Location: Varmahlid
Top Things to do in Varmahlid
The 7 Best Things to Do in Varmahlid, Iceland
Varmahlid in Iceland, from Europe region, is best know for River Rafting & Tubing. Discover best things to do in Varmahlid with beautiful photos and great reviews from traveller around the world here!
Restaurants in Varmahlid
1. Bakkaflot
Overall Ratings
5 based on 105 reviews
We have proudly offered whitewater rafting since 1993. Our trips begin and end at the boathouse. Our guides will give you all of the equipment and information needed to ensure you have a fun and safe experience with us. When returning to the base all rafting guests are welcome to use our hot pools and enjoy the restaurant and bar facilities. Come and join us down the beautiful glacial rivers!
Reviewed By Ashley H - Fayetteville, Arkansas, United States
Our tour guide Robert and his other Napalese companions were excellent and competent guides on this extreme rafting trip. We had a smaller group (5 people) in September and had a rather uneventful time braving rapids down the river. We were given the opportunity to paddle back into a rapid to try Surfing. Our team ended up flipping out of the raft, but all was recovered safely. It felt a bit harrowing, but in the end was the thing that made the trip the most exciting for me and brought our group of mostly strangers closer together. We were also given the opportunity to jump off of a cliff (I'd guess maybe around 20 ft tall or maybe 7 meters high). It was unique as the footing from the top is uneven. I recommend having some previous experience jumping from heights into water before attempting as there are a few variables to consider, such as jumping out and away from the cliff to avoid hitting it on the way down. There is also a place to jump from a lower height for those who can use a warm up.
The water is bracing and after getting wet we were all a shivering towards the end of the float, in spite of our long underwear and borrowed wet suites. We were greeted with warm lamb and vegetable soup upon exiting the river and then bussed back to the campground/reservation area where we were able to take a hot shower and enjoy the heated pool and hot pots (hot tubs).
The only real drawback is that the guides don't take any pictures, so you are on your own--bring a waterproof camera or get friendly with someone else who has one. I had left my phone in the van and was able to get a group photo at the end of the trip. Wish someone could snap a photo of the group paddling down the river...
That said, do this trip while you can. The guides informed us of plans to dam the river for hydroelectric power in the future, so this opportunity is not likely to be around forever.
2. Hestasport - Riding Tours
Overall Ratings
5 based on 78 reviews
Our guests are like family to us, we offer personal service, small groups and excellent tailor-made tours.Everyone from first time riders to Icelandic horse addicts are welcome. We like to share our Viking treasure and its captivating gaits in a landscape offering magnificent views overlooking the vast plains and Mountains of the Skagafjörður valley.Choose tours from 1 hour to 9 days!
Reviewed By tombillinge - Cambridge, United Kingdom
The riding here was really fun. The horses are in great shape and the tour leader was very friendly and professional. We got to tolt a few times, so we were really happy. The one hour ride takes in a lot of landscape and gives you a real feel for riding Icelandic horses.
3. Glaumbaer Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 199 reviews
Reviewed By Ed_Uyeshima - San Francisco, California
It's the type of open-air museum Rick Steves would have rave about on his PBS travel series except I don't think he has gone to Iceland. He would take his wife and kids to illustrate what a family-friendly attraction it would be, but I have to say I was not really entranced by this traditional Icelandic turf farm. In fact, I found it crowded and a bit boring perhaps because most of the staff looked bored. It consists basically of a row of 18th-century wood-fronted turf-walled and turf-roofed cottages connected by a hidden passageway.
They're furnished with appropriate period furniture and accessories and apparently tourists who won't budge from the doorways to allow others to enter or exit. The one bright spot of the visit is Áskaffi, a 19th-century building that houses a tearoom with quaint, old-world charm. I took advantage as it was a long drive for me and Akureryi was still an hour away. Admission is 1,600 ISK (or $15), something that wasn't clear until I passed by a room in one of the cottages and a woman barked at me to pay up and leave my camera bag before entering. Nice.
4. Vioimyrarkirkja Church
Overall Ratings
4 based on 65 reviews
Reviewed By Pauline V - Lowestoft, United Kingdom
If you are in the area would recommend stopping off here. Hard to find but cute place. Nice location but wouldn't go miles out of the way to see it. A small place so will be seen within a few minutes.
5. Lytingsstadir Riding Tours
Overall Ratings
5 based on 22 reviews
Lýtingsstadir offers short and long riding tours, lasting from one hour up to day tours and week long tours. The short tours suit beginners and experiences riders. Week long tours only for experienced riders. Long riding tours depart only during the summer month, short tours all year around. Riding holidays are provided on the farm all year round. Guests can rent one of the cottages for self catering and take part on riding tours. This option suits well for families and couples. The newest attraction is The Old Stable, made from turf. It displays how horses were kept in the old days. Guided tours along with the popular Horses&Heritage presentation can be booked. Lýtingsstadir is authorized by the Icelandic Tourist Board since the year 2000. Lýtingsstadir is one of three farms participating in the concept "The Icelandic Farm Animals".
Reviewed By SophieBlue09 - Payson, Arizona
Going on the "Horses and Heritage" tour was the most moving and memorable experience my husband and I did during our 17 days in Iceland! When we arrived with our fantastic tour guide, Lilia, we were warmly welcomed by the family farm's owners: Sveinn and Evelyn. Evelyn then walked with us to "The Old Stable" that she had built by a local expert in the traditional turf manner and filled with antique tools and equipment. Two friendly horses were in there as well. We also saw another traditional turf structure that was used as a holding pen for horses. Evelyn has a fascinating story to tell every step of the way and answered all of our questions about Icelandic horses and farming in Iceland. Next we took an hour-long trail ride on gentle Icelandic horses with our guide, Stephanie, who was very personable and knowledgeable. We even crossed a shallow stream and saw how sure-footed these horses are! When we returned, Evelyn had soft drinks and trays of delicious home-baked snacks for us in another building. Evelyn played a wonderful video on the Icelandic horses -- past and present. The time just flew by and throughout, we were learning so much about these amazing horses and how Evelyn opened up a working farm to become an extraordinary experience for others to understand and enjoy.
6. Sydra Skordugil - Horse Rental
Overall Ratings
5 based on 9 reviews
At Syðra-Skorðugil we offer both short and long riding tours. We have a certified horse rental with great staff that will take you to a trip you will never forget. Wide range of horses both for beginners and advanced riders.
Reviewed By LoriJaneson - Winnipeg, Canada
We travelled as a group of 9 including 2 seniors, 2 teens and 1 child. We were introduced to the horses and the Elvar and His daughters who were all very capable and kind. We would highly recommend this operation for its care of the...MoreThank you very much for visiting us ! It was great to meet you. Best regards Elvar & family.
7. Bolugil
Overall Ratings
4 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By Kelly H - Charlotte, North Carolina
Since we were traveling west, we had no luck finding this place. There are no signs posted for it. Maybe if we were coming from the other direction we would have seen it. ;-(
