Iceland

WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM Iceland?

When it comes to an epic, off-the-beaten-path family vacation, Iceland delivers adventure and stunning landscapes in spades. Prepare for a trip distinctly different from a jaunt to Disney World or all-inclusive resort getaway. Iceland offers experiential memory-making grounded in nature, with just the right dash of fairy tale charm.

Embark on glacier snowmobiling excursions across vast white expanses together, then warm up afterwards bundled in geo-thermally heated cabins playing cards by the glow of the radiant midnight sun. Trek across volcanic black sand beaches dotted with giant sea stacks in search of petrified trolls, learning about Norse legends. Watch a mosaic of wildflowers bloom before your eyes as towering icebergs float down icy lagoons and puffins waddle across golden moss. Iceland engages kids’ wonder and curiosity at every dramatic and magical turn. Expect the family bond to thrive as you embark on this beyond-epic journey together.

Itineraries at a glance–

Here are 3-day suggested Iceland family travel itineraries for 5 days, 7 days, and 10 days:

5 Day

Days 1-2: Explore Reykjavik – See Hallgrimskirkja church, walk Laugavegur shops & cafes, visit museums, soak in geothermal pools
Day 3: Golden Circle Tour – See Gullfoss waterfall, spurting geysers, and Thingvellir National Park
Day 4: Snæfellsnes Peninsula Day Trip – Take a whale watching cruise, see black church at Búðir, hike along coastal paths
Day 5: Relaxing Blue Lagoon Visit before departure

7 Day

Days 1-3: Above Reykjavik and Golden Circle Itinerary
Day 4: South Coast Tour – See waterfalls like Skógafoss, walk on Reynisfjara volcanic beach, and hike glaciers
Day 5: Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon – Sail among icebergs, watch seals play
Day 6: Hike around colorful Seydisfjordur village and see puffins on puffin tour
Day 7: Last morning soaking at Blue Lagoon

10 Day

Days 1-4: Reykjavik, Golden Circle and South Coast as above
Day 5: Remote Westfjords Region – Stay in Isafjordur, boat tour to Hornstrandir Nature Reserve
Day 6: Drive to Akureyri – Stop to see ancient viking hideout at Hvítserkur en route
Day 7: Lake Myvatn Area – See pseudo craters and lava formations, soak in nature baths
Day 8: Whale Watching Tour from Husavik (whale capital of Iceland)
Days 9-10: Relax in Reykjavik, last-minute shopping, dining, and spa mornings

Food – Traditional Icelandic dishes stem from the need to preserve and maximize limited ingredients during long, harsh winters – featuring cured, smoked, and fermented flavors.

Kids highlights are the Icelandic Hot Dogs (available pretty much everywhere, including gas stations) and Icelandic yogurt called Skyr.

Be adventurous together trying lots of lamb and fish dishes: standards like hangikjöt (smoked lamb), slátur (shelfish sausage). Visit bakeries to sample delicacies like kleina (festive, fried dough treats), rúgbrauð (dark, dense rye bread), and pönnukökur (thick pancake crepes). Sample juicy langoustine lobster tail cooked in garlic butter or arctic char fresh from frigid coastal waters. Warm up with hearty lamb stew or hot dog topped with crunchy fried onions and sweet brown mustard from food carts around Reykjavik. And don’t leave without letting kids enjoy a classic favorite – hot chocolate made from velvety thick Icelandic milk chocolate, renowned as the best in the world.

While meals in Iceland may not cater to less adventuresome young eaters, there’s plenty to delight foodie families willing to savor new flavors. And all restaurants are child friendly!

Note that outside of Reykjavik not a lot of places are open late, so plan ahead by having snacks on hand just in case.

Transportation – The downtown is small and very walkable, however if venturing out consider renting a van instead of a tour. Doing the ring road in a camper van (if under 4 people) or a van and staying in lodging is super fun. Driving the beautiful and diverse landscapes while listening to the audiobook of “How Iceland Changed the World” is a very cool experience.