Tours & experiences

Iceland South Coast Secret Waterfalls Caves and Lava Show

About this experience

Explore the hidden gems of Iceland’s South Coast on this immersive day tour. Discover Kvernufoss, a serene waterfall where you can walk behind cascading waters, and Rútshellir, a man-made cave steeped in Viking lore. Experience the power of Sólheimajökull glacier, and relax on the tranquil black sands of Víkurfjara beach. The day culminates with the Lava Show in Vík, where you’ll safely witness molten lava flow up close, offering a captivating glimpse into Iceland's volcanic history. Perfect for adventurous travelers and history enthusiasts alike, this tour combines nature and culture in a unique way.

- Visit the secluded Kvernufoss waterfall and walk behind it
- Discover the Viking-era Rútshellir cave with fascinating folklore
- Experience the dramatic Sólheimajökull glacier up close
- End the day with a captivating Lava Show in Vík

At a glance

  • Duration: 10 hr–11 hr

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Iceland South Coast Secret Waterfalls Caves and Lava Show
Pickup included

Plan your experience

Time on the tour10 hr–11 hr
Getting therePickup offeredSee pickup details
Guide languagesEnglish (live guide)

Set aside 10 hr–11 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.

Before you go

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

What is included

  • Private transportation
  • WiFi on board
  • Admission to the Lava Show
  • Air-conditioned vehicle

Not included

  • Lunch

Itinerary and highlights

Tucked away in a narrow gorge near the popular Skógar area, Kvernufoss is one of Iceland’s hidden gems. Much like its famous neighbor Seljalandsfoss, it offers the rare and magical experience of walking behind the waterfall, with misty views and a thunderous curtain of water above.
Despite being just a short walk from the main road, Kvernufoss remains blissfully uncrowded thanks to its discreet setting. Its peaceful surroundings and dramatic beauty make it a perfect stop for those looking to enjoy the South Coast’s natural wonders away from the tourist rush.

Rútshellir is a mysterious man-made cave set into a rugged hillside near the village of Skógar. Believed to date back to the Viking Age or early settlement period, this turf-covered cave is steeped in legend and was likely used for storage or shelter.
Its unique construction and the folklore surrounding it—such as tales of outlaws or early Christian worship—make Rútshellir a fascinating stop for history enthusiasts. Quiet and rarely crowded, it offers a brief but meaningful glimpse into Iceland’s distant past, just a stone’s throw from the popular sights of the South Coast.

Sólheimajökull is a striking outlet glacier that extends from the larger Mýrdalsjökull ice cap in South Iceland. Its rugged surface of crevasses, ice ridges, and ash-streaked formations offers a dramatic and ever-changing landscape shaped by volcanic and glacial forces.
Easily accessible and popular for guided glacier hikes, Sólheimajökull provides a rare opportunity to experience the raw power of Iceland’s ice up close. Whether you're trekking across its frozen surface or simply admiring it from the base, the glacier offers an unforgettable glimpse into the island’s wild and icy heart.

Víkurfjara is a striking black sand beach located just beside the village of Vík, offering dramatic coastal views with towering cliffs, basalt columns, and the iconic Reynisdrangar sea stacks rising from the ocean. Often overshadowed by nearby Reynisfjara, this beach provides a quieter, more peaceful alternative without sacrificing the raw beauty of Iceland’s southern shoreline.
With its moody atmosphere, thundering waves, and stunning geological formations, Víkurfjara is an ideal stop for those seeking the powerful charm of Iceland’s coastline—without the crowds. It’s a perfect blend of accessibility and seclusion, right at the edge of one of Iceland’s southernmost towns.

The Lava Show in Vík offers a one-of-a-kind experience where you can witness real molten lava flowing just meters away in a safe, indoor environment. This award-winning attraction recreates a miniature volcanic eruption using actual lava, bringing Iceland’s fiery geology to life before your eyes.
With expert storytelling, dramatic visuals, and intense heat you can feel, the Lava Show is both thrilling and educational. It's a perfect complement to your South Coast journey, giving you a deeper understanding of the volcanic forces that shape Iceland—without ever stepping onto a crater.

Meeting and pickup information

  • Please note that many streets of Reykjavík are closed to traffic for buses. If your hotel is not accessible for us to drive, we will contact you and give you the nearest available location for pickup. Please also note that pickups can take up to 30 minutes. So you need to be ready and wait for your guide 30 minutes BEFORE DEPARTURE TIME. Once your guide reaches the pickup meeting point, he will call your name, show him your ticket, and hop on the tour!

Languages and tickets

  • English — Guide
  • Mobile Only

Tour operator

  • Lilja Tours ehf.

Meeting points and locations

Accessibility and practical details

  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Questions about this experience

How long is this experience?
The supplier lists a duration of 10 hr–11 hr.
What are the pickup arrangements?
Please note that many streets of Reykjavík are closed to traffic for buses.
If your hotel is not accessible for us to drive, we will contact you and give you the nearest available location for pickup.

Please also note that pickups can take up to 30 minutes. So you need to be ready and wait for your guide 30 minutes BEFORE DEPARTURE TIME.

Once your guide reaches the pickup meeting point, he will call your name, show him your ticket, and hop on the tour!
Which guide languages are listed?
English (live guide).
What ticket format is listed?
Mobile ticket.
What ticket age bands are listed?
Child tickets: age 0–12; Adult tickets: age 13+. Check the practical details for participation requirements.
What is the cancellation policy?
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Traveller reviews and photos

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