Silver Circle: Lava Cave, Waterfalls & Iceland Horses-Small Group

West Iceland saves its best trick for the lava waterfalls. At Hraunfossar, clear streams slip out from beneath an old lava field and run toward the river in a long, delicate chain. Later, at Viðgelmir Lava Cave, you go below that volcanic world, wearing a hard hat and headlamp while your guide points out colorful rock and ice formations.

I like the personal stop at Sturlureykir horse farm, where you can meet Icelandic horses, learn how the family uses geothermal heat, and taste homemade rye bread baked with hot spring heat. I also like the quieter pace: this route usually feels far less crowded than the Golden Circle. The main drawback is the long, sometimes bumpy drive, and icy paths can make the walking more demanding than the relaxed name suggests.

Key points to know before booking

• Viðgelmir is the main event: The 90-minute underground visit includes hard hats, headlamps, lava formations, narrow passages, and a chilly interior.
• The horse farm feels personal: You can get close to the horses, hear about the breeding program, and try hot spring bread with coffee, water, or hot chocolate.
• Hraunfossar is unusual rather than huge: Water emerges from beneath the lava field along roughly 900 meters of riverbank.
• The Silver Circle is quieter than the Golden Circle: Expect smaller crowds and a more relaxed feel at many stops.
• The tour is built for non-drivers: Hotel pickup, a guide, Wi-Fi, and included admissions make the $219 price easier to justify.
• Winter conditions matter: Crampons may be provided, but you still need warm, waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear.

Why the Silver Circle works so well in one day

This is a full day, but it is not just a bus ride with two big photo stops. The route combines waterfalls, geothermal power, medieval Icelandic history, farm life, and volcanic geology. You get a broad look at West Iceland without renting a car or working out a route across rural roads.

The group is capped at 19 people, which is small enough to feel more personal than a large coach tour. Guides such as Monica, Thorri, Filip, Christina, Walter, Gulli, Maria, and Thora have received especially warm praise for mixing stories, humor, and practical help. Your guide will vary, but the format gives you room to ask questions and hear about Iceland beyond the standard sightseeing script.

The tour costs $219 per person. That is not cheap, but admission to Viðgelmir Lava Cave and Sturlureykir horse farm is included, as are pickup and drop-off in the Reykjavik capital area, Wi-Fi on the bus, and a professional guide. For a 10-hour day with several major stops, I consider it fair value if you want variety and do not want to drive.

Lunch is not included. There is time for a meal stop, and you should budget separately for it. The route has a fair amount of driving, with one stretch of about two hours before the first major stop, so bring snacks and use the bus time to rest or listen to the guide.

Glanni Waterfall begins the day quietly

Glanni Waterfall sits in the Bifrost area, a peaceful part of West Iceland. It is not Iceland’s biggest waterfall, and it does not deliver the sheer scale of Gullfoss. Its appeal is the setting: a short walk takes you into a quieter natural area where the river, rocks, and surrounding countryside do the work.

In cold weather, the trail can be icy. Crampons may be available, and they can make a real difference. You should still wear shoes with solid grip and take care on the descent. The visit lasts about 20 minutes, which is enough for views and photographs without turning the first stop into a long hike.

Some departures have also included a short walk up a volcanic cone near this part of the route. It is not listed as a guaranteed stop, so do not book the tour for that extra. If it is included on your day, the path and stairs provide wide views, though strong wind can make the top feel exposed.

Deildartunguhver shows geothermal power at close range

Deildartunguhver is described as Europe’s highest-flow hot spring, sending about 180 liters of water per second from the ground at roughly 100 degrees Celsius. That figure is impressive, but the real impact comes from seeing and hearing the water force its way through the vents.

This is not a bathing stop. Paths keep you at a safe distance, and you need to follow them carefully. The spring is less about a single steaming pool and more about a series of hot vents along a low slope. You may not see a geyser shooting high into the air, but you can feel the heat and power of Iceland’s volcanic plumbing.

The visit lasts around 20 minutes. That is about right. You get time for photographs and a clear explanation without standing too long in the steam or cold.

Sturlureykir brings you close to Icelandic horses

The Sturlureykir stop is one of the most distinctive parts of the day. Instead of pausing beside a roadside paddock for a quick photograph, you visit a working family farm and spend about 45 minutes learning about Icelandic horses and the family’s breeding program.

You can get close to the horses, interact with them in the stable and outdoors, and sometimes have your photograph taken with one. The farm has been in the same family for five generations, giving the visit a real local connection rather than a staged animal encounter.

The geothermal details are just as interesting. The family uses its private hot spring to help heat the home and stables, and hot spring heat is also used to bake rye bread, known as rúgbrauð. You can taste the homemade bread with coffee or cold water, and some visits include hot chocolate in the small cafe.

This is the kind of stop that makes the tour more than a list of natural sights. You see how geothermal energy fits into daily life, and you meet people who can explain their home and work directly. If you have only seen Icelandic horses from a distance, this stop adds much more meaning.

Reykholt and Snorralaug add a human story

At Reykholt, the focus shifts from geology to Icelandic history. The site is linked to Snorri Sturluson, the medieval poet, writer, and politician whose work remains central to Icelandic culture.

Snorralaug is a small hot spring associated with Snorri and is mentioned in medieval writings. It was used by local people from the 12th century, and the guide explains how the pool fits into the story of Reykholt and Snorri’s life.

Do not expect a large museum visit or an extended historical lecture. The stop lasts about 20 minutes and works best as a compact introduction to Iceland’s medieval past. I like the change of pace here. After waterfalls and geothermal vents, a small pool connected to a real person gives the day a more human scale.

Hraunfossar flows out from beneath the lava

Hraunfossar is one of the strongest visual stops. The water does not simply fall from a cliff. Instead, many small streams appear from the edge of the Hallmundarhraun lava field and pour into the river below.

The lava formed during a major eruption roughly 1,000 years ago, associated with a volcano beneath Langjökull glacier. Rain and groundwater move through the porous lava and emerge along the riverbank, creating the effect of waterfalls coming from inside the rock.

The falls stretch for around 900 meters, so there are several viewpoints rather than one single grand drop. You may find the sight more delicate than dramatic, with many narrow white streams set against dark volcanic rock. That unusual formation is what makes Hraunfossar memorable.

The paths can be short but slippery, especially in winter. Crampons are useful, and waterproof outerwear helps if wind pushes spray across the viewpoints. You may have time to cross a bridge and view the falls from different angles.

Barnafoss has a darker name and a different character

Barnafoss sits only a short distance from Hraunfossar, but it looks and feels different. The river rushes through a narrow channel with more force, creating a sharper, more turbulent scene.

Its name means waterfall of the children. Local tradition tells of two children who fell from a natural stone bridge while crossing the river. Their grieving mother then had the bridge destroyed. The story is sad, but it gives the place a strong connection to Icelandic storytelling and oral history.

The two waterfalls work well together. Hraunfossar rewards patience and close observation, while Barnafoss provides noise, movement, and a more powerful current. Set aside about 30 minutes for each area, including the walk between viewpoints.

After the waterfall stops, there is time for lunch at a nearby cafe. Meals are not part of the tour price, but the stop gives you a chance to buy soup, bread, or a buffet-style meal. Since this is your main food break, check what you want before setting off in the morning.

Viðgelmir is a real lava tube, not a fantasy cave

The final major stop is Viðgelmir Lava Cave, one of Iceland’s largest lava caves. The underground route is about 1,600 meters long, though the guided visit lasts around 90 minutes and covers only part of the full cave system.

This is a lava tube, not a limestone cave formed slowly by underground rivers. Its walls show the marks of cooling lava, and the formations have a rough, volcanic look. You may see lava stalactites, stalagmites, colorful mineral patterns, and ice formations in the colder sections.

The cave entrance lies across an exposed lava field, reached by wooden stairs. Inside, you receive a hard hat and headlamp. There are low ceilings and narrow sections, but the experience is not presented as a strenuous technical expedition. One part of the fun is briefly switching off the headlamps and experiencing the darkness.

A separate cave guide leads this section, so the person driving the bus may not be the person underground. Guides such as Gareth and Jan have been praised for making the geology clear and keeping the mood light. That matters here, since a cave can feel like little more than a hole in the ground without good explanation.

The cave is chilly, even when the weather outside is mild. Bring a warm layer and wear shoes suitable for uneven ground. You will be walking for about an hour and a half, with frequent pauses to hear about the formations and the cave’s volcanic origin.

The bus ride and weather deserve honest attention

Pickup runs between 8:30 and 9:00 a.m., with the tour starting around 9:00. Reykjavik’s central streets have bus restrictions, so your pickup may be at the nearest designated bus stop rather than directly outside your hotel. If you meet at the Nicetravel office, you need to arrive before 8:20 a.m.

The vehicle has Wi-Fi, a useful extra on a long day. You can stay connected, check maps, or catch up on messages between stops. The group limit of 19 helps avoid the cramped feeling of a full-size sightseeing coach, though comfort can still vary by vehicle and seat.

Rural Icelandic roads can be bumpy. If you have serious back pain or find rough roads difficult, take that seriously before booking. The drive is part of the cost of reaching quieter places, but it can be tiring.

Weather can also change the character of the day. Ice on the paths may slow you down, and wind can be fierce near waterfalls and volcanic sites. Wear warm layers, wind-resistant outerwear, waterproof shoes, and gloves. The operator requires suitable weather and may offer another date or a full refund if conditions force cancellation.

Who should book this Silver Circle tour?

Book it if you want a full day of varied scenery without renting a car. It suits nature lovers who want more than the usual Golden Circle circuit, families and couples interested in Icelandic horses, and anyone curious about how volcanic heat shapes both geology and daily life.

It is also a good choice if crowds bother you. The Silver Circle is generally quieter, and the stops feel less like a chain of roadside attractions. The small group, Wi-Fi, included cave admission, and local guide make the $219 cost reasonable for a long day.

Skip it if you want a slow, spa-focused outing, a guaranteed volcanic cone walk, or a trip with almost no time in the vehicle. You should also think twice if bumpy roads or icy paths would make the day uncomfortable.

For most visitors with one free day in Reykjavik, I would choose this over another standard sightseeing loop. The horse farm and lava cave give it character, while Hraunfossar, Barnafoss, Deildartunguhver, and Reykholt provide plenty of visual and cultural variety.

FAQ

How long is the Silver Circle tour?

The tour lasts approximately 10 hours, beginning around 9:00 a.m.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included from hotels in the Reykjavik capital area. Because buses cannot use some central streets, your pickup may be at a nearby bus stop.

How large is the tour group?

The maximum group size is 19 people.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, but the tour provides a lunch stop and an afternoon coffee break.

Is admission to Viðgelmir Lava Cave included?

Yes. The cave admission is included in the tour price, and the guided cave visit lasts about 90 minutes.

Do I get to visit an Icelandic horse farm?

Yes. The tour includes a visit to Sturlureykir horse farm, where you can meet the horses and try homemade hot spring bread.

Is Wi-Fi available during the drive?

Yes. The vehicle is equipped with free Wi-Fi.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If the operator cancels the tour because of poor weather, you will be offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time.