Silver Circle: Lava Cave, Waterfalls & Iceland Horses-Small Group

Waking up for a day of lava and horses sounds random, until it works. This small-group tour strings together the Silver Circle’s best hits, then caps it with the huge, colorful Viðgelmir Lava Cave. You also get an up-close visit to an Icelandic horse farm, plus Wi-Fi on the bus so you stay connected while you ride out.

I also like how the pace is designed for people who want nature without driving. You get real stops, short walks, and time to actually look, not just stand and snap photos. The only real drawback to plan for is the road and weather factor, since you’ll be on the bus for a long day and some paths can get icy.

Key things to know before you go

• Small group size (max 19): more room, easier conversations, and less queue energy.
• Viðgelmir Lava Cave admission included: helmets, headlamps, and a guided route through a major lava tube.
• Horse farm time (Sturlureykir, 45 minutes): you can interact with the horses and try rye bread (rugbraud).
• Multiple geothermal and waterfall stops: hot springs, then two waterfall areas near the same lava field.
• Wi-Fi on the bus + hotel pickup: practical comfort for a day that runs from roughly 9:00 am to evening.

Price and value: what $219 buys you

At $219 per person, this tour lands in the “worth it if you hate driving yourself” category. You’re paying for four things that add up fast in Iceland: guided logistics, hotel pickup and drop-off, admissions to the two biggest paid stops (Viðgelmir Lava Cave and the Sturlureykir horse farm), and a route that covers the core Silver Circle highlights in one go.

To compare fairly, notice what is and isn’t included. The cave and horse farm are covered. Most of the other viewpoints listed are free to access (waterfalls, thermal spots, historic site). That means you’re not just paying for a ride, you’re paying for the key experiences where guidance and timing matter.

Group size is capped at 19, so you avoid the “coach full of strangers” feeling that can happen on bigger tours. You also get free Wi-Fi on the bus, which is a small detail, but it helps if you want to post photos or map your next steps during the long drive.

Pickup in Reykjavik, timing, and how the day feels

This starts at 9:00 am. Pickup happens from 8:30 to 9:00, and Nicetravel tries to pick you up from your hotel in the Reykjavik capital area. One practical thing: in parts of the Reykjavik center, buses cannot drive right up to the door, so your pickup may be at the nearest bus stop. You’ll get your exact pickup point after you book.

Because it’s a long day (about 10 hours), comfort matters. One review complained about road bumps, especially once you’re farther from Reykjavik, and that can be real in Iceland. If you have back pain or you know you feel rough on uneven roads, consider bringing a small cushion or planning a slower next day. If you’ve done other Iceland tours and bumpy roads don’t bother you, you’ll likely be fine, since the schedule is built around short, rewarding stopovers.

Also, pack for cold and wet. Even if the weather is decent in Reykjavik, you can hit icy patches on walking paths out on the route. The tour includes the kind of walking where good footwear really pays off, especially for the waterfall area and any slippery lava-field viewpoints.

Stop 1: Glanni Waterfall in Bifröst area, short walk, big payoff

Glanni Waterfall is your first real nature moment. Expect a scenic stop with a short time on site (about 20 minutes), so the goal here is viewpoint satisfaction, not hiking.

What makes this stop worth it is the mood. It’s not a mega-attraction waterfall with crowds and chaos. It’s a calm start where you can get your bearings for the day. One tip from the experience: if the path is icy, guides may hand out crampons, and that can turn a slippery scramble into a confident walk.

Bring waterproof outerwear if there’s mist in the air. If you end up getting close to the falls, you might feel the spray. It’s one of those small moments where Iceland weather does what it wants, so you’ll be happier if your outer layer is ready.

Stop 2: Deildartunguhver thermal spring, power in the air

Next comes Deildartunguhver Thermal Spring, described as the highest-flow hot spring in Europe. The big number is 180 liters per second of hot water at 100°C. Even if you don’t memorize that fact, you’ll feel it.

The stop is about 20 minutes. You’re not looking at geysers here like you might picture from the classic Golden Circle. Instead, think of energetic vents and strong bubbling along a heated area. The path matters because the water is powerful and you’re close to where the heat is coming up fast.

This is also one of the best stops for first-time Iceland visitors because it shows the geothermal side of the country beyond the most famous postcard scenes. If you like seeing how nature works up close, this one delivers without turning into a long lesson.

Stop 3: Sturlureykir horse farm, the most human stop of the day

Then the tour changes tone in the best way: Sturlureykir Icelandic horse farm. You get about 45 minutes, which is long enough to do more than look over a fence.

This is the stop with the most “you’re actually meeting someone” energy. You can get as close to the horses as you want, then enjoy rugbraud (homemade rye bread) and a drink like coffee or ice-cold water. There’s also a home-and-family feel to the experience, including background on their breeding program and how the farm uses geothermal warmth.

If you’re choosing between tours, this is a big reason the day works. Iceland is full of stunning nature, but the horse farm is where the day feels personal. It’s also an easy win for people traveling with kids or anyone who wants a break from constant wind and stone.

One more practical note: Icelandic horses are friendly, but you’ll still want to use common sense around animals. Wear layers, keep your phone secure, and listen to the guide or farm host about where to go and how to interact.

Stop 4: Snorralaug historic site and hot spring heritage

After the horses, you shift into history at Reykholt and Snorralaug. This stop is about 20 minutes.

Snorralaug is a small hot spring used by local people since the 12th century. It’s tied to Snorri Sturluson, a famed Icelandic poet and politician. Even if you don’t know his name already, this stop gives you a useful feeling for Iceland’s past. This isn’t just a ruin you look at. It’s a place where geothermal water was part of daily life long ago.

The best part of this stop is the contrast. You go from horses and bread, to a quiet historic place where heat is the main character. It’s also short enough that you won’t feel dragged into museum time.

Stop 5: Hraunfossar, lava waterfalls spread over 900 meters

Now you start seeing waterfalls that Iceland does differently. Hraunfossar are often called lava waterfalls, because the water streams out of a lava field.

This is a series of waterfalls spread out across roughly 900 meters. They come from the Hallmundarhraun lava field, formed about 1000 years ago during a massive eruption linked to volcano activity under Langjökull glacier. That’s a lot of geology in a small space, and the payoff is worth it because the visual effect is very different from a single drop like Gullfoss.

You’ll likely have about 30 minutes at this stop. The key is to slow down and walk a bit between viewpoints if the path is open. The scenery changes from one angle to another, and that makes the “series” feel real instead of just like one long photo stop.

The one drawback: if it’s wet or icy, walking near the shoreline views can be slippery. Again, crampons may be offered by the guide if conditions call for them. Bring shoes that grip.

Stop 6: Barnafoss, the waterfall of the children story

Just a few meters away from Hraunfossar is Barnafoss, also a waterfall area with its own legend. It’s about 30 minutes for this stop.

The name means the waterfall of the children, tied to an accident story: two children reportedly fell to their deaths while crossing a natural stone bridge. The mother later destroyed the bridge from grief, and that’s how the story explains the present-day scene.

This stop is smaller and more intimate than Hraunfossar, but it’s a good way to learn that Icelandic nature places often come with folklore attached. The water is the main attraction, but the story helps you notice details you might otherwise miss.

If you’re thinking about weather, this is also the time to double-check your outer layer. Wind can pick up around waterfalls, and mist can mean damp clothes.

Stop 7: Viðgelmir Lava Cave, where the day turns wow

The highlight for most people is the Viðgelmir Lava Cave. You spend about 1.5 hours inside, and admission is included.

Expect a guided cave walk through colorful lava formations, with lava stalactites and stalagmites and signs of how powerful volcanic eruptions can be. The cave is described as almost 1600 meters, so it’s not tiny. It’s also not the kind of cave where you just peek at one chamber and rush out.

From the experience of past participants, setup and safety details are handled well. You may start with displays and basic orientation, then get hard hats because there are narrow passages and low ceilings. You’ll also use headlamps, since the interior isn’t fully lit. That helps you actually see the formations rather than relying on one weak light source.

What I like about the cave experience here is the pacing. You get pauses to admire formations instead of marching like it’s a theme park conveyor belt. Some groups also get small “fun moments” like walking part of the return with spotlights off, which changes the feel of the cave and makes you pay attention to dark and texture.

If you’re claustrophobic, think carefully. It’s a lava tube with passageways, so it’s not an open cavern. But if you’re okay with guided narrow-ish sections and you follow the guide’s instructions, this stop is one of the most memorable parts of a first Iceland trip.

Lunch and the afternoon rhythm

Lunch is not included. The schedule includes a lunch stop and a coffee break later in the day, so you’ll have a chance to eat without rushing between stops.

I recommend planning to treat lunch as fueling for the last two legs of the day. After waterfalls and hot springs, you’re often colder than you think, so warm food and a hot drink can feel like part of the tour, not an interruption.

Who this tour suits best

This is ideal if:

• You want a Silver Circle day without renting a car or dealing with Iceland road stress.
• You love nature, but you also want a hands-on stop like Icelandic horses.
• You prefer a more relaxed, smaller group vibe compared with high-volume tours.

It might not be ideal if:

• You have mobility limits for short icy walks. You won’t be hiking for hours, but there are sidewalks, paths, and cave sections.
• Bumpy roads severely affect your body. You can’t control Iceland roads, and some routes are rougher than others once you leave Reykjavik.

A few practical packing tips

• Waterproof outer layer, so misty waterfall moments do not ruin your day.
• Warm layers, even in shoulder seasons, especially for cave time.
• Good traction shoes. If crampons are offered, take them. They can make a real difference on icy paths.
• If you’re sensitive to vehicle motion, bring something small for comfort on the bus, since some parts of the route can be bumpy.

Should you book the Silver Circle: Lava Cave, Waterfalls & Iceland Horses?

Book it if you want one day that actually feels like Iceland’s natural forces working overtime. The combination of lava cave + waterfalls + hot spring area + Icelandic horses is exactly the sort of multi-sensory mix that makes travel stick in your memory.

Skip or rethink it if you strongly dislike long bus days, even when they’re organized and guided. Also be honest about winter footing. Short walks plus icy conditions are part of the deal, and the tour is built around seeing the best places, not staying indoors.

If you want a clear decision rule: choose this tour when you want the Silver Circle highlights and you’d rather spend your energy on scenery than driving.

FAQ

What is the duration of the tour?

The tour runs for about 10 hours.

What is the meeting time in Reykjavik?

The tour starts at 9:00 am. Pickup typically takes place between 8:30 and 9:00, and you should be ready from 8:30 at your pickup location.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Free pickup and drop-off are offered within the Reykjavik area. In some parts of the city center, buses cannot drive, so pickup may be at the nearest bus stop.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch meals are not included, but there will be a stop for lunch and a coffee break in the afternoon.

Is Wi-Fi available during the tour?

Yes. There is free Wi-Fi on the bus.

How large is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 19 travelers.

What admissions are included?

Admission to Viðgelmir Lava Cave is included, and admission for the Sturlureykir horse farm visit is included. Admission at the other listed stops is free.

What languages are the tours offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

Is a mobile ticket used?

Yes, a mobile ticket is included.

What happens if the weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is there free cancellation?

Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.