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 move from a powerful hot spring and two very different waterfalls to a family-run horse farm, a medieval hot pool, and the underground world of Viðgelmir Lava Cave. It gives you a broad look at western Iceland without asking you to drive.

I like the quiet feel of the route, especially compared with Iceland’s busier Golden Circle. I also like the horse farm visit, where you can feed and brush Icelandic horses, see how geothermal heat is used, and taste homemade rye bread baked with hot-spring heat. The main concern is the ride itself: roads farther from Reykjavik can be rough, and the full day may be uncomfortable if you have serious back pain.

The best parts of the Silver Circle in one day

• Viðgelmir Lava Cave: Spend about 90 minutes underground with a hard hat, headlamp, and cave guide among colorful lava formations.
• A real Icelandic horse farm: Meet friendly horses, hear about a fifth-generation family farm, and try rugbrauð, traditional rye bread baked using geothermal heat.
• Hraunfossar’s unusual waterfalls: Watch streams flow out from beneath a lava field for roughly 900 meters.
• A quieter route from Reykjavik: The Silver Circle usually feels less crowded and less commercial than Iceland’s most famous day route.
• Small-group transport: The vehicle carries no more than 19 people and includes Wi-Fi, hotel pickup, and a professional guide.
• A full but well-spaced day: The tour lasts about 10 hours, with short walks, scenic stops, lunch time, and one longer underground visit.

Why choose the Silver Circle over the Golden Circle?

If you have only one day outside Reykjavik, the Golden Circle is the obvious choice. It has famous names and dramatic sights. The Silver Circle offers something different: a calmer day with more local character and a wider mix of experiences.

You will not get the giant plunge of Gullfoss here. Instead, you see Hraunfossar, where countless narrow streams appear to pour directly from dark lava rock. Nearby Barnafoss is faster and more forceful, with a local story behind its name. The two waterfalls work well together because they show different sides of Icelandic water.

The route also includes Reykholt and Snorralaug, a small hot pool linked to Snorri Sturluson, the medieval poet and political figure. This is not a grand ruin or a huge archaeological site. It is a modest historical stop, but it adds a human layer to a day otherwise filled with geology and scenery.

At $219 per person, this is not Iceland’s cheapest excursion. Still, the price includes transportation from the Reykjavik area, a guide, Wi-Fi, entry to Viðgelmir Lava Cave, and admission to the horse farm. If you paid separately for a rental car, fuel, cave access, and a full day of driving, the package can offer fair value, especially if you would rather watch the scenery than navigate Icelandic roads.

Pickup from Reykjavik and the long ride west

Pickup takes place between 8:30 and 9:00 in the morning, with the tour beginning around 9:00. Be ready at your location by 8:30 and look for a bus with red NICE Travel logos.

Hotels in the Reykjavik capital area qualify for pickup and drop-off. In parts of central Reykjavik, buses cannot use the narrow streets, so your meeting point may be a nearby designated bus stop. The company sends the exact location after booking.

You can also meet the group at the Nicetravel office at Fiskislóð 45M. If you choose that option, notify the company directly and arrive before 8:20.

The vehicle holds a maximum of 19 people, although the group may be smaller. A less-than-full bus gives you more room for coats and day bags, which matters in Iceland when winter clothing takes up half your seat. Wi-Fi is included, though I would treat it as a useful extra rather than the reason to book.

The first major stop comes after a long drive, about two hours according to one detailed account of the route. That time is not wasted. This is when a good guide can explain Icelandic stories, geology, music, and daily life. Guides named in past tours include Thorri, Thor, Monica, Gulli, Filip, Christina, Walter, Bart, Maria, Addi, and Thora, but your guide will depend on the departure.

Glanni Waterfall and the Bifrost area

Glanni is a peaceful first stop in the Bifrost area. It is scenic rather than enormous, and the visit lasts about 20 minutes.

That short timing is sensible. You get enough time to walk to the viewpoint, take photographs, and see the water moving through the green and rocky surroundings without turning the first stop into a long hike.

In cold weather, this path can be icy. Crampons were provided on some departures, and they made a real difference. If you are visiting in winter or during a freeze, wear boots with good grip and take each short walk seriously. Icelandic paths can be slippery even when the distance looks easy.

Some departures have included an additional stop at a nearby volcanic cone, though it is not part of the stated schedule. Do not count on it, but if conditions and timing allow, a short climb may offer wide views over the surrounding area. Wind can be fierce on exposed ground, so a wind-resistant jacket and trousers are useful.

Deildartunguhver: Iceland’s hot water at full force

At Deildartunguhver, you see Europe’s highest-flow hot spring. The water reaches about 100 degrees Celsius and pours out at roughly 180 liters per second.

This is not a bathing stop. It is a place to watch geothermal power at close range, with steam, bubbling water, and a strong sense of heat coming from below. Stay on the marked paths and follow the guide’s instructions. The area is fenced and managed for safety, but the water is dangerously hot.

The stop lasts about 20 minutes, which is enough for photographs and an explanation of how geothermal energy supports life in Iceland. The spring is also a useful reminder that the country’s hot water is not just a scenic oddity. It is part of the heating system used in homes, farms, and public buildings.

Sturlureykir Horse Farm and geothermal rye bread

For me, the horse farm is one of the strongest reasons to choose this tour. At Sturlureykir, you are not simply stopping beside a fenced field for a quick photograph.

You can get close to the Icelandic horses, feed them, and brush them. The farm family explains its breeding program and daily work, and you may meet the owner, whose family has lived there for five generations. The setting feels personal and practical rather than staged for a large bus group.

The visit lasts about 45 minutes. That gives you time to interact with the horses and learn why they are so important in Icelandic culture. Icelandic horses are small, sturdy, and friendly, but you should still follow the farm’s instructions when approaching or feeding them.

The geothermal details make this stop especially memorable. The farm uses hot spring water to heat the home and stables, and the family bakes rye bread in the ground using geothermal heat. You can sample rugbrauð with coffee, hot chocolate, or water.

This is a better cultural stop than a quick roadside encounter. You see a working farm, meet people connected to the land, and taste something made through a distinctly Icelandic method. If you have children or anyone in your group who enjoys animals, this may be the day’s most popular stop.

Reykholt and Snorralaug, a small pool with a long story

Reykholt brings Icelandic history into the day. The site is associated with Snorri Sturluson, a major medieval poet, author, and political figure. Snorralaug is a small hot pool that local people used from the 12th century onward.

The pool itself is not large. Do not arrive expecting a spa or a grand monument. Its value comes from the story. You are looking at a simple place tied to a figure whose writings shaped much of what the world knows about Norse mythology and Iceland’s medieval past.

The visit takes about 20 minutes. Your guide provides context about Snorri and the village, making the stop more rewarding than it would be if you only viewed the pool and moved on. It is a quiet pause between the farm and the waterfalls.

Hraunfossar, where water comes out of the lava

Hraunfossar is the visual star of the above-ground portion of the day. The name means Lava Falls, and the explanation is easy to understand once you reach the viewpoints.

The waterfalls are not one towering drop. Instead, many small streams run out from beneath the Hallmundarhraun lava field and spill into the river below. The lava formed roughly 1,000 years ago during a major eruption connected with the area beneath Langjökull glacier.

The falls extend for around 900 meters. Short paths lead to several viewpoints, and a bridge crosses the river near the falls. In winter, ice can cover parts of the walking route, so the crampons supplied on some trips are more than a nice extra.

You get about 30 minutes here. That is enough for the main viewpoints, but not enough for a long exploration of every path. If photography is important to you, keep your group moving and use the time well.

Bring waterproof outerwear. Spray and wet ground can make ordinary clothing uncomfortable, especially if you walk close to the water or into exposed viewing areas. The falls look different in changing weather, with snow, sunlight, mist, and dark volcanic rock each altering the scene.

Barnafoss and the story behind its name

Barnafoss is only a short walk from Hraunfossar, so the two stops are naturally paired. Its name means Children’s Waterfall and comes from a tragic local tale.

According to the story, two children fell into the river while crossing a natural stone bridge. Their grieving mother had the bridge destroyed afterward. The tale gives the waterfall a darker character, and your guide can explain the story while pointing out the river’s force.

The stop lasts about 30 minutes. You can view the water from several points and cross the nearby bridge. The paths may be icy in cold weather, so keep your footing steady and do not rush for a photograph.

Barnafoss is not as delicate as Hraunfossar. Its rushing water cuts through the rock with more energy. Seeing both in one visit helps you understand how lava, rivers, and time have shaped this part of Iceland.

Going underground in Viðgelmir Lava Cave

The final major stop is a guided visit to Viðgelmir, one of Iceland’s largest lava caves. The cave is nearly 1,600 meters long and contains lava stalactites, stalagmites, colorful rock, cooling patterns, and ice formations.

The visit lasts about 90 minutes. You begin near the cave facilities, where you may find displays about local rocks, maps, restrooms, and snacks. Then you cross the exposed lava field to the entrance and descend by wooden stairs.

Inside, you receive a hard hat and headlamp. The cave has low ceilings and some narrow sections, but the route is managed and the pace includes frequent pauses. The experience is more about observing unusual lava shapes and learning how the tube formed than about athletic caving.

This cave differs from a typical limestone cave. The formations come from volcanic activity and cooling lava, so the colors, wall markings, and textures feel more raw. You may also see ice stalagmites, depending on conditions.

A cave guide leads the underground portion. Guides such as Gareth and Jan have been praised for keeping the explanation clear and adding humor. The main tour guide does not necessarily lead the cave section, so expect a handoff to a specialist.

The interior can be chilly. Bring warm layers even if the weather outside is mild. You may also want gloves if your hands get cold easily. The path is not described as highly strenuous, and people who are not in peak shape have managed it, but you should be comfortable walking for 90 minutes over uneven ground.

Turning off the headlamps for a brief moment can be part of the fun, letting you experience the cave’s darkness. Follow the guide closely and do not treat the cave as a casual walk into a hole. The hard hat is there for a reason.

Lunch, walking conditions, and what to pack

Lunch is not included, but the day includes time for a meal stop and an afternoon coffee break. At the waterfall area, a rustic cafe may offer soup and bread or a buffet. Bring a card or other accepted payment method, though the tour details do not specify which payment options are available.

The walking is broken into short sections, with the longer cave visit at the end. That makes the day manageable for most people, but winter conditions can change the effort level. Ice on the Glanni and waterfall paths may make a 20-minute walk feel more demanding.

Pack:

• Waterproof shoes with firm soles
• A warm mid-layer for the cave
• Wind-resistant outerwear
• Waterproof trousers if rain or snow is forecast
• Gloves and a hat in cold months
• A small day bag for snacks and extra clothing

The rough roads deserve attention. Much of Iceland’s western interior is reached by roads that can be bumpy, and one detailed account found the ride painful for a person with serious back problems. If you have a sensitive back, ask the operator about current road conditions before booking.

Who gets the best value from this tour?

I would choose this tour if you want western Iceland’s natural sights but do not want to rent a car. It suits people who enjoy variety: waterfalls, geothermal power, animals, local food, medieval history, and volcanic geology all appear in one day.

It also suits you if you prefer quieter stops. The Silver Circle is generally less crowded than the Golden Circle, and a small group of up to 19 people feels more personal than a large coach.

The tour may not suit you if you want a slow, single-theme day. Ten hours is a long outing, and the route includes considerable driving. It may also disappoint if your main goal is to see Iceland’s biggest waterfalls. Hraunfossar and Barnafoss are beautiful, but their appeal comes from their character and geology rather than sheer height.

The quality of the day depends partly on your guide. Guides including Thorri, Monica, Gulli, Filip, Christina, Walter, Bart, Maria, Addi, and Thora have brought different strengths, from Icelandic stories and music to food history and local culture. You cannot select a particular guide from the information provided, but the guide’s commentary matters during the long stretches between stops.

Booking details and cancellation terms

The tour costs $219 per person and is offered in English. It includes hotel pickup and drop-off within the Reykjavik capital area, Wi-Fi on the bus, a professional guide, Viðgelmir Lava Cave admission, and the horse farm visit.

Most people can take part, but you should be ready for outdoor walking on uneven or icy paths and a 90-minute cave visit. The group is limited to 19 people, though the actual departure may be smaller.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours ahead are not refunded. If poor weather forces the company to cancel, you are offered another date or a full refund.

Should you book the Silver Circle?

Book it if you want a full but varied day outside Reykjavik, especially if a rental car is not part of your plan. The horse farm, homemade geothermal rye bread, Hraunfossar, and Viðgelmir Lava Cave give this route a stronger sense of place than a simple waterfall bus tour.

I would skip it if rough roads are a serious problem for you, if you dislike long driving days, or if you want a major hot spring bathing experience. This tour visits hot springs, but it does not offer a soak.

For most visitors who want to see a quieter side of western Iceland, the $219 price is reasonable because several admissions and a full day of transport are included. Pack for wind, rain, ice, and cave chill, then let the guide handle the roads.

FAQ

How long is the Silver Circle tour?

The tour lasts about 10 hours, beginning around 9:00 in the morning.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included for hotels within the Reykjavik capital area. In parts of central Reykjavik, you may be assigned a nearby bus stop because buses cannot use certain streets.

Can I meet the tour instead of using hotel pickup?

Yes. You can meet at the Nicetravel office at Fiskislóð 45M, 101 Reykjavik. Notify Nicetravel directly and arrive before 8:20 in the morning.

What is the maximum group size?

The tour has a maximum of 19 people.

Is lunch included?

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

Is entry to Viðgelmir Lava Cave included?

Yes. Admission to Viðgelmir Lava Cave is included in the tour price.

Is the horse farm visit included?

Yes. Admission to Sturlureykir horse farm is included. The visit includes time near the Icelandic horses and homemade hot-spring bread with coffee, hot chocolate, or water.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If the company cancels because of poor weather, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time.