West Glacial River: Scenic Rafting with Hot Springs

The West Glacial River, with its mild whitewater, breathtaking landscapes, and geothermal hot springs along its banks, provides an exceptional venue for paddling enthusiasts of every age group! Traverse the magnificent glacial gorges by floating and discover the unexplored parts of Iceland, inaccessible by motorized vehicles or on foot.

Duration: 3 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Viking Rafting - This afternoon family-friendly adventure delivers an unforgettable, hands-on journey into the untamed beauty of northern Iceland’s river wilderness.
    Make your way to the rafting base in Hafgrímsstaðir where your adventure starts. Begin by meeting your international team of guides at the river base, where you will get prepared and…
What's Included
  • Experienced rafting guides and safety kayakers
  • Riverside hot refreshments
  • Transport to and from the river
  • Complete rafting gear provided
What's Not Included
  • Food and drinks, unless specified
  • Transportation to rafting base from Akureyri/Reykjavik
  • Gratuities
Additional Information
  • Minimum age: 6
  • Recommended items to bring with you: Thermal underwear/base layers, warm fleece top/wool sweater, fleece pants/extra long johns, thick wool socks/hiking socks (at least 1 pair), change of clothes for after the river, any necessary medications (asthma inhalers, etc.), waterproof camera (optional)
Location
Viking Rafting
Hafgrímsstaðir
We are located 15km south of Varmahlíð on Road #752. We are on your LEFT just after crossing a little bridge over a river.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(341 Ratings)
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910maureenm
Sep 22, 2024
The Best Time! - The whole experience was incredible!! The views in the canyon are breathtaking! Everyone was very professional and yet kind, friendly, and helpful. We felt safe and could tell that our guide was very experienced. The rafting itself was just the right length of time and level of difficulty for us. I would highly recommend Viking Rafting to anyone.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Excursion201437
Sep 22, 2024
Great rafting experience with surprise hot chocolate along the way! - Normally, I would go on much higher grade rafting tours, but this was part of a group event. The experience was really top notch. You're given full gear that if you wear properly, you will exit the trip completely dry underneath, even if you choose to go into the water for a swim. The guides are wonderful; Monica was our rafting guide, and she was excellent in her commands and local information. Our driver was from Tasmania and a super cool person. Intros were made by a guide who was from Nepal. It is truly a mix of guides from around the world who will give you a safe and fun experience all around! And of course, the scenery is beautiful!! Best bit for me? We made hot chocolate at the midway point with water from a natural hot spring. How cool is that? They also have a cool young dog that will go rafting with you too!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Hallie
Sep 20, 2024
Best time ever!!!! - This was such an amazing experience. The guides were extremely knowledgeable and so kind! Monica was my raft guide and she was an absolute blast!!! She brings such a fun and exciting energy! I would do this excursion over and over and over again, and truly can’t wait to come back soon!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jackson
Sep 20, 2024
Monica is the best!!! - Great experience had so much fun. Great way to end my Iceland trip with Disney shout out to Monica for being a great tour guide and a great leader.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Pepe_p
Sep 6, 2024
Amazing experience - Amazing experience, we was 2 adults and 2 kids and all enjoy so much, the guide from Nepal was very profesional, kind and friendly like the rest of staff. Even in and rainy day was very recomended experience
Review provided by Viator
Josephmd9665mp
Sep 1, 2024
Nice and safe trip by Viking Rafting - Benji and Monica are so nice! 2 boys and I enjoyed the family trip so much. Canyon view is really stunning. Moreover, they can also serve lunch and definitely it is a hidden gem in Iceland!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tiago_g
Aug 24, 2024
Great experience - Great team. Monica, Pablo, Benji, etc Delicious dinner It was very windy, but our guides were great helping us to paddle and enjoy the adventure
Review provided by Viator
T4952pgstefant
Aug 20, 2024
Recommended for family with kids (6-7 years old) - Awesome trip with Benji and Pablo. Feasible for kids (6-7 y old). Makes fun for adults too. Rainy and windy weather no problem. Beautiful pictures from Pablo. Dinner recommended (yummie)
Review provided by Tripadvisor
636ljsjdh
Aug 19, 2024
Brilliant rafting! - The guides were all fantastic! Benji, Monica, Pablo and Amy all brought such a fun atmosphere and made you feel safe with their experiences on the river! During the tour there was a chance to make hot chocolate with the water from a hot spring at the side of river it was delicious and a much needed warm drink! The dry suits were all in perfect condition and they provided excellent equipment gloves booties and a ‘hat’ to wear under your helmet. At the end of the tour we had the chance to jump into the river which was great! I felt very safe with Pablo in his kayak and Benji in his raft ready to retrieve you if you needed to be! Pablo managed to get some great photographs which I would highly recommend purchasing as a keep sake! Monica who guided my boat had a great humour and really made the experience 10 times better! Benji provided a great atmosphere from when we walked into the door to when we walked out! Amy made sure the bus was nice and warm for when we got out the river at the end which was very much appreciated!! All the staff were great and it was a very relaxed atmosphere in the ‘base’ where they provided hot drinks and flapjacks for afterwards! In conclusion an amazing tour which I would really recommend. If you are concerned about going with your young family don’t be! All the staff were lovely and the west river is very calm and is not extreme at all. Think of it as a leisurely paddle with the family! Again would highly recommend and all our staff Pablo, Benji, Monica and Amy all provided a great experience! 10/10 experience and if I’m ever back in Iceland would definitely do the east river experience!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tonio
Aug 16, 2024
Thrilling adventure in an amazing Canyon - Amazing and thrilling experience, some good adventure, and great fun. The team was fantastic making the whole experience unforgettable. Special thanks go to Monica, Sarah, Pablo and Aup.
Review provided by Tripadvisor