Iceland Family Multisport New!
- Explore a mystical, raw, wild landscape by land, water and air
- Incredible geological wonders, from glaciers and geysers to volcanoes and sea stacks
- Go for a trot on hardy Icelandic horses
- Crisp coastal air and fresh seafood
- Meet puffins, kittiwakes and other residents
History, Culture & Adventure at the Edge of the Arctic Circle
They say that opposites attract. Does that explain Iceland? Heath beside ocean. Glaciers atop volcanoes. Icebergs the size of trucks washed up on black-sand beaches. A temperate climate yet a name like Iceland. Rumor has it that adults and kids even gravitate toward one another here. While hiking gray lava flats and white ice fields. Traveling by bike, foot, Zodiac, plane, raft, horse and "super jeep." And basking in geothermal pools after glacial waterfalls. It seems totally wild. Impossible to have such extremes so close. But maybe it's just the natural order.
Days 1-3 Explore a glacial lagoon by foot and Zodiac, marveling at a ghostly iceberg "sculpture garden" in the jewel-blue water 
Grownups hike in the highlands while kids cross mudflats by hay cart to look for seabirds with a local expert Trek on a glacier in Skaftafell National Park to view out-of-this world ice formations, water caldrons, crevasses and a breathtaking icefall Walk at Dyrhólaey, a bird sanctuary for puffins and Arctic terns on Iceland's southernmost tip.
Day 4 Ready for a different kind of adventure? Ride in a "super jeep" across creeks and rivers near simmering Hekla volcano Discover Thórsmörk, an alpine oasis of lime-hued hillsides, icy peaks and wildflowers Hike from bizarre rock formations and canyons to a glacier tongue with views of pristine vales and brilliant lakes A never-ending string of waterfalls line the Skógá River, including mighty Skógafoss, 200 feet high and set off by verdant moss-covered rocks Kids saddle up for a ride on agile Icelandic ponies.
Days 5-6 Check out the steaming mud pools and thermal rivers of Reykjadalur Valley - up for a dip? Raft on the Hvítá River - the perfect mix of serene canyons and adrenaline-pumping waves and rapids! Hike in the Haukadalur Valley among geysers and streams to Gullfoss, where the river takes a 90-degree turn and plunges into a narrow canyon Bike through rolling farmland to the quaint town of Fludir and enter a world of drama and romance at the Saga Center.
Guests Reviews About This Trip
Ready to let off some steam in the Land of Ice and Fire? This land of extremes makes for an extremely FUN family adventure. Here you can take a "superjeep" safari across a lava landscape, get near the simmering Hekla volcano, ride agile Icelandic ponies, raft a glacial river, witness glaciers and dramatic waterfalls and more! We're thrilled to bring you up close to so many of Earth's natural wonders in a single trip.- Regional Manager
Premiere & Casual Inns*
Fosshótel Skaftafell
Freysnesi (2 nights) A basic yet comfortable lodge in a spectacular location - there's a glacier out the back door!
* Casual Inn
Hotel Rangá
Hella (3 nights) A countryside resort with top-notch service and geothermal pools looking onto a serene river and the steaming Hekla volcano.
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This Trip Is Rated Level 2-4
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of
interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one
day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat
from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each
day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Road Bike Average | Mountain Bike Average* | Walk & Hike Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 10-15 miles | 2-5 miles |
| Level 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 16-20 miles | 5-7 miles |
| Level 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 21-25 miles | 7-9 miles |
| Level 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 26-30 miles | 9-11 miles |
| Level 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 31+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
*Mountain bikes are used in locations where the best riding is on a combination of dirt and paved roads. View trip locations
The route options below are for adults and older kids with more biking experience who are up for longer rides or hikes. For all other kids (and adults who choose), we make it easy to do even less than the shortest option mentioned below, usually by taking a short lift in one of our support vehicles. We are here to make sure everyone has a great time so there's no need for you to worry about whether your child will be able to "keep up."
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Level 1
1 Route Option Available
- Walking 2.5 miles
- 300 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 1 to 4 4 Route Options Available
- Hiking (Adults) 6.2, 10.6 miles
- 1150 - 1200 feet elevation gain
- Hiking (Kids) 3.7 miles
- 600 feet elevation gain
- Hay Cart Ride (Kids) 3 hours
- Walking (Kids) 1.6 miles
- 250 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Level 1 2 Route Options Available
- Hiking 1.9, 3.7 miles
- 330 - 500 feet elevation gain
- Ice Walk 3 hours
Day 4
- Levels 1 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- Hiking 3.7, 7.5, 10.6 miles
- 300 - 1200 feet elevation gain
- Horseback Riding (Kids) 2 hours
Day 5
- Level 1 2 Route Options Available
- Walking 1 mile
- 100 feet elevation gain
- Biking 16 miles
- 600 feet elevation gain
- River Rafting 3 hours
Day 6
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- Hiking 4 miles
- 600 feet elevation gain
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For 33 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the Iceland tour experts. See our award-winning Europe At Large multisport tours, Europe At Large biking tours and Europe At Large walking and hiking tours.
