The Silver Circle: West Iceland’s Quieter Alternative

Iceland’s Silver Circle is located in West Iceland’s Borgarfjörður region, close enough to Reykjavík for a day trip, yet somehow still overlooked by most people planning a first visit. Perhaps it’s the lack of big-name attractions, but you do get a hot spring that puts out more boiling water than anywhere else in Europe, twin waterfalls dropping straight out of a lava field, a cave system running under your feet, and a village tied to one of Iceland’s most important medieval writers. All of that, and you’ll share it with a fraction of the crowds the Golden Circle pulls in. Here’s our guide to the Silver Circle…

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So what’s actually on Iceland’s Silver Circle? This guide covers everything included on the Silver Circle: Deildartunguhver, Hraunfossar and Barnafoss, Reykholt, Húsafell, Víðgelmir cave, and a handful of quieter stops most people never hear about, plus the legend behind the name itself. From there it’s on to how to actually get here from Reykjavík, where to base yourself and how long to set aside, and finally the practical stuff, groceries and food.

Why Is It Called the Silver Circle?

The name has nothing to do with anything silver-colored in the landscape. It comes from Egill Skallagrímsson, the Viking-age poet and warrior at the heart of Egil’s Saga, who is said to have hidden his silver somewhere in this region before he died, and it’s never been found. People have searched for it for centuries. Today, the name points to a different kind of silver too, the region’s sustainable geothermal energy, its farmland, and the saga heritage tied up in Borgarfjörður as a whole.

The Silver Circle is just one of Iceland’s Routes and Circles – I’ve written about them all here.

Before I start, let me cover the fact that you’ll get most out of this route if you’re self-driving, and so I’ve prepared a series of informational guides on that.

• Driving in Iceland, what you need to know
• Renting a car in Iceland – insurance, additional options and more
• Parking in Iceland – oh yes, this gets an entire post on its own
• Do you actually need a car in Iceland?  I answer the question in this post.
• Iceland without a car

What’s Included in the Silver Circle

The Silver Circle loops through Borgarfjörður in a route of around 146 kilometers (91 miles), plus whatever distance you add getting here from Reykjavík, and covers geothermal power, waterfalls, a lava cave, and Viking history in one manageable day or two.  I’ve written more about what geothermal means in Iceland here.

Deildartunguhver

Deildartunguhver is Europe’s most powerful hot spring by flow rate, and the sheer volume of near-boiling water pouring out of the ground here is actually startling to see up close. Boardwalks let you get close to the steam without getting scalded.

• How to get to Deildartunguhver: just off Route 50, in the Reykholt area of Borgarfjörður.
• How long to spend at Deildartunguhver: 20-30 minutes.
• Entry to Deildartunguhver: free.
• Parking at Deildartunguhver: free.

Hraunfossar & Barnafoss

Hraunfossar is a wide series of small waterfalls seeping directly out of a lava field into the Hvítá river, an unusual sight since the water appears to come from nowhere rather than from any visible stream above. Barnafoss, a narrower, more turbulent waterfall just upstream, carries a dark legend of two children who drowned trying to cross a stone bridge here centuries ago.

• How to get to Hraunfossar & Barnafoss: on Route 518, a short drive past Reykholt.
• How long to spend at Hraunfossar & Barnafoss: 30-45 minutes.
• Entry to Hraunfossar & Barnafoss: free.
• Parking at Hraunfossar & Barnafoss: free.

Reykholt

Reykholt is the historic homestead of Snorri Sturluson, the 13th-century writer credited with the Prose Edda and Heimskringla, works that shaped how much of the world understands Norse mythology and Viking-age history today. Snorralaug, a small stone hot pool believed to be over 800 years old, still sits on the site.

• How to get to Reykholt: on Route 518, in the heart of Borgarfjörður.
• How long to spend at Reykholt: 30-45 minutes.
• Opening Times at Reykholt:  1 May – 31 August: every day 10:00 – 17:00, 1 September – 30 April: Weekdays 10:00 – 17:00
• Entry to Reykholt: Adults 2,200 ISK, Children U16 free
• Parking at Reykholt: free.

Húsafell & Giljaböðin Canyon Baths

Húsafell runs on its own geothermal power and hot water straight from the ground, a working example of sustainable tourism rather than just a talking point. Giljaböðin, the canyon baths here, let you soak in warm water tucked between cliffs and forest, a quieter, more rustic alternative to a standard geothermal pool.  This is a glorious highland hike and soak. Book the Húsafell Canyon Baths tour here.

• How to get to Húsafell: at the eastern end of the Silver Circle loop, near Route 518.
• How long to spend at Húsafell: 1-2 hours, longer if you’re soaking at Giljaböðin.
• Entry to Giljaböðin: 10,900 ISK Adults – Buy tickets here
• Parking at Húsafell: free.

Víðgelmir Lava Cave

Víðgelmir is Iceland’s largest lava cave, and you can only go in with a guide; safety gear and lighting are part of the tour, not optional extras. The colorful mineral deposits and ice formations near the entrance make it one of the more visually striking caves in the country.

• How to get to Víðgelmir: near Húsafell, off Route 518.
• How long to spend at Víðgelmir: 1.5-2 hours including the guided tour.
• Entry to Víðgelmir: From 9,000 ISK (guided tour only, booking required).
• Parking at Víðgelmir: free.

Grábrók Crater

Grábrók is a volcanic crater you can actually climb; a short, well-maintained trail with steps leads up to a viewpoint over the surrounding lava field. It’s a quick stop, but a good leg-stretch if you’ve been driving for a while.

• How to get to Grábrók: just off the Ring Road near Bifröst.
• How long to spend at Grábrók: 30-45 minutes.
• Entry to Grábrók: free.
• Parking at Grábrók: free.

Glanni Waterfall & Paradísarlaut

Glanni is a quieter waterfall on the Norðurá river, considerably less crowded than Hraunfossar, with a short walking trail that loops past it. Paradísarlaut, a small, sheltered hollow nearby, is a lovely spot for a picnic if the weather’s on your side.

• How to get to Glanni Waterfall & Paradísarlaut: near Bifröst, just off the Ring Road.
• How long to spend at Glanni Waterfall & Paradísarlaut: 30-45 minutes.
• Entry to Glanni Waterfall & Paradísarlaut: free.
• Parking at Glanni Waterfall & Paradísarlaut: free.

Borgarnes Settlement Center

The Settlement Center in Borgarnes covers Iceland’s Viking-age settlement story, exhibits walk you through how and why people first came to Iceland, and a second exhibition focuses specifically on Egil’s Saga, tying neatly back into the legend behind the Silver Circle’s name.

• How to get to the Borgarnes Settlement Center: in the town of Borgarnes.
• How long to spend at the Borgarnes Settlement Center: 1-1.5 hours.
• Entry to the Borgarnes Settlement Center: From 3,700 ISK – more details here
• Parking at the Borgarnes Settlement Center: free.

Optional Add-On: Langjökull Glacier Ice Tunnels

If you want to turn the Silver Circle into something bigger, a detour onto Langjökull glacier lets you walk inside man-made ice tunnels carved directly into the ice. It’s not part of the core loop, and a 4×4 or a guided pickup is worth arranging for this one specifically.

Optional Add-On: The Krauma Spa

Krauma Spa, right next to Deildartunguhver, blends the spring’s boiling water with cold glacial runoff across five pools, plus two saunas and a cold plunge. We cover it in full, including current prices and hours, in our hot springs and lagoons guide.

How to Get to the Silver Circle

Most people reach the Silver Circle by self-driving from Reykjavík, Route 1 to Borgarnes, then Route 50 into Borgarfjörður proper, about 1-1.5 hours to the western edge of the loop. No 4×4 is required for the core route, and it stays open and drivable year-round, though a 4×4 is worth having if you’re adding the Langjökull glacier detour in summer.

Map of the Silver Circle Route

Here’s our map of every stop in this guide, plotted around the Borgarfjörður loop; you can also see the map here.

Where to Stay to Explore the Silver Circle

Where you base yourself comes down to which end of the loop you want closest at hand.  Here are my top recommendations.

The Hotel Stafholt is in Varmaland, right in the middle of Borgarfjörður, with an on-site hot tub and breakfast included, a solid base close to Reykholt and Deildartunguhver. Reserve rooms at the Hotel Stafholt on Booking.com

The Hotel Laxarbakki is in Hvalfjarðarsveit, right on the route in from Reykjavík, a sensible first or last stop if you’re doing the Silver Circle as part of a longer loop rather than a dedicated day trip.  Check prices of rooms here.

The Húsafell Holiday Homes are a group of self-catering cottages right in the geothermal, forest setting Húsafell has built its reputation on, with a swimming pool on site, handy if you’re also doing the Víðgelmir cave tour or soaking at Giljaböðin.  These are perfect for relaxing, but book out early.

City Hall Apartments put you right in Borgarnes itself, walking distance to the Settlement Center, a good pick if you want a town base rather than something more rural. You can see more reviews here.

How Long to Visit the Silver Circle

Most people cover the Silver Circle’s core stops in a single, full day from Reykjavík: Deildartunguhver, Hraunfossar and Barnafoss, and Reykholt fit comfortably into that time frame. Give yourself two days if you want to add Húsafell, Víðgelmir cave, and a soak at Giljaböðin or Krauma without rushing, and build in extra time again if the Langjökull glacier detour is part of your plan.

Grocery Shopping Near the Silver Circle

Borgarnes is your best bet for a proper supermarket stop, with a Bónus and a Krónan both in town, the last full-size grocery options. Stock up here if you’re self-catering anywhere further into Borgarfjörður.

FAQs on the Silver Circle

Here are quick answers to the questions we hear most about the Silver Circle.

Is the Silver Circle worth it compared to the Golden Circle?

Yes, especially if you’ve already done the Golden Circle or want to avoid the crowds. The sights here are different rather than lesser: hot springs and lava instead of geysers and a national park.

Can you visit the Silver Circle as a day trip from Reykjavík?

Yes, easily, for the core stops. It’s about 1-1.5 hours each way to get to the start of the loop, and that puts it within an easy day.

What’s the biggest draw of the Silver Circle?

Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most powerful hot spring, and Víðgelmir, Iceland’s largest lava cave, are the two standout, hard-to-replicate sights on this route.

Is the Silver Circle less crowded than the Golden Circle?

Yes, noticeably. It gets a fraction of the crowds despite being just as accessible from Reykjavík.  It’s a popular day trip from Reykjavik.

Can you visit glaciers and lava caves on the Silver Circle?

Yes. The Víðgelmir lava cave sits right on the core route, and the Langjökull glacier is an easy optional add-on if you want to go further.

Final Words on the Silver Circle

The Silver Circle doesn’t ask for the same commitment as Iceland’s bigger-name routes, and that’s exactly the point. One of Europe’s most powerful hot springs, a lava cave big enough to walk through, waterfalls straight out of a lava field, and a village tied to one of Iceland’s most important literary figures, all inside a loop you can comfortably do in a day. If you want Golden Circle-style sights without the Golden Circle crowds, this is where to actually go.

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