13 Great Reasons To Visit Iceland In 2024/5
The Land Of Fire And Ice Is A Bucket List Destination,
But Is Iceland Worth Visiting With Kids?
Iceland’s unique landscapes attract over two million visitors each year, all hoping to see the ancient volcanoes and giant glaciers that have sculpted the island over thousands of years. There are however, many other reasons to visit Iceland and we cover some of the most interesting in this post.
Recent volcanic activity has added to the many reasons people visit Iceland, making it a must-visit destination for adventure-seeking families. Its reputation for being expensive can sometimes deter budget-conscious travellers, but a family trip to Iceland doesn’t have to break the bank.
We visited Iceland last year, taking a family road trip with our kids from Reykjavik, along the South Coast, to Diamond Beach, but did Iceland live up to the hype?
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Is Iceland Worth Visiting With Children?
Iceland is a great destination to visit at any time of year, with or without children. Its history, culture, and safe, clean environment make it ideal for families, and with glaciers, volcanoes, geysers, hot springs, ice caves, and waterfalls, there is plenty to see and do!
With relatively few roads, Iceland is easy to navigate, and you’ll find plenty of family-friendly accommodation around the Island. While there are plenty of options for organised bus tours, having the flexibility to choose where to stop and for how long is one of the many reasons we love road-tripping.
Whether you’re chasing the midnight sun in summer or the Northern Lights in winter, Iceland is a country of breathtaking beauty and endless adventures.
13 Reasons To Visit Iceland
For decades, visitors have rated Iceland as one of the best countries to visit in Europe. While you can find many stunning photographs of Icelandic scenery, seeing it yourself is the best way to appreciate it! Here are our ultimate reasons to visit Iceland with kids.
1. Explore Iceland’s Unique Natural Scenery
The ‘Land of Fire and Ice’ has some seriously dramatic scenery, making it the top reason to visit Iceland. Glaciers, smoking volcanoes, craters with bubbling lava, and black sand beaches compete with icebergs, steaming geysers, waterfalls, and canyons for your attention, sometimes within a few minutes of each other!
Iceland’s scenery transforms magically across the seasons, and whether you visit in summer or winter, you will be treated to views of stunning natural beauty.
2. See The Northern Lights
While 2024 has been an exceptional year for seeing the Aurora Borealis worldwide, Iceland has long been one of the best places to see nature’s most amazing light show.
Winter is a popular time to visit Iceland, as its clear, dark skies offer great potential for spectacular aurora.
If you’re hoping to witness a dancing display of colours in the night sky, Iceland is a great place to start looking. Book a Northern Lights guided tour to increase your chances of finding the perfect spot.
3. Soak In Geothermal Hot Springs
If Iceland’s scenic beauty and the Northern Lights haven’t persuaded you to visit, perhaps soaking in a thermal hot spring might!
Iceland is a country full of bucket-list experiences, and its volcanic activity means you are never far from a hot spring. Soaking in the naturally heated, mineral-rich waters of the world-famous Blue Lagoon or the increasingly popular Sky Lagoon is a great way to relax and is reputed to be good for your skin.
If you’re looking for somewhere to soak with fewer tourists, there are plenty of public pools and remote springs. These are generally suitable for families and have far fewer crowds.
4. Access Unique Family Adventures
Hiking, zip-lining, snowmobiling, climbing and glacier trekking are just a few of the adventurous activities Iceland has to offer. Most are accessible to beginners and children but do check for any restrictions based on age, ability, or weight.
There are few (if any!) other countries in the world where you can hike to a remote hot spring, raft down a glacial river, snorkel between tectonic plates and ride an Icelandic horse on a black sand beach. If you and your kids are looking for variety and adventure off the beaten track, look no further; you’ve found it!
5. Observe Active Volcanoes
With over 130 volcanoes, including some of the most active in the world, there is nowhere better to see one up close.
Witnessing an active volcano will send your kids’ imaginations running wild! There is something prehistoric about the raw power of an erupting volcano with its spewing lava and foul smell of rotten eggs. Walking on the lava fields gives a sense of the destruction caused as the molten rock once flowed over the land.
Remember to keep a safe distance from volcanic activity and explore without leaving a trace!
6. Experience The Midnight Sun
Iceland has up to 24 hours of daylight throughout the summer, from May to August when the sun does not set. While it might still be light at 1 am, there is a real sense of peace across the island that has to be experienced to be fully appreciated.
Visiting during the midnight sun takes a bit of getting used to and it’s easy to lose track of time when it doesn’t get dark!
7. See Black Sand Beaches
Venture onto one of Iceland’s many iconic black sand beaches around the coast.
While the colour of the sand may be the same, they each have unique features, such as the basalt columns at Reynisfjara or the scattered chunks of iceberg on Diamond Beach. The contrast of the black sand against the sea is stunning, making it an excellent reason to visit.
8. Tour The Golden Circle
Even if you only have a 24-hour layover in Iceland, you can easily access the Golden Circle. This popular route showcases Iceland’s diverse landscapes with famous sights, including Þingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area, and the Gullfoss waterfall.
Families do not have to travel long distances to experience the unique wonders of Iceland and can return to Reykjavik.
9. Spot Arctic Wildlife
Iceland is home to various wildlife, including puffins, whales, seals, reindeer and the iconic Icelandic horses.
Whale-watching and puffin tours provide an educational perspective and the chance to get close to these enchanting animals.
10. Memorable Family Road Trip
Iceland is well known for its Ring Road, which encircles the island and has earned a reputation for being one of the best road trips in the world.
Drive through diverse landscapes with countless sightseeing, hiking, and exploring stops. Ideally, you should allow for a few weeks for the ultimate ring road tour of Iceland. For less time, kids will love travelling Reykavik to the South Coast, which can be completed in 5-7 days.
11. Iceland Can Be Budget-Friendly
Despite Iceland being an expensive country to live in, visiting can be done on a family budget.
Eating out is likely to be the budget-breaker. Choose cheaper accommodation slightly further from top tourist destinations with facilities to prepare lunch and dinner with your food purchased from local supermarkets. Tap water is safe to drink in Iceland; bring a reusable water bottle to save money.
Search for cheap flights in and out of Iceland; some months and days are more budget-friendly. Set a budget for the top things you want to do in Iceland and save other activities for another adventure.
12. Once-in-a-Lifetime Experiences
Iceland offers experiences you won’t find anywhere else in the world. Snorkelling between tectonic plates at Silfra, exploring volcanic landscapes, trekking to the edge of a glacier, watching icebergs being born and finding ice diamonds on the beach are just for starters!
Children will enjoy Iceland at any age, and what better reason to visit Iceland than to have experiences that last forever.
13. Iceland Is Clean, Safe and Easy to Navigate
Iceland’s air is among the cleanest in the world, and its fresh glacial water is drinkable straight from the tap—adding to the country’s pristine and refreshing atmosphere.
Iceland is also one of the safest countries in the world, with low crime rates and friendly locals. Most Icelanders speak English, making it easy to communicate and navigate around.
Where Is Iceland?
Iceland is a relatively small European Island located in the North Atlantic Ocean. It is south of the Arctic Circle and midway between North America and mainland Europe, with its closest neighbour 180 miles away.
Greenland lies to the west and Norway to the east, with the Faroe Islands and the United Kingdom to the southeast. It’s easy to get to via relatively short flights from almost anywhere in Europe, and it might even be offered as a stopover opportunity from America.
Best Time To Visit Iceland
Deciding on the best time to visit Iceland will depend on the experiences you and your family seek. Despite its northern location, Iceland’s climate is relatively mild due to warm sea currents in southern Europe.
Summer is mild (5 to 13°C) and green, with extended hours of daylight and the midnight sun, whereas winter offers the opportunity to see the Northern Lights and snow-covered landscape in colder (-1 to -10°C) conditions.
Spotting whales and puffins is best done between May and August; while these are also the busiest months, summer is the best time to visit with children. Teenagers are more likely to tolerate the colder sub-zero temperatures experienced during winter.
Things To Know About Iceland Before Visiting
Before visiting Iceland, there are a few key things to help you prepare for an enjoyable trip:
🌟Iceland’s weather is unpredictable; layering and waterproof gear, including boots, are necessary.
🌟Iceland is one of the safest countries in the world, making it ideal for families.
🌟English is widely spoken, although the national language is Icelandic.
🌟The local currency is the Icelandic Króna (ISK); credit cards are accepted everywhere, eliminating the need to exchange cash.
🌟Iceland can be expensive, but it is possible to visit on a budget. Careful planning is key!
What Is Iceland Famous For?
Iceland is known for its unique geographical landscape, including volcanos, waterfalls, black sand beaches and glaciers. It is a popular destination for seeing the Northern Lights, Midnight Sun and indulging in geothermal activity, such as at the iconic Blue Lagoon.
Along with its iconic landmarks and attractions, Iceland’s wildlife draws visitors from around the globe. Puffins, whales, Arctic foxes, reindeer and Icelandic horses are just some of the animals you might spot if you go looking; guided tours give you the highest chance of seeing the wildlife and are great for the whole family.
Iceland’s natural wonders, cultural richness, and eco-friendly initiatives have made it a world-famous destination for those seeking a unique family adventure.
Reasons To Visit Iceland With Family | FAQ’s
Iceland has a unique and diverse mix of landscapes, and with the midnight sun in summer and only 4 hours of daylight mid-winter, it is a country of extremes. Visitors from around the world are attracted to Iceland for various activities, including catching a display of the Northern Lights, walking through an ice cave or even witnessing a volcano erupting.
Iceland is an excellent destination for any family trip. It has almost endless opportunities for adventure and exploration with exceptional natural beauty and a safe, clean environment. A visit to Iceland is as educational as it is fun!
Allow at least five days to experience Iceland’s top attractions; even a month is not going to be enough. Ten days is enough time for you and your kids to travel without rushing and enjoy top attractions.
Iceland is remarkable for its unique and dramatic landscapes. Glaciers, volcanoes, geysers, and hot springs create a surreal natural environment for adventure and exploration for children and adults every time they visit.
Final Thoughts | Reasons To Visit Iceland
Iceland has a mix of natural beauty, culture, and adventure packed into a small island. With many reasons to visit Iceland, one trip may not be long enough, and there’ll be more to explore when you return.
Iceland is well suited for families, with plenty of child-friendly accommodation options and a huge range of activities that can be enjoyed by all ages.
