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Best Trips and Tours in Iceland for Seniors

25-11-2020

Top Tours in Iceland for Seniors

    Iceland is one of those countries where you can spend most of your time outdooroutdoors. It is said to be a real paradise for physically active people who enjoy any kind of sport activities. Thanks to the island geographical location, it has ideal conditions for practising various outdoor sports.

    It does not mean however, that there is nothing here to do for those who are not in their best shape or are not predisposed to extreme and endurance activities. Iceland is a perfect place for everyone no matter what your physical ability is.

    You do not need to be super fit to be able to enjoy the beauty of our island and everything it has to offer to its visitors. If you are over 65 years old, you can enjoy it just as much as anyone else. Check what are the best trips and tours in Iceland for seniors and plan your trip today!

    It has nothing to do with the discrimination at all, but the senior tourists have different needs and will enjoy Iceland in a different way. The good thing about Iceland and the tours that you can join, is that everyone can find something for themselves, no matter their age. As a matter of fact, the age, should not be the factor which decides whether Iceland should be your travel destination.

    Are there senior discounts in Iceland?

    Iceland does not belong to the cheapest tourist destinations in the world. Some need to save for a long time to be able to enjoy their trip to Iceland. Cutting the costs by resigning from some tourists attractions is not the best idea. If you are already in Iceland, enjoy it as much as you can and try to visit as many places as possible. The right way is to find the best deals and possible discounts you can get.

    You will be able to enjoy some discounts in museums all around Iceland and also in some of the other tourist attractions. However, remember, that in Iceland the retirement age is different than in other countries in Europe. While in Europe, you are already considered as a senior when you are over 65 years old, in Iceland you are retired at 67 years old.

    In that case, all the travelers who are less than 67 years old, are not entitled to the discounts. However, Icelanders are one of the most optimistic nations in the world, and sometimes it is worth using your inner power of persuasion on the gatekeepers.

    If you are planning to organize the self self-drive trip around Iceland, you will need to rent a car or an RV. Usually, the rental companies do not offer any particular discounts for seniors. If you book it online in advance, you can get some early bird discount. If the company you chose, does not have such an offer, do not hesitate to drop them an email, to ask if there is anything they can do with the price for you.

    Tours for seniors

    The best way to fully enjoy the beauty of Iceland, and to be able to see as much of its wonders as possible, is to organize a self self-drive trip. Nothing gives you so much freedom and flexibility. For elderly people, we definitely do not recommend tent camping in Iceland.

    It might be quite uncomfortable, even if you are a young person, taking into consideration the unpredictable weather of Iceland. The best choice would be a campervan or a motorhome, which also has a shower and toilet inside. It gives a lot of comfort and much more possibilities for relaxation.

    Iceland has become one of the most popular tourist destinations nowadays and the tourist market is growing fast. You will find here many tourist agents and local companies that offer one-day- tours around Iceland which you can join. We prepared a list of the best tours for seniors in Iceland, so you can use some of the ideas when making your itinerary.

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    # The Northern Lights hunting

    Even though hunting might sound quite extreme, it has nothing to do with that. Those tours are perfect for everyone, at any age, who decides to travel to Iceland in fall. However, if you are over 65 years old, you might not feel like spending all night, outside, looking for the sign of the lights on the sky.

    The excursions include an experienced guide, who knows exactly where to go, and at what time, to have much more of the possibilities to see the Northern Lights. Take some hot drinks with you, warm clothes and even some blankets as sometimes you will need to wait for a while and you do not want to get cold.

    # Horseback riding

    In that case, you need to assess your physical ability yourself. If you feel in good health, you are never too old to join the horseback riding tour in Iceland. Being responsible here is very important. Riding is a sport and it is obviously easier if you are fit.

    The tours are usually not too long, so you do not need to be worried about being in uncomfortable positions for too long. The rest of the time you can spend on petting the horses, which are exceptional animals in Iceland. The horses that take parts in the excursions in Iceland are well-trained for years, they go slowly so the chance of falling down is relatively low.

    You still need to have some strength and body balance otherwise, it might be dangerous for both, you and the horse.

    # Hot springs visits

    We all know how many benefits the geothermal waters have for our skin and body. Hotspots for tourists provide a good option for relaxation and rest. Visiting places like the Blue Lagoon in Iceland, has many more benefits than that. Having a bath in warm water is good for your circulation and blood pressure.

    The minerals which can be found in the geothermal waters benefit your skin, especially if you are having some skin issues like eczema. It brings relief and soothes it. Seniors, who have some respiratory problems, will also benefit from Sulphur which is the most common mineral. As you can see, it is more than just wellness and spa. It also has excellent properties that help with health problems.

    # The Golden Circle route

    This is the most famous tour you will be able to join in Iceland. The Golden Circle is the a route that consists of the most famous attractions in South Iceland. The tour usually starts in Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland.

    The main stops are Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall and Geysir hot spring. You will be provideded with the transportation that will take you right to the main highlights. There is not much walking, so you do not need to worry about that. The whole trip takes around 7 hours, and you will be given some free time, so you can have your lunch at one of those points.

    Tours for seniors in Iceland

    # Whale watching tours

    If you are planning to circle the whole Iceland, make sure you stop in one of the northern towns such as Husavik. This is the capital of whales and this is where you should go on one of those tours.

    Many different species that live in the surrounding waters, which make those tours, the most amazing experience. Make sure you put some warm clothes and a waterproof jacket on as it might get chilly the further from the shore you go.

    # Landmannalaugar day-tour

    If you are still feeling quite fit and want to enjoy the wild side of Iceland, this is a perfect tour for you. Many companies are offering those tours. The starting point is in Reykjavik, but the bus stops in other places on the way to Landmannalaugar too.

    At the destination, you will have a few hours and you can do there whatever you wish. You can follow one of the paths to have a small walk to then come back to the camping, and have your meal there. Take some good trekking shoes with you and hiking poles to have as much of stability as possible.

    You can also relax in the wild hot springs there. There are showers and toilets in the camping, where you can change and put your swimming suit on. Landmannalaugar is often said to be the place for physically active people, which I believe is not true. You do not need to go hiking, to enjoy Iceland’s Highlands.

    Are there senior discounts in Iceland?

    Those are only some of our recommendations for senior tourists. As you might have noticed, there are lots of activities you can join in Iceland, most of them age-friendly. The most important thing is that they allow you to enjoy them at your own pace whether you visit for a wellness break and look for complete relaxation, or you enjoy outdoor activities where your physical abilities might be challenged.

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