Can children go on river rafting tours?

On Vestari-Jökulsá river, six-year-old children can go rafting. On Hvítá river, the age limit is eleven years.

What is a glacier river?

A glacier river is a river that is primarily fed from glacial meltwater.

Can I fish in Icelandic rivers?

You need a fishing license to fish in Icelandic rivers. We recommend participating in a fishing tour to save you the trouble of obtaining the license. Contact your tour planner for more information.

Is it safe to drink water directly from Icelandic rivers?

Glacier rivers most often contain sand and other sediments which render the water unsuitable for drinking. It is not recommended that you to drink from any river or stream unless a local guide confirms that the water is clean.

Are there any dangerous animals in Icelandic rivers?

No, you will not find any animals that pose serious threats to humans in rivers in Iceland.

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Guide to Iceland

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Nature Tours in Iceland

River Tours

Thanks to Iceland's mighty glaciers, great river systems line the entire country. River tours provide opportunities for rafting, angling and even super jeep crossings, as well as a unique means of experiencing Iceland's unbound natural beauty.

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Very little can match the relaxing solitude that comes with angling in Iceland's river systems.

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Scenic 8 Hour Lake & River Fishing Tour with Transfer from Reykjavik

Exhilarating 9 Hour ATV & Canyon River Rafting Trip with Transfer from Reykjavik

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Family-Friendly 3 Hour Whitewater River Rafting Tour in North Iceland

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Family-Friendly 3 Hour Whitewater River Rafting Tour in North Iceland

Extreme 5 Hour Rafting Tour on the East Glacial River with Transfer from Varmahlid

River Rafting Tour in North-Iceland | West Glacial River

Scenic 8 Hour Tour of the Golden Circle with a Jet Boat Adventure on the Hvita River

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Reykjavik, Capital Region, Iceland and south of Iceland

Relaxing 9 Hour River Fishing Tour for Sea Trout, Char & Salmon with Transfer from Reykjavik

Whitewater Action in North Iceland

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Ashish Madhok

Amazing!

01/04/2019, 12:27

Review of Breathtaking 7 Day Northern Lights Winter Vacation Package in Iceland with Ice Caving

It was truly an amazing experience and the tour guides were awesome. They were friendly and very knowledgeable. Can't wait to go back again

Emily

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29/03/2019, 18:15

Review of Breathtaking 6 Day Northern Lights Hunting Package of Iceland with Ice Caving

The trip was amazing! All the tour guides were really nice and the tour guides helped us still see everything even when the weather wasn't that great. The tours were organized well and Guide to Iceland replied quickly to any concerns I may have had.

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27/03/2019, 09:32

Review of Best 7 Day Northern Lights Self Drive Tour of Iceland to a Unique Ice Cave

Guide to Iceland is awesome. The level of customer service was great. Everyone was professional and courteous,. All of my hotels were great! The rental car was exceptional. The itinerary and the descriptions about attractions that I could see during each day's journey were well written and helpful.

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24/03/2019, 21:15

Review of Breathtaking 6 Day Northern Lights Hunting Package of Iceland with Ice Caving

The 6 day trip was amazing... hit all the highlights and left us with many wonderful memories!! Natan J. was very helpful during the booking process and was able to assist when we misunderstood one aspect of the itinerary. Tour Guides were friendly and informative. Storm Hotel staff was very attentive and helpful in booking additional excursions. Overall, a very pleasant travel experience from start to finish!

Frequently asked questions

What rivers in Iceland are best for rafting?

Hvítá river is the most rafted river in West Iceland and best suited for beginners. In North Iceland, the Jökulsá river system is widely considered the best. The most challenging river, however, is Austari-Jökulsá (also known as ‘the Beast of the East’) in northeast Iceland.

What type of rapids can I expect in Icelandic rivers?

Iceland’s rafting rivers are graded between 2 and 4+. There are no graded 5 rafting rivers in Iceland. Hvítá, which is relatively close to Reykjavík, is graded between 2 and 3, whereas Austari-Jökulsá, in northeast Iceland, is graded 4+ and has a minimum age requirement of 18 years.

What should I wear on a rafting tour?

Although you will be provided with a dry suit, you will get wet. So be sure to wear warm inner layers such as fleece, wool or synthetic materials, but not cotton or denim. Wear warm socks and bring a change of clothes to put on after the tour.

Is rafting in Iceland dangerous?

Rafting tours are led by rafting experts who know the rivers well. Guests wear helmets, dry suits and life jackets, and the rapids on beginner rivers are not too fierce. Rafting in Iceland is, therefore, a relatively safe activity. It should be noted, however, that all adventure activities are intrinsically risky, and are undertaken at your own peril.