area of sand and gravel along the south coast of Iceland, between the cliffs of the interior and the modern shoreline. It was built up by immense glacier bursts sweeping from the mountains to the shore. The glacier bursts would come via the glacier river Jokulsa a Solheimasandi which runs from the Solheimajokull outlet glacier and towards the sea.

The beach of Solheimasandur is astonishing. It is quite common as far as sands and pebbles go but the colour stands out, a dark greenish, sometimes reddish grey, turning pure black when it turns wet. Mixed with the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean it becomes an amazing sight.

You will arrive back in Reykjavík early in the evening, giving you plenty of time to explore the downtown area, with its museums, cafés and shops, before dinner.

- Please note that we are not able to pick up from all hotels in Reykjavik. If you are staying at a hotel inside the bus free zone (city center area), then a central and nearby meeting location will be provided. If you have questions, contact ShoreTrips.
- We recommend you bring a bottle of water and snacks.
- Dress in layers as even the summer will find some areas as much cooler than others. Comfortable and waterproof shoes are essential.

- The order of the itinerary may change.
- Due to weather and/or road conditions we might have to alter the itinerary, have longer journey time or cancellation of the tour.
- If you are arriving by cruiseship and you are overnighting in Reykjavik, we recommend you book this tour for your first day.
- Book early in order to avoid the disappointment of sell-outs. Please note we may have alternative tour options at a higher cost.

Days offered: 7 days a week

Departures:

• 09:00 AM, duration: 10.5 hours