Höfn in 1 Day for Friends - Guided canyon descent with jumps, natural slides and abseils
In Collaboration with Ice Guardians Iceland. Updated on February 13, 2026.
Half-day canyoning near Höfn with guided jumps, slides, abseils and a short hike through local tree nurseries. Meet at Haukafell Campground (Road 986). Start times: 09:00 or 13:30. Total activity time on site: 5 hours 30 minutes. Minimum age 12. Guides provide all safety equipment and hot soup on return; you must provide your own transport to the meeting point.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Ice Guardians Iceland, inspired by the tour Private Canyoning Adventure Experience. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Guided canyon descent with jumps, natural slides and abseils
- Short walk through the tree nurseries planted by the local forestry association
- All safety equipment provided (wetsuit, boots, helmet) and abseiling instruction
- Locally based guides carrying first aid, rope and rescue kit
- Hot soup served after the activity (notify guide of allergies in advance)
Itinerary
Day 1
Meet at Haukafell Campground (Activity meeting point)
Group meets at the Haukafell Campground parking area to check in with guides, confirm medical declarations and sign any required forms. Alternate start time available at 13:30; this schedule uses the 09:00 start as the example.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive 10–15 minutes early to find parking and allow time to speak with guides.
- Bring your vehicle to: Haukafell Campground, Road 986; there is limited parking—park considerately.
- Have ID available if anyone in your party is near the minimum age (guides may request proof that participants are 12+).
Gearing up & Safety Briefing
Guides fit wetsuits, helmets, gloves and canyoning boots. Short practical session covering abseiling technique, communication signals, and safety procedures before you move toward the canyon.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear quick-dry base layers and bring a small towel and dry change of clothes in a waterproof bag.
- If you take prescription glasses, bring a secure strap or consider disposable contacts—helmets and wetsuits are fitted over headwear.
- Declare any medical conditions to your guide before gearing up so they can adjust the activity or equipment as needed.
Short walk through Forestry Association tree nurseries to canyon access
Gentle walk on uneven ground from the campground toward the canyon, passing tree nurseries maintained by the local forestry association and seeing the coastal foothills below Vatnajökull.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear sturdy shoes for the walk; paths are uneven and may be muddy after rain.
- Bring a small daypack for essential items (water bottle, camera, layers) — large bags are cumbersome on the hike.
- Take care on narrow footpaths; maintain a comfortable pace and use guide instructions for safe crossings.
Canyoning: jumps, slides and abseils
Main guided canyon descent using established, safety-checked lines. Guides coach each movement, run abseils and manage rope systems. Includes natural slides, jumps into clear pools and abseiling down short waterfalls where conditions permit.
Tips from local experts:
- Trust guide instructions for jump and abseil decisions — they will check water depth and conditions before each manoeuvre.
- Keep electronics sealed in a waterproof case or leave them in your vehicle; cameras should be tethered if used on the route.
- If you’re unsure about a jump, tell the guide — there are alternative sections or assisted descents available.
Return to base, hot soup and debrief
Short return walk to the campground, warm-up with hot soup provided by guides, debrief on the route and photo time. Guides handle gear return and basic drying advice.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring a dry set of clothes and a plastic bag to separate wet gear for the drive home.
- Notify guides of any food allergies before the trip start so hot soup can be adjusted if needed.
- Allow a buffer in your schedule after the activity — changing and drying equipment takes time before you depart.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Friends |
| Transfers | - |
| Restaurants | 1 |
| Total Activities | 5 |
| Total Places | 5 |
| Activities Types | Neighborhood, Experience, Outdoor, Meal |
