Hólmsá 5 & 6 September only!
Experience Iceland’s Holmsá River with big waves, continuous Grade 3+ rapids, and non-stop whitewater thrills.
For the very first time, Viking Rafting is opening up our playground river to you! The Hólsmá River flows straight out of Katla glacier, carrying its signature chocolaty water and serving up non-stop waves, splashes, and fun. Rated a solid Grade 3+, this run is packed with big, bouncy rapids and finishes with a spectacular 3-kilometer wave train that will keep you grinning the whole way through.
While we’ve always kept Hólsmá as our guide’s favorite “days-off river,” this September 5th & 6th we’re inviting you to join us for three exclusive trips only. Seats are extremely limited, and each boat will be led by our professional guides who know this river inside and out.
This is a one-of-a-kind chance to be part of our very first commercial run on Hólsmá – and trust us, it’s going to be a ride you’ll never forget.
👉 Big waves.
👉 Epic scenery.
👉 Limited spots.
👉 Once-a-year special.
Don’t miss your chance to raft Hólsmá with us – book your seat now and be part of Viking Rafting history!
Meet us at The Fox Hostel by Hrifunes Nature Park
Hrífunes Nature Park
WE PROVIDE:
All rafting equipment — drysuit, PFD, helmet, neoprean hat, 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 rafting in Iceland? You will probably get little wet. The second? This ain't the tropics. Even if you’re on summer holiday, Speedos are about as useful here as flip-flops in a blizzard.a What is the
Our rivers are fed by glaciers, meaning that water was ice some hours ago. While the experience is unforgettable, the environment can be cold, wet, and unpredictable. Overexposure can go from uncomfortable to dangerous real quick if you show up unprepared.
What should you wear? Think warmth. All clothing worn under your drysuit should keep its insulation when wet. We highly recommend fleece, wool, or synthetic layers. Absolutely NO cotton, that means leave your jeans and favorite hoodie at home.
Safety first: All our trips are led by International Rafting Federation (IRF)-certified guides, because when it comes to wild rivers, amateurs just don’t cut it.
Common Questions
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Is it safe?
Absolutely — we take your fun seriously.
In fact, we take it so seriously that fun is the only thing we allow to happen on our trips. But that kind of fun doesn’t come by accident — it takes serious work, constant training, and a team of highly skilled guides. That’s why all our guides are IRF-certified, backed by safety kayakers, strict safety protocols, and ongoing training to handle every situation. You have fun — we handle everything else.
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Do I need rafting experience?
Nope! You bring the courage, we’ll bring the world-class IRF-certified guides. This trip is designed for adventurous first-timers and seasoned paddlers alike. We’ll fully train you before hitting the water.
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How big are the rapids?
We’re talking Class 3,+ whitewater depending on water levels — big waves, technical rapids and plenty of adrenaline. This is Iceland’s most famous whitewater run for a reason.
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Will I fall out?
Let’s just say: it’s possible! But that’s why you’ll get full safety training beforehand, plus professional guides and safety kayakers watching your back (and front).
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What equipment do you provide?
Only the best!wetsuits
Premium drysuit (yes, really — no wet suits here)
PFD (life jacket)
Helmet
Neoprene shoes & gloves
Insulation for under your helmet
All rafting gear and paddles
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Is it cold?
Well… it’s a glacial river, so yes, the water is cold.
BUT you’ll stay warm. The colder the weather, the more warm layers you wear under your drysuit, exactly like dressing for a winter day. Fleece, wool, and synthetic layers trap your body heat while the drysuit keeps you completely dry. Our guides will help you gear up properly so you’re comfortable and ready to paddle.
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Do I need a travel insurance?
As world travelers and adventurers ourselves, we know the unpredictable nature of life on the road and the risks it involves to our safety and our money. For this reason, we recommend that all our guests have some kind of insurance policy that covers them for accidents and changes in travel plans. This kind of travel insurance is usually relatively inexpensive and well worth it.
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Can I go rafting if I am pregnant?
As much as we would love to, we do not recommend any extreme activity during pregnancy.
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Can I get a discount?
The short answer? Nope.
As much as we’d love to make this trip budget-friendly for everyone, we believe top-quality whitewater rafting in Iceland is worth every penny. And judging by our reviews, so do our happy (and slightly soggy) guests.
Let’s be real: premium drysuits, world-class IRF-certified guides, small group sizes, and the best safety standards in Iceland don’t come cheap, nor should they. We've always been a bit pricier than some competitors, but that's because we refuse to cut corners on safety, equipment, or your experience.
Quality rafting costs more and delivers way more.
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How long does it take?
Expect about 5–6 hours total: this includes your safety briefing, gearing up, shuttle to the river, rafting 2-3 hours depending on water level (18 km) ,and the ride back to base.
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What do I need to bring?
Warm fleece or wool layers (NO cotton)
Thick wool socks or hiking socks
Change of dry clothes for after (incase you get wet, sometimes it happens)
Any necessary medicationsin
Big smile & sense of adventuremedications inin case
