Into the Glacier & Silver Circle
by Arctic Adventures · Glacier hiking · Vatnajökull & Jökulsárlón
- Beginners welcome
- Fine on your own
- Self-guided
from €285.8 per person
Next departure: Sun 25 Oct
1 / 12
Duration
10 hours
Difficulty
Easy
Season
Sep – Apr
Starts in
Reykjavík
Pickup
Hotel pickup included
Departs
08:00, 08:30
Cancellation
Free until 24 hours before
About this experience
This itinerary combines the best of western Iceland, including Deildartunguhver hot springs, Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls, Langjökull ice tunnel, Viðgelmir lava cave, and Húsafell canyon baths. Along with these geological wonders, you'll have the chance to meet adorable Icelandic horses at Reykholt Farm.
Deildartunguhver - Europe’s Most Powerful Hot Spring
Our first stop will be at the hot springs of Deildartunguhver. This viciously boiling geothermal pool is so powerful that it is used to heat Icelandic homes in the area. It is Europe's most powerful hot spring, with a flow rate of 180 liters (47.6 gallons) per second. We'll walk through the geothermal field, past steaming, bubbling pools that consistently reach temperatures of 97°C (207°F).
Sturlureykir Horse Farm
Next, we're off to the horse farm in Reykholt to meet the adorable Icelandic horses and ponies. You'll have the chance to pet and feed the friendly animals. The staff will tell you more about these gentle companions, and you will be able to take some cute photos.
Sturlureykir is a family runned farm located in the west of Iceland, with about 60 horses.
Family story back to 1886, first geothermal in Europe 1907, one of the oldest breedingfarm of icelandic horses in the world same family, same place, we have a “underground” bakery and always offer a homebaked ryebred to our guests.
Hraunfossar and Barnafoss Lava Waterfalls
Next are two of the most breathtaking waterfalls in western Iceland. First up is Hraunfossar - a series of tiny cascades that together create a magical orchestra of rushing streams. Barnafoss is only a short walk away from its neighbor, but its appearance is in stark contrast. Flowing in the middle of a narrow canyon, the rapid stream twists and turns, creating white foam. The water itself is a pastel blue. All together, it almost looks like a blue milkshake.
Both falls emerge from an ancient lava field formed thousands of years ago. Your guide will tell you about the myths and legends surrounding the area and explain the nature of Iceland's mighty waterfalls.
Into the Glacier / Viðgelmir Lava Cave / Húsafell Canyon Baths
For your next stop, choose the attraction that speaks to your heart. Perhaps you've always wanted to walk through the majestic ice tunnel or enter the natural lava cave. Or maybe your dream is to soak in the warm, relaxing geothermal pool? Choose one of the three options, and we'll take you right there.
The unique Langjökull Ice Tunnel is the largest of its kind in the world. You'll spend an hour exploring its frozen corridors, stopping off at the built-in chapel.
If you fancy something less icy, Viðgelmir is the biggest lava cave in Iceland. It is easily accessible thanks to special paths and walkways and is suitable for the whole family. Amazement is guaranteed when you see the beautiful stalactites and stalagmites hanging from the ceiling.
If you're looking for a calmer experience, Husafell Canyon Baths are the place to go. Here, you can soak in a warm geothermal pool in the middle of a canyon and recharge before the next stop.
Return to Reykjavik
Then, we'll get back on the minibus for the last scenic ride to Reykjavik. We'll be there in the early evening and drop you off at the initial location.
Pick-up Information
Pick-up starts at 8:00 a.m. from your accommodation or a nearby authorized meeting point in Reykjavik. Your patience is much appreciated, as the process can take up to 30 minutes.
Available pick-up points: Arctic Adventures’s pick-up list
Description from the operator, Arctic Adventures. Prices and availability in the booking panel are live.
Where you go
- Borgarnes
- Deildartunguhver
- Hraunfossar & Barnafoss
- Sturlureykir Horse Farm
- Húsafell
- Into the Glacier - Langjökull
- Borgarnes
Included
- Transport and Visit to Into the Glacier - Langjökull
- Pick-up & drop off from Reykjavík
- Minibus Transport
- English Speaking Tour Guide
- Certified Guide
- Free WiFi on Board Your Bus
Good to know
- Warm Outdoor Clothing
- Water & Windproof Jacket and Pants
- Hiking Shoes
- Warm Head-wear & Gloves
- Camera & photography equipment
- Lunch & Snacks
Cancellation for this tour
Free cancellation until 24 hours before departure; no refund after that. If the operator cancels for weather or safety, you get a full refund or a new date.
If the weather cancels this tour
Iceland's weather is real. What usually stops this one is high wind or rain on the ice — the guide decides at the meeting point, sometimes after you have set off. Here is exactly what happens to your booking.
- 1Arctic Adventures decides, and tells us. Operators cancel when it is unsafe or pointless, and we back that call every time — we do not ask them to run anyway.
- 2We contact you by email, and by phone if your tour is the same or next day. You choose: another date if there is one you can make, or a full refund. There is no fee and nothing to argue.
- 3The refund goes back to the card you paid with, through Stripe, usually visible within a few working days. If this tour was one of several in your booking, the others are untouched.
What you do not get is the day back. If this is the only free day in your plan, put a spare day next to it — the planner leaves days free with the rest-day option. And if you want out because the forecast looks bad, that is your own cancellation: free until 1 day before departure, the operator's policy after that.
Questions on the day: [email protected] · +354 497 1373. How cancellations work in Iceland →
Why this one and not the cheaper one?
The nearest cheaper Glacier Explorer from Arctic Adventures is €144 — €142 less. Here is every difference we can actually measure.
| Arctic Adventures · €286 | Arctic Adventures · €144 | |
|---|---|---|
| How long it runs | 10 hours | 5.5 hours |
| Getting there | Picks you up | You make your own way |
| How hard it is | Easy | Moderate |
The €142 buys you 4.5 more hours out and hotel pickup. Whether that is worth it is your call — but that is what the difference is.
Sold out on your date?
Seats come back — a cancellation, or the operator adding a vehicle. Tell us the date and we will check once a day and email you if one opens. One email, then we delete the address; nothing else is ever sent to it.
Who this is not for
- Not available in summer; the operator runs it roughly September to April.
Read off the operator's own conditions. If none of it applies to you, this is a good one.
Why we list it
Arctic Adventures is one of 207 operators we work with — chosen for reliability, honest descriptions and how they treat guests when weather changes plans. We don't list everything; we list what we'd book ourselves. The six checks every operator passes →
What travellers say about Arctic Adventures
Read all 5,195 reviews on Google →Operator rating 4.6/5 from Google — these are reviews of the company, not this specific tour. Shown as Google returns them, unedited.
★★★★★ · 3 months ago
This was a phenomenal trip with AMAZING sights. Our tour guide was informative, friendly, and easy to listen to. You will learn a lot and see nature at its greatest. We absolutely loved this tour and would recommend it to anyone. The car ride is comfortable and there is wifi as well! Shout out to our tour guide, Magnus (I hope I’m spelling his name correctly), who told us some hilarious stories.
★★★★★ · 2 months ago
I spent six days on a bus tour around Iceland with a professional guide. It was an excellent opportunity to gain a comprehensive overview of Iceland's breathtaking nature while also learning about the country's history and the everyday lives of its people. Iceland's landscape and animals are truly unique, featuring magnificent waterfalls, geysers, whales, seals, puffins, volcanoes, glaciers, and mountains. Every day brought new and unforgettable experiences. Of course, none of this would have been possible without our guide, Viko. He not only drove the bus safely but also shared fascinating stories about Icelandic history, culture, and way of life. He was willing to tailor the itinerary to our group's interests and wishes, making the experience even more enjoyable. I am very grateful for his professionalism, knowledge, and enthusiasm in interpreting Iceland's natural and cultural heritage. He played a key role in making this tour such a memorable experience.
★★★★★ · 3 months ago
I did the Iceland South Coast Full Day Small-Group Tour from Reykjavik. Such an amazing tour and one of the highlights of my trip to Iceland! Our guide, Erik, was incredibly knowledgeable and shared so much interesting information about Iceland throughout the day. We visited some of the country’s most beautiful sights, including stunning waterfalls, Vik, black sand beaches, and other breathtaking stops along the South Coast. The pickup process was simple and organized, making the day completely stress-free. The scenery was incredible from start to finish, and Erik helped make the experience even better with his knowledge, friendliness, and enthusiasm. If you’re visiting Iceland, the South Coast is a must-do, and I highly recommend taking this tour with Erik as your guide!
★★★★★ · 2 months ago
What a wonderful adventure! The 3 Day South Coast/Golden Circle tour included all of the sites we wanted to see and it did not disappoint. We were picked up at a bus stop in downtown Reykjavik and our journey began with about 16 other guests, a good group size. Our tour guide "Good" John did an excellent job teaching us about the history of Iceland and the sites we saw. The tour is well organized with just enough time at each site. He also made adjustments to the itinerary based on the weather as well as including sites not on the tour to give us more to see, which we loved! There were plenty of bathroom/food breaks as needed and we loved that we could just sit back, relax, and enjoy the views outside the window rather than worrying about driving and parking. Our multi-day tour included a 2 night stay at Adventure Hotel Geirland, which Arctic Adventures owns. Such a quiet hotel, convenient location with beautiful views. Our only complaints were that the shower leaked and made the floor wet, and that dinner at the restaurant was expensive with limited options. However the food was good and breakfast was included. The Katla Ice Cave was our favorite part, which was partnered with Southcoast Adventure, and our guide Inga was very friendly and knowledgeable. We did pay for a hiking boot rental for my husband but never received the boots. We did not ask our tour guide so we are not sure what happened with that. Overall we absolutely loved this tour and would highly recommend Arctic Adventures to anyone visiting Iceland for the first time!
Reviews from Google · updated 23 Oct 2026
Read before you book
- Best Glacier Hike in Iceland (2026): 5 PicksThe glacier hikes we would book ourselves in Iceland, on Sólheimajökull and in Skaftafell, with real adult prices, departure points and who each one is not for.
- Glacier hike in Iceland: which glacier to bookThree glaciers sell almost the same walk at different prices and distances. Which one fits your route, what 'easy' means, and what blue ice really requires.
- Glacier hike or ice cave: which to bookBetween October and April, book the Skaftafell hike-and-cave combo and get both. The rest of the year, a glacier hike on Sólheimajökull is the better day.
Reviews from our travellers
Only people who booked this tour through us can write here. We publish every review in full — good or bad.
Reviews arrive the day after each trip — none yet for this one. After your tour we send one email asking how it was, and what you write goes here, unedited.
Glacier hiking — questions people ask
Which glacier is best for a first glacier hike?
Sólheimajökull on the South Coast, about two and a half hours from Reykjavík. It is the most accessible glacier tongue, the walk from the car park is short and the three-to-four-hour tours (/experience/6853/ or /experience/914990/) suit beginners. Skaftafell in the southeast has bigger ice and fewer people, with tours like Glacier Wonders (/experience/17340/), but it is a five-hour drive each way, so it only works if you are staying out there.
Can you hike on a glacier in Iceland in summer?
Yes. Glacier hiking runs all year. In June to August the ice is grey and gritty on the surface with blue crevasses and meltwater channels, and the weather is milder. In November to March the ice is whiter and you may see ice formations, but daylight is short and the wind bites. Neither is better; summer is easier, winter is prettier. The one thing you cannot do in summer is visit a natural blue ice cave.
How fit do I need to be for a glacier hike?
Moderately. You walk two to three hours on uneven ice in crampons, with some short steep sections. Anyone who can manage a hilly day walk will be fine; the pace is slow because the guide is checking the route. It is not for anyone with knee or balance problems, and most operators set a minimum age of eight to ten. Check the tour page. Longer tours like Glacier Explorer (/experience/17338/) push further onto the ice and need more stamina.
What do I need to bring on a glacier hike?
Sturdy boots with ankle support, waterproof jacket and trousers, warm layers, gloves and a hat, plus water and a snack. The operator provides crampons, a harness, a helmet and an ice axe. Jeans and trainers are not allowed on the ice, and guides do turn people away. Most meeting points rent boots and rain gear for a small fee; check the tour page and book them in advance in summer.
Hotels
Where to stay for this tour
From the cheapest to the top end of what is near Reykjavík, from our hotel partners. Rooms are booked on our hotels site.
from 16.181 kr.Lowest price
Guesthouse · Reykjavík
Old Town Reykjavík
under 1 km away · a night for two, indicative
from 40.115 kr.Mid-range
Hotel · Reykjavík
Black Pearl Reykjavik
under 1 km away · a night for two, indicative
from 60.840 kr.Top end
Hotel · Reykjavik
Hótel Holt
under 1 km away · a night for two, indicative
One checkout, any number of operators
Rankings are not for sale
206 operators vetted, and not all of them accepted
If it falls short, we fix it
Pairs well with
Add any of these to this tour and 3 % comes off both at checkout — about €24 on the cheapest pair. One basket, one payment, however many operators they come from.
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