The South Coast of Iceland is made for adventure. Glaciers you can walk on, ice caves glowing blue, black sand beaches and waterfalls around every bend in the road. And Umi sits right in the middle of it all.
Umi Hotel is part of TourDesk, so you can book a wide range of tours and activities directly through us. We have handpicked the best experiences on the South Coast, many of them less than an hour from the hotel. Book online before you arrive, or talk to us during your stay. We are always happy to help you plan your itinerary.
Already know what you want to do? Go straight to our tours and activities page and reserve your spot.
Glacier hike on Sólheimajökull
A glacier hike is an adventure like no other, and with the rapid pace of climate change, one that is only possible in a few places left in the world. Sólheimajökull, around 25 minutes from Umi, is one of the best.
With crampons on your boots and an experienced guide by your side, you'll see how the elements shape the ice, creating labyrinths of ice ridges and deep crevasses that criss-cross the surface of the glacier.
Choose an easy-going glacier discovery walk, a longer glacier hike, or add ice climbing for something more challenging. You can even kayak on the glacier lagoon at the foot of the ice.
Into the ice cave
Deep inside Mýrdalsjökull glacier, beneath the volcano Katla, the ice turns every shade of blue. Super jeep tours leave from the village of Vík and take you up across the black sands to the ice cave entrance, where your guide leads you inside.
It is one of the few ice caves in Iceland you can visit all year round, and a highlight of any trip to the South Coast.
Snowmobiles and buggies
For a faster pace, take a snowmobile or a buggy up onto the glacier. Ride across the ice of Mýrdalsjökull with wide views over the South Coast and the ocean below.
Further west, snowmobile tours on Langjökull glacier depart daily from the Gullfoss waterfall café. It's a great choice if you are driving the Golden Circle on your way to Umi and want to top it off with something special.
ATV on the black sand
Explore Sólheimasandur on a quad bike. Ride across the endless black sand, along the coast and out to the famous plane wreck that has rested on the sand since 1973. Short express rides are perfect if you only have an hour to spare.
Super jeep and private tours
Want to see more in a single day? Private super jeep and luxury SUV tours take you wherever the day leads, with a guide all to yourselves. Head into Þórsmörk valley, between three glaciers, ride the Golden Circle, or follow the South Coast all the way to the Katla ice cave.
The Lava Show in Vík
See real molten lava up close, without the volcano. At the Lava Show in Vík, lava is heated to over 1,100°C and poured into the room right in front of you. It takes less than an hour, and it's a perfect stop on a rainy afternoon.
Day trips further afield
From Umi you can also reach some of Iceland's best-known places. Take the ferry to the Westman Islands, drive the Golden Circle, or continue east to the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and Skaftafell. Ask us for tips on the best route and timing.
Back at Umi
After a day on the ice, come back to the quiet. Warm up in our sauna or book the private sauna with a view of the landscape. Book a massage, stretch out in the yoga room, and finish the day with dinner at our Michelin Key restaurant.
Prefer a slower day? Borrow one of our bikes, or take the private road down to our black sand beach.
Book your tour and your stay
Browse all our tours and activities and book online, or ask us at reception when you arrive. Then book your stay at Umi, and let the South Coast do the rest.
