Excellent 2 Day West Coast Tour of Snaefellsnes Peninsula with Lava Caving in Vidgelmir

Marvelous waterfalls, dramatic lava fields, spectacular lava caves, boiling hot springs, and medieval Icelandic heritage are all on your itinerary today.

After a refreshing rest and having breakfast at the hotel we will turn East travelling along Silver Circle Route. Your day starts with a visit to the historic Borgarfjordur area. First on the itinerary is a visit to Deildartunguhver, famed as the most powerful hot springs in Europe. It produces more than 180 liters of boiling hot water per second! You can feel the fierce power of Mother Nature as you walk safely on boardwalks through billowing clouds of steam around the bubbling hot springs, or just see them from the viewing platform.

Our next stop is at great Hraunfossar (Lava Waterfalls), a series of waterfalls formed by rivulets streaming over a distance of about 900 m (almost 300 ft!) across the Hallmundarhraun lava field, which flow from an eruption of one of the volcanoes lying under the glacier Langjökull. The waterfalls pour into the Hvítá River from ledges created by less porous rock in the lava.

Literally a stone’s throw upstream from Hraunfossar, you will visit another waterfall called Barnafoss. Its name, “the waterfall of the children,” comes from an accident which is said to have taken place here in a previous century. There was a natural stone bridge over the waterfall, and two children from a nearby farm fell to their deaths crossing the river on the bridge. Afterwards, the grief-stricken mother had the bridge destroyed.

The highlight of the tour is a visit to a colorful Viðgelmir Lava Cave. Just shy of 1600 meters the cave features amazing colors and lava formations that lurk in the depths of the earth. During this 1,5 hour long expedition you will have a change to see one of the largest lava caves in Iceland with its stunning lava stalactites and stalagmites. The area surrounding the entrance to the cave will allow you to realize how powerful eruptions of volcano can be.

After nearly 2 hours spent deep below the surface of the Earth, we will end our tour in the woodland oasis of Husafell. Husafell is a magical place to unwind after a day of wonder, with birch tree woodlands, waterfalls, rugged lava fields, crystal-clear water springs, medieval remains and much more to see.

Finally, take in the sights at Reykholt. There you will see Snorralaug (Snorri's Pool) - small hot spring where local people have bathed since the 12th century. This pool was first mentioned in the medieval writings of Snorri Sturluson, a famous Icelandic poet and chieftain, who used to live and bathe here too. Snorralaug is now a protected archaeological site, and Snorri's story is a very important part of Iceland's history.

There will be time to take pictures of the beautiful old timber church here, which dates back to the 19th century. You can take a look inside, where a viewing glass to a medieval smithy cistern can be seen.

Then, it is time to head back to Reykjavík City; you’ll arrive in due time to enjoy a night in the capital and reminisce about your unforgettable, two-day adventure in Western Iceland. Don’t wait any longer to secure your spot on this trip of a lifetime.