Family Vacations to Iceland

Why Go on Vacation in Iceland

Direct Flights

Iceland Air offers direct flights from over 20 U.S. cities and they now offer a free stopover for up to seven nights if you’re continuing on to Europe.

Family-Centered Culture

Icelandic culture is very family-focused, making it one of the easiest countries to visit with children of all ages.

Environment and National parks

The country has three accessible national parks: Vatnajökull, Þingvellir and Snæfellsjökull, and a very dynamic environment. Famous for live volcanoes, huge glaciers and thermal waters, Iceland outdoors is particularly thrilling for active teens.

More Sheep Than People

Iceland has a population of just 400,000 and most people live in and around the capital, Reykjavik.

Accommodation Choices

From Aurora Borealis themed hotels to luxury hostels, city apartments, heritage guesthouses and child-friendly spas, families have a wide choice of places to stay in Reykjavik and larger towns across Iceland.

Lots of Activities

Family tours, day trips, cruises and guided outdoor adventures are widely available, beautifully organized and cover almost every Icelandic experience.

Reykjavik

Small, colorful Reykjavik looks more like a prosperous fishing town than a capital city. But it’s surprisingly lively, filled with interesting things to see and do for kids and a great base for exploring the rest of rugged and magnificent Iceland. If you haven’t arranged any trips* before you arrive, you’ll be overwhelmed by choice in Reykjavik whether you want a day whale-spotting or a week getting to grips with glaciers and volcanoes.

Reykjavik’s within easy distance of several Icelandic legends like the Blue Lagoon, Nauthólsvík geothermal beach or Krýsuvíkurbjarg for immense cliffs, volcanic vents and geysers.
Visit in winter for northern lights over the city, Hafnarfjörður Christmas Village and ice skating on Tjörnin Lake.
Don’t miss: Whales of Iceland, Reykjavik Old Harbor, The Pearl, Reykjavik Zoo, Mount Esja, Reykjavik Art Museum and Hofsstaðir Viking Park.

*It’s best to book longer tours online in advance, especially during summer.

Vatnajökull National Park

This huge national park covers over 13% of Iceland, making it the country’s largest and one of the biggest in Europe. Centered on the Vatnajökull Glacier, it’s a landscape of volcanic peaks, craters, calderas, little towns and breathtaking beauty. Camping here in summer is a fantastic adventure with older kids and there are several campsites in the park. Visiting in winter is a lot more challenging, and only possible in certain areas. It’s best as part of a guided trip or as a drive – armed with weather info and good, local advice.

The western edge of Vatnajökull is just over three hours drive from Reykjavik.
Widely available tours and short day trips with expert local guides are a great way for families to enjoy this huge park safely.
Don’t miss: Laki Craters, winter and summer trail walking in Skaftafell, camping in Jökulsárgljúfur and the Heinaberg, Hjallenes and Hoffell glaciers.
The Askja caldera is one of the most spectacular natural wonders in Vatnajökull.
The park has five excellent visitor centers for information on everything from local hotels to guided tours, campsites, weather conditions and travel in the park.

Þingvellir National Park

Just half an hour’s drive north of Reykjavik this national park is a Nordic World Heritage site, one of the country’s most historic areas and a landscape where almost anything is possible from diving to fishing, swimming, hiking, horseback riding and camping. Very accessible all year round and a fantastic, not too demanding, Icelandic adventure with younger kids.

An easy day-trip from Reykjavik, there are also two camping areas in the park open from March to September.

Golden Circle Tour

This is one of Iceland’s most popular road trips and can be done as a two or three day drive or as an eight hour bus tour. Either option is great fun for kids, but going it alone gives you more freedom to explore.

187 mile loop starting in Reykjavik and travelling east as far as Bláskógabyggð taking in the Strokkur geyser, Gullfoss, River Hvítá, Þingvellir National Park, Solheimar eco-village, Kerid Crater.
If you’re travelling over a few days, fascinating hotels en-route include Hotel Geysir in Haukadalur and the Ion Adventure Hotel in Selfoss.
Several major companies, including Reykjavik Excursions, offer the Golden Circle Tour and in most cases kids under 11 travel free.

Educational Value for Kids

Iceland isn’t the country for theme parks but its wild and unique landscape is a learning experience for kids every minute.

Viking history is everywhere in museums, heritage centers and interactive kids adventures like long-boat voyages.

National Park Visitor Centers are packed with information designed just for kids.

Iceland’s food is fascinating, an education in the history, culture and customs of the country in itself.

Getting Around with Kids in Iceland

You could manage a family vacation in Iceland without a car: day trips and longer tours from Reykjavik are easy to arrange. The larger national parks have a wide range of family-friendly tours with transportation included. And Reykjavik itself is wonderful to walk around and has excellent public transportation. Driving gives you more freedom to explore further, take your time and get to know the country at your own pace. The roads are good, just keep an eye on the weather in winter and late spring.

Family Vacations to Iceland

Family Vacations in Iceland

Why Go on Vacation in Iceland