Iceland is one of the most amazing countries in the world. It has so many things to offer, and the best part is that it’s not crowded like most other countries. Iceland is a small country, with just over 300,000 people living there. That means that you can easily find your own spot in any area where you want to visit without bumping into as many people as you would if you were travelling to some place more popular, like Italy or France.
Family Travel in Iceland
Family travel is a wonderful way to bond as a family, and it’s an even better way to stay connected with your kids. The natural beauty of Iceland is the perfect backdrop for a memorable family vacation.
Since the island nation of Iceland is one of the safest places for families to visit, you can feel confident that your children will be safe while exploring its wonders—even if they do not speak English or Icelandic fluently.
Iceland offers opportunities for adventure no matter what age your child is: there are museums, outdoor activities like horseback riding and glacier hiking (if they’re older), and plenty of time spent exploring colourful towns like Reykjavik at night (if they’re younger).
The Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is one of the most popular and well-known sights in Iceland. It’s in Grindavík, about 40 minutes from Reykjavík by car. The geothermal spa is open all year round, with prices starting at €10 for an adult and €7 for a child (under 16 years).
The water contains minerals that are good for your complexion, as well as healing properties for muscles and joints. After you’ve had your fill of relaxing with the steam rising off the water, head over to their restaurant where you can enjoy some hot soup or a sandwich along with some coffee or tea to warm up after your time spent soaking in the hot springs. If you’re feeling adventurous, try their chocolate fudge cake (it’s delicious!).
What To Bring: Towel/towels, swimsuit/swimsuits (they’re not allowed inside otherwise), flip-flops/shoes that can get wet such as Crocs or rubber flip-flops if available
One day in Reykjavik
As the capital of Iceland, Reykjavik is a perfect place to start your sightseeing tour. There’s so much to see and do here! The iconic Hallgrimskirkja church offers panoramic views of the city and has been featured in many films and TV shows. You could even climb it if you have time (it’s open until midnight). If you’re feeling hungry after exploring, Cafe Loki serves delicious meals at affordable prices—we loved their salmon sandwiches. For those who want to visit some museums or other cultural attractions, there are plenty available in Reykjavik: the Harpa Concert Hall, Reykjavik Art Museum, and Reykjavik City Museum, just to name a few!
Golden Circle
Golden Circle is a popular tourist route in Iceland. Here is the list of things that you can do with kids on this route:
- Visit Thingvellir National Park
- Visit Geysir and its nearby attractions (Són and Strokkur)
- See Gulfoss waterfalls
Whale watching
Whale watching is a popular activity in Iceland, and it’s easy to see why. The whales come right up to the boat for you to see them up close.
You’ll be able to spot minke whales, humpback whales, and even orcas. The whale-watching tour will last about an hour and costs around $60-$80 per adult with children under 5 years old getting in free.
The staff on board the boat will provide information about how they were once hunted here in Iceland but are now protected by law so it’s safe for you to take photos with them!
Akureyri and the north of Iceland
Akureyri is the second biggest city in Iceland and a great base for exploring the north of Iceland. It has a good selection of restaurants, cafes and shops. The city is also known as the whale-watching capital of Iceland, so if you are interested in seeing whales then this is probably the place to go!
The south of Iceland
The south of Iceland is called the Golden Circle, and it’s a popular tourist destination for both families and individuals. The Golden Circle is a circular route of three of Iceland’s most popular destinations: Gulfoss waterfall, Geysir geothermal area, and Þingvellir National Park. If you want to get up close to nature but don’t want to leave the comfort of your car, then these three attractions are perfect for you!
Gullfoss Waterfall
The first stop on our trip was the Gullfoss waterfall in southern Iceland. It is one of Iceland’s most majestic waterfalls with an awe-inspiring width of 25 meters, making it easy to see why this place has been chosen as one of the top 10 places in all 10 countries by Lonely Planet travellers! There are steps leading down towards this natural wonder kids can climb on their own or ride down using a small cart available at no cost to the parking area near the entrance gate (open from May 1st until September 30th).
There is so much that you can enjoy in Iceland when on a family vacation.
You don’t have to be a travel expert or an intrepid explorer to enjoy family travel in Iceland. There are so many things to see and do, as well as experiences to be had, places to stay and eat at, and ways of getting around that it is possible for even the most inexperienced traveller (or parent) to have a great time on holiday here.
Conclusion
There is so much that you can enjoy in Iceland when on a family vacation. The country has many places to visit, and some of them are perfect for taking kids with you. They will love the adventure and excitement of visiting such a beautiful country!
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