Taking your kids on vacation in Iceland can be an exciting adventure. The little ones (and not so little ones) are still experiencing the world through young eyes. You see the wonder in their faces and their eyes light up when the double rainbow shines in the mist of the crashing Skógafoss waterfall. Camping is one of the most popular ways for families and travelers on a budget to experience our beautiful, volcanic island. And there are multitude of ways to camp, so there’s something for everyone. Whether you decided to rent a car and go tent camping or have your home on four wheels with a campervan or motorhome, life on the road awaits you.
Is it Safe to Camp in Iceland?
Iceland is one of the safest countries on earth. You know those crazy travel show where they show babies left outside to nap in freezing temperatures while their parents run errands or have a coffee catch up with their friends? Yup, that’s Iceland. And it’s been happening for decades. Iceland is extremely safe (don’t worry, we won’t force you to leave your kids outside). It’s perfect for a family vacation and it a really fun place for kids. Another nice bonus is that there are no mosquitoes in Iceland, so mom and dad won’t have to listen to whining and complaining about mosquito bites from their little campers.
How much does it cost to camp in Iceland?
This is probably one of the biggest benefits of camping in Iceland with your kids. It’s so much cheaper to rent a car, camper, or motorhome with your family and stay at campsites that it is to stay at a hotel. If you have the Iceland Campingcard, you’ll have even more savings. A family of four will especially luck out, but larger families benefit as well. Summer is probably the ideal time to come on a family vacation to Iceland as all of the country’s campsites will be open. You also have a wide range of outdoor activities to choose from during summertime. Campsites are usually $7-$15 per person per night and depending on the childrens’ ages (10 or younger and sometimes 12 or younger), they stay for free or half price.
What’s the Best Way to Travel with Kids in Iceland?
This really depends on what you and your children feel most comfortable with. While campervans are more affordable to rent, there’s nothing quite like the luxury and comfort of a motorhome. You have all the amenities you need whenever you need them. This comes in quite handy with young children who frequently need to take potty breaks. You’ve also got a shower with hot water, which is something you may not have at every campsite. See to what extent you and your family can “rough it” and you’ll have your answer.
What Do Families Do in Iceland?
Iceland is a huge natural playground for children. They’re learning new things about the world every day having new experiences. While their little imaginations have only pictured volcanoes when reading about them in storybooks, here’s their chance to see the real thing up close. You can go to places like the Eldborg crater and tell them how there was once a huge explosion of fire and lava that billowed smoke everywhere. And what about the amazing Strokkur geyser that shoots water 65 feet (20 meters) high up into the air? A tour of the Golden Circle will provide an exciting geology lesson they’ll never forget. And even cooler are the hissing, bubbling, blue and gray mud pots of the Hverir geothermal area. They can pretend they’ve landed in an alien land.
These are just a few ideas to get you started on planning a holiday with the kids. As you learn more about Iceland you’ll discover plenty of other child-friendly activities like whale watching, puffin excursions, or taking a boat ride around Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and admiring the floating icebergs. There are even places for children to go on an elf spotting expedition! It’s like a safari, but with magical creatures, the húldufolk. While Hafnarfjördur is known as the place in Iceland with the country’s largest settlements of elves, there’s also an Elf School in Reykjavik that you can visit.
Camping in Iceland for Families
Taking a family camping trip to Iceland is something no one in your little clan will soon forget. It’s the trip of a lifetime, regardless of age. So pack your bags and your mini suitcases and get ready.
