Family Rafting

The West Glacial River is home to gentle rapids, spectacular canyon scenery, and natural riverside hot springs, making it the perfect playground for vikings of all ages!

10:00 AM* / 03:00 PM

Duration: 3.5 hours (*only July and August)

Easy (II+)

Minimum age: 6

Kid's price (6-12)

12.990 ISK

Meal of the day

On request (4.500 ISK p.p.)

Drysuit

Provided in every single trip

Photographer

On request (7.500 ISK)

The Most Popular Family Adventure in North Iceland

Looking for the best family rafting trip in Iceland? You just found it.


Even though we call this a “family” trip, it’s not just for kids and grandparents! This fun and beginner-friendly rafting tour is perfect for anyone who wants to explore Iceland’s raw, natural beauty, without the wild whitewater chaos. If you’re chasing huge waves and serious adrenaline, check out our Whitewater Action trip. But if you’re after safe, scenic, and splashy fun, this is the perfect day out.


The West Glacial River (Jökulsá Vestari) flows through one of Iceland’s most beautiful volcanic canyons. Along the way, you’ll paddle through gentle Class II–II+ rapids, pass steaming riverside hot springs, and sip hot cocoa brewed right from a natural geothermal vent. It’s an unforgettable way to connect with nature and each other.


Worried about getting cold? Don’t be. Viking Rafting is one of the very few rafting companies in the world to offer top-quality drysuits on a glacial river. That means you stay warm, dry, and comfortable while soaking up all the splashy goodness.


Why choose this family-friendly rafting trip?

🌊 Safe and splashy Class 2–2+ rapids perfect for beginners and kids (ages 6+)

🏞️ Stunning volcanic canyon views in North Iceland

🧥 Premium drysuits to keep the whole family warm and dry

🍫 Natural geothermal hot cocoa stop (yes, really)

📸 Fun for the whole crew – no experience needed

🚐 Departs daily from North Iceland (near Akureyri/Varmahlíð)


Book now and find out why this trip is a favorite among Iceland family tours and outdoor adventure lovers alike.

✅ WE PROVIDE:

🧥 All rafting equipment — drysuit, PFD, helmet, booties & gloves

🚣‍♂️ Expert guides — qualified IRF raft guides & safety kayakers

🚌 Transport — between our base and the river

☕️ Riverside refreshments

🌊 Iceland's ultimate rafting experience!


🎒 YOU BRING:

🧦 Thermal underwear / base layers

🧥 Warm fleece top or wool sweater

👖 Fleece pants or extra long johns

🧤 Thick wool or hiking socks (at least 1 pair)

👕 Dry clothes to change into after the river

💊 Any necessary medications (e.g. asthma inhalers)

The first thing you need to know about your rafting trip is that you are probably going to get wet, so don't be too surprised! The second thing is that there is nothing tropical about Iceland, and even though you are on summer vacation, your speedos will do you no good here. All of our rafting trips run on glacial rivers, which means that the water we paddle in is recently melted ice. As the environment and the elements we face are unpredictable (often cold and always wet) overexposure will not only leave you shivering and miserable, but it can easily become a serious safety concern if you manage to sneak in unprepared. It is your responsibility as participants (yes, you!) to arrive for your rafting trip with adequate warm clothing. Be prepared to get wet! All clothing worn on the river should be of a material that keeps its insulating ability when wet. We highly recommend fleece, wool, and synthetic materials. DO NOT WEAR COTTON, so NOT your jeans and favourite hoodie!

This was already my second tour with Viking Rafting. This time, I came with my family and booked the Family Rafting Tour. Despite the “family” label, it was anything but boring – on the contrary, it was incredibly fun!

Today was the best day of our holiday!
We want to thank the whole team for this super fun experience and nice lunch:) Thank you

This was my first time and the team could not have been better! The dis an excellent job explaining and were experts in the river! They really made it fun and the dog riding along was a real treat. Can’t wait to go back!

Fantastic rafting experience! The whole operation is very professional, and the guides are highly skilled. The post river meal was delicious aswell, definitely worth it. This day of rafting was the highlight of our Iceland trip! Would 100% recommend!

Common Questions

  • Is it safe for kids?

    Absolutely. We run this trip with safety as our #1 priority. This trip is designed specifically for families and beginners, and is suitable for children aged 6 and up. We only use guides certified by the International Rafting Federation (IRF), the global standard for professional whitewater safety.


    Your kids will be in good hands with experienced pros who know how to keep things safe and fun. Plus, we provide top-quality drysuits and safety gear to keep everyone warm, dry, and protected while enjoying the river.

  • What should we wear?

    We’ll provide all the essential river gear, including:

    ✅ Premium DRYSUIT

    ✅ Neoprene mittens

    ✅ Neoprene river shoes

    ✅ Neoprene insulation for added warmth under a helmet

    ✅ PFD (personal flotation device)


    All you need to bring is:


    Wool or synthetic base layers (top and bottom, avoid cotton)

    Warm socks

    A towel and a change of clothes for after the trip

    And maybe an extra smile… It’s hard not to have fun out there 😄

  • How cold is the water?

    It’s glacier-fed, so... cold! But thanks to our high-end drysuits, you’ll stay warm and comfortable the whole way through.

  • Who is this trip suitable for?

    This trip is perfect for families, first-time rafters, and anyone 8 years or older who’s looking for a fun, safe, and scenic adventure in North Iceland. No prior rafting experience is needed, just a sense of adventure and a willingness to get (a little) splashed!

  • Where is your rafting base?

    The Viking Rafting base at Hafgrímsstaðir is located on Road #752, 15km from its junction with Hwy #1 at the west end of Varmahlíð. Simply follow Road #752 up the valley for about 10-15 minutes until you see us on the left-hand side of the road!


    FROM REYKJAVÍK:

    305km/190mi (4-hour drive). Follow Highway #1 (Ringroad) towards the North. Just after you descend a long hill into the Skagafjörður valley, Road #752 is on your RIGHT, about 500m before the center of Varmahlíð (where the Tourist Info & Olis fuel station are located).


    FROM AKUREYRI:

    110km/68mi (1.5-hour drive). Follow Highway #1 (Ringroad) towards the West. Continue along about 500m past the left turn in the center of Varmahlíð (where the Tourist Info & Olis fuel station are located) until you reach Road #752 on your LEFT.


    Please meet us 15 before your departure time!

  • What are your cancellation policies?

    In order for us to confirm your booking, we need your money, it's that simple! For all of our day trips, we require full payment at the time of booking, which is 90% refundable up until 48 hours prior to the departure of your trip should your plans change. Within the last 48 hours, we reserve the right to keep partial or full payment to cover the cost of last-minute cancellations. Our multi-day, private, and custom trips are 80% refundable up until 30 days prior to the trip, 50% refundable up until 15 days beforehand, and non-refundable after that.


    Having said all that, we're reasonable and understanding people, so if your whale-watching boat breaks down out at sea and you have to swim back to shore, or your horse refuses to take you back from your riding tour, (or you can impress us with an equally believable story), we'll do our very best to compromise. Above all, we want to make sure that everyone leaves with a smile. We kindly ask you to reciprocate our gesture and let us know if your plans change at the last minute so that we can keep things running as smoothly as possible for everyone else.

  • Can I bring a camera or phone?

    We recommend leaving phones behind, unless they’re waterproof and tightly secured. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with professional trip photos available for purchase, so you can focus on the fun and leave the camera work to us.

  • How long does the trip take?

    The whole experience takes about 3–3.5 hours, including gear-up, shuttle time, safety briefing, and rafting. Time on the water is typically 1.5 hours.

  • Is this the best family rafting tour in Iceland?

    Well… we think so. And judging by the reviews, most of our guests agree. 😉

  • What if someone in my group is nervous?

    That’s totally normal and exactly why this trip exists! Our guides are great at easing nerves, cracking jokes, and making everyone feel safe and confident on the river.

  • Can I go rafting if I am pregnant?

    As much as we would love to, we do not recommend any extreme activity during pregnancy.