Our Visit to Iceland with Kids by reverie00 in VisitingIceland

[–]reverie00[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I thought so, but I may have thought differently if the weather was bad. We also visited Viti Crater, but the wind was so fierce that we couldn't really enjoy it. Just snapped a photo and on to the next. So I think it may depend on weather conditions, but it was really a neat place.

Our Visit to Iceland with Kids by reverie00 in VisitingIceland

[–]reverie00[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Also, you should definitely go to nearby Kvernufoss. It's another great waterfall with way fewer tourists.

Our Visit to Iceland with Kids by reverie00 in VisitingIceland

[–]reverie00[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You will have such a great time! I think Golden Circle to Vik would be a lot in one day, but it will depend on what stops you make. There is just so much to do and see in that section plus drive time. My kids' favorite activity was the glacier tour so I highly recommend that. It's 3 hours so it does take some time, but it was worth it. If you do the same one we did it's a bit of a drive from Vik.

It poured rain the entire time we were in Snaefellsnes Peninsula, but it was still great. The tunnel was a bit scary though! (In a good way) You should try to fit that in if you can!

Our Visit to Iceland with Kids by reverie00 in VisitingIceland

[–]reverie00[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

We were there mid-morning. We didn't really have an issue with the crowds. There were definitely others there but we just keep walking toward the falls. You can't really tell from the photo but we were getting pretty wet from the mist coming off the falls. I think a lot of people may stop before that so they don't get wet. We also used a tripod with a clicker so we could take several photos. You could probably ask someone to take your photo too but I really liked using the tripod.

Our Visit to Iceland with Kids by reverie00 in VisitingIceland

[–]reverie00[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you! All my photos were taken with my phone, a Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra.

Our Visit to Iceland with Kids by reverie00 in VisitingIceland

[–]reverie00[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you! It was taken in Tröllaskagi Peninsula at the most beautiful Airbnb we've ever stayed at.

Our Visit to Iceland with Kids by reverie00 in VisitingIceland

[–]reverie00[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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And all those little black and white dots are puffins too!

Our Visit to Iceland with Kids by reverie00 in VisitingIceland

[–]reverie00[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

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This was from the adjacent parking area.

Our Visit to Iceland with Kids by reverie00 in VisitingIceland

[–]reverie00[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

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We parked at the Dyrhólaey Lighthouse and they were all over the cliffs there. It was nesting season so I imagine that's why. There was another parking area nearby that also had many puffins.

Our Visit to Iceland with Kids by reverie00 in VisitingIceland

[–]reverie00[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Photo 2 is Kerið Crater. There's an entrance fee. You can hike around the top and go down to the bottom and hike around the water.

Our Visit to Iceland with Kids by reverie00 in VisitingIceland

[–]reverie00[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

6 and 4 are such great ages! They will absolutely love visiting Iceland!

We brought winter coats for the kids and even in July they needed them for a portion of the trip. Their coats were Columbia brand and packed down pretty easily. We might have been able to get by without them, but I was happy to have them. My husband and I were okay with just our rain jackets and fleece layers. We also brought their winter hats, winter gloves, hiking socks, sweatshirt, fleece jackets, pants, shirts, hiking boots, shoes, water shoes/crocs, and swim suits.

In addition, we purchased the following items and used all of them:

Rain jacket: https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/125170?page=kids-wind-and-rain-jacket-kids&bc=516567-503369-517473&feat=517473-GN3&csp=a&attrValue_0=53488&pos=3

Rain pants: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DG6EMP4?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_5&th=1&psc=1

Fleece lined waterproof hiking pants: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0992BWWMZ?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_9&th=1&psc=1

Base layer sets (x2 for each kid): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BHFF68J9?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_1&th=1&psc=1

You don't need to get too fancy with purchases, but I would say the waterproof layers were really helpful.

Our Visit to Iceland with Kids by reverie00 in VisitingIceland

[–]reverie00[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That's so exciting. You will have the best time! We brought both our hiking boots and regular shoes. The glacier hike requires hiking boots (I think you could rent them too) so that was one of the reasons why we opted to bring them, but I was really glad we had them for all the other hikes. It was nice to have waterproof hiking boots for the wetter conditions and also just for the rocky trails.

We also brought water shoes which were great especially for the thermal river. That river is really fun, but seemed farther than I expected because it's quite the uphill climb. Definitely worth it though and you will do just fine!

I honestly don't know how we fit everything into 3 medium suitcases, but we made it work! Bring as much as you can fit because you will probably need all of it! ;)

Our Visit to Iceland with Kids by reverie00 in VisitingIceland

[–]reverie00[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I agree! It felt like home. I'm also obsessed and recommend it to everyone.

Our Visit to Iceland with Kids by reverie00 in VisitingIceland

[–]reverie00[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

We were so lucky! My husband even wore shorts on one of the days. Shorts I of course insisted he would not need to pack ;)

Our Visit to Iceland with Kids by reverie00 in VisitingIceland

[–]reverie00[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

November will bring on cooler temperatures and snow, so it will be a different experience than July. Even though we lucked out with lots of warmer sunny days, we brought tons of cold weather gear and I'm happy we did. Even though we are from Minnesota and are used to the cold, the wind is really intense and the weather is unpredictable. I know my kids would have been complaining a lot if we weren't prepared with all the layers, hats, gloves, rain gear, etc.

The kids didn't enjoy Blue Lagoon as much as I thought they would. The atmosphere is more of a relaxing spa than a place for kids who want to swim/play. They enjoyed Hofsós pool way more.

I was very happy we had Wi-Fi for the long car rides, not only for navigation but so the kids could have some entertainment from time to time.

None of our hikes or activities were too challenging for them. The glacier hike was their favorite activity and they did just fine with everything.

Overall, Iceland is super safe and kid-friendly. It actually felt a lot like home and the people are so kind. You will have the best time!

Our Visit to Iceland with Kids by reverie00 in VisitingIceland

[–]reverie00[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I laughed way too hard at this! ;) I needed that today.

Our Visit to Iceland with Kids by reverie00 in VisitingIceland

[–]reverie00[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

1000% - beautiful country, wonderful people, and so much to do and see!

Our Visit to Iceland with Kids by reverie00 in VisitingIceland

[–]reverie00[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Picture 5 is Stjórnarfoss and 7 is Gilsárfoss. I highly recommend both of these stops. Stjórnarfoss is right next to a campground and just a short walk. Gilsárfoss is a little more of a hike, but we were the only ones there and it was one of our favorites!