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

The best part of this Silver Circle tour is its variety. In one long day, you walk beside waterfalls, watch Europe’s highest-flow hot spring, meet Icelandic horses, visit the medieval pool of Snorri Sturluson, and go underground into Viðgelmir, one of Iceland’s largest lava caves. I like that the day feels more local and less stamped-out than the famous Golden Circle.

I especially like the Sturlureykir horse farm, where you can feed and brush the horses, see how geothermal heat is used, and taste homemade rye bread baked with hot spring heat. I also like the quiet mood at Hraunfossar and Barnafoss, where the water pours from beneath an old lava field. The main drawback is the long, sometimes bumpy ride from Reykjavik, plus icy paths and cold conditions in winter.

Key points to know before booking

• Viðgelmir Lava Cave takes 90 minutes: Expect stairs, low ceilings, a hard hat, headlamp, and colorful lava formations.
• The horse farm is a real cultural stop: You meet the animals, hear about a family breeding program, and taste geothermal-baked rye bread.
• This is a quieter alternative to the Golden Circle: Several stops usually feel calmer, with fewer buses and less roadside bustle.
• The waterfalls are unusual rather than huge: Hraunfossar streams out from beneath lava rock, while nearby Barnafoss cuts through a narrow river channel.
• The day is long but well paced: The tour lasts about 10 hours, with short walks and enough time at most stops.
• Road comfort matters: Some roads are rough, so this is not the best choice if you have severe back pain.

Why the Silver Circle makes a fine full-day outing

The Silver Circle is West Iceland’s answer to the better-known Golden Circle, but the mood is different. The route links geothermal power, old Icelandic stories, farm life, waterfalls, and volcanic geology. You do not get one giant headline attraction such as Gullfoss. Instead, you get a steady stream of smaller moments that fit together well.

At $219 per person, this is not a cheap bus day. But the price covers hotel pickup in the Reykjavik capital area, a guide, Wi-Fi, admission to Viðgelmir Lava Cave, and admission to the horse farm. You are also paying to avoid driving unfamiliar roads, reading maps, and trying to fit seven stops into one day.

The group can include up to 19 people, which is small enough to feel more personal than a large coach. Some departures may be less than full. That gives you room for winter clothing and day bags, though you should not count on an empty seat beside you.

The tour runs in English and begins around 9:00 a.m. Pickup takes place between 8:30 and 9:00, so you need to be ready early. Central Reykjavik has traffic restrictions for tour buses, which means your pickup may happen at a nearby designated bus stop rather than directly outside your hotel. You can also meet at the Nicetravel office on Fiskislóð 45M, but you need to arrange that directly and arrive before 8:20.

Glanni Waterfall starts the day quietly

Glanni is a scenic waterfall in the Bifrost area, surrounded by the calm of West Iceland. The stop lasts about 20 minutes, so this is a quick introduction rather than a long hike.

The walk can be icy, especially in colder months. Crampons have been provided on some departures, and they can make a real difference on slippery paths. Bring shoes with solid grip, and do not assume a short walk means an easy walk.

Glanni is not Iceland’s most powerful waterfall, and you should not compare it directly with Gullfoss. Its appeal is the peaceful setting and the way it eases you into the day before the more unusual sights arrive.

A nearby volcanic cone has also been included on some outings, even though it is not part of the stated schedule. If your guide adds it, expect wind and a short climb with stairs. The view from the crater area can be broad, but the weather may change quickly.

Deildartunguhver shows geothermal power up close

At Deildartunguhver, you see the highest-flow hot spring in Europe. The spring produces about 180 liters of water per second at roughly 100 degrees Celsius. This is not a bathing stop. It is a place to watch hot water force its way through vents in the ground.

The path is short, usually about 20 minutes, but you need to stay alert. Steam, heat, and uneven ground make this a spot for careful walking rather than casual wandering. The force of the water is the attraction. You can hear and sometimes feel the energy below your feet.

The visit also helps explain why geothermal heat matters in Iceland. This is not just scenery. Hot water is used for heating and daily life, and the horse farm later shows a more domestic use of the same natural resource.

Sturlureykir brings you close to Icelandic horses

For me, the horse farm is one of the strongest parts of the day. The Icelandic horse is small, hardy, and friendly, but a brief photo stop beside a roadside fence tells you very little. At Sturlureykir, the visit lasts around 45 minutes and gives you time to interact with the animals.

You may brush and feed the horses, visit them in the stable, and see them outside. The family has operated the farm for generations, and the visit includes an explanation of its breeding program. You may also get a chance to be photographed with one of the horses.

The farm makes geothermal energy feel practical. You can see a private hot spring used to heat the home and stables. You also learn how the family bakes rúgbrauð, a dense Icelandic rye bread, using hot spring heat.

The snack is simple but memorable: homemade hot spring bread with butter, along with coffee, water, or hot chocolate depending on the departure. There is a small cafe decorated with farm trophies and medals. This is a more personal cultural stop than a quick animal encounter, though the exact refreshments can vary.

If you want a tour that focuses only on grand views, 45 minutes at a farm may feel like a detour. If you enjoy local food, farm life, and contact with Icelandic culture, it adds welcome texture to the day.

Reykholt and Snorralaug connect nature with Icelandic stories

Reykholt is a historic site associated with Snorri Sturluson, the medieval poet, author, and politician. The small hot spring known as Snorralaug was used by local people and is linked to Snorri, who bathed there.

The stop lasts about 20 minutes. You will not have time for a long museum visit or an extended historical study, but your guide can explain the site and its place in Iceland’s past. This is one of those stops that benefits from good guiding. Without context, it is simply a small pool. With a clear explanation, it becomes a direct link to medieval Icelandic writing and politics.

The setting is also a useful change of pace. After the horses and hot spring activity, Reykholt gives you a quiet place to listen and look around. Guides such as Thorri have been praised for making this part feel surprisingly personal, especially when explaining the old pool and the surrounding village.

Hraunfossar is a waterfall unlike the usual Iceland view

Hraunfossar is not one single plunge. It is a series of rivulets stretching for roughly 900 meters along the riverbank. The water appears to flow out from beneath the Hallmundarhraun lava field, which formed after an eruption beneath Langjökull glacier about 1,000 years ago.

That geology explains the name, often translated as Lava Waterfalls. Water moves through the porous lava and emerges in many separate streams. The result is broad, delicate, and unusual. It rewards taking time at several viewpoints rather than rushing to one dramatic overlook.

The walking paths are short, but ice can make them difficult. Crampons are useful in winter, and waterproof outerwear is sensible. You may encounter spray, snow, or wet ground near the river.

Hraunfossar may not match Gullfoss for force or height, but that is not really the point. The appeal is the strange source of the water and the long line of small falls. You get a different idea of what an Icelandic waterfall can be.

Barnafoss adds a darker Icelandic tale

Barnafoss is only a short walk from Hraunfossar, so the two stops work naturally together. Here the river is more concentrated and forceful, moving through a narrow channel and around rocks.

The name means Waterfall of the Children. Local tradition tells of two children who fell to their deaths while crossing a natural stone bridge. Their grieving mother is said to have ordered the bridge destroyed.

It is a sad story, but it reflects how Icelandic places often carry folklore alongside their natural features. Your guide can tell the story while you look at the river and the remains of the crossing area.

Plan on about 30 minutes at both waterfall areas, though the route may allow more time depending on weather and the group. The paths can be slick, so keep your footing in mind rather than trying to reach every possible viewpoint.

Lunch is not included. A stop is made near the waterfall area for soup and bread or a buffet at a rustic cafe. You should budget separately for food and keep expectations practical. This is a convenient break, not a formal food tour.

Viðgelmir is the day’s main adventure

The final major stop is Viðgelmir Lava Cave, a lava tube just under 1,600 meters long. The guided underground visit lasts about 90 minutes and is included in the tour price.

This is not a polished show cave with bright lighting everywhere. You receive a hard hat and headlamp, then walk across the exposed lava field to the entrance and descend by wooden stairs. Inside, the route includes low ceilings and narrow sections, so you need to watch your head and follow the guide’s instructions.

The cave contains lava stalactites, stalagmites, ice formations, and colored rock. You can also see marks left by cooling lava. These formations look different from the smooth mineral shapes found in many limestone caves. The guide explains how the tube formed and points out details that are easy to miss on your own.

You should expect a proper walk, but not a technical caving expedition. One description of the experience notes that even people who were not in top shape managed the route. Still, the cave can feel chilly, so bring warm layers even if Reykjavik is mild.

The cave guides add much to the visit. Gareth, Jan, and other cave guides have been singled out for clear explanations and humor. At one point, the group may switch off its headlamps for fun, but the guide controls that sort of activity.

If you have claustrophobia, severe mobility problems, or dislike uneven surfaces, think carefully before booking. The tour includes most travelers, but the cave is still underground, cool, and occasionally tight.

What the drive is really like

The first stop may come about two hours after leaving Reykjavik. After that, many attractions are closer together. The long opening drive is useful for listening to stories about Iceland, but it also means much of your day is spent in the vehicle.

The minibus has Wi-Fi, which is handy for checking messages or sharing photos between stops. Do not confuse Wi-Fi with a smoother ride. Some Icelandic roads are rough, and one part of the route can be uncomfortable for anyone with serious back pain.

Bring a small day bag rather than a large suitcase. Wear waterproof outer layers, warm clothing, and shoes with good grip. Wind-resistant trousers and a jacket are particularly useful if the weather is cold or if a crater walk is added.

The day lasts around 10 hours. That sounds demanding, but the stops are broken into short walks, scenic pauses, the farm visit, lunch, and the longer cave excursion. A good guide also makes a difference. Guides named Gulli, Monica, Filip, Thorri, Christina, Walter, Bart, and Addi have each been praised for humor, stories, food knowledge, or thoughtful pacing. Your exact guide will vary, but commentary is a major part of the experience.

Who should book this Silver Circle tour?

I would choose this outing if you want many kinds of Iceland in one day and do not want to drive. It suits first-time visitors who want waterfalls and geothermal sights but also care about horses, local food, history, and geology.

It is especially good for you if the Golden Circle sounds too busy. The Silver Circle route generally feels quieter, and the stops are less dominated by large crowds. You get a stronger sense of open space and a slower pace, though that comes with a longer drive.

I would look elsewhere if you want a luxury vehicle, a short day, a spa visit, or a tour built around one major spectacle. Lunch costs extra, the road can be bumpy, and winter walking may be slippery. The cave is fascinating, but it requires warm clothes and comfort with stairs, low ceilings, and uneven ground.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure. If poor weather forces a cancellation, you can receive another date or a full refund. That matters in Iceland, where road and walking conditions can change quickly.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want the horse farm and lava cave as much as the waterfalls. Those two stops give the day its character, while Hraunfossar, Barnafoss, Deildartunguhver, and Reykholt build a satisfying picture of West Iceland.

At $219, the value comes from the range of included experiences and the convenience of transport. I would not book it solely for the biggest waterfall in Iceland, because the route is more about variety than spectacle. But for a relaxed, story-filled day away from Reykjavik, with fewer crowds and plenty to talk about afterward, this is a strong choice.

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 for hotels in the Reykjavik capital area. Because buses cannot enter some central streets, your pickup may be at the nearest bus stop.

How many people can join the tour?

The tour has a maximum of 19 participants.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch and the afternoon coffee break are not included in the price, but the tour stops so you can buy food and refreshments.

Is admission to Viðgelmir Lava Cave included?

Yes. The admission fee and the guided visit to Viðgelmir Lava Cave are included. The cave visit lasts about 90 minutes.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours ahead are not eligible for a refund.