Where adrenaline comes in waves! The raging waters of the East Glacial River gorge (Austari-Jökulsá) are the stage for our most challenging and action-packed day trip, appropriately named the "Beast of the East"!

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A spectacular combination of deep canyon scenery and relentless heart-pumping whitewater, the East Glacial River has consistently been rated one of Europe's best rafting rivers and topped popular guide books' lists of Iceland's "must-do" highlights.

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Arguably the most remote single-day rafting trip on the planet, this whitewater adventure delivers an unforgettable journey into the raw beauty of Iceland's river wilderness and a dose of adrenaline strong enough to satisfy the most powerful of cravings!

Never rafted before? Not to worry! Despite its challenging nature, this trip doesn't demand previous rafting experience. An ability to swim, fitness and enthusiasm for hard physical work (paddling & swimming), and a powerful thirst for adventure are all you need to take on the Beast!



Bring with you: Warm, lightweight, layered clothing made of fleece, wool, or other synthetic materials that keep their insulating ability when wet (no cotton), warm socks, change of dry clothes for after the trip. Dress for cold and wet conditions!



This trip begins and ends at our Hafgrímsstaðir rafting base in North Iceland. For those wishing to include transportation to this trip, we offer several packages that include transfers to-and-from Akureyri and Reykjavik.

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From Akureyri: we offer a daily shuttle service departing from Akureyri Backpackers at 7:30 and returning around 17:00.

From Reykjavik: we offer several options that include busses, flights, and a night of local accommodation in North Iceland, as well as the option to combine other activities with this rafting trip. Please contact us for details and more information about custom packages.



The Arctic Rafting base at Hafgrímsstaðir is located on Road #752, 15km from its junction with Hwy #1 at the west end of Varmahlíð. Simply follow Road #752 up the valley for about 10-15 minutes until you see us on the left-hand side of the road!

FROM REYKJAVÍK: 305km/190mi (4-hour drive). Follow Highway #1 (Ringroad) towards the North. Just after you descend a long hill into the Skagafjörður valley, Road #752 is on your RIGHT, about 500m before the centre of Varmahlíð (Tourist Info & N1 fuel station).

FROM AKUREYRI: 110km/68mi (1.5-hour drive). Follow Highway #1 (Ringroad) towards the West. Continue along about 500m past the left turn in the centre of Varmahlíð (Tourist Info & N1 fuel station) until you reach Road #752 on your LEFT.



Disclaimer: All river rafting trips are undertaken on the responsibility of its participants. Icelandic Nature Tours does not assume any responsibility for accidents caused by its clients or which can be traced to their own actions. Participants will be required to sign a waiver form prior to their trip, acknowledging that all outdoor adventure activities carry an inherit risk. We reserve the right to cancel trips at any time due to safety reasons.



Due to weather conditions and/or water levels it may sometimes not be possible to safely operate this trip for only 2 participants.

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