Iceland: A Transformative Adventure to Inspire Climate Change

Join us on a family-friendly adventure in Iceland that will have you immersed in living science, giving you opportunities to explore the beauty of this ever-changing landscape and learn firsthand about Iceland’s geothermal and volcanic activity, as well as how Iceland has harnessed its natural resources. 

Climate change is already affecting every inhabited region across the globe with human influence contributing to many observed changes in weather and climate extremes. Iceland is no exception and, with an expert guide at your side, you will learn how climate change has affected Iceland’s geography and wildlife, witnessing how nature reacts to the retreat of a glacier and volcano eruptions, as well as learn how the changing ocean temperatures have threatened some of the local wildlife.  By the time you leave Iceland you will truly know the impacts of climate change and how to treat the environment in a sustainable way and hopefully have some ideas about what you personally can do to minimize your impact and help mitigate climate change. It is not too late for us to slow down the process and allow nature to adapt. Even planting trees in a local or garden helps or sharing with others what you learned on this inspiring geological journey!

Capacity and Trip Cost: Capacity and pricing for this full trip package is based on a family of four people with two adults and two children. Discounts may apply for younger children and surcharges may apply for older children. There is an optional upgrade for the helicopter volcano tour. For more information, please click on the "$ Costs" button at the top of the page.   

• Learn about Iceland’s volcanic activity and geothermal history. This is science and history merged into one in the rawest way imaginable, as you see lava pouring over ice. 
• While walking and riding snow mobiles across sea level glaciers, you will explore their features and learn how they provide the best historical indicators for how the environment with rising worldwide temperatures. 
• Witness whales in their natural habitat at a respectful distance and learn how the whale watching industry is combating the whaling hunting fleet
• Learn about the natural habitats of these puffins, whose population has dropped by 20% since the start of the century due to changing ocean temperatures placing them on the vulnerable species list. 
• Enjoy a meal in a geothermal greenhouse and learn how affordable and effective this abundant energy source can feed a nation. 
• Learn all about how Iceland has harnessed its natural resources and how it has gone from being heavily reliant on oil import to being a heavily renewable energy use country

Global Family Travels' vision is to unite humanity and inspire travelers to take responsibility for the challenges and opportunities facing our increasingly inter-connected planet.   Much more than a traditional tour operator, Global Family Travels’ mission is to provide authentic community-based “Learn, Serve and Immerse” travel experiences, as means to foster cross-cultural understanding and better global citizens.

Using tourism to help solve community challenges, we organize sustainable travel experiences in partnership with local and global non-profit organizations.  Our local Seattle Community tours and global trips often support of many United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including education, access to clean water, conservation, gender equality, and the preservation of diverse and indigenous cultures.  
 
Expect to Expand your Family Circle when you embark on a Global Family Travels trip! Visit our website for more information.  

Carbon Removal: According to the State of Global Carbon Dioxide Removal Report by University of Oxford, natural methods of removing carbon from the atmosphere are not enough by themselves due to the amount of pollution currently in the atmosphere. Innovations in removing and permanently storing carbon emissions are needed to conserve nature and reverse the course toward further climate change. 

Tomorrow’s Air: Global Family Travels is passionate about encouraging tourism that is not only sustainable but regenerative. To help with our mission, we seek to partner with like-minded brands such as Tomorrow’s Air, which operates within the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA).   

Tomorrow’s Air is a collective of carbon removal innovators that work to permanently remove and store carbon from the atmosphere. Travel is a large contributor to global emissions, and we feel it is important to educate and empower travelers to support efforts that combat climate change! A $25 donation per person to Tomorrow’s Air is already included in the trip's price which you may opt-out of via email. 

The Blue Lagoon is Iceland’s most famous outdoor spa that boasts picture perfect scenery and radiant powers of geothermal seawater. Relaxation and rejuvenation take center stage in this unforgettable experience. Global Family Travels guests will receive premium admission to the Blue Lagoon, which includes mud masks, towels, a complementary drink, slippers, and bathrobes. (Children under the age of 8 years old must wear floaties.)

As the world’s most northerly capital, Reykjavik has recently become a popular little city, it is clean, green and compact. With a progressive culinary scene, museums, surprisingly lively nightlife (during non-pandemic times that is) and a hint of Nordic cool, this city has unique personality despite the cold. It’s easy to navigate and the best spots are all more or less within walking distance from one another. 

We recommend taking your time as you get between places, but if you are in a rush to get to the bar before happy hour is over, you can hop on one of the city’s electric scooters from Hopp or Wind and quickly make your way to the next destination. To learn about all the wonderful spots around the country you can check out Hidden Iceland's Complete Guide to Reykjavík.

The tranquil glacier lagoon, with its building sized icebergs, is a stark reminder that climate change is all too real here in Iceland. This 5-mile-long lagoon was a full-blown glacier 50 years ago. Now it is a deep lagoon teeming with fish, birdlife and seals. This just goes to show that life will take advantage of the changes occurring around us whenever possible.

A glacier hike on Falljökull glacier is truly a unique experience. We will explore the glacier textures, features and walk on the bottom of its crevasses.

Some important things to know about this glacier Hike:

What fitness level do I need to take part?

Our glacier and ice cave tours range from easy to challenging. On our easier tours (with the exception of our helicopter tours) you must be able to walk at least 3 kilometres (2 miles) without undue fatigue. The more challenging hikes require a moderate fitness level with the expectation that you can ascend and descend stair like slopes without support, and walk between 6 and 9km (5 miles) on our longest hikes. Don’t worry, every tour is designed for first timers and your guide is on hand to help at every step of the way.

Is there a minimum age?

10 years old (14 for ice climbing). When running private tours we may be able to revise the minimum age, though it may come down to the physical size of the child more than the age, e.g. we have safety gear that doesn’t fit very small children.

What level of mobility do I need to take part?

Regardless of the difficulty level, full mobility of your knees and ankles is required. Most glacier hikes involve some sloped walking, so being able to lift your knees up to your waist and having a full rotational motion of both ankles is key. Don’t worry, we will provide you with all glacier equipment needed for the trip to keep you safe.

How fast do I need to walk?

Further details are explained below for each tour but since each tour is designed for first timers, we make sure to take ample water breaks and picture stops and walk at a slow to medium pace. On the longer tours we even stop for lunch on the ice. It’s rare that you will be walking for more than 20 minutes at a time without a break. You will be given crampons and other safety gear to allow you to walk on the ice without any worry of slipping.

Will I have a guide for the entire time?

Always. All of our guides (or trusted partners) are experienced and well trained glacier guides. Each guide has hiked on the glacier you will be walking on many times in the past. They have all completed strenuous glacier training. Each glacier guide for Hidden Iceland is a certified Wilderness First Responder. They are also trained in rescue techniques including crevasse rescue. For self drive tours and some private tours, we may utilise the skills of trusted local partners who meet our secondary service provider standards.

Is it cold on the glacier?

On average, the glacier can feel around 1-2 °C colder than the surrounding areas (approx. 2-3 °F) but with constant walking, you’ll rarely notice the difference. With that said, you should always bring gloves and a hat and waterproof clothing at all times of year. In winter, extra thick socks and added warm layers are likely needed. Check out our year round packing list here. You can borrow waterproof outer-layers and boots from us upon request.

What should I bring?

We will provide all glacier equipment for you (helmet, crampons, harness, ice axe etc) but as standard you should bring hat, gloves and multiple layers (yes, even in summer). Waterproof outer layers (top and bottom) and hiking boots that support the ankle are highly recommended on all tours. These can be provided by Hidden Iceland or our partners upon request. A small day pack to shed and add layers as well as carrying water and snacks is a good idea too.

On Friday, the 19th of March 2021, a volcanic eruption began in the Reykjanes Peninsula, just a short drive from Reykjavík city. It’s the first time in almost 800 years Iceland has had an eruption in this area. You will hike to see the volcano oozing lava, and forming new land right before your eyes. A truly once in a lifetime experience! 

Transportation: Participants will be escorted in a new and spacious Mercedes Benz vehicle according to the size of the group. 

Safety: All of our Iceland guides are part of the Association of Icelandic Mountain Guides, Wilderness First Responders and hold Hard Ice Qualifications (Jöklar 2) which includes terrain management and suitable guiding practices in these environments to keep travelers safe.  

Pack List: A packing list will be provided to participants prior approximately 4 weeks prior to trip departure.

Our  Iceland guides are experts in the environment that they guide, which comes from years of experience working in the field as well as various qualifications and in-house training as dictated by our Safety & Environmental Policy. All our wilderness guides are part of the Association of Icelandic Mountain Guides, Wilderness First Responders and hold Hard Ice Qualifications (Jöklar 2) which includes terrain management and suitable guiding practices in these environments.

All guides are trained in environmental protection as part of their work with Hidden Iceland and are acutely aware of Hidden Iceland's Environmental Strategy which includes minimizing impact, educating clients and adhering to stringent rules endorsed by the Vakinn Quality & Environmental body. In April 2021, our Icelandic partners received the highest rating in environmental and sustainable practice (Gold Class). As part of this accreditation, it is an important factor that the guides running the trip share best practices, discuss environmental impact and use the terrain as examples of a changing climate. 

Families with younger children need not worry, we have alternate activities available suitable for younger children that include: 

• Reykjavik: Replace the zodiac-style boat for children under 10 years old with a classic whale watching tour on a more stable whale watching boat. 
• Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon: Replace the zodiac boat tour for children under 6 years old with a tranquil yet equally impressive Amphibian Boat tour. 
• Falljökull Glacier: Replace the glacier hike for children under 10 years old with a nature walk to the impressive Svartifoss Waterfall for spectacular views. 
• Westman Islands: Replace the 1-hour RIB boat ride for children under 6 years old with a short boat ride to view rescued Beluga whales. 

Global Family Travels is a Transformational Travel Council (TTC) designer and we look at every journey, whether it is for a week or a day, as a chance to learn, grow and transform your life.  As part of this journey, we are pleased to provide you with the Transformational Travel Journal.  The journal is designed as a guide to show us how to explore the world (and our backyard) more mindfully, reflect on experiences with a more meaningful perspective, connect with others more intimately, and thereby, foster a more intentional and purpose-driven life. We recommend that you use the journal to document what you are learning during your trip and consider even writing down your intentions for WHY you are taking this journey before you embark on the adventure and what you hope to get out of it.

We also hope that this trip will be a transformative adventure for you and that you will be inspired to take action to help mitigate climate change afterwards, whether it be something small like planting a tree!     We also encourage you to share what you learned with friends and family! 

 

Blue Lagoon (Additional Stop at the Blue Lagoon (3 hours) ) | Premium Entry - April 06, 2024 

Silica Mud Mask, Use of Towel, Two Additional Masks, Use of a Robe, Two drinks of your choice 

Hótel Reykjavík Saga - April 06, 2024 - April 10, 2024

Hotel Reykjavík Saga is a brand-new, elegant 4-star hotel. Ideally situated at the very heart of the Reykjavík city centre, the hotel is a stone's throw away from picturesque Lake Tjörnin, the cathedral, art museum, shops and restaurants. The state-of-the-art health and wellness facilities make this one of the best up-and-coming Reykjavík hotels in the city. Within the hotel, you’ll find the excellent restaurant Fröken Reykjavík Kitchen & Bar. The design pays full respect to the surrounding buildings in a modern style that reflects Icelandic tradition. 

Fosshótel Glacier Lagoon  April 10, 2024 - April 12, 2024 

Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon is a four-star hotel in Hnappavellir, located on the edge of the Vatnajökull National Park. The hotel is located directly underneath Hvannadalshnjúkur, the highest peak in Iceland and Vatnajökull, the largest glacier in Iceland. The hotel is fantastically located for access to the glaciers and hiking the region have to offer. The hotel offers contemporary rooms with high ceilings and views over the mountains or ocean, a fantastic restaurant, a Northern Lights wake-up service, gym and a spa. 

Skálakot Manor Hotel - April 12, 2024 - April 13, 2024

Skálakot Manor Hotel offers luxury accommodation, a fantastic restaurant and spa in the tranquillity of the beautiful South Iceland countryside in the vicinity of glaciers and volcanoes, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. 

Skálakot is a working family horse farm. The current owners are the fourth generation running the farm, and their main focus is both on breeding Icelandic horses and offering outstanding Icelandic hospitality.