Silver Circle Lava Cave Tour
Description
Trade the familiar Golden Circle for a full-day journey through West Iceland, where waterfalls emerge from lava fields, geothermal steam rises from the ground and one of Iceland’s most remarkable lava caves waits below the surface.
This small-group Silver Circle tour brings together dramatic nature and local character: the Glanni waterfall and Grábrók volcanic landscape, Deildartunguhver hot spring, friendly Icelandic horses, Reykholt’s saga heritage, Hraunfossar and Barnafoss, and a guided descent into Víðgelmir Lava Cave.
Why choose this tour? It is a varied, all-year West Iceland day out with included cave admission, a warm rye-bread tasting and coffee, and convenient free pickup in Reykjavík—ideal for travellers who want geology, waterfalls, culture and a genuine underground adventure in one day.
Itinerary
Free Reykjavík pickup
An easy start from the capital
Choose a participating Reykjavík hotel or a designated bus stop when booking. Collection is generally between 08:30 and 09:00, then the small-group minibus heads west past Mount Esja and beneath Hvalfjörður toward Borgarfjörður. Your voucher confirms the final collection details.
Borgarnes refreshment stop
Views across Borgarfjörður
Pause in Borgarnes to stretch your legs, pick up a drink or snack and take in the broad views over the fjord. It is a relaxed introduction to the farming landscapes, rivers and saga country that shape this part of West Iceland.
Glanni waterfall and Grábrók volcanic landscape
Water and lava in Bifröst
Walk to the compact but picturesque Glanni waterfall, where the Norðurá River flows over old lava formations. Nearby, the Grábrók volcanic landscape adds a clear sense of the forces that built this region, with lava fields and crater views setting the tone for the day.
Deildartunguhver hot spring
Steam from the earth
Feel the heat of Deildartunguhver from the safe boardwalks and viewing areas. This powerful geothermal area sends clouds of steam across the landscape and offers a memorable close-up of the natural energy that warms communities across West Iceland.
Sturlureykir horse farm
Icelandic horses and geothermal flavours
Meet Icelandic horses at a family-run farm and learn why this sure-footed breed is so closely tied to the country’s history. The farm also uses geothermal heat in everyday life, and the visit includes a warm taste of traditional rye bread with coffee.
Reykholt and Snorralaug
A pause in saga country
Visit historic Reykholt, associated with the medieval writer and chieftain Snorri Sturluson. See the protected Snorralaug hot pool and hear how this quiet settlement became an important place in Iceland’s cultural story.
Lunch break
Time to refuel
A scheduled café or restaurant stop gives you time to buy lunch or refreshments at your own expense. The exact timing and location can vary with road conditions, daylight and the day’s running order.
Hraunfossar and Barnafoss
Two unforgettable waterfalls
At Hraunfossar, clear water streams out through ancient lava into the Hvítá River, creating a long and delicate line of falls. A short walk away, Barnafoss surges through a narrow rocky channel—an energetic contrast and one of West Iceland’s classic waterfall stops.
Víðgelmir Lava Cave
The underground highlight
Join a guided visit inside Víðgelmir, one of Iceland’s largest and most impressive lava caves. The walk reveals colourful volcanic rock, intricate formations and a cool underground world shaped by a long-ago eruption. Cave admission and guidance are included; sturdy footwear and warm layers make the visit more comfortable.
Return to Reykjavík
A scenic journey back to the capital
Relax on the drive back through West Iceland after a day of waterfalls, geothermal landscapes, horses and lava-cave exploration. Arrival in Reykjavík is generally in the early evening; the exact return time depends on conditions and the day’s route.
What is included
- Professional English-speaking guide and small-group minibus
- Free pickup and drop-off within Reykjavík
- Wi-Fi and USB charging on the bus
- Admission to Víðgelmir Lava Cave
- Admission to Sturlureykir Horse Farm
- Geothermal rye bread tasting and coffee at Sturlureykir
What do I need to bring
- Warm layered clothing
- Waterproof and windproof outerwear
- Sturdy outdoor shoes or hiking boots with good grip
- Water bottle, snacks and money or card for lunch
- Camera or phone
Good to know
Free Pickup: Included pickup and drop-off are available from selected hotels and designated bus stops in Reykjavík. Choose your preferred location while booking; collection is generally between 08:30 and 09:00 and the voucher confirms the final details.
- The full experience takes about 10 hours and operates all year.
- Lunch is not included; a scheduled café or restaurant stop is planned.
- Víðgelmir Lava Cave is cold and has uneven ground. Warm clothing and supportive footwear are strongly recommended.
- The minimum age is 5 years.
- Weather, road conditions and daylight can affect the order and timing of stops.
Highlights
- All-year small-group journey through West Iceland
- Guided Víðgelmir Lava Cave visit and admission included
- Glanni, Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls
- Icelandic horses, geothermal rye bread and coffee at Sturlureykir
- Free Reykjavík pickup and drop-off
Silver Circle Lava Cave Tour – Frequently Asked Questions
The Silver Circle heads into West Iceland rather than the Golden Circle. It combines waterfalls, geothermal landscapes, Icelandic horses, saga heritage and a guided lava-cave experience—an excellent choice if you want a less familiar full-day route.
You enter a spacious lava cave with a guide, following the prepared route through a cool volcanic environment of rock formations and colourful details. Admission and the guided cave visit are included in the tour.
Select a participating Reykjavík hotel or a designated bus stop during booking. Pickup generally takes place between 08:30 and 09:00; the exact place and time are confirmed on your voucher.
Yes. The stop at Sturlureykir introduces you to Icelandic horses at a working farm, along with a warm tasting of traditional geothermal rye bread and coffee.
Lunch and other refreshments are not included, but the itinerary includes a scheduled café or restaurant stop where you can buy food. Rye bread and coffee at Sturlureykir are included.
Wear warm layers, waterproof outerwear and sturdy shoes or hiking boots with good grip. The cave is cool, and paths around natural stops may be uneven or wet.
Yes. Your guide may adjust the order or timing of stops for weather, road conditions and daylight. The aim is always to keep the experience safe and make the most of the day’s conditions.