Silver Circle & Viðgelmir Lava Cave

by Arctic Adventures · Lava caves · Volcanoes & lava · West Iceland

4.60(5,129) · operator on Google
Silver Circle & Viðgelmir Lava Cave — Arctic Adventures

Would this be cheaper direct? No — we sell at Arctic Adventures's own price and take our commission from them, not from you. What you get here is one checkout across operators, one confirmation, and one place to change or cancel it. If you ever find it cheaper on their own site, tell us and we will match it or explain why we cannot.

More photos of Silver Circle & Viðgelmir Lava Cave

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10 photos from Arctic Adventures. Tap any one for the full-size original.

  • Duration

    10 hours

  • Difficulty

    Easy

  • Season

    All year

  • Starts in

    Reykjavík

  • Meeting

    Hotel pickup available

  • Languages

    EN, DE, IS, FR, DA, ZH, ES

  • Departs

    08:00, 08:30

  • Cancellation

    Free until 24h 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).

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.

Reykholt Horse Farm & Return to Reykjavik

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.

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.

Description from the operator, Arctic Adventures. Prices and availability in the booking panel are live.

Where you go

  1. Borgarnes
  2. Deildartunguhver - Europe’s Most Powerful Hot Spring
  3. Hraunfossar and Barnafoss Lava Waterfalls
  4. Húsafell
  5. Viðgelmir Lava Cave
  6. Reykholt Horse Farm
  7. Reykjavík

Included

  1. Entry & tour of Viðgelmir lava cave
  2. Pick-up & drop off from Reykjavík
  3. Minibus Transport
  4. English Speaking Tour Guide
  5. Certified Guide
  6. Free WiFi on Board Your Bus

Good to know

  1. Warm Outdoor Clothing
  2. Water & Windproof Jacket and Pants
  3. Hiking Shoes
  4. Warm Head-wear & Gloves
  5. Camera & photography equipment
  6. 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 wind on the ridge or a change in eruption activity — civil protection decides, not the operator. Here is exactly what happens to your booking.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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 Vatnshellir Lava Cave Tour from Summit Adventure Guides is €42 — €144 less. Here is every difference we can actually measure.

Arctic Adventures · €186Summit Adventure Guides · €42
How long it runs10 hours0.8333333333333334 hours
Getting therePicks you upYou make your own way
Changing your mindFree until 24 h beforeFree until 4 h before

The €144 buys you 9.2 more hours out and hotel pickup and free cancellation up to 24 h before. 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.

Why we list it

Arctic Adventures is one of 154 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 5,129 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.

  • Kai Gilchrist

    ★★★★★ · 2 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.

  • Tatjana Kultaniemi

    ★★★★★ · a month 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.

  • Chloe Lamm

    ★★★★★ · 2 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!

  • maya sterett

    ★★★★★ · 3 months ago

    A Fantastic Trip: Review of 3-Day Golden Circle, Ice Cave and Glacier Lagoon Absolutely incredible experience with Arctic Adventures and the guide Hjalti Bjornsson. The pick up from the bus stop was easy and the instructions were super clear. Be aware that they are extremely punctual at every stop. Do not be late by even a minute. We saw so many sites and the weather was perfect for most of the days. Our guide even took us on some stops that were not in the itinerary, but ones he thought were interesting and on the way, like the power plants and some other glaciers. The bus ride was very smooth with plenty of room and the seats were comfortable. The itinerary was well thought out with a great mix of light walking about 3 - 6 miles per day depending on how much you wanted to walk to each site. Some sites like the glacier Skaftafellsjokull (optional) were further away (4 ish miles), while others were much closer (1000ft). The hotel was situated in a beautiful location with sheep everywhere and interesting rock formations. The hotel was very comfortable with hot water and plenty of space to spread out. Our guide was extremely friendly and knowledgable. I would highly recommend this trip for anyone between the ages 10 - 70. However, this might not be the best experience for those with mobility issues as there is walking to some of the best sites.

Reviews from Google · updated 13 Sept 2026

Read before you book

Reviews from our travellers

Only people who booked this tour through us can write here. We publish every review in full — good or bad.

No reviews yet from our travellers on this one. After your tour we send one email asking how it was, and what you write goes here, unedited.

Lava caves — questions people ask

Which lava cave near Reykjavík is the easiest to visit?

Raufarhólshellir, sold as The Lava Tunnel, thirty minutes east of the city. It has a lit walkway and a one-hour guided walk (/experience/32545/ meet on location, or /experience/222055/ with pickup), so no crawling and no head torches. It runs all year. Viðgelmir in West Iceland is longer and quieter, an hour and a half away, and Leiðarendi is a proper caving trip with helmets and scrambling.

What is the difference between a lava cave and an ice cave?

A lava cave is a tunnel left when a lava flow drained out thousands of years ago; it is rock, permanent and open all year. An ice cave is a meltwater tunnel in a glacier, usually only safe November to March, and rebuilt by nature every year. Lava caves show colours in the rock, ice stalactites in winter and total darkness. Ice caves show blue light. If you are here in summer and someone offers a natural ice cave, ask which one.

Is lava caving suitable for children and older people?

The Lava Tunnel, yes. The main walk is on a flat walkway with lights and handrails, and children of most ages manage it. Viðgelmir has a good path too. Leiðarendi and the caving combos (/experience/268/) involve crouching, uneven floors and some scrambling, so the operator sets a minimum age; check the tour page. Anyone with a bad back or knees should stick to the walkway caves.

What do I wear in a lava cave?

It is around zero to four degrees inside, whatever the weather outside, and floors drip. Wear a warm jacket, closed shoes with grip and long trousers. The operator provides a helmet with a head torch where needed. For caving trips, wear clothes you do not mind scraping on rock; gloves help. The Lava Tunnel is easier on clothing, but it is still a cold, wet cave, not a museum.

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Pairs well with

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from

€186 per person

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