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The last word Iceland highway journey information with children


Regardless of its small dimension, Iceland is a rustic you could possibly spend months exploring and nonetheless barely get to scratch the floor – and probably the greatest methods is to plan an Iceland highway journey with children.

Car drives along a curving road under a blue sky with the mountains of Snaefellnes Peninsula on the horizone, one of the unmissable stops on an Iceland road trip with kids
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As a result of when you love adventures and weird landscapes, glaciers, geysers, volcanoes, black sand seashores, rolling hills, and sizzling 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 happen to’re at the moment planning a highway journey by Iceland with children, right here’s some info on the very best routes to comply with, in addition to must-see locations in case you wish to create your personal itinerary!

Greatest time to do an Iceland highway journey

Summers (June, July, and August) are probably the greatest occasions to highway journey Iceland with children 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 also can anticipate extra folks to be exploring.

If you happen to’re hoping to see the Northern Lights and the icy panorama, keep in mind that hitting Iceland’s highways in winter is just really helpful you probably have expertise driving within the snow and days will probably be extraordinarily quick in midwinter. If you happen to select to drive in Iceland throughout this time of the 12 months, you might also encounter closed roads.

Dark road passing snowy hills under the green and pink swirls of the Northern Lights in Iceland - while winter is the best time to see these on an Iceland road trip, plan for trickier driving conditions

In case your children are in school and also you don’t have the pliability to journey throughout term-time, Easter is commonly quieter and with extra daylight to discover than winter (although much less probability of seeing the Northern Lights).

In any other case October half-term is value contemplating: when you could also be restricted to every week, you would possibly 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.

Everytime you select to go, do pack a paper map of Iceland fairly than simply counting on GPS or Google Maps – whereas knowledge protection in Iceland is mostly good, the additional you head off the overwhelmed monitor, the extra doubtless you might be to wrestle (at exactly the purpose you don’t wish to get misplaced!)

Prime Iceland highway journey routes

The Iceland Ring Street Route

The Iceland Ring Street Route is among the hottest highway journeys by Iceland as a result of Route 1 covers among the prime highlights of the nation – the right solution to discover Iceland with children.

This route is 837 miles lengthy and allows you to loop your approach across the nation, all whereas making stops at among the prime points of interest and locations.

If you happen to begin the drive in Reykjavik, it’s straightforward to put aside a couple of days to exploring its landmarks and museums, together with the eye-catching Hallgrimskirkja Church, in addition to utilizing it as a base to see among the close by points of interest such because the Blue Lagoon.

Because the ring highway kinds a circle round Iceland, you’ll be able to select which route you favor to go in, however when you’re questioning whether or not it’s greatest to drive Iceland’s ring highway clockwise or anticlockwise, there are a couple of factors to keep in mind.

  • Observe the solar – if the climate is blended (and your Iceland itinerary is versatile sufficient), then verify the forecast and see whether or not the north or south coast is about to get solar. If one seems higher that the opposite, let that dictate your route.
  • Begin with the southern points of interest – a variety of the ring highway’s key points of interest are alongside the south coast, so it may be greatest to start out right here (heading counter-clockwise from Reykjavik). You’ll have extra power initially of your Iceland highway journey, plus there’s much less hazard of working out of time and lacking one thing.
  • Take into account the place to complete – ultimately the loop will deliver you again to your begin level, in fact, however if you wish to spend longer in a single space, it could make sense to complete your journey 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 tip.
Yellow road sign for Akureyri, Myvatn, Thorshofn and Vopnafjordur, beside the Iceland Ring Road against a snowy backdrop - one of the classic routes to try on an Iceland road trip with kids

The Route 1 highway journey will be performed in every week, however when you’ve bought the time, spend two weeks or extra so as to have the ability to totally absorb each vacation spot alongside the way in which and take a look at any detours which take your fancy alongside the way in which.

If you happen to’re planning an Iceland highway journey with youthful children, it’s at all times a good suggestion to permit a while to decelerate or have a day or two chilling out alongside the way in which as properly in case your children want a break.

Whichever route you are 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 largest pure points of interest 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, together with the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, Lake Myvatn and among the thermal swimming pools.

The Golden Circle

The Golden Circle is one other fashionable Iceland route. This highway journey is far shorter however what it lacks in size, it makes up for with wonderful nature!

This route covers loops about 230 miles from the capital and again, all whereas visiting three of the preferred locations in Iceland: Thingvellir Nationwide Park, the Geysir space. and Gulfoss.

Thingvellir – or to make use of its Icelandic spelling, Þingvellir Nationwide 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 record when you’re visiting Iceland with teenagers.

One of the geysers at Geysir erupting against a blue sky - one of the stops on the Golden Circle route on a road trip in Iceland with kids

Gullfoss is one other thrilling place to go to, because it accommodates one of the dramatic waterfalls in Iceland whereas Geysir is thought for its geothermal exercise and geysers.

The Golden Circle can simply be accomplished in a day, with excursions galore from Reykjavik, however when you enable three or extra days, you’ll be capable to get to know every place extra totally, past simply the primary highlights. There are many accommodations and different lodging choices unfold all through the route.

Should-visit Iceland locations on your highway journey

Try my put up on the very best locations to go to in Iceland with children for extra inspiration, however no matter route you select and nonetheless lengthy you keep, listed here are among the prime locations to contemplate on your Iceland highway journey itinerary.

Reykjavík

After flying into Keflavik airport, you’ll virtually actually plan to go to Reykjavik to start out your Iceland highway journey – so it’s not a cease as a lot, fairly the start and finish level of most visits to the nation.

With that stated, 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 at the very least a day or two is extremely really helpful.

For starters, Reykjavík is beautiful. Its vibrant homes and picturesque streets are a deal with to walk by, and there are many museums value testing in an effort to perceive Icelandic tradition higher. 

Take a tour

We beloved this bike tour of Reykjavik, which can also be an excellent choice with older children, plus a hop-on hop-off bus tour, which is good for youthful children or if the climate isn’t nice.

Or there are some nice animal-spotting choices – strive a puffin-watching tour or one of many many whale-watching excursions, together with a three-hour choice with a return journey without cost when you don’t spot whales.

View across the red roofs of the city of Reykjavik and the sea beyond - one of the best starting points for a road trip in Iceland with kids

Benefit from the views

For some implausible 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, implausible views and a mirrored end to make children consider spaceships.

The Nationwide Museum

The two,000 displays on the Nationwide Museum take guests on a journey by time from the primary settlers on the island to the fashionable day.

Together with thousand-year-old artefacts, there are two very hands-on rooms to discover with children as properly.

Reykjavik 871

Cease in at The Settlement Exhibition Reykjavik 871 10 minutes away from the Nationwide Museum, which tells the story of the early settlers close to the place they’d have first made landfall.

Reykjavik Zoo

Reykjavik’s zoo may be small however you’ll be able to see reindeer and seals right here which is bound to please – and choice when you’re not venturing too far off the overwhelmed monitor and unlikely to see them elsewhere in your Iceland highway journey.

Blue Lagoon

Positioned outdoors of the capital, the Blue Lagoon is among the hottest locations in Iceland for good motive, a geothermal pool with brilliant milky blue water that steams within the chilly air.

View across the milky blue water of the Blue Lagoon and clouds of steam next to the snow-covered hills, one of the most popular tourist attractions on an Iceland road trip

Because of its heat temperatures, swimming right here is feasible year-round, even when there’s snow on the bottom.

Regardless of its reputation, the lagoon remains to be completely value contemplating on your Iceland highway journey with children, though it’s each pricier and extra crowded than different comparable swimming pools.

Alternate options to the Blue Lagoon

Whereas the well-known Blue Lagoon is among the best-known geothermal swimming pools in Iceland – and a straightforward choice when you’re staying round Reykjavik – it’s additionally inevitably one of many busiest and costliest.

So when you’re setting off to discover Iceland on a highway journey with children anyway, you could possibly additionally cease on the following.

  • The Secret Lagoon – the Secret Lagoon is much less of a secret nowadays, however Iceland’s oldest pool remains to be tempting. Close to Fludir, there’s even a geyser that erupts when you’re having fun with the nice and cozy waters.
  • FontanaFontana is simple to mix with the Golden Circle, not removed from Lake Laugarvatn, with a collection of swimming pools to strive.
  • Mývatn Nature BathsMyvatn Nature Baths in northern Iceland are an excellent choice when you’re travelling the Iceland Ring Street, with comparable milky blue waters to the Blue Lagoon – however smaller and quieter.

For extra options to the Blue Lagoon with children, try this put up by Travelynn Household

Gulfoss

A breath-taking 32 metres of cascading waterfalls, with rainbows reflecting within the sunshine or halted mid move because it turns into eerily frozen icicles in winter.

Positively someplace to maintain tight maintain of littler ones… It’s removed from the one waterfall to see in Iceland with children, however there’s a motive it’s one of many basic stops on a Golden Circle tour.

View onto the waterfall of Gulfoss on a summer's day among the green cliffs - one of the most popular places on a Golden Circle road trip of Iceland

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.

There are numerous others that are much less predictable however equally spectacular too.

Stroll by Thingvellir

The dramatic panorama right here is attributable to the assembly of two tectonic plates, plus it’s additionally the positioning of the world’s oldest current parliament.

The historical past and geology is extra fascinating to older children than a three-year-old, nevertheless it’s a captivating place to wander at any age.

Vik

Vik is a small city positioned 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 one of the stunning seashores in your complete world.

Huge chunks of blueish ice in the still water of Jökulsárlón glacial lake, one of the most unusual places to visit on an Iceland road trip with kids

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

That is the deepest lake in Iceland and an excellent cease to make in your Iceland highway journey – particularly if seeing glaciers is in your bucket record!

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 would possibly even spot seals.

Snæfellsnes Peninsula

The Snæfellsnes 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 reality, there’s a lot to see and do right here that you could possibly really plan a complete highway journey simply within the space.

A number of the greatest issues to do embrace (however aren’t restricted to) absorbing in geothermal swimming pools, strolling over lava fields, birdwatching, and recognizing seals.

It’s additionally house to the Snæfellsjökull Nationwide Park, proper on the tip of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, which is one of many three Nationwide Parks in Iceland.

As a bonus, make certain to do a fast pit cease at Stykkishólmur, the peninsula’s most important city.

Northern lights appear over Mount Kirkjufell and waterfall in Snaefellsnes - one place to visit on an Iceland road trip with kids

See the Northern Lights

Specialist excursions will verify the very best 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, verify right into a resort with a Northern Lights wake-up companies, so that you’ll be advised in the event that they’re shining. There are additionally Aurora apps to obtain, so you will get an concept of whether or not it’s night time to step out and scan the skies.

Extra suggestions for planning an Iceland highway journey with children

Hiring a automobile for an Iceland highway journey

If you happen to’re travelling in winter, a 4×4 is necessities not elective for an Iceland highway journey with children, however with the usually rugged circumstances within the north of the nation and generally unpredictable climate circumstances, it’s good to have a automobile that may cope year-round.

Automotive rental firms at Keflavik airport embrace Europcar, which has a string of various 4 wheel drive choices, in addition to huge names together with Avis, Hertz and Finances. Travelsupermarket can also be choice to check charges and fashions, though filtering for 4WD automobiles isn’t at all times straightforward.

Certainly one of my prime Iceland journey suggestions is to at all times pack a paper map of Iceland fairly than simply counting on GPS/Google Maps in case you lose knowledge protection (or your battery goes flat).

Don’t neglect booster seats too (in addition to security, you don’t need your children to overlook the surroundings!) The Bubblebum inflatable booster seat is an efficient choice for teenagers aged 4+, or Trunki Boostapak in addition to the Mifold vary.

Aerial view of the road running through the Lake Myvatn area, curving between volcanic landscape and turquoise water - one of the places you can visit on an Iceland road trip with kids

The place to remain in Iceland with children

There are firms which can bundle up an Iceland highway journey with children for you, together with automobile, lodging, itinerary, particular GPS units and extra. However when you’re planning your route independently, it’s straightforward to ebook family-friendly accommodations or self-catering lodging alongside the way in which.

Reserving.com is an efficient place to start out, with choices within the Golden Circle in addition to Reykjavik and its environment, plus the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and Lake Myvatn, amongst different choices.

In any other case firms like Hey Iceland, which specialize in self-drive excursions of the nation, or Cussed Mule, who’re nice for household adventures, are additionally good choices.

The most effective guidebooks for a household highway journey in Iceland

There are some nice Iceland journey information books when you’re planning an Iceland highway journey with children, together with Lonely Planet Iceland which has an entire part on the ring highway or the Lonely Planet Iceland’s Ring Street information which is tailor-made to highway journeys.

Alternatively Lonely Planet Expertise Iceland which has tips about the unmissable experiences to search out within the nation in addition to locations to find.

This enjoyable Iceland Journey Map and Exercise Guide can also be enjoyable for teenagers and makes an excellent memento.

Suggestions for a highway journey with children

Questioning what to pack on your Iceland highway journey with children? Try my full highway journey packing information, together with recommendation on what to take with you, protecting children entertained and the necessities, from paperwork to clothes.

I’ve additionally bought concepts for 55 highway journey actions for teenagers – Iceland’s surroundings is superb, and also you gained’t be in need of spectacular locations to go to, nevertheless it’s at all times good to have a back-up plan to keep away from children becoming bored.

Iceland can also be famend for being pricy – a repute that’s sadly deserved – so it’s value making a plan for meals upfront, and guaranteeing you’ve bought loads of snacks as you go. Try my suggestions for among the best, healthiest and least messy highway journey snacks for teenagers.

For extra tips about planning a highway journey with children, I’ve rounded up my recommendation on this put up

Disclosure: This put up accommodates affiliate hyperlinks – any purchases you make are unaffected however I’ll obtain a small fee

Photographs courtesy of Depositphotos

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