River rafting on the Jökulsá Austari, East Glacier River in North Iceland.
River difficulty 4+ out of 5 possible – Action Packed & Demanding
An incredible adrenaline adventure awaits you on our legendary, action packed, rafting trip on the The Austari-Jökulsá Glacier River in North Iceland. This Class 4+ white water river powers through the staggeringly beautiful, impressively narrow glacier gorge of Austurdalur valley, and has consistently topped the Lonely Planets list of things to do in Iceland and for good reason. The East Glacier River simply provides the ultimate river rafting experience in Iceland and is rated as one of the top commercially rafted rivers in Europe!
But be warned, this is not a trip for the faint of heart. The Beast of the East has a powerful roar and sharp teeth. The only thing likely to surge in bigger waves then the river will be your adrenaline as we charge the famous East River Rapids. To put it mildly, you will scream out your lungs on the “Screaming Lady”, be lost for words in the “Lost”, beg for mercy in the “Green Room” and face your fears on the 8 meter high jumping rock into the river (optional and depending on conditions). We then round of our trip with a relaxing drift and swim in the calm waters after the confluence of the East and West rivers, as we let the milky glacial water carry us gently to our exit point close to Hafgrímsstaðir rafting base camp.
As you can see challenging the Beast of the East is no ordinary trip and we can promise you tons of fun, guaranteed bragging rights and memories that will last a lifetime!
From Hafgrímsstaðir rafting base camp in Skagafjörður:
Sundays - Fridays at 13:00.
Saturdays at 9:00 AM and at 15:00 PM.
Check map at end of page for driving directions.
From Varmahlíð Town in Skagafjörður:
30 minutes before Hafgrímsstaðir departure.
From Akureyri Town: Sunday - Friday at 8:30 AM from Sterna bus terminal in Akureyri.
Details:
Price: From 13.490 ISK per person.
Available: from the 1st of June to the 10th of September.
Note: The 15:00 PM Beast of the East departure on Saturdays is not available after 20th of August, as at that point there is not enough daylight for safety reasons. In that case, the only option for a saturday departure is at 9:00 AM.
Distance from Reykjavik: 294 km / 183 miles. 3,5 hour drive.
From Akureyri at 08:30 AM:
Price with pick up from Sterna bus terminal in Akureyri, BBQ dinner after the rafting trip and transfer back to Akureyri at 21:55 PM with arrival at 22:55 at Sterna bus terminal for 22.990 ISK per person. Arriving at 09:45 in Varmahlíð with rafting tour starting at 13:00 we recommend that you add a morning horse riding tour for an extra 7.500 ISK per person.
Note: This trip is unavailable with bus transfers on Saturdays.
Duration of trip: 6-7 hours (3-4 hours on the river).
Minimum: 2 persons from 1st of June - 31st of August. Minimum 4 persons from 1st - 10th of September.
Maximum: 50 persons
Age limit: 18 years. Some experience of river rafting or a strong spirit of adventure recommended!
Bring with you:
Dress as you are going on a cold mountain trip! as glacier rivers can be cold...
* very warm clothing to wear under the raft gear, expect anything you wear / bring to get wet
* bring only wool, fleece and thermals, NO COTTON!
* base layer pants and sweater
* warm fleece / wool sweater
* warm pants
* thick warm socks (winter wool socks or hiking socks)
* towel & bathing suit
Extras: Waterproof Camera: 2.500 ISK
Click here for details on our cancellation policy. Driving directions to
Hafgrímsstaðir rafting base camp in Skagafjörður:
View Hafgrímsstaðir Rafting Base Camp in a larger map Disclaimer: All river rafting trips are undertaken on the responsibility of its participants. Arctic Adventures does not assume any responsibility for accidents which are caused by its customers or can be traced to there own actions. Participants have to sign a waiver before undertaking all trips stating that they realize that all outdoor activities carry an inherit risk.