Silver Circle Iceland: A Scenic Route in the West of the Country

The Silver Circle in Iceland is a round-trip route featuring breathtaking waterfalls, historical sites, and soothing geothermal baths. Unlike its famous counterpart, the Golden Circle, this attraction-packed trail remains off the radar to many—meaning fewer crowds and more hidden sights to discover. See the trembling cascades of Hraunfossar and Barnafoss, the legendary Husafell stone, and Deildartunguhver, Europe’s mightiest hot spring. If you crave adventure beyond the well-beaten paths, make the Silver Circle your next journey.

Located in the Borgarfjörður region, the heart of West Iceland, the Silver Circle loop usually begins in Reykjavik and extends north to Langjökull glacier. To reach the first stop from the capital, follow the Ring Road clockwise until the Hvalfjörður tunnel, then turn onto Route 50 until Deildartunguhver spring. 

The total distance varies depending on optional detours, such as the Langjökull Ice Tunnel. The standard route, covering Deildartunguhver, Hraunfossar, Barnafoss, Húsafell Baths, and Víðgelmir Cave, is about 280 km (175 miles), including the drive from Reykjavík. The loop itself is 115 km (71.5 miles) and takes 2 hours to drive without stops. Allowing an hour per attraction, the trip can take a full day.

The boiling Deildartunguhver is Europe's most powerful geothermal spring. It supplies central heating to nearby towns and warms local greenhouses. The hot spring sits approximately 97 km (60 mi) north of Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik, and marks the first stop on the Silver Circle. Pillars of steam rising from the cracks in the ground and bubbling 100°C (212°F) waters reveal a glimpse of the geothermal power hidden under the surface of our planet. Sturdy fences surrounding the Deildartunguhver thermal spring allow you to get close to the source and admire its enchanting beauty while staying safe. 

Just a 2-minute drive from Deildartunguhver, Krauma Wellness Center provides rejuvenating procedures with mineral-rich water from the hot spring. Krauma Geothermal Baths and Spa has five pools filled with 37-41°C (99–106°F) water, a cold tub, outdoor showers, and two saunas. After replenishing rituals, you can relax in a room with a hot spring view, fireplace, and soothing music. The on-site restaurant serves Icelandic dishes, like grilled lamb and baked cod, made from fresh local ingredients. The price for admission to Krauma Spa starts from 7,490 ISK ($54) per person.

Serene Hraunfossar waterfall flows through the ancient Hallmundarhraun lava field, approximately 1.5 hour's drive from Reykjavik. Countless thin streams trickle over a 900 m (2953 ft) wide coal-black cliff, creating an enchanting scene. The water is a bright blue color, as it originates from Langjökull, Iceland’s second-largest glacier, and feeds the famous Hvítá river. Accessible year-round, the falls take on a magical, frosty appearance in winter when parts of it freeze over. You can see the full beauty of Hraunfossar waterfalls from a nearby viewing platform, 5 minutes away from the parking lot. To explore further, you can take a short, 14-minute Hraunfossar waterfall hike that leads to the neighboring Barnafoss Falls.

Barnafoss is a unique waterfall in the Hallmundarhraun field, just a short walk from Hraunfossar. A series of rapids emerge from volcanic rocks, with brilliant turquoise waters contrasting against black lava rock. The name ‘Barnafoss,’ meaning ‘Children’s Waterfall,’ is tied to a local legend about two missing boys whose tracks ended at a narrow stone arch over the Hvítá river. After realizing their fate, their grieving mother destroyed the arch to prevent future tragedies. Thankfully, the legend remains just that, and you can safely enjoy the breathtaking view of Barnafoss waterfalls and its surroundings from a stone bridge above the river.

The historic village of Reykholt lies in Reykholtsdalur valley, 1.5 hours drive from Reykjavik and about 7 km (4.3 mi) from Deildartunguhver. This beautiful settlement is tiny, with only 60 inhabitants, but its cultural importance is immense. The village is full of hot springs, including one of the country’s oldest geothermal pools, Snorralaug. A famous Icelandic historian, poet, and politician, Snorri Sturluson, lived in the area in the 13th century. You can learn more about Snorri’s fascinating life in the Reykholt village museum. In addition to its historical and natural attractions, Reykholt has modern restaurants, cafes, and hotels for you to enjoy.

Húsafell is a small settlement in western Iceland, located 64.5 km (40 mi) from Borgarnes. It has long been a farm and church estate, historically serving as a site with a house for the local priest. Today, Húsafell is a popular tourist area known for hiking trails, lava fields, hot springs, and one of Iceland’s most popular lifting boulders. A popular stop for Silver Circle travelers is Húsafell Canyon Baths — locally constructed geothermal pools in the Icelandic Highlands. The two naturally heated pools (30–41°C / 86–105°F) amid lava fields and waterfalls are accessible only by guided tour, which includes a short drive and hike.

The Húsafell Stone weight is 186 kg (410 lb). This basalt rock was initially used in the 18th century as a door for a stone enclosure. Over time, people began lifting the stone as a test of strength. It became a challenge not just to lift it but to carry it around the enclosure—a distance of 34 meters (112 feet). Only the strongest could do this, earning a title from Icelandic folklore, Fullsterkur (Full Strength). The stone became famous in strongman competitions, including the 1992 World’s Strongest Man. It still rests on a farm in Húsafell, where visitors can try to lift it.

Hidden underground in the Hallmundarhraun lava field around 3 km (1.9 mi) northeast of Fljótstunga farm, Víðgelmir is one of the largest lava tubes in Iceland. The tunnel is 1585 m (5200 ft) long, 15.8 m (52 ft) high, and 16.5 m (54 ft) wide, created by a massive volcanic eruption in 930 CE. Inside, you'll find stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and colorful lava formations. Water dripping from the ceiling creates incredible, up-facing icicles that sparkle in the light. Víðgelmir lava cave is one of the easiest chambers to explore due to the sturdy wooden walkways that allow you to safely admire the rugged interior and mineral-painted walls.

Langjökull, Iceland’s second-largest ice cap, is a glacier in the Western Highlands. Located only 35 km (22 mi) from Húsafell, it’s a popular additional stop on the Silver Circle for activities like snowmobiling and ice cave exploration. Here you can go inside an immense ice tunnel measuring 500 m (1640 ft) long, 3 m (9.8 ft) tall, and 3.5 m (11.5 ft) wide. On this guided ice cave experience, visitors go through the tunnel paths and deep crevasses to see an ice chapel. They also learn from experts how glaciers form, change over time, and interact with volcanoes. This activity is family-friendly and available year-round.

Whether you're an equestrian enthusiast or wish to meet charming and fluffy-coated Icelandic horses, a farm in Sturlureykir is a must-visit Silver Circle’s stop. Located a 5-minute drive from Reykholt’s historic site, this family-owned ranch offers visitors a horseback riding experience and a stable visit. Sturlureykir horse farm is open every day from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM year-round, warmly welcoming its visitors with homebaked rye bread and a friendly “neigh.”

If you plan to explore the Silver Circle, you can self-drive—a flexible option—but some sites still require pre-booking and guided access. While you can visit waterfalls, hot springs, and towns independently, Langjökull Ice Tunnel, Krauma and Húsafell Baths, and Víðgelmir Cave require a guided tour. With timed entries at certain sites, it’s difficult to see everything in one day. When driving yourself, note that Route 50 and Route 518 are paved, but there are more tricky gravel roads. 

• Self-Drive Pros: Flexible schedule, explore at your own pace.
• Self-Drive Cons: Some sites require guided tours, and winter roads can be impassable.

Guided Silver Circle tours typically last around 10 hours and cover all major stops with pre-arranged access, entrance fees, and transport. Tours usually include hotel pick-up in Reykjavík, a comfortable minibus with WiFi, and an English-speaking guide. This is the best option if you want a hassle-free way to experience all Silver Circle attractions in one trip.

• Guided Tour Pros: No self-driving, guaranteed site access, everything arranged.
• Guided Tour Cons: Fixed schedule, group setting.

In summer, you can easily drive the Silver Circle with long daylight hours and clear roads. All major attractions are open, making it ideal for hiking in Húsafell and relaxing in geothermal baths. However, popular stops get crowded, and tour availability can be limited if you don’t book in advance.

You can still see the route in winter, but snow and ice make it more challenging, and some roads might close temporarily. Víðgelmir Lava Cave and Langjökull Ice Tunnel remain open, showcasing stunning ice formations, while frozen waterfalls create a unique winter landscape. There are fewer tourists, and you may also see the Northern Lights on clear nights.

• Best for long sightseeing days and warm weather activities → Summer
• Best for a quiet experience and Northern Lights → Winter

• Rent or bring a 4x4 vehicle in winter for icy and gravel roads.
• View the official website for traffic info and possible road closures.
• Book ice tunnels, canyon baths, and cave tours in advance.
• Fill up your tank before leaving Borgarnes town.
• Bring waterproof gear, wear layers, and sturdy hiking shoes.
• Bring a swimsuit and a towel for bathing.
• Plan ahead, as guided activities have fixed time slots.
• Bring snacks since food options are limited, and pack essentials.
• Drive carefully as sheep and horses roam freely.

When visiting for the first time, Iceland’s most popular route, the Golden Circle, is a great choice. It’s close to Reykjavík, easy to drive, and has major sights like a national park, waterfall, and geysers. The Golden Circle is a quick trip but can get crowded, especially in summer. The Silver Circle is more remote, less touristy, and packed with activities like ice tunnels, lava caves, and geothermal baths. Some spots require guided tours, and gravel roads make winter driving tricky, but it’s perfect if you want a more adventurous, off-the-beaten-path experience. 

If you have time, both are worth it, but if you’re looking for something beyond the usual tourist trail, Iceland's Silver Circle is a great alternative.