Iceland Silver Circle: Lava Cave, Waterfalls & Horse Farm Tour

Summary

Western Iceland’s waterfalls, lava caves and horse farm in a day

You’ll feel Western Iceland’s wild contrasts: steaming hot springs at Deildartunguhver, time with gentle horses and homemade bread at Sturlureykir farm, thunderous waterfalls hidden in black lava fields, and finally stepping deep into Viðgelmir Lava Cave’s ancient silence—all with hotel pickup and a local guide who knows every story along the way.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect Glanni waterfall to be so quiet. It was early, just a few of us standing there with coffee breath and that chilly Bifrost air. The sound of water was soft but constant — not dramatic, just steady. Our guide, Halla, waved us over to a mossy rock and pointed out the way the river split around little islands. Someone tried to pronounce “Glanni” right and we all laughed. I liked that nobody rushed; it felt like we had time to just listen for a minute.

Deildartunguhver was next — you can smell it before you see it, honestly. That sulfur tang hits you as soon as you step off the bus. Steam everywhere, thick and swirling around your ankles so your shoes get damp. Halla told us it’s Europe’s most powerful hot spring (I googled later: 180 liters per second). We kept a careful distance; you could hear the hissing from across the path. There’s something about that much energy coming out of the earth right under your feet that makes you feel tiny.

The Sturlureykir horse farm was warmer — literally, because they bake bread in the hot springs there. I’d never met an Icelandic horse up close before; their manes are wild and they’re smaller than I thought but totally unbothered by strangers petting them. The farmer handed me a slice of rugbraud (that’s the bread) still warm from underground, with butter melting into it. Tasted sweet and earthy at once. We all sat around drinking coffee or cold water depending on preference — I went for both.

Later came Reykholt and its old stories (Snorri Sturluson bathed here centuries ago), then Hraunfossar — those waterfalls pouring out from under black lava fields like they’d been hiding there forever. Barnafoss is right nearby; Halla told us about the legend of two kids who fell in crossing an old stone bridge. It made me look twice at how fast the water moves there.

The Viðgelmir Lava Cave was colder than I expected inside — my hands went numb holding onto the railings sometimes. Colors on the walls shift as your eyes adjust: red-brown, blue-grey streaks where minerals have seeped through over centuries. Our helmets knocked together more than once in those narrow spots (nobody got hurt). Coming back up into daylight felt strange after so long underground; everything looked sharper somehow. I still think about that first breath of cold air outside.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Western Iceland waterfalls and lava cave

• Visit Glanni waterfall in Bifrost
• See Deildartunguhver hot spring
• Tour Sturlureykir Icelandic horse farm
• Stop at Reykholt historic site
• View Hraunfossar lava waterfalls
• Visit Barnafoss waterfall nearby
• Explore Viðgelmir Lava Cave

Top questions

How long does the Silver Circle tour take?

The tour is a full-day trip from Reykjavik including all stops.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in Reykjavik are included.

What is special about Deildartunguhver?

Deildartunguhver is Europe’s most powerful hot spring with 180 liters per second of 100°C water.

Do we go inside Viðgelmir Lava Cave?

Yes, admission includes a guided visit inside Viðgelmir Lava Cave lasting about 1.5 hours.

Are meals or snacks provided?

You’ll get homemade “hot spring bread” with coffee or cold water at Sturlureykir horse farm.

Is this tour suitable for pregnant travelers?

No, it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers due to cave walking conditions.

How close do we get to Icelandic horses?

You can pet and interact closely with Icelandic horses at Sturlureykir farm.

Are entry fees included in the price?

Yes, all admissions including Viðgelmir Lava Cave and horse farm are included.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Reykjavik, entry fees for Viðgelmir Lava Cave and Sturlureykir horse farm (with homemade hot spring bread plus coffee or cold water), free Wi-Fi on the bus throughout the journey, plus a local guide who shares stories at every stop before bringing you back in the evening.