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

Viðgelmir lava cave is the memorable finish to a day of west Iceland’s contrasts: you walk through a volcanic tube, then return to waterfalls spilling from beneath an old lava field. This small-group tour also takes you to a family-run Icelandic horse farm and Europe’s highest-flow hot spring, all without the hassle of driving.

I like two things in particular: the route combines natural sights with a genuine farm visit, and it reaches quieter places than the heavily traveled Golden Circle. The main consideration is the long day on Icelandic roads, which can be bumpy, with icy paths in cold weather.

At a glance

• A close look at Icelandic horses: Visit Sturlureykir farm, meet the horses, and try rugbraud, traditional rye bread baked using geothermal heat.
• A cave with a volcanic story: Spend about 90 minutes exploring Viðgelmir, one of Iceland’s largest lava caves, with admission included.
• Two very different waterfalls: See Glanni, then Hraunfossar and nearby Barnafoss, where water emerges from beneath a lava field.
• A small-group format: The maximum is 19 people, and the vehicle has Wi-Fi.
• A full-day commitment: The tour lasts about 10 hours, with lunch at your own expense and a long drive to the first stop.

The Silver Circle is a quieter day out

The Silver Circle makes a good alternative if you want to see more of west Iceland without arranging a rental car. Its stops are spread across the Borgarfjörður area, roughly two hours from Reykjavík to the first main visit. After that, many of the sights are closer together, leaving time for short walks and commentary between stops.

This is not a route of one giant attraction after another. Its appeal comes from variety: a waterfall, an active hot spring, a working horse farm, a historic site, two more waterfalls, and a lava cave. You get a broader sense of how geothermal heat, volcanic rock, farming, and Icelandic history meet in the same region.

The tour is advertised for a maximum of 19 people. That cap can make the day feel more personal than a large coach outing, though the actual group size can vary. Some departures may have spare seats; you should not count on an empty seat beside you.

Glanni and Deildartunguhver show two kinds of geothermal country

The first stop is Glanni Waterfall, near the Bifrost area. The visit is short, about 20 minutes, and the walk to the viewing area is brief. Glanni is not a giant plunge like Gullfoss. It is a quieter introduction to the region, with water moving through a scenic stretch of countryside.

The path can be icy in winter. Crampons have been provided on some trips, but conditions change, so bring footwear with a good grip and be ready to take your time. A nearby volcanic cone has also been included on some outings, though it is not a guaranteed stop.

Deildartunguhver is a different sort of spectacle. This powerful hot spring produces about 180 liters of water per second at close to 100 degrees Celsius, making it Europe’s highest-flow hot spring. Instead of a single geyser shooting skyward, you see and hear hot water working through a series of vents.

Twenty minutes is enough to walk the paths and take in the force of the spring. Keep to marked routes and be careful near the water. The heat is not a show to get close to; it is a reminder that geothermal energy here is both a natural force and part of everyday life.

Sturlureykir is more than a horse photo stop

The 45-minute visit to Sturlureykir is one of the tour’s most distinctive parts. Icelandic horses are known for their sturdy build and distinctive gaits, but here the point is not simply to spot them from a roadside fence. You visit a family farm, get a closer look at the animals, and hear about the family’s horse-breeding work.

The farm’s owner, described as the fifth generation of her family there, has welcomed visitors into the stables and outdoors to meet the horses. You may be able to brush or feed them, depending on the visit. The setting gives the stop a human scale that a quick roadside photo cannot match.

The farm visit also connects geothermal heat to local food and home life. The farm uses its own hot spring to heat buildings and to bake rugbraud, a dense rye bread traditionally cooked with geothermal heat. Bread and a drink are part of the visit; what is served can vary.

This is a good stop if you like learning about daily life as well as scenery. If you are mainly interested in dramatic natural sights, it may feel less exciting than the waterfalls or cave, but it adds a welcome change of pace.

Reykholt adds a small but meaningful history stop

At Reykholt, you visit Snorralaug, a small hot spring associated with Snorri Sturluson, the medieval Icelandic poet, writer, and political figure. The pool has been used since the 12th century and is linked to Snorri, who lived in the area and is said to have bathed there.

The stop lasts about 20 minutes. It is not a grand museum visit, and the spring itself is modest. Its value is the setting and the story: a place where Icelandic literary and political history feels tied to the land rather than shut away behind glass.

Your guide can help place Snorri and Reykholt in context. Guides vary by departure, and names mentioned on past trips include Thorri, Monica, Addi, and Filip. You cannot choose a particular guide, but the guide’s stories are an important part of a day with plenty of driving.

Hraunfossar and Barnafoss make a striking pair

Hraunfossar is a series of small waterfalls stretching for roughly 900 meters along the Hvítá River. Rather than dropping from one high cliff, rivulets emerge from beneath the Hallmundarhraun lava field, formed by a volcanic eruption about a thousand years ago. The result is unusual: water appears to seep out of the rock and spill into the river in dozens of separate streams.

You have about 30 minutes here. Paths lead to several viewpoints, and the scenery changes as you move along the riverbank. The walk is not long, but ice can make the paths slippery. Warm, waterproof outerwear is useful in any season, particularly if the weather turns wet or windy.

Barnafoss is only a short walk away. Its name means the waterfall of the children and recalls a local tale about two children who fell from a natural stone bridge. The story adds a human note to a place shaped by fast-moving water and rock.

Together, the two falls are more interesting than a quick stop for a single photograph. Hraunfossar is broad and delicate; Barnafoss is more confined and forceful. They are not the same sort of landmark as Gullfoss, and that is part of their appeal. The nearby lunch stop gives you a chance to eat before the final major visit. Lunch is not included, so bring money for food.

Viðgelmir is the day’s biggest adventure

The last major stop is Viðgelmir, a lava tube just under 1,600 meters long. The guided visit lasts about an hour and a half, including the walk through the cave. Admission is included, and the cave has hard hats and headlamps for visitors.

Inside, you see colored rock, formations shaped by cooling lava, and features such as lava stalactites and stalagmites. In colder conditions, ice can form inside the cave. It is a different experience from a limestone cave: the walls and shapes tell the story of molten rock moving underground and cooling after an eruption.

Expect wooden stairs at the entrance, low ceilings in places, and some narrow sections. You do not need to be an expert caver, but this is still a walk through a natural underground space, not a viewing platform beside the road. Bring a warm layer; the cave can feel chilly, and sturdy shoes are sensible.

A cave guide leads the underground visit and explains how the tube formed. The tour’s driver or main guide may not be the same person. The walk back toward the entrance has sometimes included a short stretch with headlamps switched off, but follow the cave guide’s directions rather than treating that as a guaranteed feature.

What the $219 price includes

At $219 per person, this is a substantial day tour rather than a cheap bus transfer. The price covers Reykjavík-area pickup and drop-off, an English-speaking guide, Wi-Fi on the vehicle, admission to Viðgelmir, and entry to Sturlureykir horse farm. You also get transport between several distant stops without having to navigate unfamiliar roads.

The value depends on how you like to travel. If you would otherwise rent a car, you can compare the tour cost with vehicle hire, fuel, parking, and cave admission, while remembering that the tour adds a guide and farm visit. If you prefer to drive yourself and linger as long as you like, the fixed schedule may be a drawback.

Lunch is not included, and there is a lunch stop. Keep snacks and water handy for the long day. The vehicle has Wi-Fi, which is useful between stops, but it does not replace looking out the window: much of the appeal is the changing view across the route.

Practical details that can shape your day

Pickup in Reykjavík takes place between 8:30 and 9:00 a.m., with the tour starting at 9:00. Be ready at your assigned pickup point from 8:30 and look for a vehicle with red NICE Travel logos. In some central areas, the vehicle cannot collect you directly at your hotel, so pickup may be at a nearby bus stop.

You can also meet at the Nicetravel office at Fiskislóð 45M, but you need to tell the company in advance and arrive before 8:20 a.m. The tour runs for about 10 hours, so plan for a full day and do not schedule a tight commitment immediately afterward.

Weather and footing can affect the experience. Paths at Glanni and Hraunfossar may be icy, and wind can make exposed stops feel colder than the temperature suggests. Wear layers, bring waterproof outerwear, and choose shoes that can handle uneven or slippery ground.

The drive itself deserves consideration. Icelandic roads outside Reykjavík can be bumpy, and a long ride may be uncomfortable if you have significant back pain. This is useful to weigh before booking, especially if sitting for extended stretches tends to cause you trouble.

Who should book this tour?

I would choose this trip if you want a full day of varied west Iceland sights without driving, and if the horse farm and lava cave appeal as much as the waterfalls. The combination feels more personal than a route built only around famous viewpoints, and the cave admission and farm visit make the price easier to understand.

It is less suitable if you want a short outing, a leisurely lunch, or complete control over how long you spend at each stop. The paths can be icy, the roads can be rough, and lunch costs extra. If those trade-offs work for you, this is a strong way to see the quieter side of Iceland beyond Reykjavík.

FAQ

How long is the Silver Circle tour?

The tour lasts approximately 10 hours, starting at 9:00 a.m.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $219 per person.

Is pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are offered from hotels in the Reykjavík capital area. In some central areas, pickup may be at a nearby bus stop.

Can I meet the tour instead of using hotel pickup?

Yes. You can meet at the Nicetravel office at Fiskislóð 45M, 101 Reykjavík. Notify Nicetravel in advance and arrive before 8:20 a.m.

What is included in the price?

The price includes transportation, an English-speaking guide, vehicle Wi-Fi, admission to Viðgelmir Lava Cave, and entry to Sturlureykir horse farm.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, but the tour makes a stop for lunch. A coffee break is also planned in the afternoon.

How large is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 19 participants.

How long is the visit to Viðgelmir Lava Cave?

The cave visit lasts about one and a half hours. Admission is included.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel for a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the tour’s start time. If poor weather causes the tour to be canceled, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.