family trip to iceland

Iceland With Kids: How To Plan The Ultimate Family Vacation In Iceland

Exploring Iceland with kids makes for one of the most memorable, fun, and exciting family vacations imaginable. Family vacations in Iceland are perfect for adventurous families who love to explore the outdoors, dine on delicious local cuisine, and experience some of the most dramatic landscapes, waterfalls, and wildlife on the planet.

Family vacations to Iceland have become one of the most popular destinations for adventurous families. And as someone who has explored a huge part of Iceland with my children, I can totally understand why. 

Iceland is the land of fire and ice. It’s a jaw-droppingly beautiful destination filled with towering waterfalls , a strong belief in fairytale creatures, wide-open landscapes to explore, and skies that dance with colorful lights. It’s a destination that appeals to adults and children alike.

Visiting Iceland with kids means exploring one of the safest countries in the world. And there are few other places where you can hike a glacier, bask in the spray of waterfalls, ride Icelandic horses down the coast, or take a super-jeep tour to the rim of an active volcano. It’s practically impossible for kids in Iceland not to find something that blows their little minds.

Iceland is also a place where the warmth of the locals is almost as powerful as the volcanoes that fuel the geothermal baths that dot the country. The Icelandic people are generally quiet and reserved, but many have a deep love for children. And exploring the picturesque fishing towns in Iceland with your kids will often open up a chance to connect that many adult travelers might miss. No matter what your Iceland itinerary looks like, you’re going to be planning a trip back very soon after you get home.

You’ll also find that many restaurants, cottages, and hotels cater to families. Many places have entertainment areas specifically for children. Hotels and motels often have cots and cribs, high chairs, and play areas. You’ll also find many restaurants that have children’s menus with kid-friendly versions of local foods, not just chicken nuggets and fries.

Is Iceland Child Friendly?

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Iceland is one of the safest countries in the world. The crime rate is exceptionally low, the education rate is among the highest in the world, and Iceland is consistently rated in the top 5 on the World Happiness Report .

While you’re traveling Iceland with kids, you’ll also learn about Iceland’s tremendous Viking heritage. From the explorers to the Viking legends, the myth and history in Icelandic tales offer stories for kids to get lost in. They are filled with adventure, passion, and mythical creatures.

Combine these things with the wide-open landscapes, great roads, amazing restaurants, and access to incredible wildlife experiences such as whales, puffins, and reindeer, and family travel to Iceland becomes positively brilliant.

Is It Easy To Travel Iceland With Kids?

Iceland has an absolutely rock-solid tourism industry. This north-Atlantic country sees a massive influx of visitors who are focused on Iceland summer vacations and winter northern lights tours.

Because family travel in Iceland is so safe, one of the best ways to explore the country is via a self-drive tour. Many families opt to tour the Ring Road or self-drive popular attractions such as the famous Golden Circle .

Rental companies in Iceland cater well to families. Whether you’re looking to book directly with a car rental company in Iceland such as Hertz or Budget, or, as I like to do, go through an aggregator such as Auto Europe , you’ll find rental companies that are able to source important things such as car seats, booster seats, and more.

The roads in Iceland are fantastic. And, unless you are looking to explore the Icelandic Highlands that are found on the rough F-Roads (which certain rentals will not be allowed to travel on), you’ll be just fine with a two-wheel drive vehicle. But, if you want to truly get off-the-beaten-path, you’ll want something with 4-wheel-drive.

Grocery stores in Iceland are well stocked with supplies such as formula, milk, diapers, pureed, food and more. You’ll find two types of milk on the shelves. One is shelf-safe and can be stored, refrigerated for a few days. Ask the helpful staff which is best for your travel itinerary.

Purchase your supplies from larger grocery stores such as Bonus, Kronan, and Netto, and in Reykjavik, you’ll find a Costco. You’ll find prices at these locations to be significantly cheaper than smaller stores and even the well-stocked gas stations.

How to Get to Iceland With Kids

Iceland is very conveniently located right between Europe and North America. In fact, it is literally the dividing point between the two countries. You can actually swim, snorkel or even SCUBA dive between the two tectonic plates in an area of Thingvellir National Park called the Silfra Fissure .

Because of this and a large tourism push in the country, flying into Iceland is relatively inexpensive from countries such as Canada, the United States, and most of Europe.

Our flight from Toronto to Keflavik on Iceland Air only took about five hours and was one of the easiest International family travel trips that we’ve taken. Flights from within Europe are even less expensive than those coming from North America with rates that can fall below $100 USD each way.

What To Do In Iceland With Kids

Iceland tourism has exploded in recent years. And more and more families are bringing their kids to Iceland. Each story that gets told just breeds more and more passion for this amazing country. And as more and more people decide to visit Iceland with toddlers, young kids, and teenagers, new and exciting opportunities are popping up for family travel within the country.

Learn About Viking History in Iceland

One of the most fascinating parts about visiting Iceland with kids is learning about the rich Viking history of the country. These epic explorers moved across the Ocean from Norway and eventually discovered the New World long before the rest of Europe jumped on the bandwagon. And it is their fascinating story that makes Iceland what it is today.

If you’re interested in learning about the Viking history in Canada, check out our tour of the Viking Trail in Newfoundland . Some of our favorite places for exploring Viking history within Iceland with kids are:

• The Sun Voyager sculpture in Reykjavik is the perfect place to start your journey through Iceland with kids. This is one of the most iconic pieces of artwork in the country. But it’s also the perfect launching point for piquing kids’ interest in Viking culture! Honestly, some of the most fun photos you can take on a family trip to Iceland are down by the Reykjavik marina.
• Meet a Giant Viking on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula .  When I was researching what to do in Iceland for families, I didn’t expect that this site near the bird cliffs of the Snaefellsnes peninsula , would become one of my favorites. Here sits a massive rock depiction of Bardur Snaefellsnes, a descendant of trolls who still exerts their magical influence on the region. The Bardur of Snaefellsenes is a great way to introduce your kids to the Icelandic sagas and the history of the country.
• Visit The Incredible Viking Museums. There are many great kid-friendly museums in Iceland. The Saga Museum is located within Reykjavik and is very popular. Just outside of town (about 40 mins) is Viking World , which has some amazing displays that will capture children’s imagination. But if you really want to delve into the Viking Saga’s and history, we highly recommend The Settlement Centre in West Iceland. It’s worth the journey if you’re traveling the Ring Road .

Take In The Most Beautiful Waterfalls in Iceland

Iceland is all about waterfalls! There are more of them than you can count. In fact, it seems that everywhere you travel in Iceland, there is water cascading down in the most beautiful way.

Not all of the waterfalls in Iceland are kid-friendly, but many of them are. These are some of our favorite waterfalls in Iceland for children. If you’re a photographer, make sure to bring along a tripod to catch those beautiful long-exposures of the waterfalls.

You can also check out my guide to the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland here .

• The Majestic Gullfoss on Iceland’s Golden Circle is one of the most famous waterfalls in Iceland. This iconic destination is a great introduction to the waterfalls of Iceland for kids.
• Svartifoss Waterfall in Vatnajokull National Park is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland. It’s located at the mid-way point of an easy 1.5 km (1 mile) hike. The hike is an easy one through the low lying forest. And the stream at the bottom of Svartifoss is perfect for splashing.
• Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall in West Iceland is in one of the most scenic areas of the country. The waterfall itself is pretty basic by Icelandic standards, but the relaxing walk along the river and the scenery around it are breathtaking! Children of all ages will love running through the fields of summer flowers with Kirkjufell Mountain in the background.

Swim in the Geothermal Pools

Make sure to bring your swimsuits with you. Iceland has countless glaciers that pour melt-water down through volcanic soil and rock. The geothermal landscape makes for a natural filtration and heating system. Because of all of this geothermal activity there are an endless number of geothermal pools waiting to explore.

For family-friendly fun in Iceland, nothing beats splashing around in naturally heated pools. It seems no matter where you travel with kids in Iceland, a pool is not far away. Reykjavik alone has over 18 of these geothermal pools! Here are some of our favorite family-friendly pools in Iceland:

• Float In Elegance in the Blue Lagoon between Reykjavik and Keflavik. Yes, the Blue Lagoon is the most famous geothermal pool in Iceland. That fame is often debated, but there’s no denying that it’s a beautiful way to begin or end a family vacation to Iceland. Unfortunately, children under 2 are no longer allowed at the Blue Lagoon.
• Enjoy family fun at the Laugardalslaug pool in Reykavik. This place combines the pools with a sports hall, botanical garden, a zoo, a sculpture museum, a large gym (World Class), a spa, and a skating rink! If you are traveling in Iceland with toddlers, it doesn’t get much better than this.
• Swim with a view at the Myvatn Nature Bath. The Myvatn Nature Baths are one of our favorite spots to bring kids in Iceland. The Myvatn Nature Baths are open to all ages and have some of the most beautiful views of all the geothermal pools.

Go Whale Watching

There are few things cooler for both kids and adults than watching a creature the size of a bus rocket out of the water and come crashing down just a few feet away from your boat.

And there are few places in the world where you can experience whale watching as you can in Iceland. These are the ones that we recommend:

• Whale Watching in Reykjavik is an excellent option for doing a 3 or 4-day tour of Iceland with kids. The convenience of being in the capital city with easy access to the marina is helpful to those who aren’t doing a full tour of the country. Most whale watching tours in Iceland leave from the Old Harbour and last about 3 hours. You can find some family-friendly Reykjavik whale watching tours here .
• Whale Watching in the Calm Waters of Akureyri is popular for families due to the calm water of Iceland’s longest fjord. Akureyri is one of Iceland’s northernmost cities, and it is the second-largest city in the country. Whale watching tours in Akureyri take off from the floating pier near the Hof Cultural and Concert hall. Here is a great Akureyri whale watching tour to check out .
• Whale Watching from a Schooner in Husavik with North Sailing was one of our favorite experiences in Iceland. There was something magical about combining the majesty of tall ships with the elegance of whales in the Northern Sea. As an added bonus, Husavik is one of the best places to see the world’s largest mammal, the Blue Whale, during the summer months. This has become one of our favorite family-friendly wildlife experiences in the world . Husavik is also home to the Iceland whale museum which has a lot to offer for those experiencing Iceland for kids, or adults traveling the country. There are other whale watching tours in Husavik as well. You can check them out here .

Explore some of Iceland’s Other Wildlife

Kids aren’t the only wild animals that love to explore Iceland, there are lots of amazing creatures that call Iceland their home. This country’s unique position in the ocean makes it a haven for migratory birds such as the North Atlantic puffin.

But it’s not just our feathered friends that can be found around Iceland. There are a few animals that we love to visit when we are in this beautiful country. Here are some of our top wildlife experiences for families in Iceland. You can check out our guide to finding puffins in Iceland here.

• Run along with herds of Reindeer in East Iceland. Reindeer are the largest animal that lives in Iceland (except for the occasional Polar Bear that ends up here by accident). Reindeer are most easily seen in the winter months when they head to the lowlands to feed. During the summer, you are more likely to see them in the highlands away from the crowds.
• Watch colorful puffins dance in the air and in the water. Ferry to the Westfjords where during the summer months Iceland is home to some of the largest concentrations of puffins in the world. The best place to see them are on the ferry to the Snaefellsness Peninsula (make sure to book the slow ferry, the fast one doesn’t stop at the colony). If you want to see them up-close, head to Latrabjarg in the Westfjords to watch them on the epic Latrabjarg bird cliffs .
• Go horseback riding on elegant Icelandic horses. OK, you got me, while not technically “wildlife”, Icelandic horses are still one of the most treasured animals in the country. They are known for their small size, gorgeous coats, and fortitude that allowed them to survive the harsh Icelandic winters. Kids will love horseback riding experiences along the black sand beaches on these beautiful animals. You can check out a great family-friendly horseback tour here .

Enjoy some of Icelands Best Family-Friendly Hikes

Views. Iceland’s got them. In fact, when you’re hiking in Iceland with children, it seems like Iceland has ALL the views. In all of the countries that our family has traveled to , I can’t think of one country that has matched Iceland for sheer beauty. Many have come close. But Iceland remains the champion.

Hiking in Iceland with kids is just awesome. You can check here for all of our favorite family-friendly hikes in Iceland here or have a look at these gems. If you’re new to family hikes, you can check out my tips on how to hike with kids here .

• Visit the Giant at the Arnarpstapi Bird Cliffs. Yes, this is the same trip we mentioned earlier when talking about Viking history in Iceland. Not only can you visit the Bardur of Snaefellsnes here, but you can hike between the towns of Arnarpstapi and Hellnar for some stunning views. The Arnarpstapi cliffs are home to thousands of nesting birds that make their homes on the coastal cliffs and sea caves. As an added bonus, stop in at the Fjoruhusid cafe in Hellnar for a treat before making your way back to Arnapstapi.
• Explore the stunning landscape around Lake Myvatn. The hiking trails surrounding Lake Myvatn are gorgeous. The region is lush and green during the summer months. The well-maintained paths make the hike very family-friendly. Along with volcanic hills and craters, you might also see grazing Icelandic horses along the water’s edge.
• Take in one of the most beautiful canyons in the world at Fjadrargljufur. This narrow canyon stretches for 2 km between steep 100 m cliffs. The canyon floor can be trekked but requires some wading through shallow water and along some small waterfalls. There is also a path along the canyon rim for those who want to keep their feet dry. We opted to do a little of each, and the views from both are simply amazing.

Appease Your Adventurous Side with Family-Friendly Icelandic Adventure Activities

With endless nature and epic views surrounding you, it’s easy to get caught up in the madness and want to try something exciting! Luckily, many of these adventurous activities can be done with children. Well, at least children of a certain age. These are some of the most exciting activities in Iceland for kids.

• Snowmobile Across Langjokull Glacier. There are few things as freeing and fun as snowmobiling across a glacier in Iceland. Although you need to be 18 to be a driver and at least 6-years old to be a passenger (When we first went, the age restrictions were a little different), snowmobiling in Iceland offers a really great way to explore on top of the amazing glaciers. You can check out some Iceland snowmobile tours here.
• Take a Zodiac or Amphibious Vehicle tour of the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. Jokulsarlon lagoon is one of the most surreal places in Iceland. Children in Iceland will love watching the icebergs cut off the Jökulsárlón glacier into the spectacular lagoon while playful seals swim amongst the clear blue icebergs that float around you. As a bonus, make sure to get a taste of the delicious glacier ice scooped straight out of the lagoon! You can find some Jukulsarlon lagoon tours here .
• Take an off-road journey in the Icelandic Interior. Off-roading and Super Jeeps are a big deal in Iceland, and these rugged adventures are something that the whole family can enjoy. And with Icelandic safety in force, you know it will kid-safe and as fun as when we went on a dune buggy in Peru . Off-roading in Iceland with kids lets you get to areas you might not think of exploring with kids. You can even combine a super jeep with a trip to beautiful Landmanalaugher with this tour .
• Snorkel or Dive Between Continental Plates. For those a little older, a visit to Thingvellir National Park affords those with the fortitude the chance to snorkel or swim in one of the most unique locations in the world. The Silfra Fissure is the location where the continental plates are drifting apart creating a huge crack through the center of Iceland. Diving and snorkeling the Silfra Fissure is amazing, and you can find some family-friendly tours here .

Taste Some Local Icelandic Food

Iceland is slowly becoming known for its culinary expertise as much as it is known for the country’s natural beauty. Icelandic cooking has adapted to the limited resources available on the island and the local chefs have learned to create some truly amazing dishes.

Sure, sometimes it can be tough to get kids to try new foods, but travel is all about trying something new! Here are some of the dishes that our kids loved:

• Get your child’s Icelandic tasting started easily with Pylsur. Pylsur?! Your kids might say, ew, gross! But this dish has become one of the most beloved meals in Iceland. What is Pylsur? It’s actually the Icelandic name for Hot Dogs! There are several great hot dog stands in Iceland, and they are ALWAYS busy. Many of these places are cash-only, so make sure you have more than credit cards
• Start your day right with a bowl of Icelandic Skyr. Almost all of the locals in Iceland eat Skyr. This creamy combination that sits somewhere between yogurt and cottage cheese is a breakfast staple. Not only is it a healthy treat, but it can be mixed with fruit and jam into a delicious treat. This delicious yogurt has exploded across North America now and you can even order it online .
• Hold your nose and gulp down some …fermented shark? Ok, I’ll be honest with you, this is something we didn’t try ourselves. But it IS a thing in Iceland. Most locals find this vile-smelling dish abhorrent, but it is steeped in tradition here as well, so there is a market for it.

Experience Some of Iceland’s Quirkiest Attractions

Icelandic People can come across as cold. That is until you get to know them. In actual fact, Icelanders love to have fun, and there is unique humor in a lot of their attractions. These are some of our favorite wild and wacky attractions that are great for family travel to Iceland.

• Wander Through Petra’s Stone Collection in Stodvarfjordur . Petra’s Stone Collection is a wild collection of rocks, minerals, and memorabilia collected by Petra María that has been referred to as a cornerstone of the nation. This collection is quirky, featuring an odd assortment of stones from throughout the country and the world. Kids will love exploring the fairy gardens, painted rocks, and beautiful gardens of Petra’s backyard while adults can visit the museum to learn about Iceland’s ‘Grand Old Lady’.
• Search for Fairies in Songhellir, the ‘Singing Cave’. Iceland is known for its rich mystical history. Many Icelandic people believe in fairies, trolls and other incredible creatures, and Icelanders are known to have small houses in their garden for elves and the like to take shelter in. Songhellir is a cave located just off the Ring Road in an area famous for mythical sightings. The cave, known as the ‘singing cave’ due to wind pushing through the lava tubes is easy to climb into and the walls feature graffiti from explorers dating back hundreds of years.
• Explore some of Iceland’s beautiful beaches. No vacation with children is complete without a visit to the beach! And the greatest thing about the beach in Iceland is that you don’t need to worry about crowds. Just drive right on out, park in the sand, and get ready to make sandcastles. Just make sure to bring a thermos of hot chocolate, the water can get a bit chilly!

Take An Iceland Road Trip

It’s easy to spend 3 or 4 days in Reykjavik and the things to do near Reykjavik . There is a lot that you can see with just a few days in Iceland. But if you really want to delve into how incredibly amazing this country is , your best bet is to rent a car and explore.

Icelandic roads are super well-maintained and traffic laws are widely supported (and enforced, so drive safe!). Taking a road trip in Iceland with kids makes for an unforgettable experience. And it’s also the best way to explore the parts of Iceland that are often overlooked by visitors . Here are some of our top things you can see on a road trip in Iceland that you probably won’t see on a day trip from Reykjavik. You can check out AutoEurope for great car rental prices here.

• Drive through streams and rivers in the Icelandic Highlands. The Icelandic Highlands are a vast departure from the coastal areas of Iceland. For countless miles in each direction, the land is barren, rocky, and wild. Kids will love the thrill of driving through small streams and rivers in your 4×4 (because if you don’t have a 4×4, don’t go to the Highlands!). You’ll see towering mountains and glaciers such as the Askja Caldera . Just make sure you stock up on gas and supplies before you go. There are no service stations here.
• Check out some of Iceland’s less famous, but no less spectacular, waterfalls. As I mentioned earlier, Iceland is full of waterfalls. And many of them can’t be seen on an organized tour. They are either too off-the-beaten-path or just not included in organized Iceland tours. Some of the ones not to miss are Godafoss, Iceland’s most powerful waterfall, and the graceful Detifoss and Selfoss. These last two can be reached via a short hike .
• Watch Where the World Has Ripped Apart in Lakagigar. Our visit to Crater Row in Lakagigar was one of our most epic road trips in Iceland. It’s a long drive to get there, but WOW! When you arrive it will blow your mind. There are a series of beautiful volcanic caves that are cool to explore (young children might need a hand to hold for this one). But the best part is a hike up a small mountain (kids of all ages can do it with a little help). Here you can see where the earth was opened up like a zipper by a series of volcanic eruptions that devastated Iceland in the early 20th century.

What Are The Best Places To Stay In Iceland With Kids?

Iceland has some great hotels for family travel. Whether you are staying in Reykjavik or exploring deeper into the country, you’ll find friendly hosts and comfortable rooms.

Hotels in Reykjavik For Families

Reykjavik is the core of fun in Iceland with kids. It’s the biggest city and has the most options for family-friendly hotels in Iceland. You can find our complete list of the best hotels in Reykjavik for families here .

The Alda Hotel Reykjavik is one of the most popular hotels for families in Iceland. They have both a family room with a pullout couch and a suite with two bedrooms.The Canopy Hotel by Hilton also has suites and rooms with pullout couches. The downtown location makes getting around Reykjavik with kids a breeze. If those book up though there are always options for hotels in the city. You can check out more great Reykjavik accommodations here .

But family travel in Iceland isn’t limited to just Reykjavik. There are other cities worth checking out. If you visit Hella, I recommend Hotel Ranga . They have their own observatory which makes watching Iceland’s dark skies even more special. In the town of Vik check out Icelandair Hotel Vik . They even have triple rooms available, perfect for families. The Icelandair Hotel Akureyri is also a good spot for families heading to Iceland’s second-largest city.

There is a LOT to do in Iceland For Kids!

Exploring Iceland for kids can be a fun-filled adventure for the whole family! There is plenty to discover and learn in this beautiful country. The people are warm and friendly and when traveling Iceland with kids you can be sure that your presence will be cherished! Don’t be afraid to venture off-the-beaten-path and get to know this beautiful country a little better.

If you’re passionate about family travel, head on over to our Family Travel Support Group on Facebook . It’s a fantastic community of parents who love travel. We share experiences, knowledge, and the lessons learned along the way. You can also sign up for our newsletter to keep in the loop about new family travel adventures. You can check out our web story for this article here .

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Tuesday 3rd of January 2023

Would you recommend staying in Reykjavík and then doing day trips to see the rest of Iceland or split up the trip staying in different towns/cities? We are planning for this summer while I’m on maternity leave with our 3 month old and 6 year old kids.

Kevin Wagar

Wednesday 4th of January 2023

I would only recommend doing daytrips from Reykjavik if you are focusing solely on southern Iceland. The distances are too great if you're looking at the Westfjords, Eastfjords, or northern regions. If you are planning an extended stay, moving around the country would be the ideal approach.

Katie Restrepo

Monday 24th of May 2021

This is very useful information, thanks! Iceland is on our radar for a future trip. Saving this for reference.

Thursday 27th of May 2021

It's a destination that will stay with you forever Katie! Enjoy your trip.

Friday 25th of October 2019

What ages have your kids when you travel to Iceland? Do you have any itinerary with the activities for the kids? I want to travel with my children (3-4 years old). Could you send me something?

Thanks a lot.

Hello Carlos, I've traveled to Iceland with children as young as 2 years old. Iceland is a destination that is good for children of all ages. And it is becoming one of the most popular adventure family travel destinations in the world. You can check out our Iceland itinerary for families here. And you can find more of our Iceland resources here.

Gemma Stringer

Tuesday 16th of October 2018

I have always wanted to visit Iceland but didn't think it was suitable for children so It is awesome seeing your post and knowing it is suitable. We have kids 10, 8 6 and 19 months so it is now definitely something to think about. I love your picture of the puffin - How long did you actually spent there as you seemed to fit a lot in?

Wednesday 17th of October 2018

Hi Gemma! I'm glad we could change your mind about visiting Iceland with kids! It's amazing and one of our favorite places in the world to visit. We spent two weeks in Iceland road-tripping around the country. There is quite a bit to see in less time if you can't spare as much time.

Jessica Baca

Monday 6th of August 2018

I'll be going with my two year old in about 2 weeks. What kind of clothes did your little one use?

The weather can be all over the map in Iceland so it's always best to be prepared. It's not a country that you want to pack light for if you are going to be doing off-the-beaten-path kind of exploring. But one of the best things that we brought were Merino wool base layers for all of us. Having something light and warm meant that we could layer off our clothes pretty easily and stay comfortable in almost all conditions. This is a great base layer for toddlers (we always aim up a size since they grow out of them so fast) https://wanderingwagars.com/product/B076P7NQC7/US/anderinagars-20/

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Whether you’ve got young children, teenagers or grown-up kids, visiting Iceland with the family is an incredible experience. Together you could explore out-of-this-world scenery and enjoy Icelandic family activities like horseback riding. Our Reykjavík-based travel experts can create your dream tour for you.

When you book a family trip to Iceland with Nordic Visitor, you get:

• An authentic travel experience organised by an established and trusted agency • A dedicated travel consultant who will arrange your tour • A detailed online personal itinerary with all your bookings • Hand-picked accommodation for a relaxing stay • 24/7 phone support for peace of mind • A hand-delivered hard copy of your personalised itinerary and map

Nordic Visitor has made it easy to start planning your family vacation. Simply follow these steps:

1. Pick your favourite Nordic Visitor tour 2. Confirm your package 3. Check your confirmation email 4. Book your flights 5. Get ready for your trip

Why choose Nordic Visitor

Book With Confidence

Secure your trip your way with Nordic Visitor. Book a tour with as little as 10% deposit. With a 20% deposit or more, you will receive our Cancellation Protection free of charge. You can also pay the full price right away to guarantee today’s exchange rate. Terms & conditions apply.

You are in good hands

When you explore Iceland on a tour with us, we’ll be there for you around the clock. You’ll have access to our 24/7 helpline for local support if you need it. Should any unforeseen event occur, your Nordic Visitor travel consultant will handle it, reworking your itinerary while keeping you safe and informed.

Trusted local travel experts

Founded in Reykjavík in 2002, Nordic Visitor is a leading travel agency with a true passion for Iceland. Our local travel experts all know the country inside out and will use their knowledge to craft an itinerary that suits all your family members. They’ll make sure you have the trip of a lifetime.

Great reviews

Nordic Visitor is dedicated to the best service quality, and this is reflected year after year when TripAdvisor awards us with their Certificate of Excellence. We also take great pride in our customer feedback: 97% of our travellers say they would recommend us to friends and family.

Customisable tour options

Your dedicated travel consultant will be happy to customise an Iceland itinerary to match your family travel wish list. Don’t hesitate to ask them about adding extra nights or destinations. They’ll come up with activity suggestions for the kids and ensure your tour package is appropriate for the whole family.

Full financial protection

With Nordic Visitor, you have peace of mind knowing your tour arrangements with us are 100% financially protected. Your payments are safeguarded as we comply with European Union laws on Package Travel regulations. This guarantees you a refund in the unlikely event of insolvency.

Handpicked hotels

Where you stay on your vacation is of the utmost importance when you travel with children. That’s why we handpick every accommodation included in your itinerary, ensuring that each one is conveniently located and meets your family’s needs. We only work with hotels that are highly rated by our customers.

ICELAND FAMILY TRIP REVIEWS

Find out what other family travellers thought about their Nordic Visitor tour.

Tim Singapore

Although we have travelled extensively over the years, this is the first time we have used a service like Nordic... read more

Although we have travelled extensively over the years, this is the first time we have used a service like Nordic Visitor because Iceland was new and quite different territory for us. The travel package (booklet, annotated map, vouchers) laid the trip out clearly and guided the selection of personalised activities depending on our interests and the weather. Most importantly, Clarence and Klara listened to our family's needs and tailored the 2-week ring road trip accordingly. At all times the responses were timely, professional and helpful. This efficiency meant we had confidence in the arrangements before we left home and throughout the trip. Overall, the trip exceeded our expectations and was a wonderful holiday that we attribute largely to the pre-trip planning and in-trip support provided by Clarence. We have already recommended Nordic Visitor to others.

Reid United States

The whole experience was wonderful and very easy. We felt very comfortable heading to Iceland knowing that everything... read more

The whole experience was wonderful and very easy. We felt very comfortable heading to Iceland knowing that everything was taken care of ahead of time and as a family of four, we had a wonderful experience with great memories.

Your Family Holiday Highlights

Imagine you’ve just touched down in Reykjavík, Iceland’s capital city. Your family holiday is about to begin. Next, you could...

• Learn about Iceland’s natural wonders together at museums in Reykjavík, such as the Perlan
• Explore the Golden Circle to marvel at cool sights like Gullfoss waterfall and Geysir hot spring
• Stroll between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates in Þingvellir National Park
• Meet small and fluffy Icelandic horses, or opt for a horse riding excursion near Reykjavík
• Enjoy a family boat trip over the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon to see the floating icebergs up close
• Take a journey into the centre of the earth at the Víðgelmir lava tunnel near Húsafell
• See marine wildlife together on a whale-watching tour from Akureyri , Húsavík or Reykjavík
• Discover black sand beaches like Reynisfjara and spot cute puffins at the Dyrhólaey rock arch
• Relax in the warm waters of the Blue Lagoon for a swim the kids will always remember

Advice About Visiting Iceland

Get ready for your Iceland tour with these practical tips.

Climate & weather conditions

How icy is Iceland? You might be surprised

What to pack

Layers, layers, layers! Come prepared for all types of weather

Health & Safety

How to stay safe and healthy while travelling in Iceland

Driving in Iceland

Are you prepared for your road trip? Learn the rules of the road and more here

Frequently Asked Questions About Iceland Family Trips

If you’ve got questions about what it’s like to visit Iceland with kids, we’ve got the answers here for you. Read on for expert guidance regarding Iceland family vacation packages, including practical advice and insider tips.

Alternatively, learn about our booking terms , have a look at our general FAQs , or find out about our Book With Confidence travel plan.

1. IS ICELAND KID-FRIENDLY?

The great news for travellers with kids is that Iceland is a really family-friendly place. You’ll be pleased to know that Iceland ranks as the most peaceful country in the world , year after year, thanks to high standards of health and safety. It also helps that Icelanders are delightfully warm and welcoming.

2. IS ICELAND A GOOD PLACE FOR A FAMILY VACATION?

Iceland is one of the coolest travel destinations for families. Your kids will bring home unforgettable memories of seeing mind-blowing natural attractions, swimming in geothermal pools, and meeting cute animals like puffins and horses. They’ll have plenty to brag about to their friends when they get home!

3. WHAT TO DO IN ICELAND WITH THE FAMILY?

When you take a family trip to Iceland, there are simply so many fun activities you can do together. These are the top recommended things to do in Iceland with kids:

• Admire views of volcanoes and glaciers
• Ride an Icelandic horse
• Walk through lava caves and tunnels
• Go puffin and whale watching
• Visit interactive museums and exhibitions
• Try delicious Icelandic ice cream and hot dogs
• Swim in warm geothermal pools
• Chase the northern lights in winter
• Discover Icelandic myths and legends
• Marvel at the stunning waterfalls in Iceland

For more tips on what to do with the family in Iceland, check out this complete guide to visiting Iceland with kids .

4. IS ICELAND SUITABLE FOR TODDLERS?

You can absolutely enjoy a trip to Iceland with toddlers. Iceland isn’t all about adventure and thrilling activities. There are plenty of easy-going ways to explore the scenery and culture, like taking a day trip to the Golden Circle from Reykjavík. Plus, the capital city itself is full of fun attractions.

5. WHAT CAN TODDLERS DO IN ICELAND?

You only need to look to the locals for inspiration on what to do in Iceland with toddlers. One particular advantage is that many activities and attractions here are free for kids under the age of 6.

Here are our experts’ recommendations on the best things to do in Iceland with toddlers:

• Pet Icelandic horses and goats at family-friendly farms
• Enjoy playing in Reykjavík’s swimming pools
• Look for whales and dolphins on a boat tour
• Attend local events like the Children’s Culture Festival
• Tour the Golden Circle to see towering waterfalls
• Watch geysers spurting water high up into the air
• Go for strolls on black sand beaches
• Explore glaciers, volcanoes and space in the Perlan museum
• Spot adorable puffins frolicking on the coast
• Taste an Icelandic specialty: ice cream!

To avoid long journeys but still experience Iceland’s wonders, you could base yourselves in Reykjavík. For more ideas on what to do in the capital with little ones, discover the best family-friendly activities in Reykjavík on our blog.

6. WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT ICELAND WITH KIDS?

For your trip to Iceland with kids, we’d recommend that you visit Iceland in summer . That’s because the weather is milder between April and September compared to the winter months. You’d also have more hours of daylight at this time of year, meaning more opportunities to explore.

An Iceland family vacation in the summer would allow you to enjoy seasonal excursions like wildlife watching and glacier lagoon boat tours. Plus, with more daylight hours, you’d be able to pack in more sights and activities on the same day.

The longer days give you more flexibility, which is ideal when you’re travelling with kids!

You could drive around the Ring Road to experience the different regions of Iceland on a self-drive tour . As the days are lighter for longer in the summer, your children will be distracted by the jaw-dropping natural scenery outside their window on car journeys.

Alternatively, if you have teenagers or young adults, you could visit Iceland in winter . You might see waterfalls cloaked in ice, and snow blanketing the lava fields. What’s more, you’d still be able to soak in Iceland’s hot springs and geothermal pools at this time of year.

Winter is the best time of year to s ee the northern lights in Iceland . You and your family could chase the colourful aurora borealis on a guided tour, watching in awe as they light up the dark night sky.

For more inspiration, check out these Iceland guides:

Best time to visit Iceland

Top things to do in Iceland in summer

Top things to do in Iceland in winter

7. WHERE TO STAY IN ICELAND WITH THE FAMILY?

Iceland has many family-friendly accommodation options you can choose from. When you take a Nordic Visitor tour, your dedicated travel consultant books you into the best and most suitable properties for you. They handpick each accommodation to match your preferences and can arrange stays in family rooms.

If you'd prefer these larger rooms, we recommend you book in advance. This is because they tend to be limited – for example, there may only be one or two family rooms at each hotel. Get in touch with us ahead of time and we will organise the bookings for you.

Discover these top luxury and boutique hotels in Iceland if you want to stay somewhere really special with the kids.

8. WHAT TO PACK FOR ICELAND WITH KIDS?

You should pack for all seasons for your family trip, as Iceland’s climate tends to be changeable. You’ll need gear for rain, wind, sun, and maybe even snow. So long as you’re prepared with the right clothing, you won’t need to worry about what the weather may be!

Here’s our recommended packing list for Iceland with kids:

• Fleece jackets or lightweight wool sweaters
• Waterproof and windproof jackets
• Waterproof and windproof trousers
• Sturdy walking shoes or wellington boots
• Warm hats, scarves and gloves
• Thermal underwear and warm socks
• Caps or sun hats
• Swimwear and sandals

If you’re visiting in summer, bring SPF lotion and sunglasses with you. You could also pack eye masks to help everyone sleep when it’s bright outside at night. Or if you’re planning your trip for the winter, make sure you all have enough warm layers as well as insulated and waterproof jackets.

It’s good to know that if you go on a self-drive tour of Iceland, we can rent baby boosters for you should you require them. Just ask us about any particular equipment you’ll need for your kids when you’re in Iceland. Our travel team will arrange it for you.

Check out our in-depth guide on what to pack and what to wear in Iceland for more advice.

9. CAN I CUSTOMISE OUR TOUR?

Your dedicated travel consultant will be delighted to tailor your Iceland getaway in line with your family’s tastes and preferences. Be sure to tell them about any specific requirements you have. They can always come up with activity suggestions depending on the ages and interests of your children.

You might have particular experiences in mind, such as exploring glaciers, wildlife watching, or swimming in geothermal pools. Our Iceland travel experts can advise you on the best places to go as they know Iceland like the back of their hand. They will be happy to design a bespoke itinerary for you!

For the most customisable itineraries, choose from our self-drive tours or privately guided vacation packages . These are fully flexible so the whole itinerary can be tailored for you.

Take a look at the best activities in Iceland or read about the top places to visit in Iceland on our expert’s blog.

10. CAN I CHOOSE THE ARRIVAL DATES?

Yes, you can choose your preferred arrival dates. Our Iceland family holiday packages are available to purchase on our website so you can select your dates online.

If you’ve already got a tour but now need to change your dates, contact your travel consultant as soon as possible to rearrange your trip.

11. WHEN SHOULD I ORGANISE OUR FLIGHT TICKETS?

We suggest that you book your flights only after your Nordic Visitor tour has been confirmed. You can always search for flights in the meantime, so you know what’s available. But wait until your travel consultant has secured your tour package before you purchase any flights.

By doing this your dedicated travel consultant will be able to introduce themselves to you and send you all of your booking details. Therefore, you can make a more informed choice when reserving flights in and out of Iceland. If you have any questions you can always contact us for advice .

Start putting your trip ideas into motion by getting in touch with our Iceland travel experts. They will be glad to arrange an unforgettable family vacation for you.

Our Icelandic phone number is +354 578 20 80

How about a live chat with one of our local travel experts?

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ICELAND with kids: a 5 day self-drive itinerary

Posted on Last updated: 29 January 2024

When people told me they had been to Iceland with kids, their eyes widened, followed by a disbelieving shake of the head before they launched into a list of the things they had done.

Since returning from our first Iceland family holiday, I now understand that look. The breathtaking beauty of this island has to be seen to be believed, and with all its open space, magical geography, charming Icelandic horses, and hot dogs, there are so many things to do in Iceland with kids , and our boys (aged 3 and 4) enjoyed it so much that we returned exactly a year later to do another Iceland road trip with kids; this time a North Iceland itinerary !

Disclaimer: Our visit to Iceland with kids was hosted by Hey Iceland , with complimentary 4×4 car hire from Europcar Iceland (we paid for our car insurance).  However, as always, these are all my own words and opinions. This post also contains affiliate links. Should you click on a link to purchase, it is at no extra cost to you, although I receive a small commission.

Where would we be without our Lonely Planet Guide ? There’s also a specific Iceland Road Trip edition .

• Thiruvengadam, Meena (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 352 Pages – 03/15/2024 (Publication Date) – Lonely Planet (Publisher)

• Averbuck, Alexis (Author)
• 128 Pages – 04/15/2022 (Publication Date) – Lonely Planet (Publisher)

We also recommend you purchase a good Iceland road map ( click here ), in case your tablet or Google Maps fails.

• Marco Polo (Author)
• 1 Page – 03/25/2020 (Publication Date) – MAIRDUMONT GmbH & Co. KG (Publisher)

A trip to Iceland with kids had escaped us for so long as we thought it would be too expensive for us budget travellers. But cheap Easy Jet airfares tempted us and, alongside some Iceland money saving tips from fellow bloggers, it made us realise that a visit to The Land of Fire and Ice does not need to break the bank. Admittedly accommodation and car hire are the largest outgoings, and we found grocery costs to be double compared to the UK, but there are so many free outdoor activities to do in Iceland to help outweigh this cost.

This 5 day Iceland family itinerary is aimed at those who want to keep costs down, get away from it all and self-drive. I’ve also included an extension at the end of this itinerary for those that have more time.

Check out our trip highlights of our 5 day Iceland with kids itinerary in this video:

Self-drive Iceland with kids

We love a good road trip. Self-drive is the best option for exploring Iceland with children as you’re on your own schedule, with the flexibility to linger or move on as you please. Europcar Iceland provided us with a 4×4 rental on arrival at Keflavík airport. If you are following the below itinerary and driving in the winter months, a 4×4 is essential as roads can be icy and you may be driving on snow!

READ: Road trip essentials with kids

Planning the route for 5 days in Iceland

Hey Iceland put together this fantastic 5 day Iceland self drive itinerary for us. We explained that we wanted to see the sights, but also wanted to feel we were getting off the beaten track and away from it all . And as we were travelling with kids (our boys were aged 3 and 4), we didn’t want to cram as much as possible into our days and overtire the boys. Hey Iceland certainly delivered and I couldn’t fault their itinerary.

Check out this guide from Monkey and Mouse if you’re looking to visit the South West of Iceland.

Online routing from your car

We were provided with a  tablet displaying an online map with GPS to follow . This is much better than relying on Google Maps as some of  the roads we drove along do not exist on Google Maps! Moreover, it was very easy popping back into the car after visiting each spot and pressing a button to lead us to our next location, rather than consulting a paper map.

You can also search for cafes, petrol stations and geothermal pools using the tablet, change your route as you go, and check road conditions ahead. If you get really stuck, there’s even an online chat to speak with someone back at the Hey Iceland office in Reykjavik. The tablet also comes with inbuilt WiFi , so you can still be connected to the world when you’re out in the sticks.

Child friendly accommodation in Iceland

As we travelled to Iceland end of October / beginning of November, camping really wasn’t an option as temperatures dropped below freezing. Hey Iceland booked us two nights at Sel Guesthouse and two nights at Kast Guesthouse . It was really nice not having to pack up and move each morning, instead returning to a base on Day 2 and Day 4, and it didn’t feel like we did much back-tracking.

We stayed at a self-catering cottage at Sel Guesthouse, which has a homely charm and felt nicely remote. This had one bedroom which we all slept in, and a separate kitchen/lounge area.

In contrast, Kast Guesthouse has a more modern feel, with spacious rooms, bunk beds for the kids, a powerful shower, and a large window to watch the Northern Lights dance over the mountains (if you’re lucky!)

For both accommodations a buffet breakfast was provided, which included cereals, fresh breads, cheese, fish, cured meats, fruits, fresh juice, tea and coffee. If you book in advance, an 8pm dinner can also be arranged for you at these accommodations, although we found this rather late for our boys and opted to self-cater at Sel Guesthouse, and had a picnic in the room each night at Kast Guesthouse.

When to visit Iceland with kids

Many people suggest visiting Iceland in summer when the weather is warmer, and long hours of daylight mean that you can pack more into your visit. However, we visited during the UK October half term . This meant there were far fewer tourists (we enjoyed many places completely to ourselves) and gave us the chance of seeing the Northern Lights (although we weren’t quite that lucky).

At the time we visited, sunrise was around 9am and sunset 5pm. For young kids (our boys were 3 and 4 years old), this is more than enough daylight hours for sightseeing. They were shattered by the end of each day, and fitting any more into an evening would really have been pushing it (for us parents too). Although we did find that after 3pm, the temperature dropped and it became bitterly cold. So we advise getting out on the road for 9am each morning.

Plus, we were also fortunate enough to have snow! Snow is a huge novelty for our family and we absolutely loved it. It makes everything look so pristine and pretty, it’s fun to play in, and Daddy Lynn even got to drive on the snow!

What to pack for an Iceland family holiday

Check out this post – What to pack for Iceland . But the key is layers! We took (and wore) thermals, waterproofs (we love these 3-in-1 jackets from Mountain Warehouse ), woolly hats and gloves, and good walking shoes. Don’t forget a spare battery and memory card for your camera (you will be taking A LOT of videos and photos).

Our 5 day self drive Iceland with kids itinerary

Day 1: The road South

Overnight stay at: Sel Guesthouse

Aim to land at Keflavík Airport in the morning to maximise the first day, and collect your hire car (we had pre-booked with Europcar and collected our 4×4 from straight outside the airport). Many tourists then head straight to the Blue Lagoon or on to Reykjavik . However, we wanted to get out into the open countryside as soon as possible!

If you do arrive the night before, we recommend staying at Guesthouse Keflavík . It’s a great budget option for families. 

Take the 20 minute drive South to the ‘ Bridge Between Continents ‘ where you can walk from the European to North American plate and back again, via a wooden bridge spanning a black-sand gulf. Then on to the steamy hot springs of Gunnuhver . Around this area, a handful of power plants have been built to exploit the geothermal heat.

Feel the bracing power of the Atlantic Ocean crashing on to the coastline and spot the lava pool of Brimketill , before making your way towards Sel Guesthouse on the Golden Circle, via the Lutheran church of Strandarkirkja  and the seaside town of Stokkseyri .

Day 2: The Golden Circle

Today you will tick off some of the major sites of Iceland, so expect to see a few more tourists and coach parties; although we did have our first couple of stops totally to ourselves. The first of these is the  beautiful historic church of Skálholt  and then the eco-village of Sólheimar .

Once we arrived at  Kerið, a volcanic crater lake , we started to see more tourists. Surprisingly, we had to pay entry to walk around the top of the crater. This is the only outdoor natural attraction we had to do pay, and unfortunately due to the biting cold wind and icy footpath, we weren’t able to stay long and didn’t really get our money’s worth. We did see some people wearing crampons ( like these ). This was a very good idea.

Drive on to the  Þingvellir National Park , the setting of Iceland’s original parliament, to explore the waterfalls, fissures, church and lake of this historical site, along a boarded footpath.

Next pop for some organic home-made  ice-cream at  Efstidalur Farm , before heading to the hot springs of Geysir . This was a huge highlight for my Go Jetters fans (the Strokkur Geyser features in the first series). Thankfully there was no Grand Master Glitch to be seen, and the main geysir (Strokkur) was free to shoot boiling water up in the air at any given moment. Very exciting to witness. The geysir blows every 6-10 minutes, sometimes up to 40 metres high.

The last stop is the magnificent Gullfoss waterfalls , before heading back to the warmth of your cottage at Sel Guesthouse.

Day 3: To the West Coast

Overnight stay at: Kast Guesthouse

If driving in the winter months, you will need a 4×4 for this day. We visited at the end of October and drove on snow-covered roads. It was magical. However, we had the peace of mind of a 4×4 with specialised snow tyres. Otherwise, you should take the road West to Gljúfrasteinn, just north of Reykjavik.

First stop at Laugarvatn to marvel the hot spring lake from it’s black sand beaches. It’s also worth making time to visit the Fontana Geothermal Baths on the lake shore here. It’s one of the best Blue Lagoon alternatives in Iceland .

Then head north on the spectacular F550 (also known by us as the ‘snow road’) to the waterfalls of Hraunfossar . If you get an early start, you can also walk INSIDE a glacier. Check out our experience with Into the Glacier here . But you’ll have to decide between Into The Glacier or Fontana Geothermal Baths. You won’t really have time to do both in the same day if travelling with young kids. If you do want to do both, we suggest staying over night at Guesthouse Hvítá .

Next stop is  Hestalanda Farm  to ride an Icelandic horse! If your kids have experience riding horses or are older, you can pre-book riding tours. As my boys had no riding experience and were 3 and 4 years old, they enjoyed a gentle ride around the indoor paddock. Call or email ahead to book.

Day 4: Snæfellsnes Peninsular

Today you will drive a loop around the Snæfellsnes Peninsular, returning back to Kast Guesthouse.

First head to the church at Búðir . Park up and follow the coastal paths for a morning walk along the Atlantic coast, backed by dramatic mountains. Then head to  Rauðfeldsgjá  where you can walk up to a large crack in the mountain face. We had deep discussions of whether dragons lived in there. Watch your footing if icy on the way back down, but do stop to admire the spectacular view in front of you.

Back in the car, pass through the hamlets of Arnarstapi and Hellnar , stopping to marvel their sea-sculpted rock formations, and on to the pair of pinnacles at Lóndrangar . There’s a lot of hopping in and out of the car here, which little ones may get a bit fed up with. If you need to just chose one view point here, Lóndrangar is the best.

You may then wish to visit the underground lava cave of Vatnshellir . However, at ISK3570 (approx £24 per person), we decided against it as we had so much natural beauty to explore this day that was free.

Instead we drove on to the black pebble beach of Djúpalónssandur , where we found the poignant shipwrecked remains of a fishing trawler from Grimsby (where Daddy Lynn was born!) The boys had so much fun here chasing the waves and jumping in the pebbles.

Finish the day at iconic Kirkjufell and follow the footpath up behind the waterfalls, before driving back to Kast Guesthouse to warm up with a hot shower and hot chocolate.

Day 5: Back to the airport

If you’ve booked an evening flight from Keflavík Airport, you still have a whole day up your sleeve. Head to the  Borgarnes Swimming Pool , an hour from Kast Guesthouse and on the way to Reykjavik. Entry is a fraction the cost of the Blue Lagoon and by arriving at 10am, we had the place to ourselves! Entry is IKR1240 per adult (approx. £7.12) and the boys were FREE (although their website does state IKR390 for children).

There are three heated pools (the hottest is 41°C ), a kids’ pool and slides (although they were closed for our visit as the water that runs down the slides had frozen), an outdoor sauna, an outdoor lap pool and an indoor pool. There are free arm bands for children, should you need them. Ensure you follow the correct etiquette on entry to pool and wash thoroughly – yes, that does mean getting naked in the shower and washing your bits with soap in front of everyone.

It’s then a one hour drive to the centre of Reykjavik , via the free tunnel.

Spend your last hours wandering along the sea front and check out the concrete masterpiece of  Hallgrímskirkja . If you need to escape indoors from the weather, head to the  Viking Maritime Museum or Saga Museum .

If you do have longer in Reykjavik, check out our post – Things to do in Reykjavik with kids .

Ensure you leave enough time to get back to Keflavík Airport, allowing for the rush hour (4-6pm).

If you’re flight leaves the next day, we recommend staying at Guesthouse Keflavík . It’s a great budget option for families.

Day 5-10: 10 day Iceland itinerary option

If you have got the time to extend your Iceland with kids road trip to 10 days, then we recommend venturing up to Northern Iceland.

On Day 4, instead of heading back to Kast Guesthouse, travel onwards to Stóra-Ásgeirsá for the night. Then follow this North Iceland itinerary from Day 3.

More tips for visiting Iceland with kids

• Don’t bother taking cash with you to Iceland or getting cash on arrival. Iceland is a cashless society and your card can be used (virtually) everywhere.
• Pick up food/snacks whenever you see a supermarket as they are few and far between. Or even better, bring them with you from home.
• Bring a reusable water bottle to fill up with water from taps (perfectly safe to drink).
• Don’t try and cram too much in to your day as little ones can get overtired, especially in the fresh cold air.
• Wear layers and make sure the kids are wearing good hiking boots .

You may also like to read: How to save money on a family trip to Iceland NORTH ICELAND ITINERARY: a 7 day family road trip Things to do in Reykjavik with kids

Iceland is open for travel: Volcanic eruption in Iceland 2024

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Family Tours in Iceland

Guided tours for your ultimate icelandic family adventure.

Family Trips & Tours

• About Family vacation in Iceland

WHY CHOOSE ICELAND FOR YOUR FAMILY VACATION?

Iceland is a great destination for a trip abroad as a family for many reasons. It has huge appeal for all ages, not to mention countless attractions designed specifically for little ones.

Iceland has dominated the list of the safest countries in the world for 12 years in a row , and all our adventure activities are provided with strict safety precautions and equipment. What’s more, the natural landscapes are so breathtaking that even the fussiest youngster will be mesmerized. Many local attractions or even tours welcome young children free of charge! 

The tours you’ll find on this page are all specially tailored to accommodate families with children of all ages. Take your pick and sit back while we do all the planning for you! Iceland with kids can be an incredible experience for the whole family.

HOW TO CHOOSE AN ICELAND FAMILY TOUR

While it’s probably tempting to try out every single option in Iceland, it’s impossible to take in every Icelandic adventure on one trip. Children need breaks and some days are best spent aimlessly wandering about and stopping at cozy local coffee shops and restaurants.

So how do you know if the tour you pick is perfect for you and your little ones?

• Decide how much walking you want to do . If your child is a bit older and keen to be a ctive, give some of the longer tours a shot. However, if you have a stroller, stick to more laid-back tours.
• Think about what your children enjoy . Are they crazy about nature? You might want to take a look at Reykjanes Peninsula tours . If they can’t get enough of animals, they will be amazed by cute puffins and majestic whales, both of which can be seen on the Whales & Puffin tour . Are colorful drawings and lively city streets what excites them? Reykjavík is known for its wall murals and unique architecture, which are brought together with interesting insights by our guides during a Reykjavík city walking tour .
• Consider finances . It’s no secret that our tour price range is quite broad. If you have a bunch of little ones and are trying to budget, take a look at one of the tours that kids up to 6 years old can take for free. On the other hand , more expensive small-group options can offer a more authentic experience for both you and your kids.

No one tour will work for every family. We have a huge range of family tours that include something for every interest and activity level!

POPULAR FAMILY TOUR DESTINATIONS IN ICELAND

Not sure where to start with so many tour options? Here are a few destinations loved by travelers with children:

The Golden Circle

A truly beloved option for travelers of all ages, the Golden Circle combines the best of Iceland into a one-day adventure you will never forget. The bus takes you from destination to destination so there’s no need to worry about the kids getting exhausted. We have several options for Golden Circle tours available, but since you’re planning a trip with children, take a look at Golden Circle Superior . It’s a small group experience, which adds to the convenience, plus you’ll get to stop at Faxi Waterfall and the geothermal town of Hveragerði for an exclusive bonus!

Langjökull Glacier

Some ice cave tours might be an adventure that’s way too intense to embark on with children. That doesn’t mean you cannot satisfy your wanderlust! Langjökull Glacier Ice Cave is an awesome solution if you want to experience the wonders of the icy heart of Iceland together with your whole family.

The ice cave is man-made, meaning it is perfectly safe and easy to explore, and your tour guide will make sure you don’t get lost. You’ll also hear some fascinating facts about glaciers while you’re there. Everyone’s eyes will surely light up when they see how brilliant and blue ice looks from the inside!

Can you say you’ve visited a country if you didn’t explore the ins and outs of the capital city? Reykjavík sightseeing tours are a top hit among families with children of all ages. Communicative and knowledgeable guides, the most prominent locations, and the unique spirit of Reykjavík are bound to make these day tours a family experience you will never forget. The capital also makes for a great base for a huge range of adventure and wildlife tours, so you really can’t go wrong here!

I am trying to book a tour but my credit card payment fails. What should I do?

The first step is to make sure your credit card provider allows you to make payments in Canadian Dollars (CAD) or American Dollars (USD) if you have selected.

In some cases, your credit card company would need to pre-authorize the transaction for you before you can process the transaction online.

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Can you take kids to Iceland?

Most definitely. In fact, as one of the safest and least polluted countries in the world, Iceland is one of the most desirable destinations for a family trip.

Is it safe to go on tours in Iceland with small children?

Absolutely! Every tour offered by Arctic Adventures has a minimum age indication. If the tour description states that no minimum age applies, it is perfectly safe to take children of any age on it.

What is the minimum age for family tours?

It all depends on the tour you choose. Most family tours such as sightseeing or Langjökull Glacier Ice Cave tour have no age limit. However, some tours that require quite a bit of hiking or have more demanding activities will have a certain minimum age requirement. This information is presented in the description of every tour.

Can I take toddlers for free on any tour?

Unfortunately not. Tours such as Whale & Puffin Tour or Whale Watching Tour from Reykjavik invite adventurers up to 6 years to join for free (with adult supervision of course). Most other tours, however, cannot offer that due to limited space.

What is a good time of the year to visit Iceland with family?

In general, summer might be a more family-friendly season if you’re visiting with little kids. Mild temperatures, open-air attractions and numerous Iceland tours for families will grant you an unforgettable family vacation. However, don’t count out the winter, especially if you’re visiting with teens. The weather will present challenges, but it’s so worth it! Plus, quite a few ice caving and glacier hiking tours are available during the cold winter months.

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• Packing Tips

Have you heard about the IcelandAir stopover benefit? If you fly IcelandAir between North America and Europe, you can add a free stopover up to 7 days to your itinerary. You pay for your hotel and incidentals, of course, but you don’t pay more for your flight. This was an option for a recent trip to London, so I quickly organized the best things to do in Iceland with kids . This is a worldschooling trip, of course!

What is worldschooling? More on that below.

Our kids loved Iceland, and I loved an Iceland family vacation for so many reasons. First, it was a short flight and a nice, easy entry into Europe. From Seattle, it was a 7-hour flight direct to Keflavik International Airport outside Reykjavik. 

Don’t get confused – the city will say Reykjavik, but the airport will be Keflavik. There is a Reykjavik airport, but it is for regional flights only. I had a mini panic attack thinking I had booked to the wrong city! 

Besides being a short flight, it was easy to manage the kids in Iceland. Everyone spoke at least a little English and most were fully fluent. Most signs are in both Icelandic and English. The Icelandic people we interacted with were friendly, welcoming, and helpful. We never felt unsafe, even exploring solo as a woman or as a mom and 2 kids.

The main thing I loved about doing a family trip to Iceland is how many amazing natural wonders there are for kids to explore. It wasn’t hard to get them off their screens and into the world when the options are, “volcano or glacier?” It was incredibly easy to teach the kids a ton in Iceland and they didn’t even realize it. Even if you’re not planning on doing any schooling and this is purely a family vacation, the kids will absorb a ton while having a great time. It truly was one of the best places we’ve taken them yet.

Getting Around Iceland

You need to have your transportation pre-booked when you arrive in Iceland. If you’re coming from the west coast of the US, you will land in the mid-morning in Reykjavik. Immigration was quick and our oversize carryon that was gate checked was already waiting for us in baggage claim by the time we got to it. Customs was self-reported and you can just walk through the “nothing to declare” lane and you’re on your way. 

I booked a round-trip private transfer through Snaeland Travel , with a 2-hour stop at the famous Blue Lagoon on our way to Reykjavik. They were waiting with a sign with my name on it, handled the luggage, had a booster seat for my 6-year-old, gave us a little extra time at the Blue Lagoon, and transported us to our door in Reykjavik. On the pickup, they were on time despite a 4:45 am departure and got us safely back to the airport. Everything you’d want and need in a private driver in Iceland.

And it was also…not cheap. The round trip with the driver waiting was around $500. My research showed this was pretty average, and I found several other options that were more expensive. Plan to drop a lot of money on your transportation when traveling with kids in Iceland.

There are a couple of bus options that you can take from the airport into the city, including one that goes to the Blue Lagoon. However, I found that the bus to the Blue Lagoon only ran twice a day, and the timing didn’t line up with when our flight landed. If we wanted to go to the Blue Lagoon on our way into town (which I highly recommend – more on this below), then we would have to organize private transport.

Renting a car is another, possibly cheaper option, than having a private driver. However, with only 2 days in Iceland and a partial day on arrival, I didn’t want to be responsible for managing a rental car. I knew we wouldn’t need it much.

Is Iceland Safe?

I found it to be very safe to do a family trip to Iceland. This trip was myself, my kids ages 6 and 8, and our 25-year-old female teacher (We travel with a teacher?! Yep – see how we worldschool ). She wandered the city alone in both daytime and nighttime and went solo to see the Northern Lights with a tour group and never felt unsafe.

If you stay in the populated parts of Reykjavik, you will find things to be well-lit, busy, and no issue at all. I can’t speak to the outskirts of the city or other towns, but our experience in Reykjavik and driving the southern part of the island were no problem at all. In fact, I felt safer knowing that pretty much every country has stricter gun laws than the US! 

1 Day in Iceland

If you are just doing an overnight in Iceland, you definitely need to stop at the Blue Lagoon after your plane lands. It is more convenient to visit it on the way to or from the airport than to go to Reykjavik and get settled and then head out. That’s because it’s southeast of the airport and southwest of Reykjavik by about a 45 minute drive. You would waste a lot of time going to Reykjavik first and then turning around and going to the Blue Lagoon.

If you do a private transfer, they can store your luggage for you so you don’t have to lug it around. There is luggage storage at the parking lot in case you take a bus, and you don’t want to bring it all the way to the entrance because there isn’t storage big enough in the locker rooms. 

Pro tip: Organize everything you will want for the Blue Lagoon together in your suitcase so you can grab it and go.

We had to open every suitcase and unpack various things looking for our swimsuits, hair ties, and other toiletries we wanted. It ate up a lot of time and it was hard for young kids to wait after a long plane ride. It was also hard to shove everything back into the suitcases and I wasn’t going to spend time meticulously arranging the suitcases like I had when I first packed them.

What to Bring to the Blue Lagoon

You will want the following things with you at the Blue Lagoon:

• Plastic bag or wet bag to store your wet items when you leave – they have some biodegradable bags in the locker rooms but they weren’t entirely waterproof and felt very flimsy
• Hair ties or some way to keep your hair out of the water – the silica in the water will really dry out your hair – you want it out of your face and off your neck!
• Waterproof phone cover – You’ll want to take some photos but need to make sure that your phone or camera stay dry. If it’s raining, you may want a waterproof cover
• Change of clothes – You’ll need to put clothes on after the lagoon, and you may not want to put on the same clothes you wore for many hours on the plane. If you’d like fresh clothes, plan to bring some in with you.

The lockers at the Blue Lagoon are pretty small. I was able to barely fit my clothes and jacket along with my kids’ stuff as well. I had to unload the entire locker very carefully to access certain things. Minimize what you take to avoid frustration.

Blue Lagoon with Kids

The process can be a bit confusing, and you will definitely want to have your kids with you in the locker rooms at the Blue Lagoon. Don’t be intimidated though – this was a great first stop in Iceland and a literal warm entry into the trip. It was one of both kids’ favorite places and they couldn’t stop talking about it for the rest of the trip.

Read all our tips for bringing kids to the Blue Lagoon .

Downtown Reykjavik

After the Blue Lagoon, travel on to Reykjavik and check into your lodging. Aim to stay in the city centre so you can walk to a couple of major attractions. We stayed at this Airbnb , and I would recommend it with caveats.

The area I stayed was very noisy and kept us all awake. It was super convenient but I wouldn’t recommend it to families unless you come with a noise machine (we used a multi-hour YouTube ocean sounds video that worked well) and/or earplugs.

Other solid options for families include:

After you’ve dropped off your stuff and refreshed a little bit, take a short walk around downtown Reykjavik to Hallgrimskirkja, the largest and most recognizable church in town. It is also the best place to get a birds-eye view of the city from the bell tower. Adults can visit for 1200 IKR ($6.75 in September 2022) and kids under 7 get free admission. Kids 7-16 are discounted at 200 IKR ($1.25).

The elevator to the top is right at the entrance to the church, before the ticket counter, and we did see someone sneak inside without paying, but I wouldn’t recommend it.

The bells toll every 15 minutes and you don’t want to be up top when they do, so time your visit to enter just after they have finished tolling so you have the most possible time in the bell tower. You will want to leave about 3 minutes before they are set to toll again to give yourself time to get down and out of the building.

Pro tip #1: There’s a swing set just outside the church and some stone blocks to play on.

My kids loved running around the blocks, jumping off of them, and creating obstacle courses with them. It’s a great way to run off some energy before you go into the church.

Pro tip #2: There are no bathrooms inside the church except during services, so don’t plan to use the facilities here.  

That’s a pretty full 1 day in Iceland itinerary, so grab some dinner and enjoy a much-needed rest. Iceland has a few high-end restaurants but most are pretty casual and serve things like fish and chips, fish stew, burgers, and hot dogs. 

Worldschooling Topics Covered

You can cover all kinds of lessons with just 1 day in Iceland using this itinerary:

• Geothermal power (Blue Lagoon)
• Scientific properties of silica (Blue Lagoon)
• Leif Erickson and the Vikings (there’s a statue of him outside Hallgrimskirkja)

2 Days in Iceland

If you have a second day, get ready for some incredible things to do in Iceland with kids . Use this day for a guided tour of the south coast of the island along the ring road. We opted for this private tour and I can’t recommend it enough . The whole family loved this day, even though it was a long one. Our guide, David, was incredibly knowledgable about all things Iceland. 

In 10 hours (it seems like a lot but it went quickly) we saw the Seljalandsfoss waterfall, the Skogafoss waterfall, endless small waterfalls, a turf house, Icelandic horses, tons of sheep, black sand beaches, a glacier, geothermal steam vents, and volcanoes from afar. If you see nothing else, the spectacular waterfalls on this trip are worthy of any bucket list.

We learned some Icelandic phrases and grammatical rules. We learned that Icelandic horses are prized because they are genetically pure – no horses have been allowed to enter the island since the times of the Plague. We learned that hot water in Reykjavik comes directly from the ground and is piped from outside the city in insulated pipes, losing just a few degrees before reaching the taps. 

We learned that because the island is so “young” in geological terms, there are only a couple of inches of topsoil over the volcanic rock, making it difficult to farm and leading to the recent push into greenhouse farming. We learned that the glaciers are shrinking faster than they are being replenished.

We learned SO MUCH on this one day, our brains were full. We were in awe of the incredible beauty around us. It honestly was one of the best day trips we have ever done while traveling.

Having a private tour was the best way to do a one-day road trip for several reasons. We could move at our own pace, and never felt rushed from one place to the next. We had the flexibility to rearrange the tour to get the best weather at each place. We could stop for bathroom breaks as needed. We had room to store anything we wanted to bring with us on the trip. In short, it was well worth the expense to be able to create just the day we wanted.

It’s hard to think of a topic we didn’t cover during this tour:

• Geothermal water and power (plugging up steam vents and channeling the pressure into power plants)
• Igneous rocks
• Tectonic plates, earthquakes, and volcanos
• Glacier advancement and melt
• Climate change
• Agricultural practices
• Icelandic language, customs, and history
• Icelandic Christmas stories and traditions (the “Yule lads” were in every gift shop we saw! We bought a children’s book to read at Christmas)
• Climate and weather patterns of Iceland

If you have someone to watch the kids at night, consider adding a Northern Lights tour. Plan to do it early in your trip, because most guides will give you an opportunity to reschedule if the weather doesn’t cooperate the first day. This is your best bet to make sure you actually see them. 

Most tours meet at a central point in Reykjavik and take you in Jeeps out of the city where you won’t be bothered by city lights. The Northern Lights are most visible in the winter months, but they can be seen as early as September. Our teacher saw them briefly on her solo tour while I stayed with the kids in the Airbnb.

This isn’t a great option for young children because it is late at night, cold, and there’s a lot of waiting around with no promise that the aurora borealis will appear. Best to tag team this on different nights if you have multiple adults traveling or get a babysitter.

3 Days in Iceland

With a third day in Iceland, you can explore the capital city further. Because it’s small, you can hit every main attraction in one day.

We started with the Reyjkavik Maritime Museum, where we spent less than an hour and which they kids quickly got bored of. It shared a lot of history about Iceland’s fishing industry, boating artifacts and the native fish of Iceland. I would add this to your list if you have kids who love boats or fish, but otherwise, you can consider skipping this one.

After the Maritime Museum, we walked along the water to view the navy boats in the harbor, and had lunch. 

We then continued walking to the Icelandic Phallological Museum. That’s right, the penis museum. The boys unanimously and enthusiastically approved of this stop, but then got a bit weirded out when we were actually there. Seeing lots of penises in jars wasn’t their thing, apparently. I do think it is a quirky and fun thing to do, especially for kids.

We could have headed over to the gorgeous Harpa concert hall which is very close by, but I find that small children have little patience for architecture, so we skipped this. Instead, we wandered up the touristy streets leading toward Hallgrimskirkja, which we had not visited on our first day.

There are several cafes and gift shops on this route, and a particularly tasty ice cream shop that kept the kids busy while I strolled the streets. After playing around outside and visiting the top of the church, we headed back to our Airbnb for a break before going out for dinner.

If you already visited the church, you could switch it out for the National Museum of Iceland or a whale watching boat trip. Splitting our time between Seattle and Mexico means we’ve seen a ton of whales, so we didn’t do this one, but it’s a great way to see these beautiful animals in their natural habitat and a must-do for animal lovers!

• Fishing industry – how commercial fishing works
• Native fish of Iceland
• Biology – all about phalluses and whales
• Architecture – if you go to Harpa concert hall

4+ Days in Iceland

If we’d had more time, I had plenty of things to do in Iceland with kids planned. I would have gone further out from Reykjavik to Thingvellir National Park, where the North American and European tectonic plates are slowly pulling away from each other. You can walk in the valley caused by this separation and move from one continent to the other – a fantastic way to make science come alive for kids. Iceland is the only place on earth where this separation of plates happens above ground, so it’s the perfect place to cover this part of geology.

From there, I would continue on the Golden Circle to see Gullfoss Waterfall and the geysers and geothermal pools around Geyser (the area from which all other geysers get their name!)

What to Pack for Iceland in September

We visited Iceland in mid-September. Weather was cool to mild, ranging from 55 degrees to 65 degrees. It rained off and on, and a dedicated rain jacket would have been useful. We had fleeces with some rain protection but needed a true waterproof layer to be fully comfortable.

For the day trip on the south coast, close-toed shoes were a must. We were climbing slippery rocks around waterfalls and got quite wet even when it wasn’t raining, so dress for comfort and safety on this day. 

Walking around Reykjavik, whatever you would normally wear at home will be fine. We found the vibe to be quite casual – more fleece and jeans than suits and heels. 

Overall, September is a great time to visit Iceland with kids – there were still lots of people on the south coast, but it wasn’t as packed as during the summer months and not as cold as during the winter months. 

Iceland is one of four countries on this three-week trip, and I managed to do the entire thing in a carry-on! #TeamCarryOn all the way over here. How did I do it?? I had a few secret weapons that I bought just for this trip:

• Vacuum bags – I had used these when moving and to store bulky bedding, but never for travel. I bought a multi pack that included a hand-held vacuum pump and it significantly cut down on bulk.
• Travel steamer – to get out all the wrinkles caused by the vacuum bags, I bought this little steamer. It’s the size of a small hair dryer, and makes it easy to look put together. Note that you do need a power converter (not just an adaptor) to keep it working well in different voltages.
• Laundry detergent – I knew we’d have to do laundry on the trip, so I bought 2 options. I got these dry laundry sheets , which dissolve in hot water and would be good for doing a load by hand in a bathroom sink or the bathtub. I also got a stain remover and hand wash bar that looks like a hotel-room mini bar of soap. I haven’t used either of these, because I found a dry cleaner that offers wash and fold across the street from our hotel in London. That was easier than doing it myself and honestly I didn’t account for how dirty the kids’ clothes would get. All told, it was 30 GBP for a load of wash and fold turned around the next day – cheaper than checking a bag one way, and enough to get us through the trip.
• Trip journals – The kids’ major writing assignments come from completing this journal. I looked at several options and didn’t fully love any of them, but this one has been a nice mix of “fun” pages and thoughtful writing prompts to help them process and remember all they are learning.

Managing Food Allergies in Iceland

For our family, food allergies are a way of life. One of my kids is anaphylactic allergic to eggs, nuts, and peanuts. It is manageable but always a challenge when traveling. In nearly every restaurant, there was a sign stating to ask your server about allergy concerns. I found everyone willing to double check ingredients. Some of the big “gotchas” for us with eggs in particular tend to be breads, hamburger buns, and ice cream – it’s 50/50 whether those things will have eggs or not and often restaurants can’t confirm because they don’t make them on site.

The Blue Lagoon was the hardest place for my son to eat, and after a long night of travel, we were all eager to check out the cafes. There are a few nicer restaurants on site that may have been able to accommodate him better, but I wasn’t up for a nice sit down meal with two wiggly kids. The cafes had almost nothing he could eat.

In Reykjavik, the fish and chips were typically safe (not that he really wanted to eat them, but good to know!) Several places could switch a vegan bread or bun for the regular one to ensure there were no eggs, and even the Domino’s pizza crust was safe. In Mexico, the Domino’s crust contains eggs, so I have learned that I have to ask even when eating at American chains that are safe for us at home.

At the airport on our way out of the country, we found a cafe with a bagel, which was the only egg-free breakfast item they served. Luckily, bagels are one of our go-tos, so this was met with excitement and not resignation. Generally, though, I am finding bakeries in Europe to have little to nothing my egg-allergic kid can eat. The odd vegan item they do have usually has nuts, making it a no-go for us.

What is Worldschooling and Why are We Doing It?

We are on a worldschooling adventure this year, meaning that we are homeschooling our kids and spending as much time traveling and learning in the real world as possible. This is something we’ve wanted to do for years and decided this year was the best time to jump in. Our kids are old enough to remember our adventures and young enough to not be fully committed to friends, activities, and sports yet. 

We are covering the main subjects each day while we travel, spending 1-2 hours in the hotel or Airbnb doing sit-down school before heading out on our adventures. Our typical subjects include math, reading, and writing. Sometimes we get Spanish in there as well.

Then we go out Into the world and focus our exploration on things that will be both fun and educational. We lean on museums, educational tours, and making real-world connections over purely tourist activities.

Though there are many people worldschooling their kids, we are pretty unique in that we are doing it with a full-time teacher on staff. She organizes their lessons, teaches all their subjects, and travels with us wherever we go, tailoring her lessons to the places we will be seeing.

Is Iceland a Good Travel Destination for Families?

Resoundingly yes. We loved our time in Iceland and my kids are already asking about when they can go back to the Blue Lagoon. I am asking when we can go back so I can learn more about the geology, geothermal activity, and generally be blown away by the beauty. I likened it to Ireland on steroids, and there is so much of the country that we haven’t seen yet. 

If you are looking for a friendly, approachable, nature-focused trip with kids and can swallow the high prices, Iceland is a great place to take kids.

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Iceland with Kids – your guide to family-friendly adventures

Discover why iceland is one of the world’s best family-friendly destinations with our handy guide to iceland with kids..

September 16, 2022

Horseback riding, whale watching and hunting for the Northern Lights; there are endless activities for kids of all ages visiting Iceland. This small, friendly nation is a great choice for families as it’s easily accessible and there’s plenty to see and do. Those sticking close to Reykjavik will find boat trips, sightseeing buses and walking tours on their doorstep, and embarking on children-friendly tours and activities in Iceland sees your little ones discovering tumbling waterfalls, lava caves and glacier lagoons across the island. Visiting Iceland with kids is sure to leave you with family memories and photos to last a lifetime. Here’s our ultimate guide to family-friendly Iceland so you can start filling up that family album.

Is Iceland a good place to bring kids?

Being such a small and friendly country, Iceland is an excellent destination for a holiday with kids. For the littlest kids, there are plenty of playparks dotted around Reykjavik and family-friendly restaurants with menus for all ages. Older children can let their imagination run wild in the rugged countryside of Iceland, where waterfalls look like they hide fairy grottos and shrines to elves sitting by the roadside. It’s easy to travel around by yourself by hiring a car, but there are also plenty of child-friendly tours if you don’t want the hassle of navigating and driving yourself. Viking museums, chasing the Northern Lights after bedtime and whale watching from Reykjavik can keep kids entertained for days.

Is Iceland good for a family holiday?

As a holiday destination, Iceland caters to families with kids of all ages. And it’s the kind of place that adults enjoy just as much as little ones. For example, while grown-ups might appreciate the soothing properties of the Blue Lagoon geothermal baths, kids can enjoy floating in the milky-blue water, gazing at the volcanic landscape that feels as though they’re on another planet. There’s plenty of wildlife to spot, on foot or from the deck of a boat, and easy walks to roadside waterfalls, geysers and the myriad natural wonders aren’t too taxing on little legs. Overall, Iceland is probably one of the best holiday destinations for families.

What to do in Iceland with kids?

Iceland is a small and accessible country, so there are plenty of things to do with kids here.

Take a Sightseeing Tour

There’s plenty to see and do from the capital city of Reykjavik, and some of the more leisurely sightseeing tours are perfect for families with kids. Simply exploring the city by hop-on hop-off bus can provide an easy way to get around the city and learn some interesting facts as you go. Not to mention the view from the top deck of the snow-covered mountains beyond the harbour.

Joining a guided tour from Reykjavik can be one of the easiest ways to experience Iceland’s glorious, wild scenery without the hassle of driving yourself. The south shore adventure takes in highlights like the black-sanded beach, glaciers and waterfalls at a leisurely pace with everything organised for you. All you have to do is show up at the nearest pick-up bus stop with your family. For an adventure close to the city, the wonders of Snaefellsnes National Park can provide that wilderness experience without the long-distance driving.

Those that don’t mind a long day can embark on a tour to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon , taking in the sights of the south coast along the way. The floating blocks of glowing blue ice in the lagoon and crystal-clear chunks of glacial ice on Diamond Beach are the kind of scenes a kids’ imagination conjures up when you talk about the arctic.

Visit the Golden Circle

No matter what age you are, the sights of the Golden Circle are not to be missed. The close proximity of Iceland’s biggest natural wonders to each other makes Golden Circle tours a hit with families. It’s an easy drive from Reykjavik and this circular route takes in the ethereal landscape of Þingvellir National Park where the continental plates meet, the thundering cascade of Gullfoss waterfall and the clockwork eruption of Stokkur in the Geyser geothermal area.

Bathe in Hot springs and Geothermal Pools

One restful and restorative way to spend time as a family is in one of Iceland’s many geothermal pools and hot springs . Grown-ups can enjoy a peaceful soak in the milky blue waters of the Blue Lagoon , indulge in a face mask and a drink. While kids can enjoy the space-like landscape and novelty of bathing in a bath-warm pool as it snows above.

Most of Iceland’s hot springs and pools allow children of all ages to experience the tradition of bathing amidst nature. However, the Sky Lagoon in Reykjavik only admits kids aged 12 or older.

Go whale and puffin watching

Little wildlife lovers can have a field day in the wilds of Iceland. The craggy cliffs on the shore are home to colonies of puffins, their red beaks standing out against the volcanic black rock. Right in Reykjavik, leaving from the Old Harbour, the Puffin Express is a quick and easy trip, perfect for families. By boat, you leave the harbour and head to the islands of Lundey and Akurey, just fifteen minutes away, to watch the colony of puffins that nest here. The whole trip takes just an hour, so little ones won’t get bored. Those that have a little more time can embark on a boat trip to spot whales and puffins from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour.

Whale watching itself is another family-friendly activity in Iceland. Boats leave directly from Reykjavik, so there’s no long drive involved if you’re staying in the capital. Whale watching tours head out to Faxaflói Bay from the Old Harbour and from the deck you can spot humpbacks and blue whales breaching the water, and even the occasional orca whale or pod of dolphins.

Go Horse Riding

The great thing about Iceland’s native horses is that they are small and sturdy, ideal for young ones that love a pony ride. Bridle paths weave across the landscape, and on the horseback lava tour you can admire the lava fields and verdant green hills from atop your small but perfectly formed Icelandic steed. Or, perhaps combine a horse ride with the classic sights of the Golden Circle to make the most of your time in Iceland.

Embark on Family-Friendly Adventures

What kid doesn’t want to return from their holiday and tell their friend they’ve been inside a lava tunnel? Children aged 3 and up can join the lava tunnel tour and walk through the ethereal landscape formed by molten lava, with a guide and hard hat for safety. It’s just a half-hour drive from Reykjavik, so a shorter trip for young ones with short attention spans. Those that want to get up close and personal with some real-life lava should stop at the Icelandic Lava Show in Vik . It’s a fun and educational experience, so it’s perfect for families with kids.

On the other end of the spectrum, kids can experience the sleek, arctic landscape of their imagination on an ice cave experience . The Langjokull ice cave is close to Reykjavik and open year-round as it is man-made. Walking through this glowing blue tunnel feels like you’re in a videogame or on a movie set. Those that don’t mind travelling a little further can head to the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon to embark on a boat tour through the ice-strewn lagoon, like the scene from an Arctic expedition.

Back in Reykjavik, families can experience the feeling of flying a plane over the land, ice and sea at the Flyover Iceland experience . In the new Grandi Harbour complex, this state-of-the-art attraction is an interactive movie experience, suitable for kids aged 5 and over. At the Old Harbour, you can hop on a fishing boat and experience a day of sea angling , suitable for all ages. It’s a hands-on day of fishing out at sea, so perfect for kids that don’t want an itinerary stuffed with museums and sightseeing.

Explore Reykjavik with Kids

There’s plenty to keep kids occupied in the city of Reykjavik if you don’t want to travel too far. Our selection of Reykjavik tours can have you and your little ones exploring the city on foot, by boat and even by buggy. The hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus is a great way to move around the city, taking in the biggest sights along the way with commentary providing plenty of entertainment. Perhaps after a spot of whale watching in Faxaflói Bay you can stop by the Whales of Iceland museum to learn more about these fascinating creatures. It’s a great educational experience for families with kids and the perfect activity if the weather turns sour as it’s indoors.

What is the best time of year to visit Iceland with kids?

Cast out in the wild North Atlantic, the seasons in Iceland can be dramatic. For families, visiting Iceland in the sunny summer months can be the best time for whale watching tours and driving conditions are the easiest for south coast adventures. The long days, when the sun barely sets, in the middle of summer mean longer opening hours at the geothermal lagoons and a bit more flexibility in your schedule as a result. Though the shoulder seasons in spring and autumn still bless the land with sunshine and the crowds are less. Just be aware that the weather is more changeable in spring and autumn.

If you’re looking for the full, snowy Iceland experience, winter is the best time to visit Iceland . In winter, families can make memories – hunting for the Northern Lights together, bathing in hot springs as it snows overhead, and experiencing the rugged landscape covered in a dusting of snow. This is also the time of year when you’re most likely to spot orca whales in Faxaflói Bay. The only downside to a winter break is that the weather can be harsh and kids will need to wrap up warm in lots of layers to keep warm.

What to pack for a family vacation in Iceland?

Packing for a family vacation to Iceland depends on the time of year you are visiting. For a winter break it’s important to bring plenty of layers, waterproof gear to combat the snowy days, gloves, hats, scarves and big woolly jumpers to keep warm (and fit in with the locals). Shoes with good grip that can fit crampons if you want to go glacier walking are a good idea, and should help you navigate the slippery Reykjavik pavements if it snows. Handwarmer gels can be a good addition to save little fingers from freezing.

In summer it can still be pretty cold, especially at night, plus it can rain at any time of year. So layers and waterproofs are a good idea no matter when you are visiting. But a summer visit should include the sunscreen as the sun does shine during the day (and all night).

Gone are the days of Iceland having only one channel on TV, and Reykjavik receives channels from the UK in English, but if you want to keep kids happy with their favourite shows on an iPad, remember to pack a European plug adaptor to charge it.

Of course, you’ll be making memories to last a lifetime together, so you’ll want to bring a camera or snap endless photos on your phone. If you’re taking a long day trip along the south coast, it might be worth packing a power bank to charge your phone on the go. All our coaches are equipped with free WiFi and USB ports in selected vehicles.

So there you have it. Iceland is a fabulous place to visit with kids. There are myriad activities and adventures across the island that can keep little ones entertained. Being a small, friendly nation, Iceland is particularly welcoming for families and easy to get around, even with children in tow. Days filled with chasing waterfalls, horseback riding, whale watching and puffin-spotting are sure to be memories that last a lifetime. All you have to do is book your tours and activities with Reykjavik Excursions for an unforgettable family adventure.

Tours in the spotlight

HOP ON HOP OFF

City Sightseeing - Hop On Hop Off 24 Hours

GOLDEN CIRCLE

Golden Circle Direct

MEET ON LOCATION

Lava Tour Horseback Riding

SOUTH COAST

South Coast Wonders

Reykjavik excursions blog.

Get inspired! Information and tips and must see places in Iceland, fun facts, customs and more.

Litli-Hrútur Eruption 2023 - The New Eruption near Fagradalsfjall on the Reykjanes Peninsula

Once again, the enthralling spectacle of Iceland's Reykjanes volcano is back in the limelight! After 11 months of peaceful dormancy, the volcano is now alive and kicking, treating locals and tourists to another captivating visual performance. If you've been yearning for an adventure that's truly out of this world, this might just be your calling!

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Iceland With Kids: A Family Travel Guide

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If you are considering visiting Iceland with kids but you were like me and thinking, “Where do I even start?” then this post is for you. I am going to outline every single thing you need to know to make an Iceland trip with kids a memorable one. My hope is that this Iceland family travel guide will answer all of your lingering questions. From what to pack to the sites you can’t miss, I hope this post makes planning a whole lot easier.

Things to Know Before Your Trip

What is the best way to navigate a new destination with your kids? BE PREPARED. And this post will help you do just that. There are a couple of ways you can prepare before you even leave for the airport and here is what we suggest.

Download Apps

Before our family trip to Iceland we found a lot of different apps that helped make our trip a lot easier. We outlined all the ones we used below.

Icelandic Coupons – Over 70 coupons at restaurants, bars, cafés, shopping, adventures & entertainment in Iceland

Iceland Guide – Map out your entire trip, Find your nearest fuel station, and calculate from ISK to other currencies

My Aurora Forecast & Alerts – Find the current KP index and how likely you are to see the Northern Lights

Iceland Hot Springs Map – Discover new pools and hot springs. Over 160.

Safe Travel – Iceland – The map displays alert’s from The Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration.

Bensin – Icelandic Gasstations – See prices listed and distances to the gas stations with automatic updates

112 – Use to make Emergency calls ( local 911)

Vedur – Weather

Wapp – Hiking/ Walking – Displays varied trails in Iceland by using your phone as a personal travel guide.

8 Day Southern Iceland Itinerary to Help Plan Your Trip!

We put together this 8-Day Southern Iceland itinerary to guide you on a journey along the most lovely and family-friendly stops in Southern Iceland. Get the itinerary here!

Go shopping for snacks

Food in Iceland is known to be very expensive so packing a few things you know your family will like can’t hurt. Pack things like peanut butter, jerky, and protein bars, plus refillable water bottles. If you can’t bring snacks from home, no worries. The Icelandic grocery stores are very easy to navigate. We ended up visiting a grocery store almost every day during our trip. Grocery stores are much more affordable than restaurants in Iceland. 

Icelandic Kronur, or ISK, is Icelandic currency. Most of Iceland uses digital currency, but you may need some krona for some tours throughout Iceland. We suggest converting a few hundred dollars just in case. Don’t come with tons of cash though, you will notice that most places are cashless so just keep cash for tips and tours.

Getting to Iceland

Iceland has one major airport which is about 45 minutes form the main city of Reykjavik. It’s a small airport but it feels new with tons of shops and restaurants. For our flight to Iceland we used Play Airlines. It’s a smaller airline which is known for its budget flights (you know we love a good budget flight). 

What is a budget flight? Well that means you aren’t getting any perks including a drink or snack service. We don’t mind traveling on budget airlines since we bring a lot of our own snacks and drinks anyway. Even though play is a budget carrier the planes are very nice. 

On our flight into Iceland we were so surprised to find a brand new plane which left us feeling super comfortable. Play airlines flys out of New York, Boston, and a few others so if you don’t live in those cities you’ll want to get a repositioning flight there to take advantage of the great deals.

As of March 2023 there were no entry requirements for visiting Iceland. 

Transportation in Iceland

For our family trip to Iceland we knew we wanted to explore more than just the city of Reykjavik. We opted to rent a car and we HIGHLY suggest you do the same. There are many affordable car rental companies in the airport and the check in process is at the airport and was very easy. 

Driving in Iceland is really simple. During our visit in March we were actually surprised with how few cars we saw on the road (outside of the city). 

One piece of advice if you choose to visit Iceland in the winter like we did. The weather in Iceland can change pretty quickly (more on that below) so just make sure you are always checking weather reports as you drive through Iceland. 

Other ways to get around Iceland

If you don’t want to rent a car, your other options would be to take a bus to Reykjavík and have that be your base and take tours to the sites. That’s not a bad option, but you limit your ability to explore that way. The other option is using taxis, which are very expensive, so if you’re traveling on a budget, taxis are not ideal.

Gas is available throughout the island, but there are some areas in the South that there are longer stretches without. The gas was around $4 USD per liter and a full tank on a typical car is about 10,000 ISK, that’s around $74 USD. 

The gas stations require prepayment at the pump or release of the pump by an attendant inside. If you’re using a credit card there is a PIN required at the pump, but you can also pay inside if you go inside before to let them know. 

Also, the gas stations have really good food unlike most in the US. They serve fresh baked goods, hot meals, and even smoothies and healthy options. It’s a great place for kids meals as well, as some give out candy boxes and coloring packets with the meals.

Weather in Iceland

It’s really important to download and use a good weather app regularly. The weather in Iceland can be unpredictable, and you might experience all four seasons in one day. For us, it was completely clear one minute, then we went down 10 miles away and we were in a complete snow storm. Keep this in mind if you’re renting a car, you want to make sure you’re prepared. 

March is considered the end of the winter season in Iceland, but it’s still a cold and snowy month. The temperature usually hovers around freezing or just below, and you can expect plenty of snow, especially in the northern part of the country. In fact, March is one of the snowiest months in Iceland, so be prepared for plenty of snow and ice.

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The Best Time to Visit Iceland with Kids

This is a really hard question to answer because there are pros and cons to visiting Iceland all year round. Here are some of the reasons why we chose to visit in March and we would suggest you do the same.

• March is what they call shoulder season so there aren’t as many tourists.
• Since it isn’t the high season you will find better deals and availability on accommodations and tours.
• March is cold but it is warming up a bit.
• In March, Iceland is finally starting to see longer days.
• One of the main advantages of visiting in March is the chance to see the Northern Lights. March is one of the best months to see this incredible natural phenomenon, as the nights are still long enough and dark enough to give you a good chance of catching a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis.

@mrsblinks It was a risk we werent willing to take ❄️ #icelandwithkids #familytravel #icelandroadtrip ♬ Paper Birds (3 min) – Jordan Halpern Schwartz

Visiting Iceland with kids in the summer

The summer is the most popular time to visit Iceland and for good reason. The weather is beautiful (even though you should still pack your winter jacket) and the Island is lush and green.  This is the busiest time to visit Iceland so be prepared to pay a premium for everything from flights to accommodations and even tours. I would also suggest booking much farther in advance for this reason. 

Even though we loved our trip to Iceland with kids in March we will definitely be planning a trip in the summer for the future. 

What to pack when visiting Iceland with kids

One of the reasons that I credit us enjoying our trip as much as we did is because of how prepared we were, especially when it came to our clothes. Here are some things you MUST pack for your trip to Iceland.

• Snow jackets
• Waterproof boots
• Waterproof gloves

Want the full packing list? Read my post where I share everything you need to pack when visiting Iceland with kids (coming soon) and check our my Amazon shop where I link it all.

Click here to get our full list of what to pack for a trip to Iceland with kids!

Watch my packing video here:

Southern Iceland Road trip

There are so many beautiful things to see in Iceland and one of the easiest ways to see it all is to rent a car and drive it yourself. During our 8 day trip to Iceland we decided we wanted to explore the entire southern coast.  

Instead of basing our stay in the main city of Reykjavik we opted to move around the coast and stay one night in each place so we could make the most of our trip. You can read about our full week-long Itinerary in this post.

Where to Stay in Iceland with Kids

During our Iceland road trip we stayed in some amazing accommodations, moving from small town to small town to see the entire southern coast. Here are some of the areas we stayed in during our Iceland road trip and some of the places we highly recommend. ** the prices listed are based on our trip in March and can be higher in the summer months.

Rey Apartments – Reykjavik $275/ night

We loved this place so much. We stayed here on our way in and out of Iceland, as Reykjavik is not far from the airport and it is a great place to sightsee with the family. The apartments are in an amazing location and besides looking for paid street parking, it is very convenient to walk anywhere in town. The apartments were very spacious and updated, which made for very comfortable stays and great for kids with separate twin beds in every room.

Hellisholar Cottages – Hellisholar $162/ night

We visited here on our way to the East. The drive to the cottages from Reykjavik was absolutely beautiful around the Golden Circle. The cottages themselves were so cute and very spacious for a larger family. There was plenty of space to sleep, and the cottage had a cozy vibe and was very clean. There was a restaurant on property and a small kitchen in the cottage, so if you wanted to eat out or stay in, you had an option. We had a great time here!

Midgard Base Camp – Hvolsvöllur $170/ night 

We stayed here on the way back at the end of our trip. Midgard was by far our favorite place we stayed. The kids absolutely loved the hostel accommodations and shared spaces. We booked out an entire family room with 6 individual beds, each with it’s own privacy curtains and lights, etc. The girls got a kick out of that, as well as having to use the bathroom along with other travelers. The Base Camp had a guest kitchen, their own restaurant, a hot tub, a sauna, a gameroom, study, children’s play room, and lots of space to run around.

Should you stay in a Hostel with your kids?

East of Vik 

Hörgsland cottages – hörgsland $135/night.

We really enjoyed our stay here, the cottage was very cozy and warm. The kitchen facilities were small but adequate and there was plenty of beds for all five of us. The girls especially like the loft room. The staff was very helpful, even bringing us extra sheets in the middle of a snow storm. There’s spectacular scenery all around, with a picturesque mountain backdrop right behind the cottages that is beautiful in the winter with the snow. We were lucky enough to get several feet of snow the first morning after we arrived! Perfect little cottage for families and a great stop on the way to explore the Southern Coast.

Hotel Höfn – Höfn $232/night

Hotel Hofn was in a great location right on the coast with great views of the ocean. The accommodations were very modern and they had a very nice restaurant onsite. Because of our family size, we had to book 2 separate rooms, but it was still very affordable at $232/ night for both. We did not spend much time there, as it was more of a traditional hotel setup. It was still very nice and comfortable with a great design and a great price. We were surprised with how luxurious it felt for such a great deal.

Where to Eat in Iceland

One thing you should know about visiting Iceland is that the food is SO EXPENSIVE. Tipping is not customary, which helps some with the cost, but we also frequently visited grocery stores. If you do decide to venture out to eat here are some of our favorite spots we found along the way.

Where to eat in Reykjavik

101 reykjavik street food.

This restaurant had a fast food feel but you did sit down and order. The fish n chips was amazing and they had a really good lobster bisque! They also had good ramen and other great choices for kids. The pricing was fair and the service was quick! You can find this place right by the rainbow road.

Sandholt Reykjavik

This casual bakery and restaurant had free kids meals and a kids menu with coloring. We loved the waffle, gouda, and fried egg. We also had avocado toast with fried egg and took pastries to go for the car ride. Even with free kids meals, the meal was still expensive, but it was fresh and made from scratch. We had 2 adult meals, 3 free kid meals, 2 coffees, 3 hot chocolates, and 4 pastries for a total of $70 USD. This restaurant has lots of options for takeaway, like sandwiches that looked so good! Overall, we enjoyed this meal. 

Braud + Company 

This was our favorite bakery! They have so many different selections and it’s not overly sweet. But they did always have a line! They are famous for the cinnamon rolls so make sure you get one as you snap a picture of their cool murals outside.

Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur

This restaurant has been open since 1937! They famously had a visit from Bill Clinton and have since names a hot dog with just mustard called, “The Clinton.” Their traditional hot dog has 2 types of onions, ketchup, mustard, and brown sauce. This is a great stop for an inexpensive lunch and to check trying the traditional Icelandic hot dog off your bucket list.

Cafe Babalu

This cafe has very eclectic decor! It’s a fun atmosphere for kids and they have awesome coffee! They’ve got some great takeaway food options as well!

Kronan – Grocery Store

We highly recommend grocery shopping! The grocery stores are very similar to that of the USA, so you won’t feel lost in them. The grocery stores were very helpful since we spent lots of time in the car. We were able to have good snacks and drinks to keep the kids entertained. Keep in mind that they charge for bags, so you might want to bring your own. More on grocery stores below.

Where to Eat in Hofn

Ósinn restaurant at hotel höfn.

This restaurant in the hotel is really nice and they have great seafood options. It may be a little too fancy for kids, unless your kids are older.

Where to eat in Hvolsvöllur

Valhalla restaurant.

Valhalla Restaurant is a viking restaurant and museum. They have amazing BBQ and ax throwing with a really fun atmosphere! Definitely make this one of your stops in the area.

Midgard Restaurant + Bar

You can get a continental breakfast here, and dinner is always very busy so it must be good. They have freshly caught fish, pasture-raised lamb, and homemade from scratch vegan and vegetarian dishes. We didn’t try it during our visit but heard great things from other guests and it smelled amazing!

What to eat in Vik

Skool beans.

This is such a cool place! It’s in a school bus converted into a coffee shop and its up against the mountains, it’s really something to see! They have really good coffee and hot chocolate, a really fun atmosphere, and it’s just perfect for kids and families! They have some really decadent drinks so make sure you come with your sweet tooth.

Gas Stations – N1 or Olis

The gas stations offer fast food and other great take away items. They even have really good kids menus and offer crayons and activity books. Gas stations are also a good place to find souvenirs. Don’t skip the gas stations on your visit, you will be really surprised with what you can find inside.

Grocery Stores

We visited a grocery store almost every day that we were in Iceland. We loved Kronan because it was easy to find (one in almost every city we stayed in) and it was affordable.

Stay tuned for my video on our Iceland grocery store experience.

I found the grocery stores to feel very familiar. Most labels had English on them and the items were very similar to things I would find back home in the states.

Some things you definitely need to pick up for your kids in the grocery stores:

• Skyr: Icelandic yogurt. This was very good and thicker than ours back home.
• Cup of noodles – easy for meals on the go.
• Cup of oatmeal – we couldn’t believe how many healthy packaged meals we could find for our road-trip.
• Shelf stable milk: This doesn’t need to be refrigerated (even though the car is definitely cold enough).
• Collab: This is a drink I really loved. It is made with natural spring water and is flavored with a blend of natural fruit and herb extracts
• Rye bread – Icelandic rye bread is much different than rye bread in the US. It’s not what you would expect!

What to See in Iceland

There is so much to see and do in Iceland that there is no way you can do it all in one trip. Here are some of our favorite things we did and some things we definitely have on our list for next time. 

Do you want to know how we divided up this itinerary into one very full week? Or how we planned our accommodations to match the sightseeing we were doing that day? Or how many sites could we realistically do before our kids got way too tired? Check out our full 8 day itinerary for Iceland with kids.

Golden Circle

The Golden Circle is a popular tourist route in Iceland, covering about 300km looping from Reykjavík into central Iceland and back. It’s the perfect way to see some of Iceland’s most spectacular natural wonders including the Gullfoss waterfall, the geothermal area of Haukadalur with its erupting geysers, and Thingvellir National Park. The route is easy to navigate and the whole thing can be done in a day trip from Reykjavík. Ill outline more details about each of the stops below.

I would suggest getting started early to make sure you can get the most of the day and beat the crowds. Here are some sites you can check out on your tour of the Golden Circle.

As much as I loved all the sites on the Golden Circle, it was not my favorite of all the things we saw in Iceland. This might be an unpopular opinion but if you had to skip something I would say skip this part. It is really beautiful but the sites we saw down the coast were some of my favorites.

Book a Tour of the Golden Circle from Reykjavik HERE

Thingvellir National Park

Thingvellir National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in southwestern Iceland and will likely be your first stop on the Golden Circle tour. You can see several geological wonders there, including the Silfra fissure, which is where you can swim between the tectonic plates. It is one of the world’s best sites for snorkeling and scuba diving. Here are some things you should check out during your visit:

• Walk Between The Tectonic Plates At Almannagja
• Oxarafoss Waterfall
• Thingvellir Church – one of the prettiest churches in Iceland
• Go for A hike – there are a lot of trails even some specifically for horse back riding.

Parking – This park is about 45 minutes from the city and you will have to pay for parking when you arrive. I would suggest downloading the Parka app as it makes the whole process easier. Because the lot is fairly small, you should plan to arrive early to ensure you can find a spot.

Restrooms – The restrooms are located near the parking lot and in several other areas of the park. These facilities were clean, but can sometimes get quite busy in the mornings and peak season.

Food – There is a very small café located closer to the parking lot that offers light refreshments snacks, and hot drinks. We think it’s best to bring all of your own snacks and drinks for this park to make it easier on everyone.

Not Stroller Friendly – Most of the trails in the park are very rugged, so bringing a stroller is not a practical choice.

Child Safety – Be sure to dress everyone in warm, waterproof layers, as it gets very cold there and windy. Also, be prepared for slippery paths if you plan to hike. Make sure everyone stays hydrated by bringing your own refillable bottles when hiking for the day.

Book all of Your National Park Tours HERE

Stokker Geyser 

The Stokker Geyser is one of the largest and most powerful geysers in Europe and erupts every 4-8 minutes, reaching heights of up to 40 meters. The geyser erupts every 7 minutes or so and you will actually find many mini geysers around as well.

When you arrive you will park across the street at the visitors center. Parking is free and the visitors center has everything you might need including a restaurant, restrooms, and a gift shop. The visitors center closes at 5:30pm so if you make a late visit and need the restroom you will be out of luck.

Parking is available in a large lot next to the geyser entrance. The cost for parking is 500 ISK (Icelandic krona) per vehicle, which is approximately $4 USD. The parking lot is very easy to navigate and it is large enough that you shouldn’t have trouble finding a parking spot.

Restrooms are available near the parking lot and they seemed to be well-maintained.

Note: There are NOT any restrooms near the geyser, so plan accordingly before you start your hike.

There is one small café on the property that offers some snacks and beverages. Though the prices are reasonable, the selection is very limited. recommended to bring your own snacks and refillable water bottles.

Limited Stroller Access

The path leading up to the Strokkur Geyser is paved and accessible. It’s important to note that there are uneven surfaces and gravel areas all around the geyser. If you must bring a stroller, be sure to choose one with larger wheels.

Child Safety

The geyser erupts every few minutes or so and it can be quite loud, startling younger children. The area around the geyser can get pretty hot, so please keep an eye on your children and make sure they don’t get too close to the steam or nearby pools of water.

Book Your Tours including the Geyser HERE

Gulfoss Waterfall

Gullfoss , also known as Golden Falls, is a stunningly beautiful waterfall in the southwest region of Iceland. It is part of the powerful Hvítá river, which is fed by Iceland’s second biggest glacier, Langjökull. Gullfoss is one of Iceland’s most popular tourist attractions!

Its a 10 minute drive from the geyser to the waterfall. There is also a restaurant, gift shop, and restrooms and it all closes at 7pm. There is just a short 7 minute walk from the parking lot to the waterfall and you can easily bring a stroller if you dont go to the bottom viewing point which requires stairs.

When you arrive make sure to visit all 3 viewpoints to see the waterfall. My favorite was down the stairs but the other two are pretty as well. In the summer there is a path to get really close but that was closed in March when we visited. When the wind blows over frozen water it’s very cold so be sure to bundle up. This place is absolutely beautiful, do not miss it. 

Here’s some helpful tips for families:

Parking at Gulfoss is free of charge, which is great news when traveling on a budget. However, it gets crowded during peak tourist season, so it’s best to arrive earlier in the day.

There are clean restrooms located near the main parking lot, as well as near the entrance to the waterfall.

There is a cafe at the waterfall that serves hot drinks, sandwiches, and light snacks. The prices are fairly reasonable for Iceland, but you still may want to bring your own snacks and lunch.

Not Stroller Friendly

The paths leading up to Gulfoss are rocky and pretty uneven, which can make pushing a stroller difficult. There are also stairs you must navigate to get a good view of the waterfall.

Be sure your children are wearing good shoes with traction, as there is lots of uneven terrain. Again, the weather in Iceland can be unpredictable, so remember to dress in layers and bring rain gear. The rocks near the waterfall can be very slippery and dangerous.

Book all Waterfall Tours HERE

Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon is a breathtaking destination and such a great place to take the family. There are easy walking trails and amazing views of the entire lake and nearby beaches from some heights.

Parking at Glacier Lake is free in several places right off of the main highway. There are plenty of parking spots available and easy to find additional parking just along the way.

There are restrooms located near the main parking area and at the café right along the lake. The restrooms were clean and were readily available during our time there.

The café near the lake offers a variety of drinks and snacks. The prices are on the high side, but the food is good quality and convenient for families who don’t want to pack a lunch. There are picnic tables available along the lake if you bring your own food.

Stroller Friendly

Glacier Lake is accessible by stroller, but the path can be uneven and rocky in some places. A sturdy all-terrain stroller is recommended or you can rent one at the lake.

The water in the lake is very cold and not safe for swimming, so keeping children away form the edge is highly recommended.

Book Your Glacier Lagoon Tours HERE

Secret Lagoon

The Secret Lagoon is a geothermal pool in Iceland’s Haukadalur Valley, near the Golden Circle. It is one of the oldest swimming pools in Iceland and has been used as a natural hot spring since 1891. What’s really cool is that you can take a dip in the hot water and enjoy the view of the geyser, Strokkur, which erupts every 8-10 minutes at the same time.

The Secret Lagoon has a parking lot available for visitors right in front. The parking fee is included in the price of admission.

The Secret Lagoon has indoor and outdoor restrooms available for all visitors. The restrooms are very clean and well-maintained, very much like those at the Blue Lagoon. Again, there are lockers for storing your clothes and other items.

There’s a small café at the Secret Lagoon that has snacks and drinks available to enjoy inside or out. If you’re planning to spend a full day at the lagoon, we recommend bringing your own food and drinks.

You can certainly bring a stroller to the Secret Lagoon, just keep in mind that it is not fully wheelchair accessible. There are a few steps to climb to get into the lagoon and the paths are unpaved.

The Secret Lagoon is family-friendly and children of all ages are welcome. The water in the lagoon is very warm and even hot in many places, which may be uncomfortable for young children. Children must be supervised at all times, as there are no lifeguards on duty.

Book Your Secret Lagoon Tours HERE

Skogafoss is one of Iceland’s most beautiful waterfalls and a perfect destination for families. Located on the Skoga River in southern Iceland, this beautiful waterfall is over 60 meters high. There are a few things you should know before taking your trip to this stunning attraction:

Skogafoss has a large parking lot that is free of charge, which you can leave your car all day without a fee.

There are plenty of restrooms near the parking lot and the Skogafoss waterfall, so keep that in mind as you arrive.

There was a food truck near the parking selling hot dogs, sandwiches, and drinks. We opted to bring our own healthier snacks and water bottles to fill up along the way.

It would be very challenging to navigate with a stroller, so you might want to consider using a baby carrier instead.

The path to the waterfall can be slippery and steep, so make sure your children wear comfortable shoes with good traction. Bring rain jackets and layered warm clothing to keep your family dry from the frequent mist and wind. The rocks around the waterfall can be very slippery and dangerous, so be careful.

Fontana Geothermal Baths

Fontana Geothermal Baths is a very popular destination for families visiting Iceland. This natural hot spring is located in the small town of Laugarvatn about an hour from Reykjavik.

Here’s a few things to should know:

Parking at Fontana is free to their guests. There is a large parking lot that can accommodate quote a few vehicles.

There are restrooms located both inside and outside the baths. The indoor restrooms are within the changing and shower facilities. The outdoor restrooms are located near the hot spring and baths. They are both well-maintained and very clean.

Fontana has a café that serves a variety of food like sandwiches, soups, salads, and pastries, as well as hot and cold drinks. Prices are reasonable and the food is very good. You must try the Geothermal Baked Bread, its delicious. You can also tour the Geothermal Bakery and experience the process on the 40 minute tour.

You can definitely bring a stroller to Fontana Geothermal Baths. Just be aware that the paths around the hot spring can be slippery and sometimes difficult to navigate with a stroller. There are some steps leading down to the hot spring, so you may need to carry the stroller down or leave it at the top.

Make sure your children are comfortable in hot water. Some children may find it uncomfortable. There are no lifeguards on duty, so you will need to supervise your children at all times.

Book your Geothermal Baths Tours HERE

Seljlandafoss

It is one of the most popular waterfalls in Iceland because it’s close to the Ring Road and its unique feature of being able to walk behind it. The waterfall drops 197 feet over the cliffs of the former coastline!

There are some essential things you need to know to make the most out of your trip to Seljlandafoss :

There’s a very large parking lot right next to Seljalandsfoss. Parking costs 700 ISK (Icelandic Krona) per car per day. You can use a credit card to make payment at the kiosk or download the parking app.

There are very nice restrooms for visitors closer to the parking lot and concession stands.

There is a small popup cafe offering refreshments and light snacks. While there are a few pastries and hot drinks, it’s better to bring your food and drinks.

Somewhat Stroller Friendly

The paths to the waterfall and surrounding area is mostly paved, so strollers are welcome. Keep in mind that there are a few steps and uneven trails along the way that are not be easy to navigate with a stroller.

The weather in Iceland can be a bit unpredictable, so it’s essential to dress your children in warm and waterproof clothing. There are no safety barriers around the waterfall and some of the other attractions. It is very important to keep a close eye on them at all times and remind them of the dangers.

Diamond Beach

Diamond Beach is located in Iceland’s Vatnajökull National Park and it is one of the most popular attractions. When the glaciers breakup in Glacier Lake, they float from the lake and onto the nearby beach. These glittering chinks of ice that end up all along the beach is why visitors flock to this destination. It really is a site to see!

Before you tale your family to Diamond Beach here’s some important things to consider:

The parking at Diamond Beach is absolutely free and there is a large parking lot nearby. Be aware that the lot can fill up quickly, especially during peak tourist season. Be sure that you park as far to the left as possible, as that is the area you will want to walk towards. It’s best to arrive early in the day to secure a good spot that is close enough to walk to that area of beach.

There are public restrooms right across the street at the Glacier Lake parking and food trucks. While they are free, they can also be a little dirty when its in high season and very busy. Be sure to bring your own wipes, paper, and sanitizer just in case.

There are no restaurants or vendors at Diamond Beach, so bring your own food and drinks. There are plenty of grocery stores in nearby towns of Höfn or Kirkjubæjarklaustur. These are great places to purchase snacks, sandwiches, and other essentials.

The walk down to Diamond Beach is very uneven and rocky. Bringing a regular stroller is not advised. If you have a wagon or hiking stroller with larger wheels, it’s possible you can make the trek. Otherwise, strap on the carrier and watch your step!

It’s important to know that the beach can be quite crowded, especially during peak season. Also, as I mentioned, the terrain can be challenging for younger children. Most importantly, the water can be extremely cold and dangerous, so it’s very important to keep your children close at all times.

Book Your Beach Tours HERE

Reynisfjara Beach

Reynisfjara Beach is a really fun and beautiful beach to take the entire family. The natural caves and rock formations are a must see on your adventure.

Parking at Reynisfjara Beach is free, but it can be difficult to find a parking spot doe to its popularity. We recommend arriving early in the day, especially if you’re traveling with younger children.

There are restrooms located near the parking lot of Reynisfjara Beach, but they were not the cleanest facilities. We recommend bringing hand sanitizer or wet wipes for your family’s if you must use the facilities.

There are no food vendors available at Reynisfjara Beach, so be sure to pack your own snacks and drinks. There are several small towns nearby where you can find restaurants if that is an option for you.

The beach is made up of black sand and pebbles, which is extremely difficult to navigate with a stroller. The stairs and steep inclines also make it impossible to push a stroller. We highly recommend using a baby carrier or backpack for younger children.

Reynisfjara Beach can be dangerous and proper precautions should be taken. The waves can be strong and unpredictable, so keep your distance and watch the kids. Climbing the rock formations can be fun and great for pictures, but they can also be slippery and very dangerous. Be careful very careful.

@mrsblinks We took our kids to Reynisfjara beach in Iceland ✨ #familytravel #icelandwithkids ♬ Spooky, quiet, scary atmosphere piano songs – Skittlegirl Sound

What to Do in Iceland with Kids

Blue lagoon.

The Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa in Southwest Iceland. The lagoon is situated in a lava field and is powered by the nearby geothermal power plant. This spa is very luxurious! Kids are free and we did a spa package with facials, masks and robes. 

• Restrooms available
• Several dining options
• Not recommended for children under 2

Get the full details and helpful tips from our post about Visiting the Blue Lagoon in Iceland with Kids .

Book Your Blue Lagoon Tours HERE

Whale Watching Tour

Going on a whale watching tour in Iceland is a truly unique experience. Seeing whales up close and in their natural habitat is something you’ll never forget. During the tour, you’ll be taken out to sea on a boat with a knowledgeable guide who can point out the different species of whales and tell you interesting facts about them. You’ll have the opportunity to take pictures and videos of the whales and their pods!

Book Your Exciting Whale Watching Tours HERE

Ice Cave Tours

The ice caves are formed by glacial rivers and are carved out of solid ice. It’s really something to see! You’ll be able to explore these incredible structures and experience their remarkable stillness on an ice cave tour. Guides will explain to you the formations and history of the cave, as well as the local environment. Be sure to wear warm clothes and a coat!

Book Your Ice Cave Tours HERE

Swimming Between the Tectonic Plates

Swimming between the tectonic plates of Iceland is an incredible experience! The feeling of the cold water and the power of the natural forces around you is something that will stay with you forever. It’s breathtaking and beautiful! The experience of swimming between two continents is something that few people can say they have done.

Book Your Snorkeling Experiences HERE

Drive the Golden Circle

Driving the Golden Circle in Iceland is an amazing experience! The route takes you through stunning landscapes of waterfalls, mountains, glaciers, and geysers. You’ll get to experience the raw beauty of Icelandic nature, with the chance to explore breathtaking sights like Gullfoss, the Geysir geothermal area, and Thingvellir National Park along the way. The roads are pretty easy to navigate and it’s a really beautiful and relaxing drive.

Book all of Your Golden Circle Tours HERE

@mrsblinks Iceland is so beautiful. Two days in and we are obsessed! familytravel icelandwithkids goldencircle ♬ Pieces (Solo Piano Version) – Danilo Stankovic

Drive the Ring Road

The Ring Road is a national road in Iceland that circles the island, running through nearly all of the inhabited parts of the country. It’s 828 miles long so you won’t be driving the whole road, but it’s a great place to see some sights! The road runs along the coast of Iceland, with the majority of the road being single lane with occasional passing lanes.

Book Your Ring Road Tours HERE

Northern Lights Tour

The Northern Lights Tour in Iceland is a guided tour that takes you out into the countryside at night to view the Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights. The tour includes transport to the best viewing spots and an experienced guide who will provide insight into the lights, their history and culture.

Book Your Northern Lights Tours HERE

Get Ice Cream (Yes, ice cream in Iceland)

Iceland is known for its delicious ice cream, which is made with natural ingredients and is usually dairy-free. It’s light, creamy, and so refreshing! It is also a good way to cool off in the summer months in Iceland since the Icelandic climate can be quite unpredictable.

Icelandic ice cream is usually made with unique flavors that you won’t find elsewhere, like licorice, black currant, and blueberry. So if you’re looking for a unique, delicious treat, then ice cream in Iceland is definitely worth trying!

Horseback Riding 

When you go horseback riding in Iceland you’ll see some of the most breathtaking views you’ve ever seen! Snow-capped mountains, volcanic craters, and huge fields of lava, just to name a few. Horseback riding is fun itself, but Iceland is known for its peaceful nature, and horseback riding allows you to explore its natural beauty without the hustle and bustle of a city.

Book Your Horseback Riding Tours HERE

Iceland may be most well known primarily for its stunning landscapes, but there are also some beautiful beaches to explore! One of the most popular beaches is Reynisfjara, located on the south coast of Iceland. This black sand beach is known for its basalt columns, caves, and big waves. Other beaches worth seeing in Iceland are Djúpalónssandur, Breiðamerkursandur, and Rauðisandur. All of these beaches have breathtaking views, and the waves make them great for surfing and other water sports.

Bool all of Your Beaches Tours HERE

Iceland is home to some of the world’s most stunning waterfalls. From the powerful Gullfoss to the multi-tiered Skogafoss, the country is filled with awe-inspiring waterfalls that are worth seeing! You can use the Wapp to find great hiking and waterfalls. 

Book all the Waterfall Tours HERE

Iceland is home to a variety of beautiful parks, perfect for sightseeing, outdoor activities, and relaxation. We explored Þingvellir National Park, but there are lots of other parks to see, like Thingvellir National Park, Snæfellsjökull National Park, and Vatnajökull National Park!

Frequently Asked Questions about Traveling to Iceland With Kids

Is iceland good for traveling with kids.

Iceland is a great place to travel with kids! The people are welcoming and there is so much to see and do. Our kids loved traveling in Iceland! Plus since a lot of our activities are outdoors the kids had plenty of chances to run and play.

How long do you spend in Iceland with kids?

We spent 8 days in Iceland with our kids and we found it to be a surprisingly easy trip. We had time to see a lot of sights without getting worn out. 

What is the best age to go to Iceland?

The best age to visit Iceland depends on your interests and travel preferences. Iceland is a destination that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Iceland is a safe and friendly place for families but there are a lot of things that might be difficult for really little ones. I wouldn’t let that discourage you, there is still plenty to do for babies all the way to adults.

Do kids need car seats in Iceland?

We always suggest taking your own carseats when you travel if your kids still use one. You can read all about our travel car seat recommendations in this post.

More Travel Guides and Tips:

Romantic Road with Kids: A Family Travel Guide

How to Plan Your Dream Trip to Europe

Sintra, Portugal With Kids: A Family Travel Guide

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Iceland with Kids: The Best 7 Day Itinerary for the Land of Fire and Ice

January 9, 2023

Make memories that will last a lifetime with this incredible week long itinerary for Iceland with kids. Mix mist with mystery, thermal springs with hot chocolate and stargazing with the fires of the northern lights across the dark sky. Get ready for an unforgettable trip. Get ready for Iceland.

Disclosure – we travelled to Iceland as part of a project with Discover the World. As always, as ever, we kept the right to write what we like. What’s the point, otherwise?!

Table of Contents

Why visit Iceland with Kids?

Iceland can feel like such a mystical place. Black sand beaches with twisted rock formations. Glowing, rolling moss-covered crater slopes and volcanoes that fire lava into the sky. Glittering snow and the ephemeral northern lights. Plus waterfalls that make you feel small. It goes without saying that Iceland is an amazing destination for adults. But what about Iceland with kids? Does it work? Does it make sense? Will anyone have any fun?!

In short, yes. Iceland with kids is fantastic. Let me walk you through this seven day Iceland itinerary with kids, all tried and tested by us and developed with Discover the World , a specialist in tailor-made trips in the region.

Quick note: a key part of the joy of travel in Iceland involves hot tubs and thermal springs. This isn’t generally advised for very young children and pregnant women. Those actively trying to conceive may also need to think twice. So, if your family is at this stage of life, then bear this in mind…

• See also the best bucket list for families who want to see the world…

Getting to Iceland with Kids

Let’s face it, you’re not going to get to Iceland by train. There are only two ways to reach the country: plane and ferry. For this itinerary, and for most trips, it makes sense to fly into Iceland and then hire a car to travel around.

You can fly into Keflavik International Airport, which is only 47 minutes away from Reykjavik. The airport receives flights from all over the continent and is connected to other countries outside Europe, so finding a flight to Iceland is pretty easy. From the airport, you can hire a rental car and start your family trip right on the spot or take a shuttle bus to the city capital. Taxis also go in this direction, and most hotels offer airport pick-up services if you request them.

By Car + Ferry

There’s quite a novelty in taking a ferry to your destination, but this option may prove too time-consuming for those who want to spend as much time as they can in Iceland. You will have to drive to Denmark and then take the ferry from there and the whole trip takes a few days.

On the other hand, it will be an adventure, will cut down your carbon emissions, and you may see whales as you go.

Getting around Iceland

In Iceland, you will encounter three types of roads: paved roads, gravel roads, and F-roads or mountain roads. The most important highway is known as the Ring Road, with a length of 1,322 kilometres, and it allows seeing a big part of the country without hitting any bumps. But you may need to take a gravel road if you are travelling in the countryside or an F-road if you want to explore the mountains.

For this 7 day Iceland itinerary with kids, though, you won’t need to do any exceptional driving. You’ll stick to the paved roads when you drive and head off in a superjeep for when you go off road. Bear in mind that driving off road requires special skills and special equipment. Don’t be tempted to take chances in wild terrain.

Stick to the roads!

Honestly, when it comes to travelling through Iceland with kids, the easiest option is to rent a car yourself. This is the best way to travel with young children, especially as you can book a vehicle with a baby car seat if necessary. You will be able to stop whenever you need and explore anything along the way.

But don’t let that make you feel that you need to everything yourself. On our trip, for example, Discover the World arranged the flights, car rental, accommodation and certain tickets for attractions. They also provided a pretty cool app which lets you look up unusual things to do and places to visit as you go. I’d highly recommend working with them to minimise the time you spend planning – plus, it’s always good to have someone you can call in case of an emergency.

Join a Tour

Many companies offer tours around Iceland, taking in the landmarks from the picturesque south coast to Snaefellsnes Peninsula. What’s best about this way of travelling is that you don’t need to think about anything. The company selects the hotels (which are amazing most of the time), picks you up from the airport, and takes you from one point to another on your itinerary.

Yet, with kids, this can sometimes feel more stressful as you’re always running on someone else’s timetable. It’s difficult to stop for frequent toilet breaks, naps and the like and, finally, some tour companies won’t take young children at all.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Iceland with Kids?

Now, that’s the million dollar question.

From June to August, the temperatures stay around 20 degrees Celsius and the days are bright and long, perfect for nature exploration. However, it’s the high season and prices are high and crowds more plentiful.

Winter carries with it a lot of darkness and bitingly cold weather. Some roads need to close and your options can be limited. Pick a winter month only if you plan on staying mostly indoors and searching for the northern lights in the night sky. You have the best chance of taking a good picture of them during the cold season.

Alternatively, you can look to the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn for planning your Iceland trip with kids. We travelled in the October half term, when the weather was cold but still bearable outside and we still had a good 8-10 hours of daylight each day. While we had some rain, most days were crisp, sunny and clear and the sunrises and sunsets lasted for hours.

In short, I don’t think you can choose the wrong time of year to visit Iceland with kids. You just need to know how to prepare and you need to have the right gear with you.

The Ultimate 7-Day Iceland Itinerary with Kids

Here’s an outline of how to spend seven days in Iceland as a family. It’s based on our trip, with just a few tweaks and further suggestions. I’ve arranged the itinerary in groups of days. You can swap these groups around but it makes sense to keep to the plan within the group itself. Clear as mud? Drop me a line and I’ll try to make things clearer.

Days 1 – 3: Head South

Let’s get started! The southern shores of Iceland are famous for their black sand beaches, waterfalls and the volcano that stopped the world – for a while.

Accommodation: 2 nights in Hotel Ranga

Day 1: Arrive at Hotel Ranga

After all the kerfuffle of an international flight, there’s something soothing about heading straight to Hotel Ranga. Maybe it’s the hot tubs, the fine food and the dedicated obvservatory. But there’s certainly the beautiful sensation of being in the middle of nowhere – and in a good way.

Say hello to the polar bear in the hallway, take a seat at the cosy wooden bar and check out Icelandic delicacies like puffin, reindeer, herring and salmon at the gorgeous wood-panelled restaurant. When the sun rises, this place serves breakfast and the glass walls of the dining room reveal panoramic views of your first glimpse of Iceland.

Stargazing in hotel Ranga

The best activity at Hotel Ranga involves staring at the night sky, hoping to see Aurora Borealis glide into view. The hotel even has a wake-up service for this very phenomenon. Select this option and you will receive a call when the northern lights are visible, even if it’s three in the morning. Luckily, we didn’t have to go to such extremes. No sooner had we finished dinner than the receptionist called us through.

And there, in vibrant, green, shimmering glory, those smudgy green lights danced across the sky.

They didn’t hang around for long, however, and many people don’t get to see them at all. Previously, this left guests with nothing but sore necks, cold fingers and a sense of frustration. So, the owner decided to highlight the other treats of the night sky.

It’s a short walk from the main hotel to the Hotel Ranga Observatory, which has the largest telescope in Iceland and a staff of well educated stargazers.

And the best yet? The hotel prepares piping hot chocolate for your return.

Day 2: Superjeep Safari

Discover the World recommended this day long tour for us on our first full day in Iceland, and it’s a recommendation that makes sense. When you’re still getting used to a brand new country, it’s a relief to have someone else take charge for the day.

Plus, a superjeep is fun.

Larger than your average off-road vehicle, this tour takes you off the paved roads and into Thórsmörk, where it soon becomes clear that specialist driving skills are required. It’s worth checking the make up of your tour group before you sign up, though. Young children won’t be able to keep up with 20 something extreme sports hikers, so just make sure that the tour guide is happy to cater for everyone.

We drove past Eyjafjallajökull, otherwise known as E15, the volcano that grounded flights, put Iceland on the map and nearly made me miss my sister’s wedding in 2010.

Dinner at Hotel Ranga

Head back to Hotel Ranga for dinner and a good night’s sleep (unless the staff wakes you up to see the northern lights.)

Day 3: Black sand beaches, waterfalls and Vik

This is a lovely day trip of a drive down to Vik and back up to Hotel Ranga. Lace up those hiking boots and prepare for natural beauty.

Reynisfjara Beach

Step out of your car on one of the most striking black sand beaches in the world. Reynisfjara is famous for its dramatic scenery and it’s not overhyped. Imagine roaring waves, rising mist and an immense sky hovering over basalt stacks. Your kids will be fascinated by this unique place, a destination voted by National Geographic in 1991 as one of the best non-tropical beaches to visit on the planet.

However, behind the beauty lies danger. Reynisfjara hides dangerous waves that can hit the shore harder than expected, even on seemingly calm days. So never turn your back on the waves and keep everybody at a distance of at least 3 metres from the water.

Reynisdrangar

As you gaze at the ocean from the beach, you will immediately spot a stunning sea stack formation close to the shoreline. They are known as Reynisdrangar and they have a cool legend behind them that seems ready-made for kids. According to local folklore, a few trolls spotted a ship sailing on the ocean and decided to pull it to the shore. However, they miscalculated the time it would take to do so, and the first sunrays caught them in the act, petrifying them along with the ship forever.

Another legend tells of two trolls who kidnapped a woman and killed her. The husband followed them to Reynisfjara and froze them so they never had the chance to kill again. I think the first is probably more suitable for family.

Inside tip: if you are travelling with teens who are big fans of Game of Thrones, they may recognise them from the series. They appear in a few scenes in ‘North of the Wall’.

Reyniskirkja Church

As you enter Vik, you will immediately spot Reyniskirkja Church with its white exterior and red roof specific to all Icelandic churches. It is surrounded by cliffs, volcanos, and glaciers and overlooks the black shores of the Atlantic and the small community living on the coast.

Drive into the car park and take a few moments to enjoy the view. It’s hard to imagine a more classic Icelandic village scape than this. And it’s all right there before you.

Lunch at The Soup Company

Enjoy a hearty meal at this local family-owned restaurant. After all, nothing takes the chill out of your bones like a piping hot bowl of soup. The red hot lava dish – a spicy soup with beef, beans, and red lentils – is also delicious and has a fun lid made from bread.

If you have time: Dyrholaey

At the southernmost point of the Icelandic mainland, enjoy the beautiful views over the ocean and surrounding basalt formations. The most iconic landmark is the Dyrhólaey Arch, an aperture so large that boats can cruise through its opening.

Dyrholaey is also famous for its birdlife and, if you are lucky, you may spot eider ducks or Atlantic puffins. Better yet, puffins often come up close, a real treat for children to see such characterful wildlife.

On top of Dyrholaey, you can visit an old lighthouse dating back to 1919. The lighthouse is still working, so you can watch it sending its powerful white-light beams to the sea.

Waterfalls Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss

On the way back north, climb the steps to reach the crown of the Skógafoss waterfall.

A little further along, it’s just a small detour to Seljalandsfoss waterfall. If clothes and time permits, you can walk behind the water and then warm up with a hot drink from one of the little kiosks near by.

Then drive on to Reykjavik, ready for the next couple of days.

Days 4 & 5: Reykjavik & Tour the Golden Circle

Using Reykjavik as a base, the next two days are split between the capital city and the country’s most famous route: the Golden Circle. It doesn’t really matter on which day you do what, so base your choice on the weather. Pick the best weather day for the Golden Circle and keep Reykjavik in your pocket for the much talked about and dreaded rainy day.

Accommodation: 2 nights in Reykjavik Natura with its easy parking and underground spa.

Alternatives include the Reykjavik Residence Hotel or Fosshotel Reykjavik.

Day 4: Explore Reykjavik with kids

Reykjavik is a fun capital city to explore as a family. It’s not too big and you can walk between many of the key sights. You could spend one day in Reykjavik many different ways, but here’s what we felt were the highlights.

Hallgrimskirkja

The first stop is Hallgrimskirkja, the tallest church in Iceland and something of a landmark for the city. You can take the lift to the top for a clear sky day view of Reykjavik but just standing at the base and looking up is pretty impressive.

Guðjón Samúelsson designed it, taking inspiration from lava formations, glaciers, and hexagonal basalt columns. Your kids may enjoy learning that it was shaped to resemble Thor’s hammer, with the handle pointing up.

There’s a small playground just outside, which is also handy to allow young kids to burn off some steam.

Sun Voyager & Coastal Walk

The Sun Voyager is a huge steel sculpture representing the skeleton of a ship sparkling in the sun. The sculptor who made it, Jón Gunnar Árnason, saw it as representing Iceland’s aspirations for progress and freedom. Adults love looking at its majestic beauty; kids love climbing on it. Either way, it’s a winner on any family Iceland road trip.

From here, you can walk along the water’s edge, passing Harpa, Reykjavik’s striking opera house and on to a lovely waterside area for lunch.

The Iceland Hot Dog Surprise…

In a small kiosk in the centre of Reykjavik lies a hot dog surprise and possibly the most popular spot in the city. It delights kids and adults alike with its crispy, sweet yet salty dawgs.

Follow the local advice and ask for “one with everything.”

• Lamb Hot Dog
• Icelandic Mustard
• Remolaði sauce
• Fried Onions
• Iceland Style Ketchup (with apples instead of sugar to sweeten the flavor)

Then lick your lips and enjoy! Here’s the hot dog website, complete with Bill Clinton pic, to help you find where to go.

Fly Over Iceland

This immersive, simulated flight through the highlights of Iceland thrills most and scares just a few. It’s an impressive light and sound show that adds in motion, scents and sprays of water to make it seem as though you are, indeed, flying over Iceland. It’s a fun way to get a sense of the country and our six year old absolutely loved it. Buy your tickets to Fly Over Iceland here.

Perlan is part museum and part gorgeous sky view bar. Downstairs, you’ll find a real, ice cave and a section on natural history. A planetarium teaches you more about the Northern Lights than you knew was possible, plus a volcano display really highlights how Icelanders live with this ever present threat of fire amid the ice.

Upstairs, the glass domed roof provides wonderful views of the city and the restaurant and bar make it an easy place to watch the sun set into twilight as if you’re in your own cosy observatory.

If you have more time in Reykjavik with kids…

Reykjavik family park and zoo.

If you still have some time left, check out the Reykjavik Family Park and Zoo. Kids will love the reindeer, seals and arctic foxes.

Laugardalslaug

In the summer, consider heading to Laugardalslaug, the largest swimming pool in Reykjavík, for a few hours of fun. Small children will enjoy the warm waters and the water slide while you can relax every single muscle in your body in a hot tub, jacuzzi, or a sauna.

National Museum of Iceland

Consider a stop at the National Museum of Iceland , so your kids can learn more about the history of the country through a series of interactive exhibitions. Surprise them with a one-way telephone conversation with a Viking chieftain who lived in 1117, or take a look at the huge collection of photographs showing Iceland throughout history. The museum has a coffee shop and bathrooms, so it is also a great place to take a break if you are travelling with very young kids.

Day 5: The Golden Circle

The Golden Circle is the most popular route in Iceland and with good reason. It includes three of the most fascinating natural landmarks in the country: Thingvellir National Park, the Gullfoss Waterfall, and Geysir.

Yet, I was daunted. I imagined it would be overrun and difficult, whereas in truth, neither was the case.

It’s still easy to drive, pull up, get out and see what you want to see. No advance booking required. And in most places, you don’t even need to pay for parking. But enough about the logistics. Let’s talk about what you’ll be able to see.

Þingvellir National Park

As the closest point to Reykjavik, Þingvellir National Park is the obvious first stop. It’s also an UNESCO World Heritage Site both for its historical significance and geographical position.

For Þingvellir was the place where Icelanders established their first democratic parliament in 903 AD. That’s about 800 years before the USA and France, if you’re looking for context. It is also the place where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet, marking the border between the two continents.

Highlights include the Oxarafoss Waterfall, although it’s a little bit of a walk for tired young legs, and the Thingvellir Church, which provides a moment of peace.

Gullfoss Waterfall

In a land full of waterfalls, you can begin to feel waterfalled out. Don’t be.

Do. Not. Miss. Gullfoss, as it is truly one of Iceland’s most spectacular waterfalls. Hey, maybe one of the world’s best waterfalls. It’s at least in the top ten.

Gullfoss is situated on the river Hvítá, fed by Iceland’s second-largest glacier, Langjökull, and has a fall of 32 meters. In the summer, about 140 cubic meters of water per second pour down the waterfall, so don’t get too close if you don’t want to get splashed. During winter, the water volume decreases to 109 cubic meters per second, but it’s no less mighty for first time visitors.

Lunch at Gullfoss Café

Stop for a bowl of lamb stew or a delicious vegan soup at this restaurant right by the waterfall. Alternatively, bring a picnic with you and enjoy the view.

Somewhat hauntingly, the original Geysir in Haukadalur no longer springs forth from the earth. It lies dormant, with a shy sign and a ring of muted rainbow crystal colours around it. However, a visit to Geysir involves more than a shrine.

Not 100 metres away, geyser Strokkur puts on a show. Steam and water spurt to the sky every 5 to 10 minutes or so, with the water reaching a height of 20 metres amid the pink and blue smudges of the sky behind.

There are plenty of other natural hot springs in this renowned geothermal area, so if you have more time, you can go on a hunt and try to spot as many as possible. Paths are clearly laid out and it can become something of a treasure trail to follow the silt, sludge and silver to an exploding finale.

If you have more time: Hraðastaðir

If your children are the kind to enjoying petting and feeding animals, then head to Hraðastaðir to cuddle up to the goats, sheep, and rabbits. For older children, consider horse riding and get to see the famous Icelandic horses up close.

If you skipped lunch, you can enjoy a sustainable meal here, cooked only with the freshest ingredients. All local, all from sustainable sources.

Drive on to Glacier Lodge in the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.

Days 6 & 7: The Snaefellsnes Peninsula & Blue Lagoon

Alright. It’s time to explore the Snaefellsnes Peninsula to uncover more natural beauty than you know what to do with. If the words gorgeous beaches, majestic mountains, and fishing villages were just words to you before, then brace yourself. Their meaning will change once you’ve been here.

Accommodation: 2 Days in Glacier Lodge , an atmospheric self-catered cottage set in stunning surroundings.

Day 6: Loop the Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Head out during the sunrise to see Sanefellsnes at its best. But don’t worry. If you travel in the shoulder season, that starts at around 8am and lasts for hours…

Djúpalónssandur: Shipwreck Beach

Enjoy the rocky approach to Shipwreck Beach, so named for the shipwreck which took place here in 1948. Only five people survived and the remains of the vessel still lie scattered across the sand.

Look out for the lifting stones, a series of rocks where you can compare your strength to those of the traditional Icelandic fishermen.

Lóndrangar

At Lóndrangar, you can visit two basalt cliffs that used to be part of a volcanic crater. Start your exploration at the Visitor’s Centre and continue your walk through fields of mossy lava until you reach the cliffs. It is said that elves live here, so you can coax reluctant little legs along in the hope of spotting them.

Kirkjufell – Iconic mountain and waterfall

Up on the northern coast, Kirkjufell or Church Mountain may well give you a sense of deja-vu. Its profile is one of the most famous silhouettes in Iceland as its peak shoots its ridged spire up into the air.

Nearby, you’ll find more waterfalls to walk by and a bigger town with restaurants that make a good stopping point for lunch.

Arnarstapi to Hellnar Trail

If you have time, the Arnarstapi-Hellnar trail comes highly recommended. It’s supposed to be very kid-friendly and , of course, bursting with natural beauty.

Visit the Black Church

Standing all alone at the edge of the coast, the Black Church at Búdir throws up an intriguing silhouette from all around. It’s also a good starting spot for walks through long and golden grass.

Ytri Tunga: Seal Beach

Shhh… It you approach slowly, you’ll see seal after seal after seal at Ytri Tunga beach. If you’re lucky, you can spot both harbour seals and grey seals lounging around on the rocks.

Day 7: The Blue Lagoon and Krysuvik Geothermal Park

For the grand finale, don’t miss the Blue Lagoon, Iceland’s most famous spot.

Accommodation: Konvin Hotel by Keflavik Airport. Not only is it close to the airport but it knows its clientele well: breakfast starts at 4am so no hungry kids as you start your flight home.

Krysuvik Geothermal Area

Depending on your flight time and the availability of appointment slots at the Blue Lagoon, you may just have time to drive and visit the Krysuvik Geothermal area. Full of volcanic vents, steam, crystals and colourful changes in the rocks, it’s a fun little add on to this part of your Iceland itinerary with kids.

It’s fairly accessible, too, with wooden planked walkways and great views across the surrounding landscape.

The Blue Lagoon

On your last day in Iceland, take the kids to the famous Blue Lagoon and spend a wonderful half day swimming in the iconic blue waters. Rich in silica and sulphur, the white mud is said to have youthful regenerative properties and the surroundings take some beating.

Keep in mind that this is one of the most popular places in Iceland – and it gets crowded. Book your tickets in advance and adjust your expectations. While you may not have the place to yourself, as instagram may suggest, it’s a huge place and very well organised. So don’t stress. It’s definitely worth visiting and you will have enough space.

You can choose a premium ticket which includes extra face masks and a drink at the swim up bar. Children need to wear flotation devices, which are provided, and there is a restaurant and full spa on site if you have time.

If you have more than 7 days in Iceland with kids

Of course, if you have more than a week in Iceland as a family, then you may be able to try out these other recommendations.

Viðgelmir Lava Cave

This is one of the biggest lava cave formations in the country and has an easy-access walkway that makes it perfect for the entire family. The caves are today illuminated, so you can see the wonderful colours of the rocks that used to hide before unwelcoming darkness. Take a 1.5-hour tour and learn about the formation and history of the caves before heading out to the next stop.

Reykholt Archeological Site

A popular attraction on the peninsula, Reykholt was once the home of the writer, scholar and chieftain Snorri Sturluson. Sturluson lived during the 13th century and had a great influence on the area. Today, the site at Reykholt hosts a centre for independent research and medieval studies in his memory.

A Few Tips for Visiting Iceland with Kids

• Pack good hiking boots, both for you and the kids, as there is plenty of rough, rocky ground to explore.
• Bring waterproof jackets and wear layers – the weather in Iceland can be extremely unpredictable.
• Whenever you see a supermarket or a shop, stock up on snacks and water, as they can be quite far apart, especially in the countryside. Plus, eating out is extremely expensive in Iceland.
• You can also bring a water bottle with you and fill it from taps. Tap water is safe to drink in Iceland.
• Don’t forget swimwear for the Blue Lagoon and other thermal spot and hot tubs.
• You won’t need much cash as you can pay for most things by card.
• See also our guide to creating your perfect Iceland bucket list here.

Why not bookmark this Iceland itinerary with kids on Pinterest for later?

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Consistently ranked amongst the most peaceful and safest countries on earth, Iceland is the perfect family travel destination. With unbound natural vistas, countless adventure opportunities and a friendly people renowned for kindness, we welcome families from across the world looking to make memories that last a lifetime.

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Iceland With Kids: Tips For Planning The Ultimate Family Trip

April 24, 2022 //  by  Iceland Trippers

Are you planning a vacation and wondering what it’s like to travel to Iceland with kids? Well, you are in the right place. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about traveling to Iceland with kids, and help you plan your family trip to Iceland. 

There is no doubt that Iceland is an incredible place to visit . It has beautiful locations, spectacular waterfalls , dramatic views, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences . 

Iceland is also a place shrouded by myth, magic, and majesty that is bound to excite any young adventurer. The landscape is used in countless films and the land has so many tales. It’s this myth and magic that make an Iceland vacation with kids so amazing.

Now taking kids to Iceland takes a lot of planning and there is a lot you will need to consider. How old your children are, how much energy they have, how adventurous they are, how they are with traveling, and what they like doing should all be taken into consideration. 

Certain experiences, of course, do have minimum age limits but on the flip side, many attractions offer free or discounted admission for younger children.  You might be surprised how great Iceland for families really is.

Is Iceland Kid-friendly?

As a travel destination, Iceland is a really family-friendly place to visit if you plan accordingly. The crime rate is low and Iceland has topped the Global Peace Index (GPI) report ten consecutive years in a row. There is a feeling of security and safety here which affords children independence and freedom.  Children in Iceland are treated really well.

Iceland has also consistently rated in the top 5 on the World Happiness Report and anyone who knows anything about Nordic parenting styles will know how much they value children and their contribution.  

As well as a safe and happy place Iceland is also the least polluted country in the world. An Iceland vacation with kids really is special.

The landscapes here are wide open, the roads are great , and the people are friendly. Mix all that with lots of magical history and some incredible animals such as puffins and whales it all makes for a pretty incredible experience. 

And also despite what you may believe there isn’t a lot of walking involved many of the main sights are just a short walk from the main touring roads.  Whether you are visiting Iceland with toddlers or teens you will have a great time. Kids in Iceland are catered for really well.

Getting your kids prepared for Iceland

Now obviously getting your child prepared for Iceland will depend on their age, interests, and sensibilities. With a pre-teen or teenagers, we would definitely recommend getting them involved in planning the itinerary. Also, consider perhaps giving them a budget to plan all the events. 

Speak with your child at all stages of planning. Where you should stay , what you should bring, what clothes you need what you are most excited about. The more involved your children are in this process the better they will enjoy the experience. 

Watch documentaries together on Iceland or youtube videos. Show them pictures and videos from your favorite Iceland creators so they can get a feel for this place. 

So many famous films have used Iceland as a backdrop. Watch some of these with your child, obviously age-appropriate. For example, the horse water scene in Frozen 2 is believed to be inspired by the black sand beach of Reynisfjara . Jökulsárlón glacier lake was featured in two James Bond movies, and Lara Croft, Tomb Raider.

Game Of Thrones also used many Icelandic locations including Lake Mývatn also where scenes from Star Wars: Rogue One were filmed. Svínafellsjökull glacier was featured in Batman Begins. And Marvel Fans will love  Skógafoss waterfall as the setting for the Marvel movie, Thor, The Dark World.

I’m sure you will find something that will captivate your child about this incredible place. Whether you are traveling to Iceland with kids in winter or summer you will always find a part of this country that interests them.

Where To Stay On A Family Trip To Iceland

Now it depends on how big your family is to what might be the best place for you to stay. Most hotels allow a maximum of four people per room. Iceland vacations with kids are always easier we believe when you stay in a vacation rental or a local homestay. 

These places often allow for more people and most importantly will have kitchens so you can prepare your own food. Eating out in Iceland is costly and with children can be even more so. You will want to find somewhere you can prepare your own food. Taking kids to Iceland is much easier when you can cook for yourself.

Inni Boutique Apartments in Hveragerði and The Garage apartments in Varmahlíð are excellent options we have stayed in The Garage apartment many times. For Reykjavik try the Old Charm Reykjavik Apartments .

Consider Less Driving In Iceland With Kids

One thing that may make traveling with children in Iceland easier is to drive less. One mistake families can make is spending too long in the car especially if their children are not good at traveling. 

Driving the whole of the Iceland ring road can be a lot with fractious children. Consider spending your time in only one area like the south coast and seeing everything there. Or book accommodation you can stay in that means you drive less. Staying in Reykjavik and taking day trips out is also a way you can keep the amount of time in the car down to a minimum.

Dining In Iceland With Kids

Taking a family trip to Iceland and dining out is a personal choice and depends a lot on your budget. Don’t forget to check out our Tips For Traveling Iceland On A Budget! However, dining out with kids in Iceland is very expensive. For example, a burger will cost anywhere between $16-$25. 

If that is good with you then knock your socks off the restaurants in Iceland are great. However, for the majority of us spending $156 approx on a meal for a family of four is a little too much. 

What we recommend is getting accommodation with cooking facilities and cooking at the accommodation.  Grocery shopping is relatively easy and much cheaper than eating out. If you travel to Iceland with kids cooking for your family is highly recommended.

Are There Family-Friendly Hikes In Iceland?

I think most of us think when we are traveling to Iceland that it will involve a lot of walking and that simply isn’t true. Going to Iceland with toddlers is extremely possible as often you don’t have to walk very far.

Many of the famous attractions such as Gullfoss , Skogafoss, and the black beaches are off the main road. It is simply a case of a short walk to them. 

A confident walker could easily make the journey. Or consider having a child in a backpack or carrier the short distances makes this very doable on most walks. 

Some of the family-friendly hikes are included further down in this article.  There are also so many things to do in Iceland with kids that don’t involve walking.

Best Things To Do In Iceland With Kids

Visit swimming pools in iceland.

If the weather isn’t great and you want something that will be great for children of all ages why not visit one of the swimming pools in Iceland? Of all the things to do in Iceland with kids, this is by far one of the easiest. They tend to cost around $10 per adult and many have slides, splash pools, and hot tubs. 

Lagafellslaug in Reykjavik has hot tubs and three giant slides for example. Swimming is popular in Iceland and Reykjavik alone has over 18 pools. Laugardalslaug pool is right in the center of Reykjavik and has two outdoor pools and one indoor, seven hot tubs (one filled with saltwater), a sauna, water slides, and a beach volleyball court.

The pools tend to be filled with geothermal water and are less chlorinated than what you may be used to. This means that before entering you are expected to shower fully so take that into account.

Wherever you are in Iceland you are probably close to a swimming pool. This is definitely one of the things to do in Reykjavik with kids.

Go Whale Watching

If your child is an animal lover then Iceland has a lot to offer them And what could be more epic than watching whales in their natural habitat.  

These magnificent creatures are enough to brighten up the day of even the most sullen and apathetic child. 

Most whale watching tours have no age limit if they take place on traditional vessels. There are some more fast-paced tours if you have an older more thrill-seeling teens. However, we feel it’s best to go when your child can really appreciate what they see so maybe 4 upwards is the best age. 

Also, you will be on a boat so make sure your child is OK with that and isn’t the sort to get seasick or the like. Also, make sure you dress your child appropriately as they may get wet. 

If this is your family’s kind of thing then watching the whales that inhabit the Icelandic shores is a real treat. Also, look out for dolphins too. In the summer you may also be lucky to see puffins too but your child will need to be over ten to go on a tour that includes the puffins.  

Iceland tours with kids really are a great way to see more of this incredible country.

Visit The Blue Lagoon

Really wanting to visit The Blue Lagoon on your trip and thinking your child may put a spanner in the works think again. Any child over two can enter The Blue Lagoon and they are free up until 13. Any child under 8 is required to wear floaties. 

The Blue Lagoon is a great and relaxing day out and children of all ages tend to love this place. However, depending on what kind of parent you are it can be a bit of a challenge getting your children to shower naked and get undressed and dressed again. It would be preferable, we feel, to wait until your child can dress themselves easily. 

Also, check with any pre-teens or teens that are comfortable showering naked in the changing room it is a requirement. You will pay extra for towels unless your packages include them.

When the weather is awful you can still visit the lagoon and most prefer this time as it tends to be quieter however we feel for some children this might be a bit too much obviously the waters only keep you so warm and don’t cover the whole of you. You know your child best but we feel if you are going to Iceland with kids in winter and they are really young you might want to give this a miss.

Explore The South Coast 

The south coast of Iceland has a lot to offer and it’s a great place for a road trip if that is what your family enjoys. 

The sights are pretty close together and most of the big attractions are just off the road. Dramatic waterfalls, black beaches, and epic landscapes await you in the south. 

The stops we recommend are Seljalandsfoss , Skogafoss, and the Reynisfjara. These are really easy to get to from the road.  Kvernufoss is also worth a visit but you will need to hike for about 20 minutes. 

Make sure when you get out of the car you have sturdy walking shoes and layers, even if it seems close the terrain changes all the time and it can get very windy. Teenagers and pre-teens will really enjoy these epic locations.

Drive The Golden Circle

One of the best ways to experience most of what Iceland has to offer is to drive the Golden Circle . If you self-drive you are in full control of the pace of your journey and where to visit. Or you can sit back and let someone else do the driving on a sightseeing tour . With children though it feels like self-driving is a much better option. 

The Golden Circle is Iceland’s best sightseeing route and is a 140-mile circular route. Most people feel this is easily manageable in a day but only you know how comfortable your children are getting in and out of the car all day long. 

Sites to see along the way are Thingvellir , Geysier, Gullfoss waterfall , and Hrunalaug Hot Springs . All are pretty epic and awe-inspiring locations, and some of the locations are brimmed with Viking history. 

Of all the Iceland tours with kids, this is probably one that is best to do with teenagers.

Go On A Horseback Riding Tour

Horseback riding in Iceland is definitely one of those bucket list things but it won’t be for every family. Being on horseback you get incredibly close to nature seeing Iceland’s fields, valleys, and forests like never before. 

You know your child and you know how much this will fit with what kind of person they are. If you have a smaller child who just loves horses and has an adventurous spirit then most of the horseriding tours have a minimum age of 5 -7 depending on the tour. 

However, we do feel these are the perfect activity for teenagers and late pre-teens. We feel they will get the most of it. 

Two of the tours, we recommend, are the Fridheimar Farm: Stable Visit and the  Red Lava Horse Riding Tour .

They both are suitable for all levels including beginners and really give you that Viking warrior or goddess vibes. 

Visit Some Fun Museums

When it comes to museums in Iceland there are a lot of options, Whatever your child likes there will probably be a museum that caters to it. 

If your child loves myth and legends The Saga Museum in Reykjavik is a must. To learn more about Iceland the Reykjavik City Museum settlement exhibition all about Vikings is for them.  

For animal lovers, the Whale Museum is the place to go. Here there are features 24 life-sized models of various water creatures. If you are going to Iceland with toddlers they will love this place.

The Perlan is we feel the museum that most children will enjoy particular from 7 upwards. Apart from being Reykjavik’s most striking building, the interactive exhibits are just out of this world. 

Children can feel the force of a volcano, walk through an ice cave and experience the northern lights. These are all great if your child is either too young to visit some of the things. This is definitely one of the things to do in Reykjavik with kids.

Go Searching For Hot Springs

Iceland has a myriad of natural hot springs and pools some like the blue lagoon are luxurious and some are a bit more basic and require a hike. 

There is no age limit on the Fontana Geothermal Baths in Laugarvatn and this and Mývatn Nature Baths in North Iceland allow children under 13 for free.  The Secret Lagoon at Flúðir Village also lets children under 14 in for free. 

On the Golden Circle, you can stop at valley Reykjadalur by Hveragerði and hike up to the natural hot springs or walk to the Seljavallalaug Hot Spring which is about a 20-minute hike, we have written more about this below.  

The hot springs are perfect for children and toddlers to play in and young children tend to love them.

Go On A Family Friendly Hike

Now obviously hiking is not for everyone and while none of these hikes are difficult we recommend that generally, kids over 10 tend to prefer hiking best. Obviously, if your child is small and you are happily carrying them in a hiking backpack then that is great too. 

One thing for sure is that any hike in Iceland will have incredible epic views and whatever you are hiking to will be well worth the journey. 

The Skaftafellsjokull Hike In Iceland gets you up close and personal with a glacier and what could be cooler than that. This hike starts right at the visitors center and is just under 2 ½ miles there and back.  It’s pretty flat so suitable for all levels.

Seljavallalaug Hot Springs is just a 20-minute hike from the parking lot and the hot spring at the end of it is Instagram-worthy. Make sure you bring your towel, and swimming costume. 

The hike isn’t completely flat so we recommend sturdy walking shoes and flip-flops in your bag for the springs. 

For something a little bit longer there is a day hike that takes you to the Laugahraun lava fields and Mount Brennisteinsalda.

 Explore Reykjavik With Kids

Reykjavik is a perfect place for children whatever their age. It’s a compact city so easy to get around and has a lot of children-friendly attractions and locations. It seems to capture the small town harbor vibe with big-city excitement. 

There are so many things to do in Reykjavik with kids so make sure you get a Reykjavik City Card. The card gives you discounts at most major attractions and you will have free access to the Reykjavik Zoo and Family Park, all of Reykjavik’s geothermal pools, and many museums. 

If your children are older a bike tour of the city is really fun. Or get a ticket for the hop-on-hop-off bus which takes you to many of the main sites. 

A lot of the great things to do in Reykjavik are free like exploring downtown, and spending time in one of the parks or the city pond where small children can feed the ducks and swans only in winter and only lettuce, corn, or peas.  

Looking for street art, eating Icelandic hot dogs, getting ice cream, and walking along the waterfront are all great activities in Iceland for families.

 The 3D map in the city hall is also a really great way of getting children involved in the planning of the day. Reykjavík Botanical Gardens is also a great place to let the children run a bit more wild. , And the  Kolaportid Flea Market can be a really fun idea for those children who love a bit of treasure hunting. 

As you can see when it comes to things to do in Iceland with kids there are so many things to choose from. Whether you Iceland with kids in winter or other months you will never run short of family-friendly activities.

Traveling to Iceland with kids is much easier than you think and you might be actually surprised at how easy and effortless it is. Whatever you decide to do we hope your family trip to Iceland is a great adventure and please come back and tell us all about it.

Family Holiday Itinerary : 5+ Days in Iceland in Winter

October 31, 2020

Iceland is an amazing country to visit anytime of year and is a bucket list trip for many people. We chose to visit in winter for the chance to see the northern lights. It was an epic journey for our family. Here we have included everything you need to know when planning your 5 plus day family vacation to Iceland. Whether you have 5 days in Iceland or more, this guide provides everything you need to plan an amazing adventure for your family.

Iceland Winter Family Vacation : 5 Day Itinerary

Day 1: reykjavik walking tour.

Reykjavik is the capital of Iceland and the northern most capital city in the world. This vibrant city is full of culture, modern museums, landmarks, monuments, fabulous restaurants and shops. It’s convenient location is an ideal base for your 5 days in Iceland. With so much to offer it is an excellent city to explore with kids. A majority of the flights from the US arrive early in the morning after flying all night. We arrived exhausted and needed rest. Therefore, for day one we took it easy with sightseeing and a walking tour in the city.

Hallgrimskirkja

Located in the center of the city is Hallgrimskirkja. The largest church in Iceland and among the tallest structures in the country. It is impossible to miss the church as it towers over the city. Entrance into the church is free and for $6 USD you are able to ride the elevator to the top for breathtaking views of the city and beyond.

Harpa is one of Reykjavik’s most distinguished landmarks. The concert hall is home to the Icelandic Symphony Orchestra and is the cultural and social center of the city. The North Atlantic Ocean views provided by Harpa are just as beautiful and unique as the building itself. Whether you are taking in a show or exploring the city, you must visit Harpa during your 5 days in Iceland.

Sun Voyager Sculpture

The Sun Voyager Sculpture is located within a short walking distance of Harpa along the shoreline. This steel structure is another iconic Icelandic landmark. Tourists and locals enjoy a stroll along the shore and the spectacular views of the mountains provided here. During your 5 days in Iceland, while exploring the city, you must sample the Icelandic hotdog. Made from lamb, topped with crunchy and raw onions, sweet brown mustard and remoulade. We experienced our first from a street vendor while walking from Harpa to the Sun Voyager.

Day 2: Reykjavik Museums and Attractions.

Perlan museum.

The Perlan museum is the number one attraction in Reykjavik. It contains numerous exhibits including Iceland’s only planetarium featuring Arora, the famous northern lights show. There are also exhibits on the Icelandic puffin and a real ice cave to explore with a constant temperature of -10 C. The top of the museum is a glass dome housing a revolving restaurant and an outdoor observation deck.

Whales of Iceland Museum

On the afternoon of day two I recommend a tour departing from the bay area of Reykjavik. These tours include whale watching in the winter, puffin sightings in the summer and many more. Most of these tours include admission to the The Whales of Iceland Museum located nearby for a small fee. The museum is educational and fun for the entire family.

The FlyOver Iceland attraction is also located in this area. We have enjoyed this indoor flying experience at Mall of America and in San Francisco and highly recommend it. Make sure to indulge in a scoop of ice cream from the famous Valdis before leaving the bay area.

Day 3: Self Drive Iceland – South Coast

There are many tours available for the South Coast of Iceland. Since we had a rental car for our visit, we decided to self drive the route. From Reykjavik to the first stop is 80 miles which takes less than 2 hours without stopping. Iceland does not have numerous fast food options and convenient stores outside of the city so I highly recommend stocking up before beginning the drive. One of our favorite foods in Iceland was a tuna sandwich from the convenient store outside of Reykjavik. I know that sounds crazy, but trust me.

Seljalandsfoss

Seljalandsfoss is a 200 foot tall waterfall located in the southern region of the country just off of Route 1 (also known as Ring Road). It is the first stop on most South Coast tours . The most unique feature of this waterfall is that you are able to walk behind it. If you are visiting in the winter as we were, make certain you are bundled up in water resistant clothing as you will get wet and it is very cold.

Skogafoss is the second stop on a South Coast tour. It is one of Iceland’s largest and most beautiful waterfalls with a width of 82 feet and drop of 197 feet. The waterfall is clearly visible from Route 1. The land at the bottom of the falls next to the river is flat and perfect for stretching and walking around. If you are feeling adventurous, the 370 steep stairs to the right of the falls will take you all the way to the top. From here you can see the vast lands, the waterfall below, and the ocean just beyond the highway.

Before continuing the drive, I would recommend enjoying lunch at the Skogafoss Bistro and Bar adjacent to the parking lot. The food is excellent and the views of the waterfall are fantastic.

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

The Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach near Vik is the southern most point in Iceland and usually the final stop on South Coast tours. The enormous basalt stacks and the roaring Atlantic waves are difficult to describe. The panoramic views are breathtaking. This is a great place for kids to run and play after being in the car and for parents to relax and soak in the beauty of it all.

At this point you are 112 miles from Reykjavik. If continuing around Iceland on Ring Road, this would be an ideal place to stay overnight. Hotel Kria and Hotel Vik i Myrdal would be excellent options to choose from. If you are staying in Reykjavik and touring the South Coast on a day trip, this would be the point to return.

Why not stay at a bubble hotel in Iceland while you’re there? It’s the perfect accommodation for spotting the Northern Lights!

Day 4: The Golden Circle

If you have only 4 days in Iceland I would definitely recommend a Golden Circle Tour. Even though we had a rental car, we chose to experience this one as part of a group tour. The bus picked us up at our hotel in Reykjavik to begin the day. It was a nice change that neither of us had to drive and we could all relax and enjoy the scenery.

Thingvellir National Park

The first stop on the Golden Circle Tour is Thingvellir National Park. The Visitors Center is located near the park’s main viewpoint where a footpath leads down into the great Almannagja fault. Almannagja is a gorge which marks the edge of the North American tectonic plate. The path provides access for you to walk between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. It is a beautiful site and something that you cannot experience anywhere else.

Geyser Strokkur

Strokkur is Iceland’s most visited active geyser and the second stop of the Golden Circle Tour. Strokkur is located in the Geysir Geothermal Area with many other geysers. However, it is currently the largest and the most active. Strokkur erupts regularly every five to ten minutes blasting water up to forty meters high on occasion. After watching the eruption and sightseeing in the area, I recommend crossing the road for lunch. There are many options including snacks, fast food, full meals and soup and sandwiches. It was nice to warm up with lunch and visit the gift shop.

Gullfoss is another one of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls and is the third and final stop on the Golden Circle Tours. This waterfall is actually a two stage waterfall producing a massive surge of water. The spray from the falls can drench bystanders that get too close. Especially good to know in winter when the water is icy cold.

Day 5: Snowmobiling over glaciers

Snowmobiling in Iceland is an extreme adrenaline rush. This can be done on a separate tour, in conjunction with ice caving or as an addition to the Golden Circle Tour. We chose to add it to our Golden Circle Tour. However, this makes for a 12 hour tour so I would not recommend it for everyone. We chose to do so and also added an additional 4 hour Northern Lights Tour as well.

Upon arriving at the base of the glacier, we transferred from a bus to a extreme snow vehicle for the ride up the glacier. The snow we drove through was more than 5 feet deep. We had on 3 layers of clothing including our snow suits and boots. Upon arriving a the Snowmobile Base, we were issued a balaclava, a helmet, and an additional snow suit to go over the one we were wearing. After some instructions we were ready to drive across Langjokull, the second largest glacier in Iceland.

I am not going to lie. I have never in my life been that cold. The temperature was below zero at the top of the glacier with a 25mph wind. We couldn’t feel our fingers or toes but the sheer beauty of the glacier was breathtaking. After driving for awhile we stopped to enjoy one of the most beautiful sunsets I have ever seen.

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If you have time for a longer stay, here are some ideas if you have more than 5 days in Iceland:

6 days in Iceland

If you have 6 days in Iceland available for your family vacation, I would recommend ice caving, glacier hiking, or riding Icelandic horses . We had already done the first two mentioned so we spent the day horseback riding. The Icelandic horse is the only breed of horse in Iceland. In order to maintain a pure breed, if the horse ever leaves the country it can never return. The Icelandic horses are smaller than American horses almost pony size and the gait is very different. We spent half of the day riding across the largest lava field in Iceland as the snow fell.

7 days in Iceland

If you have 7 days in Iceland I would recommend a trip to Blue Lagoon or one of the other geothermal lagoons. There are lagoons located in Reykjavik and other places as well. They are naturally heated and the water contains minerals said to be good for the body. After multiple days of extreme adventures, the lagoons provide time to relax and rejuvenate.

Winter Holidays in Iceland

Winter is a beautiful time to visit Iceland and the only chance to see the northern lights. Even though it is not guaranteed, the chances are very good on a clear night. If visiting Iceland with kids I would recommend the Northern Lights show at the Perlan Planetarium first. It explains aurora borealis and also shows some of the most amazing lights ever seen.

Also keep in mind that the days are short in winter. We visited during the first half of February. Sunrise was at 10am and sunset was at 5pm. Providing many hours to search for the Northern Lights it limits the hours of day time activities. The cold can also be extreme and proper winter clothing is a must. Reykjavik is a coastal city and is usually warmer than the areas inland. Another reason it is a great base location for you Iceland vacation.

Winter Lights Festival

The Winter Lights Festival takes place annually in February. It celebrates both the winter world and the growing sun light after a long period of darkness. The program takes place at Hallgrimskirkja church and throughout Reykjavik. It consists of light installations, culture, entertainment and outdoor activities. The light show projected on the church this year was spectacular.

Iceland is one of the most beautiful countries we have ever visited. The waterfalls, glaciers, northern lights, and black sand beaches provide a diverse landscape unlike anywhere else. I would love to return in summer when the days are longer and the land is fresh and green. Iceland has so much to offer families on vacation. With thoughtful planning, your 5 days in Iceland in winter will be ones that you will never forget.

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34 thoughts on “Family Holiday Itinerary : 5+ Days in Iceland in Winter”

Wow! I have been to Iceland before but when I was there for a long weekend, remains of some storm hit Iceland and almost all activity tours were cancelled. I got to visit some sights and explore Reykjavik, but there is definitely much more to do. Thanks for great tips!

Iceland looks so beautiful! (and cold, lol!) I would love to be there for the winter lights festival!

Iceland has been on my list for so long! It looks like so much fun. I would love to go to the Winter Lights Festival!

This is a wonderful guide to Iceland in winter! We were planning on being there this November for our honeymoon but our wedding has been delayed due to covid. Keeping our fingers crossed for 2022 instead! Thanks for the great guide, I’m going to save it to revisit when we eventually get to go!

This is a fantastic Iceland itinerary you’ve put together. I did a similar one but it was in May when the weather was getting a little warmer.

I’ve been to Iceland in summer and also saw most of your sights, including sleeping in the bubble hotel! I loved it all. Maybe one day I’ll go again in winter for another look and feel. Great itinerary! 👍🏻

Wow! Iceland is a beautiful place! You really packed a lot into your 5 days! Thanks for the great info. I never really thought about going there.

Wow, those Northern lights and winter landscapes look amazing! I would love to go to Iceland.

This looks like an amazing trip. I would totally love to go to Iceland in the winter.

I had an Ireland with a stopover in Iceland trip on my bucket list for this year…but pushing it out at least a year…maybe two. This looks and sounds perfect for when I can travel to Iceland!

So informative! Love how detailed all the explanations are 😍

Iceland for the Holidays would be so fun. That Bubble Hotel is so cool.

Such an amazing adventure! Can’t wait to go someday…

Wow, this is amazing. There is much more to do in Iceland than I thought. It looks incredible.

I miss Iceland! I definitely ate many of those hot dogs, haha.

Goodness! Iceland looks absolutely incredible. I would love to tour the whale museum, and am now getting really hungry after hearing about and seeing that picture of the Islandic Hotdog. What a yummy combination! The glaciers are so incredibly beautiful and the Blue Lagoon geothermic pool sounds amazing!

This is such a great post about Iceland, a place I really want to go. Doing a drive around Iceland and seeing some of the incredible waterfalls would be amazing. I was in Finland in December and although the days were short like in Iceland, it was still a great time to visit to see all the beautiful lights and to experience it at a quieter time and I would really love to see Iceland’s Northern Lights

My husband is not huge on traveling but Iceland is one place he really wants to go. I would really like to see the Northern Lights someday! I really love your pictures. What a fun family trip!

Ahh this is a dream destination for me! I think I’m most excited about the national parks and the Blue Lagoon!

Iceland is SO high on my bucket list! I’d love to stay in that Bubble Motel. That looks so cool.

Iceland has so much to offer, and it’s definitely on my bucket list. And I will consider your post when I plan my trip. Your pictures are beautiful. Thanks for sharing!!

What an amazing trip! I have been wanting to go to Iceland for some time now! I want to go even more now after reading your post. There’s so much to do and see! It looks like you all had a great time!

So beautiful!! If only is wasn’t so cold. Still, the waterfalls, glaciers, and northern lights would be worth it for so much beauty.

What a magical place! I’d love to go. Seeing the northern lights is on my list, and I would definitely stay in the bubble. You listed so many great things to do. My family would love it!

I have never heard anyone say a bad thing about Iceland. Everyone seems to love it. I can’t wait to go. The horses are so cute! And those waterfalls???

What a beautiful and fun adventure! This is a perfect itinerary for Iceland and would love to visit…especially intrigued with The Golden Circle Tour

We did a last minute 4 1/2 day trip to Iceland so reading your post reminded me of our adventure. Loved it there (except for how expensive all was). Looks as if you blended all great things to see in Iceland

Travelling to Iceland is one of my absolute priority as soon as travelling is ok again! I’ll keep your article saved for when the time will come

Great information. This is on our list too!

Looks like an amazing trip! I would not have thought of taking my family here but now I really want to! My kiddos would love the museum and snowmobiling

I would enjoy renting a car and go on the Self Drive Iceland – South Coast.

Great photos and Iceland looks so amazing!

I do want to explore Iceland! I’ve always wanted to see the Northern Lights so I’d visit in winter for sure.

I miss Iceland. We did 6 days there in February and it was fantastic.

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Travel Tips for Iceland

Family Road Trip in Iceland: Travelling with Kids

Travelling with your kids to Iceland is one of the greatest travel choices you can make as a family. Nowhere else can you create such amazing memories, as you explore the vast, dramatic landscapes of The Land of Fire and Ice. And the best way to see it all? Via a road trip.

Taking a family road trip around Iceland is an adventure, but it doesn’t have to be hard. In this article, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about travel with kids in Iceland, and how to take a family road trip around the country. 

We’re covering…

  What makes Iceland such a great family destination 

• Where to go and what to do during a family road trip in Iceland
• When the best time to travel with kids to Iceland is

Go to chapter

• Why Iceland is a Great Destination for Family Travel

The Best Way to Travel with Kids in Iceland

Where to go and what to do with kids in iceland.

• When to Travel with Kids to Iceland
• Plan the Perfect Family Getaway to Iceland

Why Iceland is a Great Destination for Family Travel 

There are many reasons why you should plan a family trip to Iceland. Here are just a few of our favourites.

• Iceland is filled with beautiful natural landscapes you won’t be able to find anywhere else

Iceland is unique in that it combines a vast array of landscapes all into one compact island. There are volcanoes, glaciers, beaches (both black sand and otherwise), grasslands, ocean shorelines, cities, villages, lakes, mountains — you name it, you can find it here. 

If you really want to show your children the beautiful abundance of nature, Iceland’s the place to do it. You’ll easily instill in them an appreciation for Mother Earth as you travel around the island, going from rugged coastlines to cascading waterfalls, steamy hot springs to bubbling volcanoes — and if you’re able to catch the northern lights , it’ll be all the more magical!

• Iceland is incredibly safe

Compared to a lot of destinations that you could visit in order to see dramatic scenery, Iceland is very, very safe. In fact, it’s one of the safest countries in the entire world! Crime rates are low and, honestly, the biggest risks to tourists simply arise when you engage in risky behaviour, like driving in very bad weather or going to places that are naturally dangerous (such as getting in the water at Reynisfjara black sand beach ).

• Iceland is very kid-friendly

Have you ever travelled to a new country and felt like they really didn’t cater to children at all? That’s not a problem when you travel with kids to Iceland. Just about every single restaurant in Iceland is kid-friendly. You’ll not struggle to find restrooms with changing areas. Kids’ menus are often available. Playgrounds and other play areas can easily be found as well. 

Why is this the case? Well, Icelanders highly value family and, as a result, children. They want you and your children to both feel incredibly welcomed in our warm and inviting country.

But if you bring your family to Iceland, how should you get around? What mode of travel is best for you? 

We highly recommend taking a road trip around Iceland with your family, no matter the age of your children. This option is highly flexible and customisable, making it ideal for families who need a little bit of flexibility.

For example, you don’t want to be on a crowded tour bus if you need to change a diaper or if your little one decides it’s time for a tantrum or a nap. With a rental car , you can easily give your child a quick change or let them take a nap until they’re ready to move on. 

Likewise, with a rental car , you’re not stuck following a tour guide’s rigid schedules — so if you need to sleep a little longer in the morning before sightseeing, you can do so, or if you need to travel around a nap schedule, you can do that as well. 

However, with all this flexibility, you’re still not giving up seeing any of the top sites around Iceland; a rental car will allow you to travel pretty much anywhere in the country depending on the season you travel. Additionally, seeing Iceland by rental car can just overall be cheaper than travelling with a tour guide, particularly if you’re travelling in a group of more than two people. 

And don’t worry about safety! You can book car seats and boosters when you rent your car for your Iceland road trip, so there’s no lugging a car seat onto the plane.

  Book your family-friendly car in Iceland

Once you’ve decided you’re definitely going to go on an Iceland road trip with the kids, what should you do? There are plenty of options to choose from, but here are some good places to start.

See the Top Natural Sites

There are some top sites in Iceland that you just can’t pass up seeing, and many of these are natural attractions that are both relatively easy to get to and accessible for families.

The easiest of all is the Golden Circle , which is within a quick drive of Reykjavik. You can go, drive around the circle and see several top attractions, including Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall and the Geysir geothermal area. You can traverse the entire circle within a day, but we recommend taking your time, especially with little ones, and spreading your journey out over two days or longer particularly if you want to stop and really take it all in, like with a hike or two. 

If you want a longer route that features lots of right-off-the-road stops, try a Ring Road road trip . The Ring Road circles the entire island and is where you can see some of the country’s best waterfalls, volcanoes, glaciers, shorelines and more. It takes at least a week to 10 days to travel the Ring Road, but two weeks gives you more time to see the road and its attractions at a leisurely pace.

See the Wildlife 

So much unique wildlife calls Iceland home. Be sure that you take the time to see it, especially if your little ones are animal-lovers. During a family trip to Iceland, you have ample opportunities to go wildlife watching, via tour providers, but also just via a quick drive around nearly any part of the island.

Whale watching is particularly a popular pick, and you can find whale-watching tours that conveniently leave right from Reykjavik. During a tour, you’ll learn about the various marine life and whales that live or visit the oceans off Iceland’s coasts. Expect humpbacks, white-beaked dolphins, orcas and porpoises.

If you want to incorporate a whale-watching tour into your broader road trip, you have other options for tours other than in Reykjavik. Other cities and towns that offer plenteous tour options include Akureyri and Husavik. 

Don’t fancy a boat tour? If not, you can travel to the South Coast or Westfjords through the spring and summer months, April to August, to see the puffins. The puffins take up residence in the cliffs along the shorelines, so this is an easy wildlife watching experience to add to a road trip. However, you can also find boat tours that particularly look out for puffins.

Seals are another popular star of wildlife-watching tours throughout Iceland. You can see seals in various different places around the country, most popularly at the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon or on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. You can also go to the Icelandic Seal Centre to learn more about seals and their relationship with Iceland’s culture. 

Want to actually touch the animals? Make a trip to Petting Zoo Slakki, which sits right on the Golden Circle, making it a perfect stop if you plan a Golden Circle road trip! This farm is home to not just a petting zoo, but also an arcade, mini golf and café. Open through the spring and summer, April through August, the petting zoo is home to calves, piglets, rabbits, mice and more.

Go for a Swim 

Yes, Iceland’s many public swimming pools and geothermal hot springs are family-friendly! Whatever time of year you’re visiting Iceland as a crew, pack your swimsuits so you’re ready whenever you come across one of these can’t-miss Iceland spots during your road trip. 

Worried because your child still hasn’t gotten quite the hang of swimming yet? Many public swimming pools and geothermal springs include facilities designed specifically with children in mind, such as wading pools that are shallower and more suitable for younger kids. 

Photo credit: sunlaugar.is

Do note, though, that as you plan which geothermal springs or pools you’ll visit during your road trip, some do have a few restrictions. For example, the Blue Lagoon, which is arguably Iceland’s most famous hot spring and easily accessible via both Reykjavik and Keflavik Airport , only allows children that are two years old and older. 

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly activity, it is possible to find hot springs and pools that offer free entry for children. That’s the case at both Myvatn Nature Baths and Fontana Geothermal Baths, in Laugarvatn, where any age is welcome and children under 13 get free entry. The Secret Lagoon also offers free entry for those under 14.

Learn About the Vikings  

If you want to make your family trip to Iceland a little more educational, give your children a taste of Icelandic history and culture by learning more about the country’s Viking heritage. You can do this in a few ways.

If you’re already driving around the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, you can visit the Bardur of Snaefellsnes, a giant rock Viking that plays into Icelandic lore.

If you’re in Reykjavik, visit The Saga Museum , where your children can learn more about the Vikings. The museum is family-friendly. 

Another suitable museum is The Settlement Centre in West Iceland. While it’s not as easily accessible as The Saga Museum in Reykjavik, it is a convenient stop if you’re already on a Ring Road road trip. 

Introduce the Kiddos to Icelandic Cuisine

Iceland’s cuisine is rich and varied, filled with local delicacies — but, that said, there’s nothing stuffy about it. There are a lot of traditionally Icelandic foods that locals love, that kids will love, too. 

For example, a quick and affordable food that’s popular in Iceland? Pylsur, aka hot dogs. Yes, Icelanders love their hot dogs. You’ll find hot dog restaurants and stands throughout the country. 

Icelandic skyr is also very familiar, as it’s quite similar to the yogurt you might be accustomed to eating on a regular basis at home. However, skyr comes with just a slightly different texture. Skyr makes a quick and easy breakfast, though you can enjoy it any time of day. Like any yogurt, skyr can be mixed with a variety of other ingredients and toppings, for a dish that’s perfectly suited to your (or your child’s) tastes. 

Iceland may be filled with ice during some seasons, but the cold doesn’t dampen our love for ice cream. Treat your children to a taste-test of the local flavours and see which ones you like best! 

Get Active!

You don’t have to hike up a mountainous volcano in order to get active in Iceland. There are plenty of low-key activities that are just adventurous enough to tempt the adults in your crew, without being too much for the children. 

For example, you can take a boat out onto the Jokulsarlon lagoon. There, you’ll see seals, glaciers and icebergs. If you’re lucky, you may even be able to taste the glacier ice — an experience your children won’t soon forget!

If boats aren’t your thing, try horseback riding (if your children are old enough; most tour guides allow for children as young as seven to participate). This is a fun, outdoor activity that’s both very calm and calming. When you go out with a tour guide, you can rest assured that the experience is safe and that the Icelandic horses are well trained and equipped to give your family the best experience possible. 

See the Two Sides of Iceland: Fire and Ice

Depending on the time of year that you visit Iceland with your family, you may be able to see both sides of Iceland’s fire and ice. 

For the latter, head to the glaciers. During the winter, you can take a tour into the glacial ice caves that freeze over each year, with each year’s particular freezing patterns creating new caves every single time. Even if you’ve been to an ice cave before, just wait for it to melt and then reform a year later and you’ll have a brand-new experience. Do note that these tours are only suitable for children ages eight and up.

If your children are under the age of eight or if you’re not visiting during the winter, you can still see Iceland’s ice tunnels, when you visit Langjokull, one of Iceland’s largest glaciers. There, the man-made ice tunnels are open all year.

For the fire side of your Iceland trip, go see a lava cave! There are lava caves and lava tubes scattered throughout the country, and you can see them safely via a guided tour. Vatnshellir is a lava cave that’s open to children as young as five, and it’s located in Snaefellsjokull National Park. Similarly, Ledarendi is another lava cave that welcomes guests five years old or older, and it’s located on the Reykjanes Peninsula. 

Need even more ideas? Check out our top things to do in Iceland .

When to Travel with Kids to Iceland 

If some of the above top activities caught your eye, it’s important to realize that you can’t enjoy all of them, all year-round. The seasons bring different things to do in Iceland, so if you have your heart set on experiencing something in particular, you’ll want to plan your travel dates accordingly. 

For example, in the summer months, you’ll have your pick of wildlife watching tours and plenty of time to sightsee at just about any hour, thanks to the Midnight Sun. Summer is also a great time to visit if you want to take a long Ring Road road trip, as the road conditions are very good. However, summer isn’t a good time to see the northern lights or ice caves. 

Spring and Fall

Spring and fall bring rain and wind, but they also bring fewer crowds and lower prices, so if you want a family vacation to Iceland that’s a little more budget-friendly, but that still allows for a broad range of sightseeing, consider visiting during the spring or fall. 

In the winter, you can do things you can’t during other times of year, such as visit the ice caves or chase the northern lights. However, there are some other activities that are not available in the winter. For starters, some of the roadways are closed off in the winter, so you might not be able to drive everywhere that you’d like.   

To help you decide which season is best for your Iceland visit, check out our full breakdown of how weather and seasons impact Iceland travel.

Plan the Perfect Family Getaway to Iceland 

With its many adventures that cater to all ages and abilities, Iceland is an amazing choice for a vacation that will last in your children’s memories for a lifetime. 

Start planning your trip and nailing down all the other details with the help of our extensive resource centre . Ready to book your rental car? Check out our selection of family-friendly vehicles.

Book your family-friendly car in Iceland

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What to Do Near Keflavik Airport in Iceland

Lava Car Rental is located just steps away from Keflavik International Airport, so we know this area — and the whole island, really — like the backs of our hands. So, ready to start your Iceland adventure as soon as you land? Here’s everything we recommend you see and do near Keflavik Airport.

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• By Amie O’Shaughnessy

Blue Lagoon

A Kid-Friendly Summer Itinerary in Iceland

Our kids, ages 2 and 6, are content as long as we are outdoors. Where could we go on a vacation would love, yet inspire us as well? Iceland! Most people associate Iceland with cold temperatures. In fact, summers are mild; we went in June when the weather is sunny with temperatures in the 50-60’s (Fahrenheit).

Our trip started when we landed in Keflavik airport at midnight and still twilight. Both kids still wide awake, of course. As we made our way to Reykjavik , the capital of Iceland (a 45 minute drive), we could already see that we were in a different world. There were no trees as far as you could see, volcanic mountains in the background. Did I mention that it was still light outside?

Home base for the next 5 days was in Reykjavik. Not only can you explore the city but also see many important landmarks from here. We rented a car and with one major highway (Rt-1) that goes around the entire country, Iceland is fairly easy to navigate. There are also many tour companies that can take you to these sights as well. The golden triangle, which consists of the Blue Lagoon, Geyser, and Gulfoss, are all short drives away from the city.

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We started with the Blue Lagoon, a manmade geothermal heated spa. For the kids it was a giant swimming pool. Under 5, they were even required to wear floaties, which they provided. For the adults it was a giant hot tub with massaging waterfalls and mud masks. Most of the lagoon was a perfect warmth-with a few areas that were much hotter. Not only was this a relaxing way to start off our trip, but our skin felt incredible afterwards due to the mineral content of the water. They even offer medi-spa services to treat many conditions such as psoriasis.

Then the next day we went to Geyser and Gulfoss. Geyser is a geothermal spring of water and vapor. There is a strong sulphuric smell, which our son persistently reminded us smelled like rotten eggs. Geyser last erupted in 2000, but its neighbor Strokkur, puts on a show every 8 minutes.

Gulfoss, a massive waterfall, incredible. We hiked to get better views while getting sprayed with mist from the waterfall. The rocks can get a bit slippery as well, so one needs to be careful. The following day we took a day trip to Thingvillir national park  a UNESCO World Heritage site. There we hiked along the tectonic plates that separate North America from Europe.  On our way back we also stopped by Kerid Crater, a volcanic crater lake which displays some dazzling colors in the water.

In Reykjavik itself we went up the “rocket ship” church, took a Puffin Tour, and went to one of Iceland’s many public swimming pools ( laugardalslaug ).  The pools are also geothermally heated and most have water slides and kid-friendly areas as swimming is a year round popular activity for Icelandic families.

Our favorite parent activity was strolling along the streets and window shopping, taking in the culture. We were lucky enough to be there during the Icelandic Independence Day, during which they had a huge street fair. Usually people do not associate incredible food with Iceland, but we ate many amazing meals at some wonderful restaurants in Reykjavik where we tried specialties such as the super fresh arctic char and lamb dishes.

Countryside Excursion to Vik, Jokulsartan, and VatnaJokull National Park

For the last 3 days of our trip we drove to the southeast area to see some of the countryside. We visited the black sand beaches in Vik. We also went to Jokulsartan, the ice lagoon, where we took a Duck Boat Tour through the lagoon, and our sons ate 1,000-year-old ice from the glaciers. We also went hiking in VatnaJokull National Park, alongside the largest glacier in Europe.

We highly recommend Iceland as a perfect destination for families looking for adventure. But even if you are not the adventurous type, there is still phenomenal scenery and culture to enjoy. There are many other activities that we could not do with a 2-year-old, but adventurous families would love including hiking on glaciers, snowmobiling, 8×8 glacier tours, and horse riding on the famous Icelandic ponies to name a few. All are reasons we will return!

This is a guest post from a Ciao Bambino reader who is kind enough to share details of her tremendous experience last summer in Iceland with kids. Ruchira Chandra is a physician, wife and mother of two boisterous sons, Ethan and Jai. The whole family is passionate about travel and Ruchira hopes to spread the word that all families with young children can happily explore the world together.

Relevant Links:

Browse all family-friendly accommodations and things to do in Iceland

An epic 7-day tour of Iceland with kids

A great 5-day itinerary in Iceland with kids

Natural hot springs and northern lights at Iceland’s Frost and Fire Hotel

Editor’s Note: Photos by Ruchira Chandra.

Written By By Amie O’Shaughnessy

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I am interested in taking my family next summer- my children will be 7 and almost 10. They LOVE swimming, so any additional information on the public pools that are around is appreciated. They love the outdoors, would they be too young to do the glacier hike? Any information is appreciated. Thank you.

Hi Kristen! I’ll be happy to have a Family Travel Advisor reach out to you to talk more about your questions and other ways we can help. Look for an email message shortly.

Hi, we’d like to go this summer with our 2,5 year old and our 5 year old. I’m worrying about the fact that a lot of these places don’t have a fence or something and that they will fall down. are many view places from above, or also from beneath?

Hi Catherine – The reality is that safety standards vary considerably and there are some places where you won’t encounter fencing or other barriers. I’ll have a Family Travel Advisor reach out in email with more information about how we can help via our planning service. Thanks for your interest!

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Hi. Planning a trip to Iceland the first week of July with our twin 15 year olds and 8 year old boys. Would love help deciding whether to make Reykjavik home base for the entire trip or to move from town to town. Would also welcome any thoughts on hotel vs Airbnb for a family of 5.

Hi Faina! I’ll have one of our Family Travel Advisors reach out in email to see how we can best help. Thank you for using our site!

Hi! Plan to travel to Iceland July 2019 with 3 kids (3, 5, 7) and would love help planning the itinerary!

Hi Jenn – Thanks for using our site! We’d be glad to help. I will have a Family Travel Advisor reach out in email to talk about next steps. Happy travels!

Hi – I am planning a trip to Iceland in mid September with my family including 4 year old kid. I want to get an idea if this is a good time to travel with a child based on the weather conditions in September.

Hi Priy, September is a bit of a shoulder season…it can be rainier than in summer and daylight hours are shorter. However, crowds can also be lower, hence more availability for accommodations. Let us know if you’d like help planning your trip!

Hello, traveling with a 20 month old and another couple for 9 days in June. Would love to get some advice too. Best Brandon

In Iceland as we speak with our 2 year old and 5 month old. It’s been great! Lots of outdoor family friendly hiking and small museums for rainy days. Love being here with my babies! Borgarnes is an amazing family friendly town with a top notch swimming facility.

Hi Lisa. we are going to Iceland with our boys (3 and 5) for 8 days, would love to get some advice too. thanks! Michael

Thank you Michael for your message. One of our family travel advisors will be in touch shortly. Happy travels!

Hi, we will travel with 2 kids (age 8 & 5) to London & Iceland in early August. Tentatively, plan to spend 6-7 days in Iceland. Would love to get some advice in planning for the itinerary. Thank you. Anny

Hi Anny – One of our Family Vacation Advisors specializing in Iceland will reach out in email to talk about next steps. Happy planning!

Hi, we have booked a 10 day trip to Iceland end June but yet to plan itenary. We will be travelling with 2 kids ( 5 and 2). Would be glad to get some advice. Thnaks kaarthik

Hi Kaarthik, thanks for using Ciao Bambino. I’ll have our Family Vacation Advisor specializing in Iceland reach out in email to talk about how we can help with this. Enjoy your travels!

Hi, we are planning to go on August with 4 kids and would love to get recommendations Tal

Hi Tal – We’re glad to help. One of our Family Travel Advisors specializing in Iceland will reach out in email. Thank you for using Ciao Bambino and happy planning!

HI All, I would like to know if a trip in Iceland in august (10/12 days around the island) with an infant of 3 months will be safe and nice or it will be better to wait that he/she grown up. Thanks a lot.

Hi Valentina! Would you like for one of our Family Travel Advisors to follow up in email? Iceland is really better for older children, in our opinion, but we may be able to help with an alternative destination.

Hello ! Would love any advice on where to stay when we visit Vik, Jokulsartan ? Thanks 🙂

Hi there – We’ll be glad to help! One of our Family Vacation Advisors specializing in Iceland will reach out in email. Thanks for your request!

Hi, there is a great IcelandAir Hotel in Vik that I’d recommend. If you need help planning your trip, please let us know!

Hi Mariam, I too would love to be in touch with a vacation consultant. We hope to go in the end of July with our 8 year old. Thank you for these tips! Liza

Hi Liza – Great, this is the perfect time of year to plan for July. We’ll have a Family Vacation Advisor specializing in Iceland reach out via email. Happy planning!

Hi Mariam – I am also planning to visit in mid July with my 1 year old and son and 3 year old daughter – would you mind providing your vacation consultant information so that I can plan. kishor Chhetri

Hi Kishor! One of our Family Vacation Consultants specializing in Iceland will be in touch via email to see how we can help. Thanks and happy planning!

Thank you so much for your post as I have 2 small children and plan on going in April. Can you tell me where you stayed in the countryside? Was it one location you stayed at for the end of your trip to see Vik, Jokulsartan and Vatnajokull or did you stay each night in those places? Thank you again!

Hi Mariam, thanks for reaching out! I’ll have one of our Family Vacation Consultants get in touch with you about your travel plans via email.

Thank you for your post! My family ( husband and two boys ages 4 & 5 at the time of our trip in May 2018) and I are looking forward to our trip to Iceland and looking to rent an RV for a week. Would love to hear from a trip advisor for some recommendations! Thx again!

Hi Amy! Thanks for reaching out. One of our Family Travel Advisors specializing in Scotland will contact you via email to help. Happy planning!

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Don't Overlook These Amazing Budget-Friendly Things To Do On Your Trip To Iceland

I celand has become the sleeper hit of European travel. For decades, Iceland was an obscure volcanic island near the Arctic Circle, known only as an Icelandair pitstop for budget travelers. Yet by 2022, Iceland's tourism boom drew a full 1.7 million visitors, about 4.5 times the nation's population. The reasons are obvious: mythic scenery, immaculate infrastructure, and many direct flights from the United States have turned the land of ice into northern Europe's coolest vacation spot.

What's the catch? Iceland is pricey. Accommodations get competitive, especially in the summer, and nearly all household products must be imported. The price for dinners and drinks can add up, as can the obligatory rental car and tour fees. If you want to see puffins up close or experience the 4K planetarium at the Perlan Museum , expect to pay a pretty penny.

Yet Icelanders are also an intensely civic people, cultivating municipal spaces, public art, and national parks for all to enjoy. The island's most impressive feature is its otherworldly landscape, which is wide open and easy to explore. Very little in Iceland is "free," especially if you have to drive to a remote location to reach it. But you'll find lots of budget-friendly activities, in the capital city of Reykjavik and across the country, that are effectively unique to Iceland. If you blew your budget on planes and lodging, don't worry. Using personal experience as a guide, we'll share some experiences you can still enjoy, all for a reasonable price.

Read more: 28 Bucket List Destinations That Everyone Needs To Experience At Least Once

Hallgrímskirkja Church

The steeple of Hallgrimskirkja rises like a sharp stalagmite out of the Reykjavik skyline, and its striated gray facade has wowed visitors for years. This imposing Lutheran church stands at the top of the hill in the very center of Iceland's capital, and the tower is visible from miles away. The full structure took about four decades to build and was consecrated in 1986, making it far younger than other famous churches of Europe. Tourists can enter the building for free, attend a service, or just walk around the minimalist choir when it's open. There's also a plaza out front featuring a brawny statue of Leif Eriksson.

But the best part of visiting Hallgrímskirkja is its tower, which rises 244 feet above the street. The elevator to the top costs the equivalent of about $7, but the ascent is fast and the 360-degree views through the medieval-looking windows are incomparable. There is no better view of Reykjavik, and you can see the simple analog clock from the inside.

Explore Reykjavik's Shore Walk

Reykjavik is a busy seaport, and so much of its history revolves around the ocean. The city has invested heavily in its urban shore, building walkways, docks for cruise ships, and Harpa, a massive glass-and-steel concert hall. This district is replete with high-end shopping and diverse restaurants, and visitors could while away for entire days shopping and eating their way through the city. Truly, the high-season tourism deluge is no joke, so you may want to consider the  best times of year to visit Iceland to avoid big crowds .

But you don't  have  to spend a lot of money to enjoy the Shore Walk. The Sun Voyager sculpture, which is designed to look like a modernist Norse ship, is just one of many public art pieces that grace the city. Many people end up here, especially in the warmer months, to watch sunsets over the bay. Floods of tourists make this a bustling, cosmopolitan corridor in the high season. Plazas and playgrounds seem to pop up whenever young children need space to run around. You can even download the Hopp app and rent a scooter for a few hours; they're dirt cheap and can zip you all through downtown in a matter of minutes.

Bicycle Around The Capital

The cycling season may be short this far north, but the entire city of Reykjavik is well-connected with bike paths, and summer tourists can rent a ride from several different shops. This part of Iceland is remarkably level, so you can pedal from the downtown waterfront to the Grótta Island Lighthouse, at the very tip of the peninsula, in less than a half-hour. You can then continue along the coast, skirting the airport and venturing into one quiet suburb after another.

Indeed, many of the towns in the Reykjanes region have multi-use paths running between them, so you could theoretically spend a sunny day walking or cycling from one village center to another. Some of the more intrepid travelers to Iceland bring their own bicycles and either take a spin around the developed southwest or take more ambitious bike tours around the island. Icelandic drivers tend to be respectful of bicycles, and the twin-lane paths are often separate from pedestrian walkways, making two wheels a great way to explore.

Reykjavik Zoo And Family Park

The Húsdýragarðurinn Zoo is a must-see for families, especially with young children. The zoo isn't enormous, but its size is fitting, given that isolated Iceland is home to only a limited number of species. Here, you can acquaint yourself with the island's livestock and wildlife, from horses and goats to Arctic foxes and the famous reindeer. Located in a quiet suburb just east of downtown Reykjavik, the zoo is easy to get to by taxi or scooter. Admission costs a little more than $11 for adults, and children under five are admitted free. More than 200,000 people visit the zoo annually, including residents and travelers.

The zoo is adjacent to the Family Park, which is like a whimsical combination of playground and carnival. Kids can take a spin on the carousel, recreate a pirate battle on a tall-ship play structure, or (in warm weather) pump a pedal boat around the ponds.

Nauthólsvik Geothermal Beach

You've probably heard of hot springs, but have you heard of a geothermal beach ?  Nauthólsvik is peculiar not only for its warm waters and jacuzzi-like pools but also for being within Reykjavik's city limits. Indeed, the beach is just south of the city's domestic airport, and you will likely see small planes flying overhead. The highest daily admission is the equivalent of $6, and visitors can spend all day sunbathing in the sand or warming themselves in the conspicuously sultry waters. Although the heating is technically geothermal, warm water is artificially pumped into the cove, so the pleasant temperatures follow a predictable schedule. The beach has restrooms and places to change, and special hot tubs are available as well.

Note that many of the towns and neighborhoods in Iceland have their own indoor swim centers, which typically have heated pools and even waterslides. These are extremely affordable and can be enjoyed any time of year, even in the dark of winter.

Cross A Bridge To Another Continent

From a geologic perspective, Iceland is just a baby, having formed only 20 million years ago. Lava oozed out of the ocean, cooling and hardening into stark mountains and coal-colored fields. What made this possible was a crack in the earth's surface, a rift between tectonic plates. As a result, the western sliver of Iceland is considered part of North America, and the rest lies in Europe.

To help visualize this, the Icelandic government built a 50-foot-long pedestrian bridge over a shallow canyon. If you start on the western side, you're standing in "the Americas." Walk across the bridge, and you're now in "Eurasia." This high-concept bridge is located a little over an hour southwest of Reykjavik, and it's a popular spot for selfies. You can stroll the bridge itself or the slopes and depression beneath it. The best part: the bridge is open 24 hours a day and totally free to visit.

Reykjadalur Hot Spring River

The moment you say "Iceland," someone almost always responds, "Oh, go to Blue Lagoon!" This hot-spring development has become a world-famous wellness center, and if you have money to burn, Blue Lagoon is a rewarding place to relax. Influencers routinely photograph themselves among its steaming waters or inside the space-age spa, and you're pretty much guaranteed a good time.

But Iceland has lots of hot springs, and many of them are cheap to visit and more natural in character. The Reykjadalur Valley is located about an hour away from Reykjavik, and this misty river flows directly out of the mountains. The soothing waters gurgle over a rocky stream bed, and visitors can soak, splash, or sun-bathe in any arrangement they like. The creek is framed with boardwalks and simple changing stations, so that visitors can slip into swimsuits and stow their belongings on dry walkways. You'll have to drive to get there, and there is a park admission fee, which is best paid online. You'll also have to hike into the hills to reach the springs, but if you're in decent shape, getting there is half the fun.

Krýsuvikurbjarg Sea Cliffs

There is no shortage of scenic cliffs in Iceland, but Kr ý suvikurbjarg is special for several reasons. It's located only an hour's drive from Reykjavik, plus a little extra time to trundle over the rocky access road. The grassy soil abruptly ends, dropping straight down into the ocean. Except for its dark volcanic slopes, the vertical walls of Kr ý suvikurbjarg look much like the Cliffs of Dover. Foot paths snake their way across the land, granting visitors picturesque views of the windswept coast. The area is free to visit and hike around, and it's a little off the beaten path, so you won't encounter many crowds.

Kr ý suvikurbjarg is popular among birders, who will find thousands of specimens nested among the crags, including puffins in the summertime. While you're there, you may also enjoy visiting the adorable local lighthouse, which is perched high up and painted orange.

See An Abandoned DC Plane

Luckily, there were no fatalities when this U.S. military plane expended its fuel and crashed into the dark sands of Sólheimasandur in 1973, so you probably won't disturb any restless spirits as you poke around its rusty ruins. The "abandoned DC plane" has lost its wings, windows, and most of its interior, but the fuselage remains largely intact, attracting many adventurous travelers to this obscure spot on the southern Icelandic coast. People have come here for decades to gaze at the ruins, but it's particularly popular among photographers and drone operators, who try to capture this haunting husk against the barren backdrop.

Sólheimasandur is a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Reykjavik, and you'll have to pay for parking in the designated lot. But the land is free to visit, and travelers are free to explore the plane as much as they like. More than one tourist has climbed on the plane's roof; just be careful around the jagged old metal.

Kirkjufell Mountain

There is no shortage of epic mountains in Iceland, and it's hard to believe than any particular peak would stand out. Yet the swirling cone of Kirkjufell is a favorite among locals and travelers alike. Translated as "Church Mountain," Kirkjufell stands alone, separate from any range. The slopes are sweeping and smooth, and the summit rises 1,519 feet above sea level. Steep as it is, Kirkjufell has a well-trod trail up its side, and most hikers can reach the top in about 90 minutes. The trailhead is about a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Reykjavik, making this hike a reasonable day-trip or an even better overnight excursion; you can stay in the beautiful village of Grundarfjör∂ur nearby.

Kirkjufell rises out of the Snæfellsnes peninsula, in the middle of the western coast. This region may feel isolated, but there are several villages along the route. While you're there, make sure to visit the Kirkjufell waterfalls (pictured above).

Explore Small Towns

The vast majority of Icelanders live in and around Reykjavík, but towns and villages are spread out along the full periphery of the island. Many of these places are sleepy fishing towns, which have been the backbone of Iceland's economy since time immemorial. Others are colorful, storybook villages that cater to tourists and host regular festivals and events. Populations range from a few hundred to a few thousand, but all have a walkable Main Street with (at least) basic amenities.

In recent years, modest seaside villages like Vik and Ísafjörður have transformed into getaways for kayaking and horseback riding, and even the remote fjord of Seyðisfjörður on the far-eastern coast offers its share of epic vistas and outdoor activities. Local houses are often rented out during the winter months, so real bargain-hunters may find a way to affordable stay in rural Iceland for extended periods. Nearly every town is connected by the national bus line, so you don't even have to rent a car.

Not long ago, Iceland had a reputation for being a trekkers' paradise, where tourists could set up a tent wherever they pleased. The government has since cracked down on wild camping, and it's only legal to overnight on an official campground. This is partly for the safety of outdoorspeople, but also to protect the rights of landowners, whose estates might not be well marked. Fortunately, there are more than 200 official campgrounds across the country, and you can almost always stay the night for less than $20.

Camping in Iceland is an economical option, as long as you don't mind taking loads of equipment on the plane. Because of the temperamental climate and rugged conditions, you should stock up on quality gear. Alternatively, several outfitters in Reykjavik rent camping equipment to travelers. You can also consult shop owners for recommended hiking routes and places to crash. If you're on a solo journey, you may need a refresher on how to  master camping on your own .

Drive The Ring Road

The Ring Road is quickly becoming one of the most famous highways in the world, as it circumscribes the island with smooth, dependable pavement and extends 821 miles from Reykjavik and back again. The act of driving this road and admiring the endless succession of peaks and glaciers along the way has been added to many a bucket list in recent years. There isn't a single toll booth along this route, except for the Hvalfjarðargönginn tunnel, which you can navigate around. Except for car rental, gas, and lodging along the way, taking this journey is extremely kind to your wallet. Also, the best stops on Iceland's Ring Road  may easily be your trip's highlights. 

So, what if you don't feel like renting a car? You can take advantage of the  Strætó bus system , whose 18 rural routes cover the entire Ring Road (and more). You can leave the driving to someone else and pay a fraction of the price, as long as you have a little patience and reserve places to stay along the way. For really adventurous travelers, Iceland's interior attracts more and more bikepackers every year, who pedal their way down the remotest roads and camp as they go.

See The Northern Lights

The aurora borealis is one of the most majestic natural occurrences on Earth, and looking up at the sky is free. Many travelers come to the country with the express purpose of seeing (and photographing) Iceland's northern lights — and truly, this is one of the most famous locations on Earth to observe them. That said, the emerald wisps are hard to predict, and the best time to view this cosmic phenomenon is between September and April, the chilliest months of the year. Keep in mind that the weather can shift unexpectedly in Iceland, and even perfect conditions can be ruined by sudden overcast or rain.

To increase your chances of seeing the northern lights, try to get away from big towns and other manmade sources of light pollution. Finding a remote location is best, where the sky is clear and unaffected by street lamps. Keep tabs on the media, as meteorologists can usually predict when the aurora borealis will be most visible. If you find yourself with a little money to spare, many Icelandic tour operators cater to aurora-chasers.

Celebrate The Midnight Sun

Fact: Iceland goes for a full month, from mid-June to mid-July, without experiencing "night." This period of 24-hour sunlight is the most invigorating on the Icelandic calendar, and it naturally triggers the tourism high season. That said, the "midnight sun" doesn't match what many people imagine: The sun doesn't linger straight above and shine at a high noon position for 30 days. More dramatically, the sun makes a strange journey toward the horizon, casting long shadows and a gloaming light, before turning around and easing back across the sky. You wouldn't know how strange this is unless you looked at your watch, realizing that sunrise and sunset are basically the same, even at 2 a.m.

Icelanders celebrate this season with "midsummer" festivals and concerts. The most famous event is the old folk tradition of Jónsmessa, which both celebrates John the Baptist and involves rolling (naked) down grassy hills. You don't have to partake in this free-spirited ritual, nor must you believe in the elves and talking cows that allegedly come out of the woodwork around this time. But if you do decide to tumble down a heath in your birthday suit, remember: It's free!

Read the original article on Explore .

Plan an Iceland Adventure Around These 10 Dreamy Hotels

The nordic island nation is home to urban boutique hotels, spa resorts, adventure lodges, and even a bubble dome where you can watch the aurora borealis from your bed..

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The Highland Base Kerlingarfjöll’s remote location offers great views of the northern lights in the winter.

Courtesy of Highland Base Kerlingarfjöll

Few places in the world capture the unique magic of Iceland. At roughly the same size as Ohio, it’s a compact island nation that combines rugged and ever-changing terrain (you might have heard about the active volcano that keeps disrupting travel), a dramatic and Viking-filled history, a design scene as vibrant as its Nordic peers, and a long-standing push toward sustainability.

The hotel scene lives beautifully at these crossroads as well. A five-star spa resort like The Retreat at Blue Lagoon , for instance, may feel urban and sophisticated on the inside, but outside, you’ll find expanses of nature where trolls and elves reportedly roam and where the trademark geothermal baths are heated by magma-deep underground. And a place like Ion Adventure Hotel might look postindustrial, but its interiors hide thoughtful eco-friendly touches and charming nods to local craftsmanship.

No matter the style of property—bubble dome, luxury hotel, or far-flung retreat—the one thing that unifies Icelandic lodging options is that they’re gateways for exploration. In fact, you often don’t even have to leave the property to find tranquility in nature, whether that means soaking in a geothermal bath, riding on the country’s unique breed of horses, or taking in the otherworldly aurora borealis. These 10 spectacular hotels across Iceland, part of our Hotels We Love series, complement the natural wonders that surround them.

The Bubble Hotel

There’s a good chance you’ll see the northern lights from your bed at Buubble.

Courtesy of Buubble

• Location: South Coast & Golden Circle
• Why we love it: Northern lights views from the comfort of your own bed

For many who come to Iceland outside of the peak summer season, catching a glimpse of the ethereal aurora borealis is top of mind—and this may be the ultimate place to do so. Nicknamed the Five Million Star Hotel, The Bubble Hotel is split between two secluded evergreen forests on private farms near Selfoss on the south coast and Reykholt in the Golden Circle. The transparent, spherical units offer a prime spot for catching the show right from the comfort of your bed, piled high with duvets, blankets, and a sheepskin throw.

If you’re lucky enough to be staying in one of these domes during a winter snowfall, you’ll be treated to a surreal snow-globe-like aesthetic (albeit with the snowflakes on the outside of the bubble). The retreat goes to great lengths to lower its footprint, too, with just one electric floor lamp and a heating system powered by renewable hydropower. Keep in mind that toilets, showers, and a kitchen area are all shared use and located in an adjacent service house. From $400

Eleven Deplar Farm

Eleven Deplar Farm is ideal for those hoping to truly get lost out in the Icelandic wilderness.

Courtesy of Eleven

• Location: Ólafsfjörður, North Iceland
• Why we love it: Four-seasons adventure in a remote valley

Eleven Deplar Farm delivers the ultimate in exclusivity for those willing to travel to a remote corner of Iceland’s far north to seek it out. With just 13 guest suites designed in a contemporary Nordic aesthetic, this 15th-century sheep farm–turned–high-end lodge offers an idyllic setting away from it all in the verdant Fljót Valley, on the mountainous Tröllaskagi Peninsula. Here, a gamut of nearby adventures await: hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, kayaking, fly-fishing, and skiing.

Guests staying in the black-timber-clad, turf-roofed retreat can unwind in the sprawling spa, geothermal-heated indoor/outdoor pool, hot tubs, or sauna. Or they can simply gaze at the rolling hills and dramatic mountain peaks from floor-to-ceiling windows in the dining room, lounge, spa, and gym. With its off-the-grid location and lower-impact, small-group capacity, Deplar Farm is largely self-sustaining, and in turn, sustainable, bolstered by its renewable geothermal energy and the locally sourced meats served at its guest-exclusive Icelandic dining room. From $4,436, all-inclusive

Eyja Guldsmeden

Rooms feature simple but elegant rooms you’d expect from a Danish-owned hotel chain.

Courtesy of Guldsmeden Hotels

• Location: Reykjavík
• Why we love it: A central location in the heart of the capital with understated Scandi decor

With its boho-chic aesthetic, laid-back vibe, and convenient downtown location, the 65-room Eyja Guldsmeden is centrally located near Laugavegur, the city’s main shopping strip. Set within a reimagined former office building, the property offers lots of welcome extras, including a locavore-driven restaurant and bar and a rare Reykjavík hotel gym. Guest rooms feature earth tones with handsome four-poster beds, hardwood floors, and natural fabrics and materials like sheepskin throws. Part of the Denmark-based Guldsmeden Hotels chain, the eco-certified property emphasizes sustainable, local, fair-trade, and cruelty-free products across the board, like down-free bedding and organic and refillable bath amenities. From $173

Highland Base Kerlingarfjöll

After a day outside, cozy up in front of a large picture window in the lounge with a hot chocolate and a book.

• Location: Kerlingarfjöll
• Why we love it: Epic scenery far off the tourist trail with options for all budgets

Iceland’s remote central highlands have long been off the radar for visitors and even most locals, which makes Highland Base Kerlingarfjöll , from the team behind the Retreat at Blue Lagoon, such a game changer . Opened in 2023, the hotel comprises historic buildings from a decades-old ski school plus new-build structures made from sustainable, cross-laminated larch timber. Upscale offerings include 46 hotel rooms, two suites , and six luxurious lodges, all decorated in a Nordic style with blond wood, textured linen sheets, and reading nooks set inside large picture windows. To keep the region accessible to people of all budgets, the complex also includes a campground, original A-frame cabins and hiking huts, and 20 slightly more basic hostel rooms off the main building.

Befitting its connection to the Blue Lagoon, the hotel recently opened a complex of geothermal baths, a sauna, and a cold plunge. After a morning of hiking, e-mountain biking, backcountry skiing, or snowmobiling, stop by the cozy and comforting waffle bar; for an extra fee, guests can order unlimited waffles fresh off the iron with whipped cream and jam—an homage to the destination’s ski school days when kids were drawn off the slopes with the smell of freshly made Icelandic heart-shaped waffles each afternoon. Read Afar’s full review of Highland Base Kerlingarfjöll. From $430

Hótel Búðir

Hótel Búðir boasts one of the most stunning pieces of real estate in Iceland.

Photo by Nick Fox/Shutterstock

• Location: Snaefellsnes Peninsula (near Ólafsvík), West Iceland
• Why we love it: Simple and cozy rooms with stunning views

Set on the scenic Snaefellsnes Peninsula—a region in western Iceland recognized as one of the world’s most sustainable tourism destinations— Hótel Búðir beckons with not just rustic elegance but also worth-the-trek cuisine. The hotel restaurant’s seasonal Icelandic menu is driven by fresh fare sourced from area farms and fishers, highlighting perfectly cooked fish (don’t miss the arctic char tartare) and lamb dishes, while the adjacent bar touts one of largest selections of whiskey in Iceland. Recently expanded with a new wing, the hotel now features 52 haute-country-cottage rooms, which face the surrounding raw wilderness (glaciers, lava fields, mountains, and coastline). When it’s time to venture outside, the team will organize myriad outings, including hiking, glacier- and cave-exploring, horseback riding, and whale-watching. From $268

Hotel Húsafell

Guests of Hotel Húsafell can join a guided hike to the picturesque Húsafell Canyon Baths.

Photo by Freysteinn G. Jonsson/Unsplash

• Location: Húsafell, Highlands of West Iceland
• Why we love it: Nordic cuisine with an Asian twist

Set in the rugged inner Highlands of West Iceland, Húsafell is a Scandinavian-inspired property offering endless opportunities for nature-based activities in the region—there’s glacier hiking, fishing, cycling, caving, and horseback riding, to name a few. But active-minded guests needn’t leave the hotel grounds to find something fun to do, thanks to the geothermal pools, numerous hiking trails, and even an eco-certified nine-hole golf course on site. (Book a tee time during the midnight sun for an extra-surreal experience.)

There’s also a fine-dining restaurant serving up seasonal Nordic- and Japanese-influenced cuisine for which chefs forage ingredients. Popular dishes include hand-dived Westfjords scallops and grilled free-range horse meat served on birch skewers with Iceland-grown wasabi leaves, rye bread miso, and honey. The 48 bright and modern rooms come with heated floors, original coal portraits from revered Icelandic artist Páll Guðmundsson, and organic Icelandic toiletries made with local birch. Fully self-sustainable, the resort meets all its energy needs with on-site hydroelectric power plants, which guests can tour. From $368

Ion Adventure Hotel

The high-design Ion Adventure Hotel started life as the humble workers’ inn for a power plant.

Photo by Roan Lavery/Unsplash

• Location: Nesjavellir
• Why we love it: Sustainable design features in an industrial-chic setting
• Loyalty program: Marriott Bonvoy

The eco-conscious Ion Adventure Hotel , a member of Design Hotels located just south of Þingvellir National Park , was once a workers’ inn for the neighboring geothermal power plant. Today, it stands out with its distinctive Nordic-modern design that emphasizes sustainability. The concrete, glass, and black lava exterior blends seamlessly with the surrounding volcanic landscapes, while inside, furnishings and materials are locally sourced or reused. There’s a sauna made of lava rocks, sinks fashioned from old rubber tires, and lamps created out of found wood. The hotel’s energy and heating—and its mineral-rich plunge pool—are powered by the renewable geothermal energy plant next door. Expect organic and fair-trade products in the 45 industrial-chic guest rooms, as well as in the Nordic restaurant kitchen and glass-enclosed Northern Lights bar. Ion lives up to its adventure name: It’s an easy jumping-off point to the adjacent national park for glacier trekking, fly-fishing, horseback riding, and more. From $334

The Retreat at Blue Lagoon

The Retreat at Blue Lagoon puts guests within reach of the dramatic volcanic landscape.

Courtesy of Blue Lagoon Iceland

• Location: Reykjanes Peninsula
• Why we love it: Michelin-starred dining and a one-of-a-kind wellness experience

The sprawling geothermal waters of Iceland’s Blue Lagoon are one of the country’s most popular attractions for good reason. Here, soothing rejuvenation beckons in an otherworldly setting of impossibly blue, mineral-rich springs that plunge into 800-year-old lava fields. Guests of the 60-suite The Retreat at Blue Lagoon are granted near-unfettered access, including to a private section of the steamy lagoon. The hotel’s minimalist architectural and design elements merge with the surrounding volcanic landscapes (think lava-brick fireplaces and expansive picture windows), while the spa offers signature treatments, such as an in-water massage.

The on-site restaurant, Moss , is one of only three in Iceland to hold a Michelin star, and its seven-course set menu includes dishes like cod-skin crisps, bread with skyr-whipped butter, and hand-dived scallops with sea urchin and caviar—plus desserts that look like lava rocks or mossy forest floors. You can also book a tasting in the wine cellar, an underground chamber of naturally occurring lava rock that dates back to an eruption in 1266. From $1,602

The Reykjavík Edition

Enjoy views of the Harpa concert hall and the harbor beyond at the EDITION’s rooftop bar.

Photo by Nikolas Koenig

• Why we love it: High-design retreat with unique cocktails that speak to Icelandic culture

This outpost of Ian Schrager’s hip lifestyle chain opened in 2021, in the wake of the waterfront Harpa concert hall. Volcanic basalt rock (like the kind you’ll find around the island) brings a chic, sexy darkness to the lobby, including an imposing totem inspired by wayfinding cairns, which is surrounded by a bench lined with sheepskins and cushions. The 253 guest rooms and suites, on the other hand, showcase a softer side of Nordic minimalism. The palette is decidedly lighter, with ash and gray oak wood, plus locally made touches such as colorful wool throws from Ístex, ceramics by Guðbjörg Káradóttir, and landscape photographs by Pall Stefansson and Ragnar Axelsson.

Edition hotels have a reputation for excellent food and beverage options, and that’s no exception here. The Michelin-recommended Tides serves sophisticated dishes like lobster and langoustine croquettes and a salad made with 1,000-day dry-aged feykir cheese, and there’s an eight-person chef’s counter if you want an even more immersive culinary experience. The coolest seat in the house, however, is at Tölt, a bar named for the Icelandic horse’s unique fourth gait. Here, cocktails include unique ingredients like skyr-clarified Aperol, oak-aged brennivín (a potent aquavit nicknamed “Black Death”), and even vermouth infused with hákarl , or shockingly pungent fermented shark. From $506

Torfhús Retreat

You’ll feel like an ancient Viking as you approach the turf-roofed buildings at Torfhús Retreat.

Photo by Vladimir Potapeknko/Shutterstock

• Location: Dalsholt
• Why we love it: Architecture inspired by the Vikings, plus a herd of friendly Icelandic horses

Step back in time at this serene retreat, which seems like it’s in the middle of nowhere but is a very quick drive from the tourist-friendly natural wonders of the Golden Circle. The turf-roofed architecture here is inspired by nearby Stöng, the ruins of an ancient Viking farm that dates to about the 11th century. Accommodations come with their own heated basalt-stone hot pools and are divided between the namesake two-bedroom Torfhús cottages, one-bedroom Torfbær Suites, and a four-bedroom villa that sleeps eight and has its own cold-plunge pool and sauna.

Throughout, you’ll find local design touches like salmon-skin leather, a fishing boat turned sofa, and even an old horse cart that’s now used as the breakfast counter. Most of the food comes from within a 10-mile radius, including mountain-grazed lamb, local salmon and char, and vegetables, fruits, and herbs grown in geothermally heated greenhouses. The retreat is also home to Icelandic horses, which you can meet, learn about, and ride through the surrounding countryside. From $860

Additional reporting by Lyndsey Matthews.

‘Hydrothermal’ explosion sends visitors fleeing at Yellowstone National Park

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A violent hydrothermal explosion at Yellowstone National Park sent visitors fleeing Tuesday as mud and debris erupted from a geyser just north of Old Faithful, according to park rangers.

Video of the explosion showed a column of steam and dark earth launching high into the sky. “Run, run, run, run ...” a woman shouted as parkgoers began running along a wooden boardwalk.

The explosion occurred around 10:19 a.m. near Sapphire Pool in Biscuit Basin, just north of the Old Faithful geyser, the park service said in a news release . No injuries have been reported, but the event is still under investigation.

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Hydrothermal explosions occur when “water suddenly flashes to steam underground,” according to a statement from the U.S. Geological Survey . The agency said such explosions are “relatively common” at the park.

“This kind of event happens probably once or twice a year in Yellowstone,” said Michael Poland, the scientist-in-charge at USGS’s Yellowstone Volcano Observatory , “often in the backcountry where it will go unnoticed.”

The last explosion to occur at Biscuit Basin was May 17, 2009.

Yellowstone sits atop a labyrinth of hydrothermal plumbing, filled with heated water and steam. The explosion was possibly due to minerals clogging up one of the underground pipes, Poland said, where pressure built until it exploded.

Predicting these events is extremely difficult, said Poland. The process of water flashing to steam can happen “instantaneously.” Even with seismic sensors right on top of where an explosion occurs, “it’s unclear whether there would be any signs.”

The Park Service and USGS plan to investigate whether the explosion altered the underground system. Scientists will measure chemical makeup, temperature and other properties of nearby geysers and vents, and earthquake scientists from the University of Utah will deploy sensors to measure any residual rumbling.

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Then, the park can determine whether the area is safe to reopen for visitors.

“No other monitoring data show changes in the yellowstone region,” the park service said. “Today’s explosion does not reflect a change in the volcanic system, which remains at normal background levels of activity.”

The park, which is well known for Old Faithful and other geysers, sits atop an active volcano. Lava flows last erupted from the Yellowstone Caldera, or Yellowstone Supervolcano, approximately 70,000 years ago, according to the USGS.

“If it were due to magma that was rising up underneath the ground, we would see really spectacular changes,” Poland said. “There would be earthquakes galore and ground deformation. It wouldn’t be a single feature that had an explosion — there would be changes all over the place.”

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Noah Haggerty is a 2024 AAAS mass media fellow at the Los Angeles Times. He is a graduate of Northeastern University, where he conducted research in plasma physics and fusion energy science. At Northeastern, Haggerty was the editor of the student science magazine, NU Sci, and deputy editor at the Science Media Lab.

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