West Iceland: Hraunfossar Waterfalls, Deildartunguhver Hot Spring & Grábrók Crater
A journey through lava fields, boiling springs, and ancient craters on Iceland's dramatic western shore.
This West Iceland shore excursion takes you deep into one of the island's most geologically and historically rich regions, covering cascading waterfalls, a record-breaking thermal spring, and a volcanic crater formed three thousand years ago. Departure and return times are coordinated with your cruise ship's schedule, so you can explore without worry. The tour is conducted in German and is rated easy, making it accessible to a wide range of travelers.
The Borgarfjörður region west of Reykjavík offers a concentrated collection of natural wonders that few visitors reach on standard itineraries. From the lava-filtered cascades of Hraunfossar to the narrow gorge of Barnafoss, the waterscapes here are genuinely unlike anything found elsewhere in Europe. The landscape shifts constantly between open moorland, ancient lava fields, and river valleys carved by glacial meltwater.
Beyond the geology, the area carries deep historical weight. The medieval settlement of Reykholt was home to Snorri Sturluson, one of the most influential figures in Icelandic history, and his geothermally heated bathing pool still stands today. The town of Borgarnes serves as the regional hub, sitting at the edge of the Borgarfjörður fjord where the Ring Road crosses via a causeway and bridge.
The thermal activity in this part of Iceland is extraordinary even by Icelandic standards. Deildartunguhver discharges 180 liters of near-boiling water every second, supplying heat to two towns and offering visitors a visceral introduction to Iceland's volcanic energy. The excursion closes with a walk up the wooden boardwalk to the rim of Grábrók crater, where panoramic views over the surrounding lava field reward the short climb.
Tour Highlights
Walk along Hraunfossar, where hundreds of cascades emerge directly from a lava field and spill into the Hvítá river below.
Stand at the edge of Barnafoss, a powerful waterfall cutting through a tight canyon just upstream from Hraunfossar.
Visit Reykholt and see the ancient hot pool built by saga author and historian Snorri Sturluson in the thirteenth century.
Observe Deildartunguhver, the most productive hot spring in the northern hemisphere, releasing 180 liters of 97°C water per second.
Climb the wooden stairway to the rim of Grábrók volcanic crater and take in sweeping views over the surrounding lava field.
Learn about Snorri Sturluson, whose writings shaped how the world understands Norse mythology and medieval Icelandic law.
Departure and return are scheduled around your cruise ship's port call, ensuring a seamless shore excursion experience.
Itinerary
The tour begins with a stop in the small settlement of Reykholt, where you can see the geothermal bathing pool commissioned by the saga author Snorri Sturluson (1179–1241). The pool was connected to his residence by an underground tunnel, and Snorri himself served as a poet, historian, and lawspeaker at the Alþing parliament.
Hundreds of individual cascades emerge from the edge of a broad lava field across several hundred meters and drop into the river Hvítá below. The visual effect of clear water filtering through ancient volcanic rock before joining the river is striking and unusual among Icelandic waterfalls.
A short distance upstream from Hraunfossar, the river forces its way through a narrow gorge to create the waterfall known as Barnafoss. The contrast with the wide, gentle cascades of Hraunfossar is immediate and dramatic.
Deildartunguhver is the most productive geothermal spring in the northern hemisphere, with a consistent output of 180 liters of water per second at approximately 97°C. The hot water is piped to the towns of Borgarnes and Akranes for heating, and the steam and boiling pools at the site are a remarkable sight.
The 170-meter-high crater of Grábrók and the adjacent lava field Gróbrókarhraun were formed roughly 3,000 years ago. A wooden boardwalk with steps leads to the crater rim, where visitors can look out over a broad volcanic panorama.
The town of Borgarnes sits on the shore of Borgarfjörður fjord and serves as the main service center for the region. The Ring Road crosses the fjord here via a causeway and bridge before the group returns to the cruise port.
What's Included
Included
- German-speaking professional guide
- Comfortable transport by minibus or coach
- Entry at all visited natural sites
- Reykholt historical site visit
- Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfall stop
- Deildartunguhver hot spring visit
- Grábrók crater walk
- Schedule coordinated with cruise ship timetable
Not Included
- Meals and beverages
- Personal travel insurance
- Gratuities for the guide
- Souvenirs and personal purchases
- Hotel pickup or drop-off outside cruise port
Important Information
Reserve Your Spot on This West Iceland Tour
Spaces on this German-language shore excursion are limited. Secure your place and explore the waterfalls, hot springs, and volcanic craters of western Iceland on a schedule built around your cruise.
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