White Water Rafting · Varmahlid
How to choose
White water rafting in Varmahlíð runs from 6 tours priced between 140 € and 216 €, split across two rivers and two intensity levels. The West Glacial River is your entry point: half-day trips rated "Occasionally sporty" start at 140 € with Bakkaflöt or 146 € for drysuit options with Viking Rafting, accessible to families and first-timers. The East Glacial River is a different category entirely. Full-day "Sporty" runs hit 212 € with Bakkaflöt and 216 € with Viking Rafting, designed for participants who want sustained, glacial-fed whitewater from morning to late afternoon. Your decision comes down to one question: half a day of accessible rapids, or a full day on Iceland's most technical glacial river?
6 offers available
Our picks
Family rafting down the West Glacial River, Northwestern Region of Iceland
The West Glacial River family rafting with Bakkaflöt comes in at 140 €, the lowest price available, with an "Occasionally sporty" level built for mixed-age groups.
Rafting down the West Glacial River, Northwestern Region of Iceland
Viking Rafting offers a family adventure in drysuits for 146 €, providing better thermal protection for a small price increase over the base entry level.
Whitewater excursion down the East Glacial River, Northeastern Region of Iceland
Viking Rafting's full-day East Glacial River run at 216 € is the highest-intensity tour on offer, rated "Sporty" and running all day on Iceland's most technical glacial whitewater.
Whitewater excursion down the East Glacial River, Northeastern Region of Iceland
Viking Rafting offers a high-intensity drysuit run for 209 €, which is the most affordable way to access the technical rapids of the North.
Frequently asked questions
Which river is more intense, the West or the East Glacial River?
The East Glacial River is the harder run. Tours on it are classified as "Sporty" and take a full day, compared to the West Glacial River's "Occasionally sporty" half-day format. If you want the bigger adrenaline hit, go East.
Can complete beginners do white water rafting in Varmahlíð?
Yes. The West Glacial River tours are marked "Occasionally sporty", which is the more accessible level on offer here. The family rafting tour with Bakkaflöt at 140 € is specifically designed for that crowd.
How cold is the water on these glacial rivers?
Both rivers are glacier-fed, meaning the water is very cold year-round. Operators provide wetsuits and dry gear, but expect the kind of cold that hits hard on contact. This is Iceland, not a warm-water resort.
What is the most intense tour available in Varmahlíð?
The full-day whitewater excursion on the East Glacial River, priced at 216 € with Viking Rafting, is the top-intensity option. It carries a "Sporty" physical level and runs for a full day on a river known for sustained rapids.
When is the best time to go rafting in Varmahlíð?
The season runs from May through September. Late spring and early summer bring higher glacial meltwater, which typically means more powerful rapids. July and August are the most popular months, so book ahead.
Do I need to speak Icelandic to join a tour?
No. All tours are guided in both Icelandic and English, so English speakers are fully covered on every option listed here.
Best time to go
| Month | Temperature | Rainfall | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | -3.1°C | 96 mm | Possible |
| February | -2°C | 91 mm | Possible |
| March | -2.6°C | 69.1 mm | Possible |
| April | 1.2°C | 50.7 mm | Possible |
| May | 5.9°C | 39.7 mm | Good |
| June | 9.8°C | 86.6 mm | Possible |
| July | 13.7°C | 78.9 mm | Good |
| August | 11.6°C | 110.8 mm | Possible |
| September | 8.1°C | 108.6 mm | Possible |
| October | 2.6°C | 102.9 mm | Poor |
| November | -1.9°C | 70 mm | Possible |
| December | -1.7°C | 96.2 mm | Possible |
Practical info
Equipment
Operators provide wetsuits, helmets and paddles, but wear a swimsuit or thermal base layer underneath and bring a dry change of clothes for after. Full-day "Sporty" tours on the East Glacial River mean extended exposure to glacial-cold water, so pack an extra warm layer for the drive back.
Getting there
Both operators meet at Varmahlíð: Bakkaflöt is located at Varmahlíð Bakkaflöt, 560 Varmahlíð, and Viking Rafting at Hafgrímsstaðir, Skagafjarðarvegur 560, roughly a 2-hour drive from Reykjavik via Route 1 and Route 75.
See also
White Water Rafting elsewhere
Updated March 2026