Reykjavík River Rafting and Golden Circle Private Tour — Hvítá Rafting, Gullfoss & Þingvellir
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
8–10 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness: able to paddle for short bursts, climb in and out of a raft, and walk short distances at viewpoints.
Overview
Combine a morning of Hvítá river rafting with an afternoon along the Golden Circle — Geysir, Gullfoss and Þingvellir — on a private, all-inclusive day trip from Reykjavík. Expect accessible rapids, glacier-fed scenery, and guided stops at Iceland’s geological icons.
Reykjavík River Rafting and Golden Circle Private Tour — Hvítá Rafting, Gullfoss & Þingvellir
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The bus pulls out of Reykjavík while the city is still shedding its sleep — coffee cups clink, maps fold, and the coastline thins to open sky. In under two hours the urban hum gives way to low-lying lava fields and wide views where the horizon feels like a promise. The day’s first heartbeats come not from an engine but from the cold, energetic push of the Hvítá River: glacier-fed, fast, and perfectly tuned for a morning of rafting.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Wear swimwear under your layers
Dry suits are provided but having swimwear under your clothing makes changing quick and comfortable at the river base.
Bring a waterproof camera cover
Spray from Gullfoss and unexpected splashes on the raft mean a ziplock or dedicated cover will protect electronics.
Tell guides about health limits
The activity is not recommended for people with serious heart conditions — notify staff ahead of time so they can adapt the experience.
Plan for long daylight movements
Although the driving windows are short by Icelandic standards, expect multiple stops and 8–10 hours away from Reykjavík; bring snacks and a refillable bottle.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Arctic fox (rare)
- Numerous bird species including pink-footed geese and Arctic terns
History
Þingvellir is where Iceland’s Alþingi, one of the world’s oldest parliaments, met in the open air from 930 AD; the geology here records the divergent North American and Eurasian plates.
Conservation
Iceland’s ecosystems are fragile — stick to marked trails, avoid stepping on moss, and follow guide instructions to minimize erosion and disturbance.
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Adventure Hotspots in Reykjavík
Recommended Gear
Swimwear
Worn beneath your layers for changing into a supplied dry suit and for post-raft comfort.
summer specific
Waterproof jacket
Useful at Gullfoss and Geysir where spray and wind can soak you quickly.
Sturdy trail shoes
Non-slip footwear for raft access and uneven paths at viewpoints.
Small dry bag or ziplock
Keeps phone, keys and camera safe from spray during the raft and waterfall visits.