Silver Circle Tour: Waterfalls, Hot Springs, and the Saga Lands of West Iceland
A full-day journey through volcanic landscapes, cascading rivers, and Iceland's rich Viking heritage.
The Silver Circle Tour traces a lesser-traveled arc through West Iceland, guiding small groups through a region defined by geothermal power, ancient lava fields, and waterways carved over millennia. Unlike the heavily trafficked Golden Circle, this route rewards travelers with a quieter, more intimate encounter with Iceland's natural and cultural character. The journey spans roughly ten hours and covers a sequence of sites that range from Europe's most powerful hot spring to a fjord where geothermal pools meet ocean tides.
The route begins and ends in Reykjavik, with pick-up arranged directly from your hotel or a designated meeting point. Transportation is handled throughout the day, removing the need for rental cars or separate shuttle arrangements. Groups are kept to a maximum of 19 passengers, which ensures a more personal pace at each stop.
West Iceland has long been associated with the Icelandic Sagas, and the town of Borgarnes stands as one of the most significant settlement sites from that era. The tour weaves this historical context into the day alongside encounters with raw geological forces — bubbling 100-degree springs, lava-filtered waterfalls, and narrow river gorges that carry both water and legend.
The Hvalfjordur fjord detour adds a scenic dimension that the main highway tunnel bypasses entirely. Steep volcanic mountains, deep blue water, and the option to visit geothermal bathing pools make this stretch one of the more memorable sections of the day before the route continues inland toward the lava fields and waterfalls of the Borgarfjordur region.
Tour Highlights
Bathe in geothermal pools at Hvammsvik Hot Springs, where tidal waters meet natural heat along the shores of Hvalfjordur fjord.
Observe Deildartunguhver, Europe's most powerful hot spring, releasing 180 liters of boiling water per second from wooden boardwalks at a safe distance.
Walk along Hraunfossar, a 900-meter-wide curtain of glacial rivulets seeping directly out of the Hallmundarhraun lava field into the Hvita river below.
Stand above Barnafoss, a churning rapid forcing through a narrow lava gorge, and learn the folklore behind the name "Children's Falls."
Explore the Settlement Center in Borgarnes, which brings the Viking age and Egil's Saga to life through interactive exhibitions.
Drive the full length of Hvalfjordur instead of taking the tunnel, tracing a fjord framed by volcanic peaks and untouched coastal vegetation.
Stop for a meal at a local restaurant in the Borgarfjordur area, with options that reflect Icelandic culinary traditions and fresh regional ingredients.
Itinerary Overview
The day begins with hotel pick-up in Reykjavik before the group heads north along the coastline, bypassing the tunnel to drive the full scenic length of Hvalfjordur. Deep blue waters and steep volcanic walls line the route, with a stop at Hvammsvik Hot Springs for those who wish to bathe where geothermal heat meets the ocean tide.
Europe's most powerful hot spring discharges 180 liters of boiling water per second and supplies geothermal heat to towns across a 64-kilometer radius. Visitors walk secure wooden boardwalks past billowing steam clouds and 100-degree water, with the Krauma Spa nearby for those seeking a more relaxed geothermal experience.
Hraunfossar stretches nearly 900 meters as glacial water filters through ancient lava rock and emerges as countless separate streams above the Hvita river. A short walk upstream leads to Barnafoss, a powerful rapid cutting through a lava gorge, accompanied by a local legend that explains its evocative name.
A seated lunch stop at a local restaurant or cafe in the Borgarfjordur region offers an opportunity to try Icelandic dishes made from regional produce. This pause also allows time to rest before the final cultural stop of the day.
Borgarnes sits at the mouth of the Borgarfjordur and has strong historical ties to the Viking settlers depicted in the Icelandic Sagas. The Settlement Center offers interactive exhibitions focused on the arrival of Norse settlers and the life of Egil Skallagrimsson, one of the most celebrated saga figures.
The group travels back south along the Hvalfjordur coastline or the main highway toward Reykjavik, with drop-off at the original hotel or designated accommodation. The return journey takes approximately one hour under normal road conditions.
What Is Included
Included
- Round-trip hotel pick-up and drop-off in Reykjavik
- Professional guide throughout the tour
- Small-group experience with a maximum of 19 passengers
- Transportation in a comfortable vehicle for the full duration
- Guided stops at Hvalfjordur, Deildartunguhver, Hraunfossar, Barnafoss, and Borgarnes
Not Included
- Lunch and personal dining expenses
- Entry fees for Krauma Spa or Hvammsvik Hot Springs bathing
- Entry fees for the Settlement Center exhibitions
- Gratuities for the guide
- Personal travel insurance
Important Information
This tour operates in all weather conditions typical of Iceland. Participants should dress in warm, waterproof layers and wear sturdy footwear suitable for walking on uneven or wet terrain near waterfalls and lava fields.
Reserve Your Place on the Silver Circle Tour
Places in this small-group tour are limited to 19 passengers. Secure your spot to explore the waterfalls, geothermal springs, and saga landscapes of West Iceland on a fully guided day trip from Reykjavik.
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