East Glacial River – Grade 4 Rafting with Drysuits, North Iceland
Overview
Available languages
6 hours
Mobile ticket
Get ready to conquer Iceland’s wildest whitewater. The East Glacial River isn’t just a rafting trip. It’s Iceland’s wildest river adventure! It´s packed with exciting Grade 4/4+ rapids, stunning canyon views, and pure, unforgettable fun. No experience? No problem. Our friendly, world-class guides will show you everything you need to know.
Worried about the cold? Don’t be. We’ll gear you up in a full drysuit (yes, really!) so you stay warm, dry, and comfortable no matter the weather or splash factor.
Whether you're a total beginner or a thrill-seeker looking for the best rafting in Iceland, this is the trip people from around the world are raving about. Come see why it’s one of Europe’s top-rated whitewater experiences!
Additional Info
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
What To Expect
In one word... AWESOME! The East Glacial River Gorge (Jökulsá-Austari) is the setting for our most action-packed and exciting rafting day tour. With spectacular deep canyon scenery and relentless heart-pumping whitewater, the East has been consistently rated one of Europe’s best rafting rivers and has topped popular guide books’ lists of "must-do's" in Iceland. One of the most remote single-day rafting trips on the planet, this whitewater adventure delivers an unforgettable journey into the untamed beauty of Iceland’s river wilderness. Combine that with a dose of adrenaline strong enough to satisfy the most powerful of cravings. For those traveling to Iceland with a thirst for adventure, this is a day tour not to be missed!
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
Additional food and drinks, unless specified
Gratuities
Private transportation
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Options
Rafting Tour
6 hour rafting trip (3 hours on the water) on the East Glacial River, through exciting rapids and mind-blowing scenery down one of Europe's top rated rafting rivers.
Rafting Tour with Transfers
Grade 4+ whitewater rafting trip on the East Glacial River with pickup and drop-off from Akureyri (pickup outside Akureyri Backpackers, Hafnarstræti 98).
Reviews
443 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
East the best!
Niccolo S,May 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What an excellent experience! Rafting among geological formations and in a glacier river.. The trip is led by very passionate and professional guides where they put extreme effort in ultimately having a great time for all of us. Our guides were Hari, in charge of taking pictures along the journey! Saurav was part together with Shawn were the safety kayaks around the raft and our guides Anup was on board with the group. If you want a truly adrenaline experience, go rafting. If you want the best experience go with Viking!
Season opener “Cold but memorable”
krankenb,May 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We were the season openers. It was freezing cold but still very worthwhile. It is amazingly exiting and very adventurous.
This is an amazing place, a friendly vibes and very welcoming team of professionals. Amazi
Ganesh G,Apr 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is an amazing place ,a friendly vibes and the very welcoming team of professionals. Whitewater Action rafting is the best thing you can do . The river is absolutely stunning with great
Amazing river, great team
DayTrip55432774169,Apr 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an amazing time on the river, beautiful scenic and the best food on our trip. Thanks to the Viking Rafting Team and of course Bhalu!
Viking Rafting Adventure with Saurav: Fun, Professional, and Cozy Experience
yimr2025,Oct 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our family had an amazing Viking rafting experience on 22 Sep 2025, guided by Saurav. He was very professional and knowledgeable throughout the trip, making us feel safe and engaged. The rafting route was lots of fun, perfectly balancing excitement with beautiful scenery. We also loved the snacks provided—especially the hot chocolate, which was delicious and warming! It was really thoughtful that they gave us extra clothing to keep cozy in the chilly weather. Highly recommend this adventure for anyone looking for a memorable and well-organized rafting experience! — Chan Family
River thrills and fabulous team!
l f rra2022,Oct 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a great day! The thrill of the river and the beauty of the surroundings in their autumn colours was multiplied by the professionalism and cheerfulness of the great guide team. Thank you Anup, Hari, Gustavo, Saurav & The Viking Rafting Team for one of the best days ever :)
Iceland- My top Tourist suggestion
rsawh78298,Sep 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Having visited over 75 countries, I will list Iceland as a top tourist destination. Every traveler have their own preference so these are my Pros and Cons for your considerations if Iceland is on your bucket list. Pros: 1. Very Tourist friendly. It is the largest revenue generator. With a total population of 400,000 they welcome over 4 million visitors annually. 2. Unique geography- You get to see Volcanos, Ice Glaciers, Black Sand Beaches, Northern lights, Warm Lagoons, Plenty of beautiful Waterfalls and Canyons 3. Very safe country and you need not to worry about getting mugged or robbed. 4. No language issue as just about everyone speaks English. Reading Icelandic road names is difficult though. 5. Nice and clean cities, sparsely populated country-side with amazing landscapes. Cons: 1. Very expensive - Hotels, Food and Taxis but worth it if you can afford. 2. You must be in good health and good physical stamina as you will expect lot of hiking and climbing stairs when visiting Waterfalls and Canyons. 3. Cold climate with lot of wind and rain. Hope this helps fellow travelers. Bon Voyage !!
Awesome, Unforgettable Bucketlist Ecperience
sallysV8603JL,Sep 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was an awesome, unforgettable, bucket list experience. The staff promises a rip roaring ride, but safety is their top priority. If they can keep a 66 year old lady who has absolutely no rafting experience secure and happy, they’ll make sure you have a wonderful and safe ride too. Although the whole team was great, Hari was exceptional. Also really enjoyed having Bhalu along for the ride. So glad I went and hope to go again!
Highlight of our trip!
Road50623931169,Sep 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00FANTASTIC! The team was interactive, highly informative, helpful and fun to be around! We felt prepared and ready! And lunch- wow! We will be back!
Great time !!
S4752GLnickg,Sep 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We went rafting today and had an amazing time. 10/10 - Hari especially made our trip so memorable, what a legend. Thanks team for a brilliant day!
From €240.00
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