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Family River Rafting in North Iceland

3.5 hours (about 1.5 hours on the water)Group: Small groupEasy to moderateMeet on locationAge 6+May–September
5.0(1 review)
Raft in the basalt canyonRaft crew paddling through the rapidsGroup getting ready on the riverbankRaft going through white water
Raft in rapids below green banks

A family-friendly river rafting trip on the Vestari-Jökulsá (West Glacial River) in North Iceland. You raft grade 2 rapids through a basalt canyon, with a stop for hot cocoa by a geothermal spring and a chance to jump from the cliffs.

Hafgrímsstaðir baseRiver canyon rapidsGeothermal spring stopCliff jump
  • Gentle grade 2 rapids, suitable for families with children
  • A basalt canyon with high rock walls along the river
  • A stop for hot cocoa by a natural geothermal spring
  • Optional cliff jump into the river for those who want it

Your day, stop by stop

Click a stop for photos and practical tips.
1Group getting ready on the riverbankArrive at Hafgrímsstaðir baseCheck in and get fitted for your drysuit and gear.
Group getting ready on the riverbankYoung rafter in a helmet

The rafting base is at Hafgrímsstaðir, just off Route 1 near Varmahlíð in Skagafjörður. Arrive about 15 minutes before your start time to check in and be fitted for your drysuit, life jacket, helmet, booties and gloves.

2Rafting group with their raft on the riverbankSafety briefingYour guide explains paddling and safety before you launch.
Rafting group with their raft on the riverbank

Your guide explains how to paddle as a team, what to do if you fall in, and basic river safety. Safety kayakers travel alongside the raft on the river.

3Raft in the basalt canyonRafting the canyonGrade 2 rapids through a basalt canyon.
Raft in the basalt canyonRaft in rapids below green banksRaft below red canyon walls

The Vestari-Jökulsá runs through a basalt canyon with tall rock walls, with a mix of calm stretches and gentle grade 2 rapids. You are on the water for about 1.5 hours, and the trip suits families with children from age 6.

Time here · about 1.5 hours on the water
4Raft crew on the riverGeothermal spring stopA break where hot spring water meets the river.
Raft crew on the river

Hot spring water meets the river here, and your guides heat water for hot cocoa, a warming break partway through the float. An optional cliff jump into the river is offered here, conditions permitting.

Tip · an optional cliff jump into the river is offered here, conditions permitting
5Raft going through white waterBack at the baseReturn your gear and warm up after the trip.
Raft going through white water

You return your gear and warm up after the trip. Bring dry clothes to change into.

About the river rafting Iceland

This rafting trip runs on the Vestari-Jökulsá, a glacial river in Skagafjörður in North Iceland, from a base at Hafgrímsstaðir just off Route 1 near Varmahlíð. It is built as a family option, with grade 2 to 2+ rapids rather than the bigger white water used on more extreme trips.

The river runs through a canyon with basalt walls, and along the way there is a stop where a geothermal spring meets the cold glacial water, giving your guides a chance to make hot cocoa on the riverbank. There is also an optional jump from a low cliff into the river for anyone who wants to try it, weather and water levels permitting.

You get a full drysuit, helmet and life jacket, since the water itself is cold glacial melt even though the rapids are gentle. With briefing and gearing up either side of the float, the whole visit runs about 3.5 hours, with roughly 1.5 hours actually on the water.

Make it your own

Optional extras, at extra cost
  • Meal of the day
  • Photos from your tour
  • Meal of the day (vegetarian)
  • Camping at the rafting base

Included

  • Drysuit, life jacket, helmet, booties and gloves
  • Professional raft guides and safety kayakers
  • Hot cocoa stop by the river
  • Transport between the rafting base and the river

Not included

  • Transport to Hafgrímsstaðir (meet on location)
  • Food

What to bring

  • Warm base layers to wear under the drysuit
  • A change of clothes for afterwards
  • Swimwear if you plan to try the cliff jump

Good to know

  • Minimum age 6
  • Grade 2 to 2+ rapids, gentle enough for families
  • Arrive about 15 minutes before your start time
  • Meet at Hafgrímsstaðir, off Route 1 near Varmahlíð
  • Runs from 1 May to 30 September

Questions people ask

Is this suitable for young children?

Yes, the minimum age is 6 and the rapids are grade 2, gentler than more extreme rafting trips.

Will I get wet?

You will get some splash, but a full drysuit keeps you warm and mostly dry.

Do we have to do the cliff jump?

No, it is optional and depends on conditions on the day.

Where do we meet?

At the operator's base at Hafgrímsstaðir, just off Route 1 near Varmahlíð in North Iceland.

Reviews

Reviews from travellers who took this tour. A local reads every review before it is shown.
5.0Based on 1 review
5 stars1
4 stars0
3 stars0
2 stars0
1 star0
Thrilling and enjoyable experience!

The Iceland River Rafting Tour was an absolute adventure! The experience was exhilarating and enjoyable, and the guides were exceptional. Our group, comprising both adults and teenagers, had an incredible time on this tour, and we would gladly repeat it daily if we could.

Alexia C. · March 2023
From21,990 ISKPer person

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