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It’s no secret that Iceland is the place to come if you are seeking adventure. With adrenaline-pumping activities, gorgeous hikes, and much more, you’ll find plenty here to thrill you. However, this Nordic nation doesn’t just offer extreme trekking, rocky boat trips and other battles against nature.
The island also caters to senior citizen travel, with many places that offer beautiful tranquility- a much needed escape from everyday life. You needn’t get yourself into athlete-level shape or be young to enjoy the activities that Iceland offers. Let’s take a look at the best tours in Iceland for seniors.
Is Iceland Suitable for the Elderly?
The short answer: absolutely; Iceland’s attractions are not at all limited to young people, as an Icelandic adventure caters to all ages. There is no upper age limit to experience the beauty of the country, and it’s possible to do many things without over-exertion.
Additionally, as is the case everywhere else, seniors are entitled to certain discounts. However, since the retirement age in Iceland is 67, just being 65+ may not get you that reduced entry fee.
Nevertheless, proving you are at least 65 and over may be enough. At the end of the day, it all depends on who is serving you. Some museums and other businesses in Iceland have reduced rates for seniors as well.
For example, the National Museum of Iceland offers half-price tickets for 67+ visitors. Also, the use of any one of Reykjavík’s seven public swimming pools is free for those 67 and over.
What are the Best Tours for Seniors?
Here are some Icelandic tours that are suitable for the elderly. You know which ones we are talking about- those that don’t involve too much walking or death-defying acrobatics, but still show off the country’s thrilling nature. However, as long as you are in good health, any kind of tour is open to you.
Viðey Island
This is a small island located one kilometer off the coast of Reykjavík. The ferry to reach it from Reykjavík’s harbor only takes around 20 minutes, and is a fairly calm journey.
To make your wait more pleasant, discover all the nearby activities at Reykjavík's Harbor. Once there, take a relaxing stroll around the tiny island, enjoying the exquisite birdlife and vegetation that the area has to offer.
Thirty different bird species have been recorded breeding on the island, so stay a while and see how many you can spot. Find a calm place to relax away from the noise of the city, while enjoying stunning views of the Atlantic.
A visit to Viðey makes for a wonderful day trip, and it’s very easy to reach. Tickets can be purchased online or at the reception desk of the Harpa Concert Hall.
Additionally, you could head to Skarfagarðar where the ferry leaves from, and grab your ticket from the Viðey Ticket Office. The ferry runs daily from May 15th to September 30th, beginning at 10:30am. From October 1st to May 14th, the ferry runs only on weekends, starting at 13:15.
An added benefit: seniors receive a small discount for the ferry to Viðey.
The Blue Lagoon/The Sky Lagoon
One of our favorite things about Iceland is the abundance of clean, naturally-heated water. It doesn’t only heat most homes, but the geothermal water is harnessed and directed into pools for our relaxation.
You’ve probably heard of the Blue Lagoon spa, one of Iceland’s most popular attractions and a great option for seniors. Well, the site also features a roomy sauna with the largest single window in Iceland, and a powerful steam room.
Located about 45 minutes from the capital, the Lagoon is easily reached via the Destination Blue Lagoon bus. This is the Lagoon’s official transport partner and runs shuttles to and from Reykjavík every day.
Entrance to the Blue Lagoon must be booked in advance, and prices vary depending on desired arrival time. Over the years, millions of people have marvelled at the milky blue, steaming water and its surrounding area.
A recent addition to the country’s list of geothermal spas is the Sky Lagoon. Opened in May 2021, the Sky Lagoon is located in Kópavogur, one of the Capital Region’s municipalities. This puts it at about a 15-minute drive from downtown Reykjavík, a well-chosen location indeed.
The edge of the lagoon lines up with the edge of the ocean, with only a small gap in between which makes for a phenomenal view; if you can, visit when the sky is clear.
When we visited, we could see the Fagradalsfjall volcano erupting in one direction, and Snæfellsjökull glacier in the other. There was also, of course, the endless stretch of the Atlantic Ocean to entrance me.
The Golden Circle
This is one of the most popular tourist routes in the country, and you can either drive there with your rental car in Iceland or join the many companies operating Golden Circle coach tours.
On these tours, you’ll be driven to each destination and be given detailed information by an experienced guide. Depending on which tour you choose, there are various stops, but all will include three key sites: Gullfoss waterfall, Þingvellir National Park and Geysir geothermal area.
There is only a small amount of walking necessary at each, and all have a visitor’s center/café to rest in. The car park for Gullfoss sits right in front of the viewing platform, so you won’t have to go far. You’ll hear the rush of this powerful water feature as soon as you exit the vehicle; it’s like thunder.
Þingvellir National Park is quieter, restful beauty. It’s one of the sites where you can see the effect of two tectonic plates as they drift apart.
It is a fact that Iceland is breaking into two, but since this is happening at a rate of 2cm per year, you needn’t worry. Just admire the huge expanse of lava fields, little rivers and calm lakes as you stroll to the Visitor’s Center.
As for Geysir geothermal area, it has stretches of calmness interspersed with explosive activity. The active geyser, Strokkur, erupts around every 6-10 minutes, shooting boiling water 15-20 meters (50-65 feet) into the air. You can walk here and see boiling mud pools and less eruptive steam vents.
The Golden Circle is, of course, a tour you can also complete yourself with a rental car. This way you can stay at each site for as long as you please, and then head home when you’re done.
Reykjavík’s Museums
IIf you want to learn about Iceland’s cultural and natural history without straying jn the capital, Reykjavík contains fantastic museums. For example, Perlan is the place to go to find out about the country’s geological history, as well as its wildlife.
The building is easy to spot; it’s the giant pearl-shaped structure on the hill. The National Museum of Iceland and the Culture House present you with the country’s human development.
You’ll see examples of clothing, artwork and ways of living of the previous generations, from the Vikings to now. Both buildings are located in the downtown area and entry is half price for seniors. Here's an entry for more activities in Reykjavík City.
Senior-friendly Travel
So, now my senior readers know that there are plenty of tours in Iceland for seniors and even people of all ages.
If you’re looking for a holiday that can provide peace and quiet, come to Iceland. With a population of less than half a million people and huge open spaces, you’ll have no problem finding that tranquility your body has been craving.
Or perhaps you’re looking for a wild excursion and refuse to let age hold you back? In that case, glacier and volcano hikes await you. After all, there’s no upper age limit for being an adventurer!
