Reykjavik: Hvítá Glacier River Rafting & Golden Circle

Rafting Iceland's Glacier River Below Gullfoss

You paddle a glacier-fed river below one of Iceland's most famous waterfalls, with all gear supplied and a guide managing the current. The rapids are steady but not extreme, so you're active without being overwhelmed. You'll be wet and cold and working, which is exactly the point. Book this if you want to be in the landscape, not just looking at it.

Step-by-step itinerary

River rafting on glacier river Hvítá

• Travel to Golden Circle area
• Meet Arctic Rafting guides
• Prepare for river rafting
• Raft on glacier river Hvítá
• Enjoy views of Gullfoss waterfall
• Complete rafting adventure

The experience

"How cold is the water?" someone always asks on the drive out, and the answer is: cold enough that you'll feel it the moment the paddle hits the current. The Hvítá glacier river runs a few miles downstream from Gullfoss waterfall in the Golden Circle, and this is where Arctic Rafting puts you in a boat with five or six other people and a guide who knows every rapid by name. The water comes straight from the glacier, so it's gray-green and moving fast, and you're paddling through the middle of Icelandic nature with nothing between you and the canyon walls but the sound of the river.

The rafting itself takes about an hour on the water, though you'll spend the morning gearing up and getting a safety briefing first. All the equipment is provided (wetsuit, helmet, life jacket, paddle), so you show up in regular clothes and they handle the rest. The guide sits at the stern calling out when to paddle forward, when to hold on, when to lean into the current. It's not technical whitewater. The rapids are manageable for anyone with moderate fitness, but they're real enough that you're working the whole time, not just floating. The river narrows in places and opens up in others, and you pass rock formations that look like they've been there since the ice age, which they probably have.

What makes this different from a standard activity tour is that you're on the water itself, not watching it from a platform. The cold keeps you alert. The paddle work keeps you present. And because Gullfoss is right upstream, you're rafting in the exact geography that makes the Golden Circle what it is. You're not driving past it, you're in it. The whole thing, from pickup to drop-off, runs about three to four hours depending on how the day moves.

What’s included

• All rafting equipment (wetsuit, helmet, life jacket, paddle) plus a guided one-hour river trip on the Hvítá with a trained guide. Safety briefing and gear fitting are included before you launch. Transport arrangements depend on your tour operator.
• confirm pickup location when you book.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 15 May 2027

Book up to3h before

AgesAdult (16 to 90 years) · Youth (11 to 15 years) · Under 11: can't be booked

GroupUp to 100

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 13 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Arctic Rafting

Is this one for you?Choose this if you want a half-day activity that puts you directly into Iceland's landscape rather than observing it from a distance, and you're comfortable with cold water and steady physical work.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (11 to 15 years). Children under 11 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How cold is the water?

The Hvítá is a glacier river, so water temperature is typically 4–8°C (39–46°F). A wetsuit is provided and required.

Do I need rafting experience?

No. The guide leads the paddling and manages the boat. You need moderate fitness and the ability to follow instructions, not prior experience.

What if I'm not a strong swimmer?

A life jacket is worn at all times. The guide will brief you on safety before you get in the boat.

How long is the actual rafting?

About one hour on the water. The full activity, including gear-up and briefing, takes three to four hours from start to finish.

What's included in the price?

All rafting gear: wetsuit, helmet, life jacket, paddle, and the guided river trip. Transport from Reykjavik may vary by operator.

Can I do this if I'm pregnant?

No, this activity is not recommended for pregnant travelers.

What if I have heart or cardiovascular concerns?

This activity is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health due to the physical exertion and cold water exposure.