Regardless of its small dimension, Iceland is a rustic you would spend months exploring and nonetheless barely get to scratch the floor – and top-of-the-line methods is to plan an Iceland street journey with youngsters.
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As a result of when you love adventures and strange landscapes, glaciers, geysers, volcanoes, black sand seashores, rolling hills, and sizzling springs are just some of the issues this fascinating nation has to supply – and travelling with your personal wheels is without doubt one of the best methods to discover Iceland for households.
When you’re at present planning a street journey by means of Iceland with youngsters, right here’s some data on the very best routes to observe, in addition to must-see locations in case you wish to create your personal itinerary!
Greatest time to do an Iceland street journey
Summers (June, July, and August) are top-of-the-line instances to street journey Iceland with youngsters as that is the time of the yr 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 may anticipate extra folks to be exploring.
When you’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 when you have expertise driving within the snow and days might be extraordinarily quick in midwinter. When you select to drive in Iceland throughout this time of the yr, you might also encounter closed roads.
In case your youngsters are at college 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 likelihood of seeing the Northern Lights).
In any other case October half-term is price contemplating: whilst you could also be restricted to per 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 quite than simply counting on GPS or Google Maps – whereas information protection in Iceland is mostly good, the additional you head off the crushed observe, the extra seemingly you’re to wrestle (at exactly the purpose you don’t wish to get misplaced!)
High Iceland street journey routes
The Iceland Ring Street Route
The Iceland Ring Street Route is without doubt one of the hottest street journeys by means of Iceland as a result of Route 1 covers among the high highlights of the nation – the proper approach to discover Iceland with youngsters.
This route is 837 miles lengthy and allows you to loop your manner across the nation, all whereas making stops at among the high points of interest and locations.
When you begin the drive in Reykjavik, it’s straightforward to put aside just a few 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 street kinds a circle round Iceland, you possibly can select which course you like to go in, however when you’re questioning whether or not it’s greatest to drive Iceland’s ring street clockwise or anticlockwise, there are just a few factors to keep in mind.
- Observe the solar – if the climate is combined (and your Iceland itinerary is versatile sufficient), then examine the forecast and see whether or not the north or south coast is about to get solar. If one appears higher that the opposite, let that dictate your route.
- Begin with the southern points of interest – a whole lot of the ring street’s key points of interest 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 street journey, plus there’s much less hazard of working out of time and lacking one thing.
- Contemplate the place to complete – finally the loop will convey you again to your begin level, after all, however if you wish to spend longer in a single space, it could actually make sense to complete your journey right here. For instance, if you wish to save time for the Golden Circle or calm down within the Westfjords for just a few days, journey anticlockwise to maintain these in direction of the tip.
The Route 1 street journey may be executed in per week, however when you’ve bought the time, spend two weeks or extra so as to have the ability to totally soak up each vacation spot alongside the best way and take a look at any detours which take your fancy alongside the best way.
When you’re planning an Iceland street journey with youthful youngsters, 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 effectively in case your youngsters want a break.
Whichever course 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 greatest 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 street journey is way 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 most well-liked 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 checklist when you’re visiting Iceland with teenagers.
Gullfoss is one other thrilling place to go to, because it incorporates one of the vital 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 of get to know every place extra totally, past simply the primary highlights. There are many inns and different lodging choices unfold all through the route.
Should-visit Iceland locations in your street journey
Try my put up on the very best locations to go to in Iceland with youngsters for extra inspiration, however no matter route you select and nonetheless lengthy you keep, listed here are among the high locations to contemplate in your Iceland street journey itinerary.
Reykjavík
After flying into Keflavik airport, you’ll virtually definitely plan to go to Reykjavik to begin your Iceland street journey – so it’s not a cease as a lot, quite the start and finish level of most visits to the nation.
With that stated, if you’re tempted to skip the capital and drive on to Iceland’s pure locations as quickly as you land, assume once more, as lingering within the metropolis for not less than 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 means of, and there are many museums price trying out as a way to perceive Icelandic tradition higher.
Take a tour
We beloved this bike tour of Reykjavik, which can also be a terrific choice with older youngsters, plus a hop-on hop-off bus tour, which is good for youthful youngsters 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 free of charge when you don’t spot whales.
Benefit from the views
For some incredible views, take the elevate up the Hallgrimskirkja church to look out throughout town.
Or head over to the Perlan constructing, which sits on a hill simply over a mile past town with synthetic geysers, incredible views and a mirrored end to make youngsters consider spaceships.
The Nationwide Museum
The two,000 displays on the Nationwide Museum take guests on a journey by means of time from the primary settlers on the island to the trendy day.
Together with thousand-year-old artefacts, there are two very hands-on rooms to discover with youngsters as effectively.
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 could be small however you possibly can see reindeer and seals right here which is bound to please – and a great choice when you’re not venturing too far off the crushed observe and unlikely to see them elsewhere in your Iceland street journey.
Blue Lagoon
Positioned exterior of the capital, the Blue Lagoon is without doubt one of the hottest locations in Iceland for good purpose, a geothermal pool with vibrant milky blue water that steams within the chilly air.
Because of its heat temperatures, swimming right here is feasible year-round, even when there’s snow on the bottom.
Regardless of its recognition, the lagoon remains to be completely price contemplating in your Iceland street journey with youngsters, though it’s each pricier and extra crowded than different related swimming pools.
Options to the Blue Lagoon
Whereas the well-known Blue Lagoon is without doubt one of 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 most costly.
So when you’re setting off to discover Iceland on a street journey with youngsters anyway, you would additionally cease on the following.
- The Secret Lagoon – the Secret Lagoon is much less of a secret today, however Iceland’s oldest pool remains to be tempting. Close to Fludir, there’s even a geyser that erupts whilst you’re having fun with the nice and cozy waters.
- Fontana – Fontana is simple to mix with the Golden Circle, not removed from Lake Laugarvatn, with a sequence of swimming pools to strive.
- Mývatn Nature Baths – Myvatn Nature Baths in northern Iceland are a terrific choice when you’re travelling the Iceland Ring Street, with related milky blue waters to the Blue Lagoon – however smaller and quieter.
For extra options to the Blue Lagoon with youngsters, take a look at this put up by Travelynn Household
Gulfoss
A breath-taking 32 metres of cascading waterfalls, with rainbows reflecting within the sunshine or halted mid stream because it turns into eerily frozen icicles in winter.
Undoubtedly someplace to maintain tight maintain of littler ones… It’s removed from the one waterfall to see in Iceland with youngsters, however there’s a purpose 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.
There are numerous others that are much less predictable however equally spectacular too.
Stroll by means of Thingvellir
The dramatic panorama right here is brought on by 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 youngsters 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 whenever you see the distinction of black, blue, and inexperienced colours from the panorama, you’ll perceive why it was rated as one of the vital lovely seashores in all the world.
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
That is the deepest lake in Iceland and an excellent cease to make in your Iceland street journey – 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 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. Actually, there’s a lot to see and do right here that you would really plan a complete street journey simply within the space.
A few 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 residence 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, be sure that to do a fast pit cease at Stykkishólmur, the peninsula’s primary city.
See the Northern Lights
Specialist excursions will examine 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 town and late nights, these are an alternative choice that’s higher for older youngsters.
Alternatively, examine right into a resort with a Northern Lights wake-up companies, so that you’ll be informed in the event that they’re shining. There are additionally Aurora apps to obtain, so you will get an thought of whether or not it’s a great night time to step out and scan the skies.
Extra suggestions for planning an Iceland street journey with youngsters
Hiring a automobile for an Iceland street journey
When you’re travelling in winter, a 4×4 is necessities not non-compulsory for an Iceland street journey with youngsters, however with the usually 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.
Automobile 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 Price range. Travelsupermarket can also be a great choice to match charges and fashions, though filtering for 4WD vehicles isn’t at all times straightforward.
Certainly one of my high Iceland journey suggestions is to at all times pack a paper map of Iceland quite 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 youngsters to overlook the surroundings!) The Bubblebum inflatable booster seat is an effective choice for youths aged 4+, or Trunki Boostapak in addition to the Mifold vary.
The place to remain in Iceland with youngsters
There are firms which can package deal up an Iceland street journey with youngsters for you, together with automobile, lodging, itinerary, particular GPS units and extra. However when you’re planning your route independently, it’s straightforward to e book family-friendly inns or self-catering lodging alongside the best way.
Reserving.com is an effective 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.
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 street journey in Iceland
There are some nice Iceland journey information books when you’re planning an Iceland street journey with youngsters, together with Lonely Planet Iceland which has a complete part on the ring street or the Lonely Planet Iceland’s Ring Street information which is tailor-made to street journeys.
Alternatively Lonely Planet Expertise Iceland which has tips about the unmissable experiences to seek out within the nation in addition to locations to find.
This enjoyable Iceland Journey Map and Exercise E book can also be enjoyable for youths and makes a terrific memento.
Suggestions for a street journey with youngsters
Questioning what to pack in your Iceland street journey with youngsters? Try my full street journey packing information, together with recommendation on what to take with you, conserving youngsters entertained and the necessities, from paperwork to clothes.
I’ve additionally bought concepts for 55 street journey actions for youths – Iceland’s surroundings is superb, and also you gained’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 youngsters becoming bored.
Iceland can also be famend for being pricy – a repute that’s sadly deserved – so it’s price 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 street journey snacks for youths.
For extra tips about planning a street journey with youngsters, I’ve rounded up my recommendation on this put up
Disclosure: This put up incorporates affiliate hyperlinks – any purchases you make are unaffected however I could obtain a small fee
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