For those who dream of discovering Iceland’s most surreal natural treasures and secret landmarks in one seamless journey, the South Coast Highlights and US Navy DC-3 Plane Wreck Tour is your golden ticket. With TPO.Travel’s expertly coordinated pickup services and insightful guiding experiences, you’re in for a day packed with dramatic landscapes, Viking heritage, and a piece of eerie aviation history that adds an unexpected twist to Iceland’s natural wonderland.
Let us take you through this unforgettable itinerary that perfectly blends sightseeing with storytelling, powered by the comfort and expertise of TPO.Travel—a leader in sightseeing tours and transfer services across Europe.
A Smooth Departure with TPO.Travel
The adventure begins the moment you’re picked up from your selected location in Reykjavík. Whether it’s a hotel, guesthouse, or one of the main tour stops in the city, TPO.Travel’s experienced drivers and efficient logistics ensure a punctual, comfortable start to your day. This is a hallmark of TPO.Travel’s service—zero stress and 100% focus on experience.
Once aboard the modern coach or minibus, you’ll be greeted by a knowledgeable guide or have access to a multilingual audioguide, offering insights into the landscapes you’re passing and the legends tied to each area. The language support is especially helpful for international travelers, ensuring that everyone feels included and informed.
Through the Lava Fields and Volcanic Valleys
As the vehicle begins to travel along Iceland’s Route 1—the legendary Ring Road, you’re immediately immersed in a world of contrasts. Moss-covered lava fields stretch endlessly on both sides, remnants of long-forgotten volcanic eruptions now blanketed in soft, green hues. This section of the journey is rich in Viking folklore, and the audioguide narrates tales of ancient settlers, trolls, and powerful natural spirits believed to still inhabit the land.
You’ll also pass quaint farming villages, some of which have been here for centuries, often dwarfed by looming volcanoes such as Hekla, Katla, and the infamous Eyjafjallajökull, whose 2010 eruption disrupted air travel across Europe. On clear days, you may also glimpse the Westman Islands rising dramatically from the Atlantic Ocean like ancient sentinels guarding the coast.
Stop 1: Seljalandsfoss – Iceland’s Walk-Behind Waterfall
Your first official stop is at Seljalandsfoss, one of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls. Dropping from a height of 60 meters, this waterfall offers a truly interactive experience. When conditions permit—typically outside the icy grip of winter—you can walk behind the cascading wall of water, following a slippery, misty path into a cavern-like space that feels straight out of a fantasy novel.
Whether it’s a summer afternoon or a misty autumn day, standing behind Seljalandsfoss and watching the world through a curtain of falling water is an experience that etches itself into your memory. TPO.Travel ensures enough time here for photos, exploration, and even a quiet moment of awe.
Bonus Stop: Gljúfrabúi – The Hidden Gem
Just a 3-minute walk from Seljalandsfoss lies a lesser-known, yet equally magical waterfall: Gljúfrabúi. Hidden partially inside a cave and fed by the same river system, this enchanting cascade feels like a secret place that only a few travelers get to see.
To reach Gljúfrabúi, you’ll need to traverse a shallow stream or hop between stones, so be sure to bring waterproof boots and a sense of adventure. Inside, the echo of rushing water and the way the sunlight filters through the cave’s opening create a cinematic moment few expect on a typical sightseeing tour.
Stop 2: Skógafoss – Raw Power in Waterfall Form
After basking in the serenity of Gljúfrabúi, the tour continues to the majestic Skógafoss, located just 30 minutes down the road. This waterfall is another 60-meter-high wonder, but unlike Seljalandsfoss, it boasts a wider drop—25 meters across—resulting in a thunderous, mist-filled crash that can be felt from a distance.
Visitors have the option to climb 500+ stairs to a viewpoint above the falls, where panoramic vistas await. From the top, the view reveals not only the waterfall’s origin point but also miles of untouched wilderness stretching into Iceland’s rugged interior.
According to Icelandic legend, a Viking treasure chest lies hidden behind the waterfall. Though no one has found it, a ring from the supposed chest now sits in a museum, keeping the story alive for every visitor that walks its path.
The Unmissable Highlight: US Navy DC-3 Plane Wreck
Now comes the surprise element of the tour—a stop that’s unique to only a few South Coast itineraries: the abandoned US Navy DC-3 plane wreck on Sólheimasandur beach.
In 1973, the US Navy Douglas Super DC-3 aircraft crash-landed here after running out of fuel. Miraculously, all crew members survived. What remains is a hauntingly beautiful fuselage, lying on a vast black sand desert formed by centuries of glacial flooding and volcanic activity.
Accessible via a 4 km walk (or via local shuttle), the wreck is now one of Iceland’s most photographed landmarks, thanks to its stark contrast against the monochrome sands and the wild Atlantic backdrop. It has appeared in movies, music videos, and countless Instagram shots, and now it becomes part of your own story.
TPO.Travel offers optional transport to the wreck depending on weather, daylight hours, and group pace, maintaining a strong focus on safety and convenience.
Comfort, Guidance, and Safety with TPO.Travel
Throughout the day, what sets this experience apart is the professionalism of TPO.Travel. Their vehicles are clean and modern, their team is responsive and trained, and their itineraries are well-paced, giving you plenty of time to explore without ever feeling rushed.
Whether you’re a solo traveler, couple, or family, the audioguide system in multiple languages ensures you understand not just what you’re seeing—but why it matters. There’s always someone available to assist, share a fun local legend, or simply make sure you’re getting the most out of your journey.
TPO.Travel is best known for offering:
- Worldwide hotel bookings
- Sightseeing tours across European cities
- Private and group transfers
- 24/7 customer service and on-ground support
Final Reflections: Why This Tour Should Be on Your Bucket List
In just one day, the South Coast Highlights and US Navy Plane Wreck tour offers a rich cross-section of Iceland’s essence—from elemental power and folklore to modern history and cinematic beauty.
And when you choose TPO.Travel as your guide, you’re not just booking a day trip—you’re choosing seamless logistics, immersive storytelling, and a commitment to traveler satisfaction that makes every moment meaningful.
If you’re planning a trip to Iceland and want a single day to capture waterfalls, volcanoes, glaciers, black sand beaches, and a plane wreck, this tour is your perfect match.