Top Ten Easy Kid-Friendly Hikes in Iceland

Are you looking for the best kid-friendly hikes in Iceland?

While there are many stunning hikes, not all of the hikes in Iceland qualify as kid-friendly. After scouring the internet and spending countless hours researching the best kid-friendly hikes in Iceland, these are the ten easy kid-friendly hikes I settled on for our trip. Wow! They did not disappoint. So, pack your bags, put on your hiking boots, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in Iceland’s enchanting landscapes!

What makes a hike kid-friendly in Iceland?

My criteria for a family-friendly Iceland hike is pretty simple. Could we handle it with a 1- and 7-year old? Did I feel safe at all times? Was I able to complete the hike without turning back? Would I recommend it to a friend?

While we love the outdoors, we aren’t more active than your average family. So when I say these are kid-friendly hikes in Iceland, I truly mean they are suitable for most families.

Thorsmork Panorama

If you’re seeking an easy and kid-friendly hike in Iceland that immerses you in the awe-inspiring beauty of Icelandic nature, the Thorsmork Panorama Hike is an excellent choice. Located in the breathtaking Thorsmork Valley, this hike combines accessible trails, breathtaking vistas, and a touch of Icelandic mythology. There is a good reason this hike is kicking off our list of kid-friendly hikes in Iceland! Thorsmork Panorama offers sweeping views that are unrivaled by other hikes.

The moderate difficulty level allows everyone to savor the journey at their own pace, making it an ideal introduction to hiking in Iceland. The Thorsmork Panorama trail leads you up through Valahnúkur mountain, for an impressive 360° view of the valleys below. The trail will take 1.5-2 hours depending on how often you stop to rest, I mean take in the sights!

Know Before You Go!

While the trail is only rated moderate, there is a very steady elevation gain and the sections of the trail are entirely stairs. I found going down to be just as hard going up because I was wearing a child in a hiking carrier. Our tour guide, more on that below, offered me a hand and I side-stepped down most the stairs. It makes for very slow going but was absolutely worth it!

Stakkholtsgja Slot Canyon Hike in Thorsmork

Stakkholtsgja Slot Canyon is located in southern Iceland, near the small town of Hvolsvöllur, in the Thorsmork region of the Highlands. The trail at Stakkholtsgja is relatively short, making it suitable for families with children of all ages. The entire hike is approximately 1.5 kilometers (1 mile) roundtrip, with no elevation gain. This family friendly hike takes around 1-2 hours to complete, allowing for plenty of time to appreciate the natural beauty along the way.

The towering basalt walls create a narrow gorge which makes staying on the trail extremely easy. An added bonus for those of us hiking Iceland with young children, there are no cliffs to worry about at Stakkholtsgja! Hiking through a slot canyon does mean uneven terrain and rocks. For young travelers, those under four, I recommend wearing them in a hiking pack.

Make sure you don’t turn around before the end of the hike! One of the highlights of the Stakkholtsgja hike is the magnificent waterfall located within the canyon at the end of the trail. However, to get to this reward you will have to ford a small stream. Most hikers will do this by cherry picking the rocks they walk over on and stay dry. For parents wearing small children in a hiking pack, that is not going to be an option. It’s just too difficult to balance on small rocks while wearing 30 pounds on your back. Wear your water proof shoes or just accept you are getting wet! I always brought multiple pairs of trail socks out for each day of hiking.

Stakkholtsgja Slot Canyon is an easy kid-friendly hike in Iceland in the stunning Thorsmork region. It is a great way to start a day of adventure! This hidden gem in southern Iceland offers an ideal opportunity for families to explore and adventure together. During our two hours here we didn’t see a single other hiker! It truly helps you feel like you are in another world!

Know Before You Go!

Getting to Thorsmork is the biggest challenge, and part of the fun! While its only a 2-hour drive from Reykjavik, accessing the region requires driving on one of Iceland’s famed F-roads. I highly recommend using a tour guide so you don’t have to ford the streams yourself. We used Midgard Adventures and I can’t recommend them enough. Be sure to ask for Anna as a tour guide! She made our day in Thorsmork extra special.

Arnarstapi to Hellnar Hike – the Best of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula

The Arnarstapi to Hellnar hike is a captivating adventure that showcases some of Iceland’s most dramatic coastal scenery. This relatively easy and family-friendly trail stretches between two charming villages on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and even features a half-troll half-man statue, Bardur!

The Arnarstapi to Hellnar hike can be done in either direction and is 2.5 km (1.5 miles) long in single direction, or 5 km (3 miles) round trip. This hike takes approximately two hours to complete roundtrip, depending on how many detours and photo stops you take. Located in the western fjords, Arnasrstapi is approximately 2.5 hours away from Reykjavik.

This family friendly Iceland hike is sure to be a fan favorite with kids! There is so much to love, not just Bardur!

Know Before You Go!

Like most family friendly hikes in Iceland, the hike between Arnarstapi and Hellnar is relatively exposed to the elements. Make sure to dress for wind, rain, and sun!

Katla Ice Cave Tour

The Katla Ice Cave tour takes you into the heart of a glacier, offering a rare glimpse into a mesmerizing icy world. Located in the southern region of Iceland, near the famous Eyjafjallajökull volcano, the Katla Ice Cave tour offers you a glimpse into why Iceland is called the land of fire and ice!

If you are visiting Vik then you should consider the Katla Ice Cave tour a must do as it is only 45 minutes outside of town. There is a reason why so many movies have been filmed here! It is absolutely one of the most other-worldly kid-friendly hikes in Iceland.

Know Before You Go!

You’ll need to book a tour to safely see the ice caves. By booking a private tour, children of all ages can experience the Katla Ice Cave tour through Katlatrack. However, there are a few things you need to know before you book!

First, the ice caves you’ll be visiting are natural and not man-made although the staff at Katlatrack helps to secure them and make them easily accessible. In our case, the cave we accessed involved walking up a moderate ice hill but they showed us a new cave that involved climbing up scaffolding. Had we been going into that cave, we would have needed to take turns staying at the bottom with our toddler.

Second, make sure to assess your comfort level before you go. We completed the hike by walking into an ice cave that involved wearing crampons and standing on solid ice. I did not feel comfortable wearing our toddler for this portion of the hike and transitioned him to my husband who felt completely at ease.

Lastly, and most importantly, follow your guide! At one point our guide went over a hill of volcanic ice and I thought I would give my calves a break by going around. I ended up in thigh high volcanic-ice slush while wearing a toddler. I wish I had a photo because I think it was a truly comical sight but I panicked and started screaming like I was in quick sand. The look on my husband and guide’s faces let me know I was not in any eminent danger.

Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon in Southern Iceland

Another slot canyon, Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, is located in the southern part of Iceland, near the village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur. However, Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon differs from Stakkholtsgja because you will enjoy this slot canyon from above instead of within the canyon.

Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon can be reached by driving along the Ring Road (Route 1), and it’s approximately a 4-hour drive from Reykjavík. It’s a great addition to your road trip if you are driving from Vik east towards Diamond Beach and the eastern fjords.

The hike itself is approximately 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) roundtrip, and relatively flat making it one of the most kid friendly hikes in Iceland. However, be aware that while there are ropes to indicate the edge of the canyon there are minimal guardrails at Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon with the exception of around the waterfall. Be extra careful with young children and consider using a hiking pack if you have a child who is inclined to run or explore on their own.

Know Before You Go!

Before you go make sure Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon is open to tourists. Not only is Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon popular with families, it is popular with millions of tourists due to the Justin Beiber video ‘I’ll Show You’. The canyon was temporarily closed due erosion and to let the vegetation recover.

Another helpful tip for visiting Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon with kids is the bathroom situation! There are restrooms near the end of the trail away from the waterfall. However, they were locked during our visit, much to the chagrin of many visitors. The trail is pretty isolated so make sure to stop at a gas station on your way there to avoid any emergencies.

Waterfall Way Hike Above Skogafoss

If you’re planning a family trip to Iceland and want to embark on a memorable hike that combines the splendor of waterfalls with a kid-friendly experience, look no further than Waterfall Way. This enchanting trail, nestled in the heart of Iceland’s stunning countryside, offers a perfect blend of captivating scenery and accessible hiking for families.

Waterfall Way is a 16 km (10 mile) hike but don’t let the length deter you! You’ll start at an epic waterfall, Skogafoss, and continue to see gorgeous landscapes and waterfalls along the way so there is no need to hike the entire ten miles.

You’ll start Waterfall Way by ascending 370 stairs to the top of Skogafoss waterfall. From there the trail gently meanders from one stunning waterfall to the next. I would consider this hike to be one of the most family-friendly hikes in Iceland but as always take care with adventurous littles and steep drop offs. There were no railings to speak of so I opted to wear our toddler in a hiking pack.

Waterfall Way is part of the famed Fimmvörðuháls trail so you should consider it a bucket-list item to do a portion of this hike!

Know Before You Go!

The staircase at Skogafoss can get slippery between rain and mist from the waterfall. While most tourists turn back well before completing Waterfall Way, you’ll still encounter quite a few other visitors on the staircase. Use care when walking down the steps particularly if wearing a child in a hiking pack as not all portions have a hand railing. I did this hike solo while wearing my toddler in the rain and definitely caused a bit of a traffic jam on the stairs. However, I always value safety so I took it slow and steady!

Feeling hungry after all of that hiking? Make sure you check out Mia’s Fish and Chips just down the street. The sweet and spicy sauce was unexpected and absolutely delicious!

Hiking Gulfoss Along the Golden Circle

Located on the Golden Circle near Reykjavik, Gulfoss is probably one of the first waterfalls you’ll visit in Iceland. Gulfoss is unique because you view the falls from above and it appears that the Iceland waterfall is actually going underground!

Not really a hike per se, Gulfoss does afford you the opportunity to get out and stretch your legs. You can view the waterfall from an upper and lower viewpoint which gives you the opportunity to see the waterfall from different perspectives. As you navigate the trails, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of Gullfoss cascading down into the Hvítá River, creating mesmerizing mist and rainbows in the process. Encourage your children to appreciate the sheer power of the falls, listen to the roaring sound of the water, and feel the refreshing mist on their faces. These spectacular views will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on young adventurers.

You don’t need more than an hour at Gulfoss so it makes the perfect addition to a jam-packed day on the Golden Circle. An easy edition to your list of kid-friendly hikes in Iceland!

Know Before You Go!

The trail to the lower viewpoint can get slippery from the waterfall mist. In the winter this will likely be inaccessible. In summer, make sure your kids are taking it slow and wearing shoes with good grip.

Thingvellir National Park

One of the most fascinating aspects of hiking in Thingvellir is the opportunity to witness the meeting point of two tectonic plates. The park sits within the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the Eurasian and North American plates are slowly drifting apart. This unique geological phenomenon creates impressive rock formations, dramatic cliffs, and stunning fissures, providing an excellent educational experience for children interested in geology.

Not only is Thingvellir of geological significance, its also of historical importance. It served as the gathering place for Iceland’s ancient parliamentary assembly, the Althing, which dates back to the 10th century. As you hike through the park, take the opportunity to share stories of Iceland’s history and its democratic traditions.

A 1.5 km (3 mile) loop will will cover most of the main sights in Thingvellir including the Almannagja Gorge and Oxafoss Waterfall. A few hours is more than enough time to enjoy Thingvellir.

Know Before You Go!

For the truly adventurous you can add snorkeling between two tectonic plates to your day of kid-friendly hikes in Iceland. Don’t worry, they’ll provide wetsuits!

Skaftafellsjökull Glacier in Vatnajökull National Park

While Svartifoss is the more famous hike, the Skaftafellsjökull Glacier hike wins my vote for the most kid-friendly hikes in Iceland and is an excellent intro to Vatnajökull National Park. Located in eastern Iceland, you’ll find smaller crowds if you venture to Vatnajökull National Park. At just over 4-hours one-way from Reykjavik, I highly recommend you go!

The Skaftafellsjökull Glacier trail is just under 1.5 km (3 miles) and has relatively minimal elevation gain. The trail leading up the glacial basin is a rocky trail through foliage making it absolutely perfect for little legs. This was one of the few kid friendly trails in Iceland where I was truly able to let my toddler run free.

The trail ends at the tongue of the Skaftafellsjökull Glacier. Seeing the glacier up close was truly magical and we spent a good amount of just taking in the beautiful view. Honestly, if we had lounge chairs we probably could have set there all day!

Know Before You Go!

Parking in Vatnajökull National Park isn’t free so make sure you remember to pay before you hit the trails! We didn’t have any issue finding parking but I recommend you get there early in the summer months to be on the safe side.

Laugahringur (Geothermal Pool Circle) in Landmannalaugar

This is the most accessible and probably only kid-friendly hike in the Landmannalaugar area of Iceland. The hike starts at the camping and service station and winds through black lava fields. The beginning of the hike is suitable for all fitness levels and ages. However, as the trail continues you will start to scramble over the lava rocks. This was easily managed by my 7-year old child but I felt uncomfortable wearing our toddler through this section. If you are a taller adult then wearing a baby in a hiking pack would be a breeze. Just ask my husband! But at 5’0 feet tall I struggled to take high steps and maintain my center of gravity with a hiking pack pulling me backwards.

Once you reach the end of the lava fields you’ll be rewarded with a sulfur hot pot and views of the famous painted mountains of Landmannalaugar. I was so relieved to find a kid-friendly hike in this region of Iceland because the painted mountains are something everyone should see. I had initially wanted to tackle Mt. Blahnúkúr and our guide very politely laughed at me, my two kids, and their grandfather. I would say if you have children under the age of five or who are not confident hikers, stick to Laugahringur. It is still an amazing experience!

An added bonus, in this area you are sure to see snow! My kids loved sledding down snow packed hills in the middle of summer.

Know Before You Go!

Getting to Landmannalaugar is no easy feat. Similar to Thorsmork, you’ll access this hike via F-roads and I highly recommend doing so with a tour guide. In all honesty, the word road is being used very generously when describing how we got to Landmannalaugar.

The drive is not for the faint of heart, or the faint of stomach. It was a four hour drive round trip and extremely bumpy. It felt like we were driving straight up cliffs at some points and straight through rivers at others. I strongly suggest you bring a change of clothes and vomit-bag just in case.

While you are packing extra items, throw in a few more layers! You will definitely see snow even in the summer! Landmannalaugar is about 10 degrees F colder than other parts of Iceland. The temperature drop was dramatic but interestingly it warmed up once we were on the trail. It was the scenic viewpoints along the way where we felt really underdressed.

Which one of these ten easy kid-friendly hikes in iceland will you add to your trip?

We loved our time hiking in Iceland and I know you will too! Finding the best hikes for your family that will fit your fitness levels and interests can be difficult, I hope this post has helped!

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