Tours

The south of Iceland is home to some of the country's most famous wonders of nature and, although some of them are simply marvels to admire from a distance, like Seljalandsfoss and Skógarfoss waterfalls, there are others, such as Sólheimajökull glacier and Hvítá river, that you can—with the help of professional tour guides—get a little closer to. Reykjavík Excursions and Iceland Excursions operate trips to various places in the south and in the interior. Both companies operate day trips from Reykjavík to Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon. Various smaller competitors exist that offer similar day trips, often in smaller buses and with more personal guidance. If you prefer private tours, smaller groups, and impressive transportation, consider taking a super-jeep adventure tour with Icelandic Mountain Guides or Iceland Rovers. Several other companies also offer jeep adventure trips to volcanic and glacial areas. Stop by your nearest tourist information center to find brochures on the plethora of options.

Glacier Tours

Icelandic Mountain Guides. Iceland has a number of glaciers, located mostly in the south. Do not be tempted to conquer one on your own, at least not without training or experience—glaciers can be extremely dangerous. The best way to tackle these ice giants is in the company of a good-natured, expert tour guide, like those at Icelandic Mountain Guides, who offer a number of thrilling tours and adventures, including the highly recommended “Super Jeep Volcano & Glacier Walk” , and the "Take a Walk on the Ice Side" tour . 587–9999; www.mountainguides.is. From ISK 20,900.

Into The Glacier. Iceland’s newest star attraction is a tremendous feat of engineering, designed to impress and educate people on the nature of glaciers and the impact of global warming. Opened in June 2015 the tour invites guests to explore (or even get married inside) Langjökull Glacier—Iceland’s second-largest ice cap. The adventure begins at Kaldidalur valley, where NATO-built vehicles (modified to navigate glaciers) take passengers through cloud-bursting heights to the entrance of a 500-meter-long, looping tunnel of ice, which extends 200 meters into the glacier and 30 meters deep. During the tour, stops are made at a number of chambers, including a chapel, where light installations reveal the vibrant blue layers of ancient ice. Visitors can also safely view a spectacular glacial crevasse, discovered during the excavation process. 578–2550; www.intotheglacier.is. ISK 27,900 with transfer from Reykjavík.

Photo Tours

The Aurora Photo Guide. Ronnie is a local legend in his hometown of Höfn and a super tour guide, who takes his guests on exceptional custom-made jeep tours of both on- and off-the-beaten-track locations in the south of Iceland. Apart from his northern lights tours, where he takes you to all the best viewing spots, Ronnie is also known for his wonderful hospitality and his faithful canine companions, Kavu and Bylur, who often accompany him on his tours. Höfn, East, IS-780. 845–5885; www.theauroraphotoguide.com/about/. Tours from $400 USD for two people. .

River Rafting

Arctic Rafting. Leaping into a glacial river from the ledge of a canyon is not obligatory, but it’s all part of the excitement on the “River Fun” tour from Arctic Rafting. Combining the stunning scenery with torrents of dashing fun, this tour takes adventurers on a thrilling ride down Hvítá river, which, although only a Class 2, has plenty of fast-flowing rapids to get your heart pounding. Farther down the river, rafters let loose, and the chances of being thrown overboard are likely: you may just find the sensation of bobbing like a cork in the frothy water thoroughly appealing. After a 7-km (4½-mile) stretch along the river, you can relax in the sauna back at base camp before topping off the day with a cold beer and barbecue. Not far from Geysir and Gullfoss, this trip is easily combined with the Golden Circle Tour. Wear woolen thermals and socks under your wet suit: cotton is not recommended. 571–2200 ; www.arcticrafting.com. ISK 17,990 with pickup from Reykjavík .