Iceland's best-known route runs east. This tour goes west - through a stretch of the country that rewards curiosity with some of its most extraordinary natural and historical experiences. The Silver Circle is West Iceland's answer to the beaten track, and this private full-day tour follows it in full.
The route heads west from Reykjavík into the Borgarfjörður region, arriving first at Reykholt - one of Iceland's most historically significant sites. This quiet village was home to Snorri Sturluson, the 13th-century chieftain and scholar whose writings on Norse mythology and Viking history remain essential reading eight centuries later. His ancient geothermal bathing pool still stands in the village, and the Snorrastofa cultural centre tells his story in full.
From Reykholt, the tour continues to the adjoining wonders of Hraunfossar and Barnafoss. Hraunfossar sees water seep in long, delicate ribbons from beneath an ancient lava field, flowing into the river below along a 900-metre stretch of extraordinary natural beauty. Barnafoss, immediately alongside, is a churning torrent of white water driving through a narrow canyon - as dramatic and forceful as Hraunfossar is delicate.
The day's centrepiece is the Into the Glacier experience at Langjökull - a purpose-built tunnel system carved deep inside Iceland's second-largest glacier. Guided by specialist staff, the experience leads through chambers and passages inside the ice, offering a perspective on one of Iceland's great natural features that almost no one else gets to see.
On the return, Fossatun offers a quieter moment beside a natural waterfall in the West Iceland countryside. The day ends at Hvammsvik Hot Springs on the shores of Hvalfjörður fjord - eight natural pools set at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, named one of the Best Things to Do in the World by Time Out in 2023. In any season, it is a remarkable place to close a day.
Please note: the entrance fees for the Into the Glacier experience and Hvammsvik Hot Springs are not included in the initial price but can be added at the checkout page.
