Iceland's #1 Grade 4 Rafting – Glacial Canyon & Drysuits

5.0(483)6 hFree cancellationBy Viking Rafting

This is where the ride gets real: Commitment, the first big punch.

About this activity

The East Glacial River (Austari Jökulsá) is Iceland's signature Grade 4+ rafting trip – 18 km of big, powerful rapids born under the Hofsjökull glacier, running through a deep basalt canyon in North Iceland's highlands. No roads, no crowds, no phone signal. Just you, your crew, and the river.

You don't need rafting experience, just decent fitness and the will to paddle hard. Every trip runs with professional safety kayakers alongside the rafts, guided by an internationally certified team with decades on this river. You get a full safety briefing, a premium DRYSUIT, and all the gear to stay warm in glacial water. Cold river, warm rafters.

Rated one of Iceland's top adventure experiences and a TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice winner. If you do one adrenaline activity in Iceland, do this one.

What's included

✓Transportation between the rafting base and the river
✓Riverside refreshments
✓Transport from Akureyri (only if option selected at time of booking)
✓International rafting federation Qualified, professional raft guides and safety kayakers
✓All rafting equipment: DRYSUIT, PFD, helmet, Skull cap, booties, gloves

Not included

✕Additional food and drinks, unless specified
✕Gratuities
✕Private transportation

Meeting and pickup

You’ll find us just 15 km south of Varmahlíð on Road #752—on your left right after crossing a small bridge over a river. Cruise ship adventurers: If our departure time doesn’t line up with your schedule, contact us. We’ll do our best to make it work for you.

Good to know

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Minimum age is 18—but if you're underage and still dreaming of this trip, get in touch. We'll see what’s possible))
Recommended items to bring: thermal underwear/base layers, warm fleece top/wool sweater, fleece pants/extra long johns, thick wool socks/hiking socks, change of clothes for after the river, any necessary medications (asthma inhalers, etc.) and waterproof camera (optional)
Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there is not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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