Last Minute Family Holidays to Iceland

These bases give families a straightforward starting point, with good facilities and easy access to the wider island.

• Reykjavik: Reykjavik is the capital and the most convenient choice for families booking at short notice, because the compact centre keeps walking distances short and the harbour and museums sit close to the hotels. The city has several museums suitable for children and a family-oriented park area, so younger travellers can stay busy between day trips. The trade-off is that the capital is the most expensive place to eat and stay in the country, but for a first family visit its convenience is hard to beat. It is exactly the brief our Reykjavik holidays deals are built around.
• Akureyri: Akureyri, set on Eyjafjordur, a long fjord in the north, offers families a calmer pace than the capital along with a botanical garden and a short walk from the town centre to the harbour. It is a strong choice for families who want a quieter stay with easy trips to whale watching tours. The journey from the south is longer, so we recommend it for families prepared to plan their days around driving time.
• Vik: Vik is a small village on the south coast, roughly 180 km along the Ring Road from the capital, and it suits families who want a single stop with easy coastal walks and a black sand beach. The village is one of the wettest places in the country, which means packing waterproofs is essential. Its quiet setting and modest accommodation make it a good overnight stop rather than a long-stay option for young children.
• Husavik: Husavik is a small harbour town in the north and the main whale watching hub in the country, with tours operating from the town harbour and the centre close to the water. Families with older children often find the boat trips the highlight of the trip. Cruise calls are seasonal, so the town can feel busier at certain times of year, and we suggest checking tour schedules before you arrive.
• Stykkisholmur: Stykkisholmur is a peaceful town set on the western edge of Iceland's wide, rugged coastline, with a harbour that serves as the ferry port for the broad western bay and a small-town pace that suits families seeking a slower stay. The town is small enough that children can explore on foot, and boat trips from the harbour add an easy activity. Its remoteness means fewer dining and shopping options, so families should stock up before they arrive.