Reykjavík in 1 Day for Families - 3-hour Family River Fun Rafting on the Hvítá (age 8+)
In Collaboration with Arctic Rafting. Updated on February 4, 2026.
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.
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
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.
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.
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 |
