South Coast Waterfalls, Kleifarvatn & Hot Springs

Join BusTravel Iceland on this fantastic sightseeing tour combining highlights from Iceland´s South Coast and Reykjanes Peninsula. Visit the waterfalls Seljalandsfoss & Skógafoss, the bubbling mud pools at Seltún, the clear waters of Kleifarvatn lake, as well as the Hveragerði earthquake simulator & exhibition.

• Earthquake Simulator
• Skógafoss waterfall
• Seljalandsfoss waterfall
• Seltún geothermal area
• Kleifarvatn lake

The exhibition presents the causes and derivatives the earthquake 2008 in Hveragerði. The exhibition shows the experience of residents, how the quake affected the buildings, and the environment in the area. Television screens show the recordings from surveillance cameras, photographs taken by the locals and information from The Earthquake Engineering Research Centre. An earthquake crack that was encountered at the building site in 2003 is visible in the floor and is illuminated up for visitors.

The first stop of the day is the Skógafoss waterfall. This waterfall is 60m in height and drops from old sea cliffs with views of Eyjafjallajökull volcano in the background. This enormous drop makes the power of the Skógafoss something else to behold. Visitors can experience the falls from two levels. From the ground, one can approach the water as close as you feel like and really feel its power. If you are feeling adventurous as well as energetic, there is a moderately challenging climb of 370 steps to a viewing platform at the top of the falls. This platform offers a bird´s eye view of those below as well as a peak to the northern highlands of Fimmvörduhals and Thorsmork.

This Instagram favorite is most famous for the walking path leading around and behind the waterfall. Seljalandsfoss is fascinating and one of the most visited falls in Iceland. The water that feeds this 60m tall waterfall originates from the (in)famous Eyjafjallajökull glacier-capped volcano. Just a few hundred meters from Seljalandsfoss one comes across one of Iceland´s hidden gems, Gljúfrabuí waterfall. As with the rest of this day, a raincoat and sturdy shows will prove essential. If you walk behind the waterfall you will get wet, so it´s best to be prepared. This is the last stop of our day and we begin the meandering drive back to the city where you can continue your Icelandic escape.

Our next stop is at Seltún, where you can view the effect that geothermal waters can have on an environment. Here one can walk along wooden paths winding between boiling and hissing mud pools and streams of natural hot water flowing over the colorful ground and rock. The air is thick with the smell of sulphur emitted from these hot-springs. Beneath the surface, the hot water dissolves minerals such as sulphur from the rocks and ground soil, leading to this distinctive stench. Two viewing platforms overhang the area allowing you a 360 degree point of view over the area.

Our last stop of the day is at Lake Kleifarvatn, the biggest lake in the volcanic Reykjanes Peninsula. The lake is surrounded by fascinating geological features such as palagonite and sandstone mountains, formed in ancient subglacial volcanic eruptions. The lake is rimmed with black basalt beaches and beautiful rock formations sculpted by the weather elements throughout the centuries. Kleifarvatn has been severely affected by seismic activity in recent years which led to the lake partially draining. This activity also created a new hot-spring in one corner of the lake. The Lake’s folklore gives this stunning place an extra mysterious feeling.

• Professional guide
• Free WiFi

• Pickup and dropoff
• Food and drinks

• Warm, water- and windproof clothing are always useful in Iceland. It is highly recommended that you wear a waterproof out layer.
• Good sturdy shoes
• All tickets are e-tickets so there is no need to print them out.

• The duration of the tour is 10 hours
• There is no food included on this tour but there will be stops where you are able to purchase food

• Cancellation fee of 100% charged if cancelled with less than 24 hours notice.

• English