Family-Friendly Adventures in , South Iceland!

Seljalandsfoss

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Day Trip to Seljalandsfoss, Iceland

Morning Arrival

Start your adventure to the stunning Seljalandsfoss early in the morning to beat the crowds. Located just off Route 1 (the Ring Road), it"s about a 2-hour drive from Reykjavik. Rent a car for flexibility or opt for a guided tour bus that offers comprehensive packages including pick-ups from the city.

Engage with Nature at Seljalandsfoss

Arrive at Seljalandsfoss, one of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls. This majestic waterfall drops 60 meters into a serene pool below. What makes Seljalandsfoss unique is the path that allows you to walk behind the cascading water—an enchanting experience that feels like stepping into another world. Make sure everyone wears waterproof clothing, as the mist from the waterfall can get you wet.

Picnic Lunch

After exploring the waterfall, enjoy a picnic lunch in the nearby grassy areas. Pack from home or grab some snacks from local vendors.

Afternoon Exploration

Post-lunch, take a short walk to the lesser-known but equally beautiful Gljúfrabúi waterfall, hidden inside a small gorge. It’s just a 5-minute walk from Seljalandsfoss. Kids love the adventurous feel of trekking through the narrow opening to see the hidden falls.

Visit the Eyjafjallajökull Visitor Centre

A 20-minute drive from Seljalandsfoss, end your day at the Eyjafjallajökull Visitor Centre. It’s perfect for families, offering educational insights into the 2010 volcanic eruption and its impacts on Iceland. The interactive displays keep children engaged while learning about geology and geography.

Departure

Head back to Reykjavik by late afternoon, filled with memorable experiences and a camera full of stunning photos.

Interesting Fact

Did you know that the water of Seljalandsfoss comes from the Eyjafjallajökull glacier? This is the same glacier that covers the volcano which famously erupted in 2010, disrupting European air travel.

This family-friendly itinerary combines natural wonders with educational stops, ensuring a fun and insightful day for all ages.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Skogar Museum

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary for Skogar Museum

Morning Arrival

Start your day early by driving or taking a bus to Skogar, a charming village located on the south coast of Iceland. The drive from Reykjavik takes about 2 hours via Route 1 (Ring Road), offering scenic views of mountains and coastlines. Upon arrival, head straight to the Skogar Museum, which opens at 9 AM.

Exploring Skogar Museum

Dive into Icelandic culture at Skogar Museum, renowned for its extensive collection that beautifully illustrates the country"s folklore, farming, and fishing heritage. Begin with the Open Air Museum, where over 15 original buildings form a quaint village setting. Kids will love exploring the turf houses, schoolhouse, and the old church, providing a tactile history lesson.

For a hands-on experience, check if the museum"s blacksmith or weaver is demonstrating traditional Icelandic crafts. These interactive demonstrations are both educational and engaging for children.

Lunch Break

Around noon, enjoy a picnic on the museum grounds or dine at a local café. Traditional Icelandic treats like plokkfiskur (fish stew) can be a delightful treat for the adventurous young palate!

Afternoon Activities

After lunch, visit the main museum building which houses artifacts from the Viking age to modern times. Don’t miss the collection of old Icelandic vehicles and the extensive array of tools and equipment which paint a vivid picture of rural life in Iceland.

Wrap up the Day

Before heading back, take a short walk to the nearby Skogafoss Waterfall, just a 5-minute drive from the museum. The waterfall, one of Iceland"s biggest and most beautiful, is an easy walk from the parking lot and offers spectacular photo opportunities.

End of Tour

Conclude your day with some local ice cream or coffee from a nearby shop as you drive back, reminiscing about the rich Icelandic culture and stunning natural beauty experienced on your day out.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Landmannalaugar

Why Visit?

Embark on an unforgettable family adventure to the colorful Landmannalaugar, nestled in the heart of Iceland"s rugged highlands. This enchanting region, known for its geothermal landscapes and striking rhyolite mountains, is a perfect blend of educational and fun experiences for all ages.

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

- Getting There: The journey starts from Reykjavik, with a 3-hour drive. Renting a 4x4 vehicle is advisable due to the rough F-roads. Alternatively, scheduled buses are available during summer months.

- First Hike: After setting up at the Landmannalaugar campsite, embark on a gentle hike to explore the lava fields and neon-colored mountains. The "Laugahraun" lava field, formed in 1477, is a fantastic geological site for kids to learn about volcanic activity.

Day 2: Hiking and Bathing

- Morning Hike: Start your day with a hike to the summit of Bláhnjúkur volcano. The trail takes about 4-5 hours to complete. It’s a bit challenging but rewards you with panoramic views of the multi-colored mountains.

- Geothermal Bathing: In the afternoon, relax in the natural geothermal pools. These warm waters are not only delightful after a hike but also rich in minerals, offering natural health benefits.

Day 3: More Explorations and Departure

- Visit Brennisteinsalda: Spend your morning visiting Brennisteinsalda, one of the most photographed mountains in Iceland, known for its vivid colors and steaming vents.

- Departure: Head back to Reykjavik. On your way, stop at Hjálparfoss, a beautiful double waterfall in the Þjórsárdalur valley, making a perfect closing scene to your Landmannalaugar adventure.

Interesting Fact: Did you know that Landmannalaugar means "the people"s pools"? It’s a nod to the centuries-old tradition of bathing in the warm springs, which has been a popular activity since the days of the early settlers.

This itinerary combines learning, relaxation, and adventure, ensuring that every family member returns home with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for nature’s artwork.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Skógafoss

Why Visit?

Embark on an unforgettable family adventure to Skógafoss, one of Iceland"s most majestic waterfalls, located on the stunning South Coast. This 60-meter high and 25-meter wide waterfall is easily accessible, making it perfect for families.

Morning Arrival

- Start your day early by driving from Reykjavik, which takes about 2 hours via Route 1 (the Ring Road). Ample parking is available near the waterfall.

- Upon arrival, marvel at the breathtaking sight of Skógafoss, with opportunities for incredible family photos. The waterfall"s massive drop creates a mist that often produces beautiful rainbows, perfect for sparking children’s imaginations.

Explore the Base of the Falls

- Spend the morning exploring the base of the waterfall. There’s a clear, safe path that is easily walkable for children, allowing you to experience the power and beauty of the falls up close.

- Engage the kids by telling them about the local legend that a Viking settler named Þrasi Þórólfsson buried a treasure in a cave behind the waterfall.

Hiking Adventure

- After exploring the base, take the stairs next to the waterfall to the viewing platform at the top. The climb involves about 370 steps, which is a fun challenge for older children. From the top, you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes, including rivers and mountains.

Lunch and Local Exploration

- For lunch, visit the nearby Skógar Museum, just a few minutes’ drive from the waterfall. Here, you can have a picnic or dine in a local café. The museum offers fascinating insights into Icelandic cultural heritage, with traditional turf houses that kids will love to explore.

Concluding the Day

- Wrap up your visit by leisurely walking or driving around the area, absorbing more of the scenic views and fresh air before heading back to Reykjavik.

This day trip to Skógafoss provides a perfect blend of natural beauty, physical activity, and cultural education that is sure to delight every family member.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Fimmvörðuháls Volcano

Why Visit?

Day 1: Arrival and Preparation

Start your adventure to Fimmvörðuháls Volcano in Iceland by settling into a family-friendly hotel in Reykjavik. Spend your arrival day gearing up with necessary hiking supplies and enjoying some local Icelandic cuisine.

Day 2: Journey from Skógar to Fimmvörðuháls

Depart early from Reykjavik by rental car or local bus to Skógar, which is about a 2-hour drive. Begin your hike at the famous Skógafoss waterfall, one of Iceland"s biggest waterfalls, standing at 60 meters high. As you hike, you"ll be treated to stunning views of waterfalls, glaciers, and the lush landscape. The trail to Fimmvörðuháls is approximately 25 km and can be challenging, so ensure the kids are prepared for a long walk, possibly split over two days.

Day 3: Explore Fimmvörðuháls and Return

After camping overnight on the trail (there are several safe and equipped spots), reach the volcanic site early in the morning. Fimmvörðuháls is famous for the 2010 eruption that created new craters named Magni and Modi, after the sons of Thor, the Norse god of thunder. These craters are safe to explore, and the area offers a unique opportunity to teach kids about geology and volcanic activity.

After exploring the craters, start your descent back to Skógar. If energy permits, visit the Skógar Folk Museum to learn about Icelandic cultural heritage and view historical artifacts, providing a gentle wrap-up to the physical exertion of the hike.

Day 4: Return to Reykjavik and Relax

Drive back to Reykjavik. Spend your last day relaxing in one of the city’s many geothermal pools, a perfect way to unwind and treat any sore muscles after the hike.

This itinerary blends adventure with education, making Fimmvörðuháls a memorable and enriching experience for the whole family.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.