Family Fun Rafting (Drumbó River Base) — Day trip from Reykjavík
A relaxed, family-friendly day built around Arctic Rafting's Family River Fun Rafting on the Hvítá river. Designed for families with children aged 8–15: short drives, kid-friendly meals, changing rooms and a post-raft sauna. Long daylight (June) makes travel comfortable and adds time for a quick Golden Circle photo stop at Gullfoss after the trip.
In Collaboration with Arctic Rafting. Updated on March 31, 2026.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Arctic Rafting, inspired by the tour Family Fun Rafting. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- 3-hour Family River Fun Rafting on the Hvítá (age 8+)
- Changing rooms, showers and a warm sauna at Drumbó River Base
- Quick Golden Circle photo stop at Gullfoss waterfall on the way back
Explore all itineraries in Reykjavík.
Itinerary
Day 1
Meet at Drumbó River Base for the Family River Fun Rafting. The day balances short drives with time to change, enjoy the river, and recover with a hot sauna and family lunch.
Family breakfast — Sandholt Bakery
Light, family-friendly breakfast near Reykjavík city centre before departure. Sandholt has pastries, sandwiches and kid-friendly options.
- Monday7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
- Tuesday7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
- Wednesday7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
- Thursday7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
- Friday7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Tips from local experts:
- Choose quick breakfast items (pastries, sandwiches) so kids finish before the 09:15 departure.
- Sandholt has high chairs and space for buggies, but peak-times can be busy — arrive early.
- Bring a reusable bottle; refill at the cafe to avoid buying multiple drinks on the drive.
Drive Reykjavík → Drumbó River Base (Selfoss)
Scenic drive (about 1.5 hours). Plan a short comfort stop if needed — the drive crosses lava fields and farmland with excellent views.
Tips from local experts:
- Pack a small daypack with snacks, spare warm layers and a towel — kids may get wet on the river.
- If you're using a rented car, request a child seat / booster in advance — highways are fast.
- Restroom stop recommendation: Selfoss has public restrooms and petrol stations with facilities about halfway.
Check-in & change into wetsuits at Drumbó River Base
Arrive 15 minutes before departure to check in, sign the waiver, get wetsuits, life jackets and a quick safety briefing.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive at least 15 minutes early as requested — changing rooms are shared; keep towels and a dry set of clothes ready.
- Bring thermal base layers (wool/fleece) rather than cotton — it keeps children warm if it gets splashed.
- If anyone is nervous, tell the guide — family tours are designed to be very gentle and guides adapt games for kids.
Family River Fun Rafting on Hvítá (Arctic Rafting)
Guided 3‑hour family-friendly rafting down the lower Hvítá (≈4 km). Smooth, playful waves and river games designed for children (recommended ages 8–15). Wetsuit, helmet and life-jacket provided. Includes hot shower and sauna afterward.
Tips from local experts:
- Minimum age is 8 — bring proof of ages if asked and make sure children are comfortable with floating.
- Pack a small zip-lock for phones/camera or leave electronics in the vehicle — guides may offer photos but waterproof cases are safest.
- After the river you’ll have access to showers and a sauna — bring a towel and dry clothes for kids (towel can be rented if needed).
Lunch — Tryggvaskáli (Selfoss)
Family-friendly meal after rafting. Tryggvaskáli (or similar Selfoss restaurant) offers sandwiches, soups and options for children. Relax and dry off while the kids refuel.
- MondayClosed
- TuesdayClosed
- Wednesday4:00 – 9:30 PM
- Thursday4:00 – 9:30 PM
- Friday4:00 – 10:30 PM
- Saturday11:30 AM – 10:30 PM
- Sunday4:00 – 9:30 PM
Tips from local experts:
- Order warm soups and grilled items for quicker service and easier eating for kids still damp from the river.
- Ask staff for a high chair or a quieter corner — many family restaurants in Selfoss accommodate children.
- If you need a towel or to dry clothes further, ask the restaurant staff if they can recommend a nearby laundromat or drying spot; many provide hanging hooks near entrances.
Photo stop — Gullfoss Waterfall (short visit)
Optional short Golden Circle stop to see Gullfoss from the family-friendly viewing platforms. Great place for photos and to show kids a dramatic Icelandic waterfall — easy paths but watch edges in windy weather.
Tips from local experts:
- Paths to the main viewpoints are stroller-friendly on defined walkways but can be windy — hold onto small children near rails.
- Bring a windproof layer; spray from the falls can make kids cold even in summer.
- Use the visitor center toilets and take a warm drink; the center has family facilities and child‑friendly restrooms.
Drive back to Reykjavík
Relaxed drive back to Reykjavík after a full day of river fun. Plenty of daylight in June makes the return drive easy and scenic.
Tips from local experts:
- Plan a short comfort stop if kids need it—near Hveragerði there are petrol stations and playgrounds for a 10–15 minute break.
- Keep a spare warm layer in the car for everyone — kids often feel chilled after river activities.
- If kids are tired, consider driving straight back to the accommodation for an early bedtime and a hot meal at your hotel.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 3 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Families |
| Transfers | 2 |
| Restaurants | 2 |
| Total Activities | 5 |
| Total Places | 5 |
| Activities Types | Meal, Transfer, Break, Experience, Restaurant, Attraction |
Why this experience
This is the perfect introduction to Icelandic rafting for families with kids aged 8–15. You'll paddle down the glacier-fed Hvítá river on gentle, playful waves designed for children, explore the Golden Circle's famous Gullfoss waterfall on the drive home, and finish the day warm and satisfied—showers and a sauna are waiting at Drumbó River Base. Arctic Rafting runs this as a full family experience, complete with wetsuits, helmets, and guides trained to make kids comfortable in the water. Long summer daylight means you'll have plenty of light and comfort for the 1.5-hour drive each way, plus time to relax, change, and enjoy a family meal.
Before you go
- Best time: June to August (longest daylight, warmest water and air temperatures)
- Budget: Check the booking widget for current pricing. Includes transfer from Reykjavík, wetsuits and safety gear, 3-hour guided rafting, hot shower and sauna, and lunch as specified.
- Difficulty: Easy (calm, playful river section designed for children; no whitewater experience needed)
- What to bring: Thermal base layers (wool or fleece, not cotton), warm dry clothes for after the raft, towel, sunscreen, camera in waterproof case or zip-lock, snacks for the drive
- Getting there: Self-drive or arrange family car rental from Reykjavík (1.5 hours to Drumbó River Base). Wetsuits and life jackets provided.
- Accessibility: Children must be age 8+. The rafting involves floating on water and following guide instructions. Accessible changing facilities and showers available at Drumbó River Base.
Frequently asked questions
What's included in this itinerary?
This family-friendly day-trip itinerary curated on TheNextGuide includes breakfast, transfer, all rafting gear (wetsuit, helmet, life jacket), 3-hour guided river experience on the Hvítá with games and activities for children, shower and sauna access, lunch, and a photo stop at Gullfoss waterfall. Check the booking widget for current pricing with Arctic Rafting.
Is it cold in the water?
The Hvítá is a glacier-fed river, so water temperature is cool (around 10-12°C / 50-54°F). Full wetsuits and thermal base layers keep kids warm. Guides design games to keep everyone active and engaged.
What if my child is nervous about water?
Tell the guide when you arrive. Family tours are designed to be very gentle—guides adapt activities and pace for nervous kids. Many children who were unsure become confident by the end of the trip.
Will my phone be safe during rafting?
Water activities mean splash risk. Leave phones in the vehicle or carry them in a waterproof case or zip-lock pouch. Some guides offer photos, but bring your own protection for electronics.
Is the drive tiring with kids?
The 1.5-hour drive each way is manageable with long summer daylight. Plan a comfort stop on the way (Hveragerði area has facilities and playgrounds). June's long daylight makes the return less stressful than other months.
Can we do this in shoulder seasons (May or September)?
Possibly, but June to August is recommended for warmest conditions, best daylight, and safest river conditions. Contact Arctic Rafting directly to confirm seasonal availability and conditions.
Complete your trip in Reykjavik
If you're looking to extend your family adventure with more Golden Circle experiences or water activities, consider these complementary itineraries:
- Wonders of Iceland: Family Day at Perlan Pools — Explore geothermal pools and observation decks in Reykjavík
- Adventure in Landmannalaugar and Hot Springs — Extend the Golden Circle experience into Iceland's colorful highlands
- Reykjavik 3-Day Family-Friendly Summer Visit — Build a longer family itinerary around water, wildlife, and cultural stops
Browse all Reykjavik itineraries at TheNextGuide.
Last updated: March 2026
