White Water Rafting in Varmahlid - from 140.41€ (4 offers)

White Water Rafting · Varmahlid

4 offers 140.41€ – 216.6€ 5.0 (1 reviews) Verified March 2026

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How to choose

White water rafting in Varmahlíð runs from two rivers with very different intensity levels, and prices range from 140 € to 216 €. The West Glacial River delivers a half-day experience rated "Occasionally sporty", the right entry point for families or first-timers wanting real current without the commitment of a full day. The East Glacial River is a full-day "Sporty" run, built for people who want to earn their exhaustion. Two operators cover both rivers: Bakkaflöt and Viking Rafting, both operating in Icelandic and English. If budget is the deciding factor, start at 140 € on the West. If intensity is the priority, go East and budget for 212 € or more. The single clearest decision rule: half day on the West for accessible adrenaline, full day on the East for the real push.

4 offers available

Best value

Family rafting down the West Glacial River, Northwestern Region of Iceland

140.41€See offer

Top rated

Rafting down the West Glacial River, Northwestern Region of Iceland5.0 (1)

151.6€See offer

Extreme rafting down the East Glacial River, Northwestern Region of Iceland

212.42€See offer

Whitewater excursion down the East Glacial River, Northeastern Region of Iceland

216.6€See offer

Our picks

Best for families

Family rafting down the West Glacial River, Northwestern Region of Iceland

The lowest price on the list at 140 €, a half-day format and an "Occasionally sporty" rating make this the clearest family entry point on the West Glacial River.

140.41 €See offer

Best rush for the price

Rafting down the West Glacial River, Northwestern Region of Iceland

At 151 €, Viking Rafting's West Glacial run delivers real whitewater in a half day without crossing the 200 € mark.

151.6 €See offer

Most intense

Extreme rafting down the East Glacial River, Northwestern Region of Iceland

A full-day "Sporty" run down the East Glacial River at 212 €, the most demanding format Bakkaflöt offers in Varmahlíð.

212.42 €See offer

Full commitment

Whitewater excursion down the East Glacial River, Northeastern Region of Iceland

Viking Rafting's full-day East Glacial excursion at 216 € is the top-priced option and the longest sustained whitewater experience available here.

216.6 €See offer

Frequently asked questions

What's the most intense moment on the East Glacial River?

The East Glacial River is classified as "Sporty" and runs for a full day, meaning sustained whitewater over several hours rather than a single highlight. The glacial meltwater is cold and the current relentless, so the intensity builds cumulatively rather than peaking at one drop.

Is the West Glacial River actually challenging, or just a scenic float?

It's classified "Occasionally sporty", so you will hit real rapids and feel the glacier-fed current, but the difficulty stays manageable for motivated beginners and families. Don't expect flat water, but don't expect to be fighting for your life either.

Do I need to be afraid of the cold water?

Yes, and respect it. The rivers feed directly from glacial melt, so water temperatures are very low even in summer. Operators provide wetsuits or drysuits, but if you go in, the cold is immediate and real. Follow the safety briefing closely.

Can kids do the family rafting on the West Glacial River?

The family-oriented tour from Bakkaflöt is specifically designed with younger participants in mind and carries an "Occasionally sporty" rating. Check the operator's minimum age directly at booking, as age limits depend on river conditions on the day.

What's the difference between the two operators?

Both Bakkaflöt and Viking Rafting cover the West and East Glacial Rivers, operate in Icelandic and English, and run half-day or full-day formats. The price difference between them on the same river type is under 5 €, so the deciding factor is meeting point logistics: Bakkaflöt is at 560 Varmahlíð, Viking Rafting is at Hafgrímsstaðir on Skagafjarðarvegur.

When is the best time to book for peak season?

The season runs May through September. July and August bring the highest demand and the most daylight in northern Iceland, so book well in advance for those months. May and September offer quieter conditions and the same rivers.

Practical info

Season

May – September

Coordinates

65.4491°N, -19.3259°E

Equipment

Operators provide wetsuits and safety gear for both rivers, but wear a swimsuit underneath and bring a dry change of clothes for after, especially on the full-day East Glacial run where exposure time is significantly longer. Secure any glasses with a strap and leave valuables in your car.

Getting there

Both operators are based in Varmahlíð: meet Bakkaflöt at 560 Varmahlíð and Viking Rafting at Hafgrímsstaðir on Skagafjarðarvegur, both accessible by car via Route 1 (Ring Road) from Akureyri, roughly 100 km to the east.

Updated on 3 March 2026