Iceland South Coast Tour : A Snowy Winter Wonderland Adventure

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1. Skógafoss Waterfall: Winter's Majestic Cascade (30 minutes)

Our first stop was Skógafoss, one of Iceland's most famous waterfalls. In winter, the waterfall's mist freezes into ice crystals, creating a magical scene with snow-covered surroundings.

It was freezing cold, but getting close enough for photos was a must. Waterproof jackets and warm gloves are essential here, so make sure to pack appropriately!

2. Sólheimajökull Glacier: A Close-Up with Ice (45 minutes)

Next, we headed to Sólheimajökull Glacier, a mesmerizing expanse of ice and snow. Unfortunately, heavy snowstorms reduced visibility during our glacier walk, so we couldn’t fully take in the views.

On the way back to the bus, the weather cleared up a bit, and we managed to snap some photos against the backdrop of the pristine white landscape. Walking on the glacier was an unforgettable experience, and I couldn’t stop marveling at the sheer amount of snow—it was like nothing I’d ever seen before.

Tip: Wear sturdy hiking boots and pay attention to your guide’s instructions. You’ll also learn a lot about glacier preservation and climate change during the visit!

3. Vik: A Snow-Covered Coastal Village (50 minutes)

We stopped for lunch at Vik, a quaint seaside village blanketed in snow. The highlight here was the Reyniskirkja Church, perched on a hill with stunning views of the cliffs, ocean, and village below.

If you’re visiting Iceland, be prepared for the high cost of dining out, and honestly, the food isn’t always great. Packing snacks or buying groceries from local stores can save you a lot of money!

4. Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach: Winter’s Dramatic Beauty (30 minutes)

The famous Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach was everything I hoped it would be and more. The contrast of the black sand against the white snow made it even more striking in winter.

This was one of the places I had been most excited about, and it didn’t disappoint. However, you need to be cautious of "sneaker waves," which can be dangerous. During our visit, our guide kept warning us to stay away from the water, and we even saw one tourist get too close and have a near-miss with a sudden wave.

5. Seljalandsfoss Waterfall: A Fairy Tale Ending (30 minutes)

Our final stop was Seljalandsfoss, which looked like it came straight out of a storybook. With the evening light and snow falling softly, the scene was pure magic.

In winter, you can’t walk behind the waterfall due to the ice, but the front view alone was enough to leave us in awe.

Ending the Day: A Cozy Night at the Hotel

After a long day of exploring, we returned to our hotel, hotel Vera, where we cooked dinner using Korean instant food we had brought from home. Staying in an apartment-style hotel with a kitchen was such a lifesaver, especially after experiencing Iceland's freezing temperatures. The simple meal of ramen and kimchi fried rice never tasted so good.

My mom spent the evening by the window, watching the snow fall and hoping to catch a glimpse of the northern lights. Sadly, the aurora didn’t make an appearance that night, but it didn’t matter. Experiencing Iceland’s wild winter weather and breathtaking nature was a reward in itself—something we rarely get to experience where we live.

Winter in Iceland is stunning, but the weather is notoriously unpredictable, and road conditions can be tricky, making it difficult to plan a self-guided trip. That’s why I opted for a South Coast guided tour, which included hotel pickup and drop-off—a huge convenience. I stayed at Hotel Vera, located in the heart of Reykjavík and just a 10-minute walk from the pickup spot. It was so central and cozy that I can’t recommend it enough!

I booked the tour through GetYourGuide, and it was worth every penny. The guide provided interesting insights along the way, making the journey even more enjoyable. Check out the South Coast Tour here