Iceland is doable and enjoyable for all levels of health. I love that country.

Anonymous wrote:OP: I can walk a bit (30-45 minutes) just not for hours. Need to be sure I'm not on my feet for a really long time. Sounds do-able but maybe not the best trip for this year. Trying to figure out an alternative that will still be an adventure for him. Might have another friend with us in so that I can hang behind if I need to.

I have a history with ankle problems, so if you want to get specific on your injury, I might have tips.

I take a lot of active vacations, but did Iceland with a toddler, so we weren't doing crazy hiking. It was still amazing. I actually ended up feeling like I wanted more hiking than was available since there was a lot of driving. Some of the waterfalls had lots of steps to go to the top, but the view from the bottom was also great.

Also there are hotsprings and swimming pools everywhere to relax in - if you do this with ankle problems, get really good sports sandals with traction and maybe an athletic ankle sleeve to wear.

If you haven't booked Iceland yet, maybe an Alaskan cruise would be good?

I don't know. I went to Iceland with my family after a medical procedure and while I couldn't do strenuous hiking, we were able to walk and take breaks as needed. If you have a car and plan to drive around the country, I think that you should be ok. A lot of the sites are close to an area you can park your car.

Save it for when you're better. It would be such a waste.

OP: I can walk a bit (30-45 minutes) just not for hours. Need to be sure I'm not on my feet for a really long time. Sounds do-able but maybe not the best trip for this year. Trying to figure out an alternative that will still be an adventure for him. Might have another friend with us in so that I can hang behind if I need to.

Anonymous wrote:Walking/hiking around is the best part of Iceland, I would say go when you can walk

This! Why not postpone the trip for another year? You can do any trip with little walking, but to really experience a place it's always best to get off the main road and explore.

Walking is the best part. That said, it's possible. My dad hurt his knee right before the first time I went. We did a bus tour of the golden circle. He hit the highlights, I walked to the top/bottom/more remote part of each stop. He was able to rent a motor scooter at geysir. I went into town in the evenings to wander and he stayed back.

I was old enough to go off on my own...how old is your kid? If he needs help and supervision, it would be difficult.

Define "little walking."

You will miss out on most. I don't think it's a good trip for now if you shouldn't/can't be walking. Save it.

Traveling requires a lot of walking. Just getting to plane require an effort. Save this for when you can enjoy it safely and with ease. A 13 year old doesn’t need to go to Iceland.

Walking/hiking around is the best part of Iceland, I would say go when you can walk

There IS some walking, including on uneven ground, at the best attractions. If you just need to be careful, you'll be fine. But if your kid will be resentful you can't walk to the top of the waterfall to get a better view, or if you can't walk through the geysers at the Golden Triangle, save this trip for later.

Anonymous wrote:How old are they? How old are you?

kid is 13
i'm the parent of a 13 year old!

How old are they? How old are you?

I think so. There are a lot of “drive up” attractions just do some research. We are going with 2 little kids so don’t plan on a lot of walking. You can also do tours like whale and puffin watching etc

Hurt my ankle so need to be careful. My kid really wants to go?