Skip to content
River rafting, Varmahlíð

Family rafting

Experience north Iceland’s wild and dramatic scenery from a new perspective as you raft down the meandering course and gentle rapids of the West Glacial River. The trip takes you through a towering canyon, giving the whole family a sense of great adventure as you travel through the rugged wilderness. You’ll experience leisurely, slow-moving water that gives time to appreciate the scenery as well as a few exhilarating rapids. You’ll also have the opportunity to enjoy hot chocolate brewed from a riverside hot spring and to swim in one of the calmer sections of the river.

The experience starts at the rafting base just outside Varmahlíð, where you’ll meet your guide, instructor and the other members of the small group.

Before beginning your rafting trip, you’ll be outfitted at the base with all the necessary equipment including a full dry suit and boots, a life jacket, helmet and gloves. We recommend wearing warm, thermal layers — the water is cold throughout the year.

There’s a short drive to the section of the river where you’ll start rafting, and then again at the end to return to the base. While members of the guiding team prepare your raft, you’ll be taught the basics of paddling and a few key rafting terms to prepare you for the journey.

You’ll then set off on a slow-moving section of river so that everyone can get used to the feel of the raft and the paddles. Your guide will tell you a little about the geology of the area and the canyon that you’re paddling through as you float around twists and turns that reveal new views at every bend.

The river takes you through one of Iceland’s least-visited areas of wilderness, so you’re unlikely to see anyone else during your rafting adventure and can soak up the scenery in utter tranquility.

As the river speeds up, you’ll take on your first set of rapids. Your raft will be expertly guided by your certified river guide, who’ll shout instructions as you reach each section. Although the West Glacial River is a relatively gentle one, expect to get a little splashed from time to time.

Later, stop at some bubbling riverside hot springs, where your guide will boil some water in ‘nature’s kettle’ to make hot chocolate for the group before setting off again. There will also be time to take a swim, have a water fight or just admire the scenery as you continue down the river.

At the end of the paddle, you’ll be collected and taken back to the rafting base outside Varmahlíð. The whole trip takes about three hours.

Speak to someone
who's been there
Audley Travel Specialist Julia

Start planning your tailor-made trip by contacting one of our Iceland specialists

Other experiences in North Iceland

These activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences around where you're staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident's eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can suggest tours and activities that will introduce you to the local ways of life.

  • Drangey Island boat tour
    Drangey Island

    Drangey Island boat tour

    Drangey Island boat tour

    Sheer cliffs drop into the sea on tiny Drangey Island, an uninhabited outcrop that’s home to thousands of nesting seabirds. A dramatic ascent by rope and ladder takes you to the summit for panoramic views and a chance to learn about saga-era outlaws.

    View details
  • Geosea geothermal baths
    Geosea geothermal baths

    Geosea geothermal baths

    Geosea geothermal baths

    Take part in an Icelandic tradition and relax in the Geosea Geothermal Baths just outside Húsavík and enjoy the sleek design, balmy waters and views as far as the Arctic Circle. If you’re lucky, you may even spot some whales.

    View details
  • Hauganes whale watching & sea angling
    Hauganes whale watching

    Hauganes whale watching & sea angling

    Hauganes whale watching & sea angling

    One of the world’s premier whale watching destinations, Hauganes is the jumping-off point for boat trips around Eyjafjörður, where you’re almost guaranteed to spot humpback whales and possibly minke whales, white-beaked and bottlenose dolphins, and harbor porpoises.

    View details
  • Small group tour to Dettifoss Waterfall
    Dettifoss in winter

    Small group tour to Dettifoss Waterfall

    Small group tour to Dettifoss Waterfall

    This half-day, small-group tour takes in three Icelandic waterfalls, including the thundering cascade of Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall, and the more peaceful Selfoss waterfall. Along the way, you’ll learn about Iceland’s geology and the myths and traditions surrounding the falls.

    View details
  • Varmahlíð horse riding
    Icelandic horses

    Varmahlíð horse riding

    Varmahlíð horse riding

    Ride out into the Icelandic countryside on a one-hour ride that offers the chance to experience the country’s distinct breed of horses known for their gentle nature, sure-footedness and unusual additional gaits not seen in other breeds.

    View details

Experience it for yourself

You can enjoy this activity as part of the suggested tours below, or we can weave it into a trip shaped entirely around you.