Despite its small dimension, Iceland is a rustic you possibly can spend months exploring and nonetheless barely get to scratch the floor – and probably the greatest methods is to plan an Iceland road trip with kids.
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Because in case you love adventures and strange landscapes, glaciers, geysers, volcanoes, black sand seashores, rolling hills, and scorching springs are only a few of the issues this fascinating nation has to supply – and travelling with your personal wheels is among the best methods to discover Iceland for households.
If you’re at present planning a road trip via Iceland with kids, right here’s some data on the most effective routes to comply with, in addition to must-see locations in my Iceland road trip guide in case you wish to create your personal itinerary!
Best time to do an Iceland road trip
Summers (June, July, and August) are probably the greatest instances to road trip Iceland with kids as that is the time of the 12 months when the nation experiences lengthy days, midnight solar, and hotter climate.
The roads are additionally simpler to drive and so it’s safer for guests then, though you may also anticipate extra folks to be exploring.
If you’re hoping to see the Northern Lights and the icy panorama, keep in mind that hitting Iceland’s highways in winter is just advisable when you’ve got expertise driving within the snow and days will probably be extraordinarily quick in midwinter.
If you select to drive in Iceland throughout this time of the 12 months, you may additionally encounter closed roads, particularly within the centre of the island and elements of the north and east, though a lot of south Iceland remains to be accessible.
If your kids are at college and also you don’t have the pliability to journey throughout term-time, Easter is usually quieter than the height summer season months and with extra daylight to discover than winter (although the nearer to March you possibly can go, the extra probability of seeing the Northern Lights).
Otherwise October half-term is value contemplating: though chances are you’ll be restricted to every week, you may spot the Aurora and whereas it’s already chilly, the climate is unlikely to restrict you as a lot as midwinter. Do set off early every morning although because the solar units early.
Whenever you select to go, do pack a paper map of Iceland fairly than simply counting on GPS or Google Maps – whereas information protection in Iceland is usually good, the additional you head off the overwhelmed monitor, the extra possible you’re to wrestle (at exactly the purpose you don’t wish to get misplaced!)
Top Iceland road trip routes
The Iceland Ring Road Route
The Iceland Ring Road Route is among the hottest road journeys via Iceland as a result of Route 1 covers among the prime highlights of the nation – the proper method to discover Iceland with kids.
This route is 837 miles lengthy and allows you to loop your manner across the nation, all whereas making stops at among the prime sights and locations so it’s straightforward to tailor your ring road itinerary relying how a lot time you’ve gotten.
If you begin the drive in Reykjavik, it’s straightforward to put aside a couple of days to discover the capital’s landmarks and museums, together with the eye-catching Hallgrimskirkja Church, in addition to utilizing it as a base to see among the close by sights such because the Blue Lagoon.
As the ring road varieties a circle round Iceland, you possibly can select which path you favor to go in, however in case you’re questioning whether or not it’s greatest to drive Iceland’s ring road clockwise or anticlockwise, there are a couple of factors to keep in mind.
Follow the solar – if the climate is blended (and your Iceland itinerary is versatile sufficient), then examine the forecast and see whether or not the north or south coast is ready to get solar. If one appears to be like higher that the opposite, let that dictate your route.
Start with the southern sights – a variety of the ring road’s key sights are alongside the south coast, so it may be greatest to begin right here (heading counter-clockwise from Reykjavik). You’ll have extra power at the beginning of your Iceland road trip, plus there’s much less hazard of operating out of time and lacking one thing.
Consider the place to complete – ultimately the loop will carry you again to your begin level, in fact, however if you wish to spend longer in a single space, it might make sense to complete your trip right here. For instance, if you wish to save time for the Golden Circle or chill out within the Westfjords for a couple of days, journey anticlockwise to maintain these in direction of the top.
The Route 1 road trip could be executed in every week, however in case you’ve acquired the time, spend two weeks or extra so as to have the ability to absolutely absorb each vacation spot alongside the best way and take a look at any detours which take your fancy alongside the best way.
If you’re planning an Iceland road trip with youthful kids, it’s at all times a good suggestion to permit a while to decelerate or have a day or two chilling out alongside the best way as nicely in case your kids want a break.
Whichever path you’re taking, don’t miss these must-do stops: Reykjavik – Vik – Hofn – Fjalladyrd – Heiðarbær – Hvammstangi – Skjol.
In between, you’ll make loads of stops at among the greatest pure sights within the nation, which vary from geysers to waterfalls and icebergs, plus the black sand seashores of Vik earlier than returning again to the capital.
The Seljalandsfoss and Godafoss waterfalls are two unmissable highlights, alongside with the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, Lake Myvatn and among the thermal swimming pools.
You also can cease at spherical Akureyri and Husavik (or Holmavik) for a whale watching tour, with humpback whales discovered right here between May and September.
The Golden Circle
The Golden Circle is one other fashionable Iceland route. This road trip is far shorter (and there are excursions which might cowl it in a day) however what it lacks in size, it makes up for with superb nature.
This route covers loops about 230 miles from the capital and again, all whereas visiting three of the preferred locations in Iceland: Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir space. and Gulfoss.
Thingvellir – or to make use of its Icelandic spelling, Þingvellir National Park is the place guests can see the divide between the European and North American tectonic plates, and snorkelling or diving right here is an expertise to cross off your bucket checklist in case you’re visiting Iceland with teenagers.
Gullfoss is one other thrilling place to go to, because it comprises probably the most dramatic waterfalls in Iceland whereas Geysir is understood for its geothermal exercise and geysers.
The Golden Circle can simply be accomplished in a day road trip, or with excursions galore from Reykjavik, however in case you enable three or extra days, you’ll be capable to get to know every place extra absolutely, past simply the principle highlights – plus you possibly can go to locations like Geysir earlier than the crowds arrive.
There are loads of lodges and different lodging choices unfold all through the route.
Must-visit Iceland locations in your road trip
Check out my submit on the most effective locations to go to in Iceland with kids for extra inspiration, however no matter route you select and nonetheless lengthy you keep, listed below are among the prime locations to contemplate in your Iceland road trip itinerary.
Reykjavík
After flying into Keflavik airport, you’ll nearly actually plan to move to Reykjavik to begin your Iceland road trip – so it’s not a cease as a lot, fairly the start and finish level of most visits to the nation.
With that mentioned, in case you are tempted to skip the capital and drive on to Iceland’s pure locations as quickly as you land, suppose once more, as lingering within the metropolis for a minimum of a day or two is extremely advisable.
For starters, Reykjavík is attractive. Its vibrant homes and picturesque streets are a deal with to walk via, and there are many museums value trying out with the intention to perceive Icelandic tradition higher.
Take a tour
We cherished this bike tour of Reykjavik, which can also be an awesome possibility with older kids, plus a hop-on hop-off bus tour, which is right for youthful kids or if the climate isn’t nice.
Or there are some nice animal-spotting choices – attempt a puffin-watching tour or one of many many whale-watching excursions, together with a three-hour possibility with a return trip at no cost in case you don’t spot whales.
Enjoy the views
For some incredible views, take the raise up the Hallgrimskirkja church to look out throughout the town.
Or head over to the Perlan constructing, which sits on a hill simply over a mile past the town with synthetic geysers, incredible views and a mirrored end to make kids consider spaceships.
You can uncover how glaciers are fashioned and journey via sub-zero tunnels to study extra about ice caves and their ecosystems.
There’s additionally a planetarium constructed inside considered one of Perlan’s scorching water tanks, for assured views of the northern lights, and a few incredible 360-degree views from the remark deck.
The National Museum
The 2,000 displays on the National Museum take guests on a journey via time from the primary settlers on the island to the fashionable day.
Along with thousand-year-old artefacts, there are two very hands-on rooms to discover and a household room with objects from the museum’s assortment, in addition to video games and colouring. There are additionally orienteering video games to assist kids discover the museum shows, which you’ll choose up on entry, in addition to a youngsters’s audioguide.
Don’t miss the determine of Thor, which is over 1,000 years outdated. You also can guide tickets with free cancellation.
Reykjavik 871
Stop in at The Settlement Exhibition Reykjavik 871 10 minutes away from the National Museum, which tells the story of the early settlers close to the place they’d have first made landfall.
It was solely in 2001 when building found archaeological stays, which turned out to this point from round 871, the oldest proof of human settlement within the metropolis, alongside with a tenth century corridor or longhouse.
The exhibition was created across the real archaeological website to study extra in regards to the earliest days of what would change into Iceland’s capital metropolis.
Reykjavik Saga Museum
Want to carry Iceland’s Viking previous to life? Head to the Saga Museum in Rekyjavik, a waxwork museum masking the times of the earliest settlers within the nation.
You can costume up as a Viking your self, hear among the key tales in Iceland’s tradition, and see 20 necessary moments within the nation’s historical past, from these early settlers who gave Reykjavik its identify, to the founding of Parliament nand extra.
Reykjavik Zoo
Reykjavik’s zoo is perhaps small however you possibly can see reindeer and seals right here which is certain to thrill – and a superb possibility in case you’re not venturing too far off the overwhelmed monitor and unlikely to see them elsewhere in your Iceland road trip.
There are arctic foxes, and a small variety of unique animals in addition to cattle and play areas, together with a summer season funfair.
Entry to Reykjavik Zoo is included within the Reykjavik card
Blue Lagoon
Located exterior of the capital, the Blue Lagoon is among the hottest locations in Iceland for good cause, a geothermal pool with vibrant milky blue water that steams within the chilly air.
Thanks to its heat temperatures, swimming right here is feasible year-round, even when there’s snow on the bottom.
Despite its reputation, the lagoon remains to be completely value contemplating in your Iceland road trip with kids, though it’s each pricier and extra crowded than different related swimming pools.
Alternatives to the Blue Lagoon
While the well-known Blue Lagoon is among the best-known geothermal swimming pools in Iceland – and a straightforward possibility in case you’re staying round Reykjavik – it’s additionally inevitably one of many busiest and most costly.
So in case you’re setting off to discover Iceland on a road trip with kids anyway, you possibly can additionally cease on the following.
The Secret Lagoon – the Secret Lagoon is much less of a secret lately, however Iceland’s oldest pool remains to be tempting. Near Fludir, there’s even a geyser that erupts whilst you’re having fun with the nice and cozy waters and it’s a particular contender for the title of greatest geothermal pool in Iceland.
Fontana – Fontana is simple to mix with the Golden Circle, not removed from Lake Laugarvatn, with a collection of swimming pools to attempt.
Mývatn Nature Baths – Myvatn Nature Baths in northern Iceland are an awesome possibility in case you’re travelling the Iceland Ring Road, with related milky blue waters to the Blue Lagoon – however smaller and quieter.
For extra alternate options to the Blue Lagoon with kids, try this submit by Travelynn Family
Gulfoss
A breath-taking 32 metres of cascading waterfalls, with rainbows reflecting within the sunshine or halted mid circulation because it turns into eerily frozen icicles in winter.
Definitely someplace to maintain tight maintain of littler ones… It’s removed from the one waterfall to see in Iceland with kids, however there’s a cause it’s one of many traditional stops on a Golden Circle tour.
Geysir
With a number of geysers of various sizes, you’re assured an eruption of water from Strokkur which gushes into the air like clockwork, blasting water round 15-20m into the air like clockwork each 5 to 10 minutes. It may even gush increased, as a lot as 40m at instances.
There are numerous others that are much less predictable however equally spectacular too. The Great Geysir is the one which gave its identify to geysers all over the world.
Walk via Thingvellir
The dramatic panorama right here is attributable to the assembly of two tectonic plates, plus it’s additionally the location of the world’s oldest current parliament.
The historical past and geology is extra fascinating to older kids than a three-year-old, nevertheless it’s an enchanting place to wander at any age.
With older teenagers, you possibly can even snorkel and dive (in dry fits) between the tectonic plates. This is one cease which is more likely to be extra attention-grabbing to older kids than a three-year-old, nevertheless it’s a incredible place to wander at any age.
Lake Myvatn
This volcanic lake in northern Iceland is a part of among the nation’s most dramatic panorama – and there’s loads of competitors – with effervescent mud swimming pools and vibrantly colored water within the thermal water.
The identify actually means Midge Lake, so in case you’re visiting in summer season, you’ll have to go ready with netting in your head, however the surroundings is nicely value trying a bit daft, with deep blue creater lakes and vents hissing steam.
Vik
Vik is a small city situated on the southern coast of Iceland that’s well-known for its dramatic black sand seashore.
The black sand you’ll discover here’s a results of volcanic exercise on the island, and once you see the distinction of black, blue, and inexperienced colours from the panorama, you’ll perceive why it was rated as probably the most stunning seashores in your complete world.
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
This is the deepest lake in Iceland and a wonderful cease to make in your Iceland road trip – particularly if seeing glaciers is in your bucket checklist!
At Jokulsarlon glacial lake, in Iceland’s south east, thousand-year-old ice floats throughout the lagoon. There are boat excursions to get a close-up view, and also you may even spot seals.
Snæfellsnes Peninsula
The Snaefellsnes Peninsula is a spot the place you’ll end up in a world of black sand seashores, unusual rock formations, glaciers, and spanning lava fields.
If you wish to see landscapes that look out of this world, it’s unmissable. In truth, there’s a lot to see and do right here that you possibly can really plan a complete road trip simply within the space.
Some of the most effective issues to do embody (however aren’t restricted to) absorbing in geothermal swimming pools, strolling over lava fields, birdwatching, and recognizing seals. If you’re planning an Icelandic road trip with teenagers, you possibly can even deal with a glacier hike.
It’s additionally house to the Snæfellsjökull National Park, proper on the tip of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, which is one of many three National Parks in Iceland.
As a bonus, ensure that to do a fast pit cease at Stykkishólmur, the peninsula’s fundamental city.
See the Northern Lights
Specialist excursions will examine the most effective locations to sight the magical aurora, with numerous choices across the nation however particularly in Reykjavik – though with lengthy drives out of the town and late nights, these are another choice that’s higher for older youngsters.
Alternatively, examine right into a lodge with a Northern Lights wake-up providers, so that you’ll be informed in the event that they’re shining.
There are additionally Aurora apps to obtain, so you may get an concept of whether or not it’s a superb night time to step out and scan the skies. Bear in thoughts you’ll get a greater impact in case you look via a digicam (together with your telephone) than with the bare eye.
Spot puffins
More than 60% of the world’s puffins head to Iceland between late April and August, to mate and lay their eggs, with pufflings hatching largely throughout July and August.
There are a number of locations to see the birds, with their famously vibrant beaks, round Iceland however one fo the most effective choices is to take a ship trip to the Westman islands to identify them (from a secure distance), with a ferry taking you over from the mainland.
More ideas for planning an Iceland road trip with kids
Hiring a automobile for an Iceland road trip
If you’re travelling in winter, a 4×4 is crucial not non-obligatory for an Iceland road trip with kids, however with the customarily rugged circumstances within the north of the nation and typically unpredictable climate circumstances, it’s good to have a automobile that may cope year-round.
Car rental corporations at Keflavik airport embody Europcar, which has a string of various 4 wheel drive choices, in addition to huge names together with Avis, Hertz and Budget. UncoverCars can also be a superb possibility to check charges and fashions, together with the choice to filter by 4X4 solely.
One of my prime Iceland journey ideas is to at all times pack a paper map of Iceland fairly than simply counting on GPS/Google Maps in case you lose information protection (or your battery goes flat).
Don’t overlook booster seats too (in addition to security, you don’t need your kids to overlook the surroundings!) The Bubblebum inflatable booster seat is an efficient possibility for kids aged 4+, or Trunki Boostapak.
Where to remain in Iceland with kids
There are corporations which can bundle up an Iceland road trip with kids for you, together with automobile, lodging, itinerary, particular GPS units and extra. But in case you’re planning your route independently, it’s straightforward to guide family-friendly lodges or self-catering lodging alongside the best way.
Booking.com is an efficient place to begin, with choices within the Golden Circle in addition to Reykjavik and its environment, plus the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and Lake Myvatn, amongst different choices.
Otherwise corporations like Hey Iceland, which concentrate on self-drive excursions of the nation, or Stubborn Mule, who’re nice for household adventures, are additionally good choices.
The greatest guidebooks for a household road trip in Iceland
There are some nice Iceland journey guide books in case you’re planning an Iceland road trip with kids, together with Lonely Planet Iceland which has a complete part on the ring road or the Lonely Planet Iceland’s Ring Road guide which is tailor-made to road journeys.
Alternatively Lonely Planet Experience Iceland which has recommendations on the unmissable experiences to seek out within the nation in addition to locations to find.
This enjoyable Iceland Travel Map and Activity Book can also be enjoyable for kids and makes an awesome memento.
Tips for a road trip with kids
Wondering what to pack in your Iceland road trip with kids? Check out my full road trip packing guide, together with recommendation on what to take with you, maintaining kids entertained and the necessities, from paperwork to clothes.
I’ve additionally acquired concepts for 55 road trip actions for kids – Iceland’s surroundings is wonderful, and also you received’t be wanting spectacular locations to go to, nevertheless it’s at all times good to have a back-up plan to keep away from kids losing interest.
Iceland can also be famend for being pricy – a status that’s sadly deserved – so it’s value making a plan for meals prematurely, and guaranteeing you’ve acquired loads of snacks as you go. Check out my ideas for among the best, healthiest and least messy road trip snacks for kids.
For extra recommendations on planning a road trip with kids, I’ve rounded up my recommendation on this submit
Disclosure: This submit comprises affiliate hyperlinks – any purchases you make are unaffected however I could obtain a small fee
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