Anybody visiting Iceland will have heard of the Golden Circle – the circular route from Reykjavik taking in top sights like Þingvellir national park, Gullfoss waterfall and Geysir area of geothermal activity.

During peak season (June, July, and August), this route can get quite crowded, as it’s the most popular day trip in Iceland—a convenient loop starting and ending in Reykjavík. Travelers seeking a more mystical and less-traveled experience can escape the crowds by heading west to explore the Silver Circle. Just like the Golden Circle, the Silver Circle is a scenic circular route that can easily be explored in a single day from Reykjavík.

This journey takes you through breathtaking landscapes, including waterfalls tumbling over rugged cliffs into glacial rivers, geothermal hot springs perfect for a relaxing soak, and hiking trails that wind through dramatic volcanic valleys.

Silver Circle tours are ideal for those looking to venture beyond the usual tourist routes and experience something a little more off the beaten path.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Silver Circle to help you decide if this adventure is right for you.

About the Silver Circle Route

The Silver Circle is one of Iceland’s three “jewel routes” – the other two being the most popular and famous Golden Circle and the Diamond Circle up in the north of Iceland. The Silver Circle route is just as easily accessed from Reykjavik as the Golden Circle, and takes in beautiful waterfalls, history and hot spring baths. Along the route, you’ll be able to stop at baths fed by water from Europe’s most powering hot spring and see a waterfall streaked ethereally orange thanks to ancient lava flow.

You should generally dedicate a full day to the Silver Circle, to give you time to properly admire the waterfalls, hike to a scenic volcanic crater and learn about the area’s history.

The Highlights of the Silver Circle in West Iceland

The Silver Circle route takes travelers off the main tourist trails and into the quiet countryside, where history lingers in the land. Winding past steaming hot springs, small farms, and sleepy villages, this route offers a glimpse into a slower, more storied side of Iceland.

The area is rich in history and frequently mentioned in the ancient sagas, with tales of early settlers, outlaws, and folklore woven into its landscapes. From gentle waterfalls to warm geothermal pools, every stop along the way holds a piece of Iceland’s natural beauty and cultural past, making the Silver Circle a journey for those who appreciate both history and the rhythm of rural life.

Hraunfossar waterfalls

Almost a kilometre wide, the Hraunfossar waterfalls are one of the prettiest stops along the Silver Circle. As subterranean water wells up beneath the Hallmundarhraun lava fields, it spills out over rocks fringed with greenery and streaked with tiger-orange stripes, and cascades into the blue glacial water of the Hvítá river.

In autumn, the greenery turns to fiery reds and browns above the falls which is a truly spectacular sight to behold. Due to the stripes of orange in the rocks here, Hraunfossar translates as “lava falls.” These falls are protected and have been considered a national monument since 1987.

Barnafoss waterfall

Barnafoss waterfalls are very close to Hraunfossar falls – in fact, they are practically next-door neighbours. Crossing the Hvítá river over a narrow, wooden bridge, you can catch a glimpse of Hraunfossar from a different angle before admiring Barnafoss.

Here, the glacial river has cut through the volcanic rock over the centuries and forces itself through an archway, creating Barnafoss falls. Photographers flock here to capture the impressive image of glacial meltwater powering through the rocks.

It may be beautiful, but there is a dark side to the history and legends surrounding Barnafoss. In English, Barnafoss translates as “the Children’s Falls” because, legend has it, that in the deep past two boys from the nearby farm of Hraunsás decided to follow their parents to church one day, taking a shortcut across a stone bridge over the powerful rush of water that is now known as Barnafoss.

Both boys fell to their death leading to their mother embracing witchcraft and scratching a rune into the stone so that any children crossing the stone bridge would plummet into the dangerous water. Iceland’s myths and legends tend to come from oral history passed down through generations, so it is possible the story is true.

Or, it could have simply been used as a cautionary tale to stop children from crossing the dangerous stone bridge. However the story came about, there is no longer a stone bridge across Barnafoss as it was destroyed in an earthquake. But the name “the Children’s Falls” remains.

Krauma Spa

Fed by naturally heated water from Europe’s most powerful hot spring, Krauma Spa is a modern complex of outdoor baths where you can embrace Iceland’s famous bathing culture along the Silver Circle. Slip into the infinity-edge hot spring bath and gaze out at the natural landscape as you relax and rejuvenate. There are five warm baths and one cold plunge pool to immerse yourself in after a session in the infrared sauna. Just like the Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon, the Krauma Spa has state-of-the-art changing facilities and an on-site restaurant.

Húsafell, Waterfalls and Icelandic Hot Springs

Travelling across Iceland, you’ll often see signs pointing to what may look like a village, but they turn out to be a few farms clustered together with a church nearby. That’s precisely what Húsafell, along the Silver Circle, is.

However, the addition of charming campsites and a handful of farmhouses turned into accommodation means the population increases during hiking season. Those following the Silver Circle stop here for the Húsafell hot springs, or Giljaböð (Canyon Baths). Two lagoon-like hot spring pools, lined with stone at the end of a hike through a volcanic valley.

Húsafell is also a popular walking area, especially for those that seek solace in the trees. Iceland’s harsh climate means it is not blessed with verdant forests, but the protected nature of this area means that the birch woodlands of Húsafell have been left to grow tall and sturdy. The Húsafell walking trail also passes pretty waterfalls like Langifoss.

DeildartunguhverHot Spring

Deildartunguhver is Europe’s most powerful hot spring and it sits along the route of the Silver Circle. Water from the spring emerges from the ground at 97 degrees Celsius (around 207 degrees Fahrenheit), so it is far too hot to bathe in.

Winding your way along walkways and paths, you can admire the hot pools that coat the landscape in wisps of steam. At Krauma Spa, the boiling hot Deildartunguhver spring water is mixed with cold glacial water, so you can bathe in the hot springs of Europe’s most powerful hot spring yourself.

Langjökull Ice cave

Although not technically on the route of the Silver Circle, Langjökull glacier is a quick hop from Húsafell so works well as an addition to a day exploring the sights of the Silver Circle. While you can take part in the classic glacial experiences at Langjökull – glacier hiking and snowmobiling – the attraction that makes this glacier unique in Iceland is its man-made ice cave which is open all year.

While natural ice caves close during summer as glacial melt conceals entrances, an ice cave tour at Langjökull means you can step into the sleek, blue world of crystalline ice year-round.

Your guide to Langjökull glacier in Iceland

Snowmobiling, skiing, hiking and traversing the landscape by monster truck are all popular ways to see this other-worldly spectacle, Langjökull, up close. Read our handy guide about Langjökull glacier in Iceland.

Reykholt

In the valley of the river Reykjadalsá, Reykholt is a tiny village with plenty of things to see and do in the area. It may be small, but this isolated spot is packed with history. It was once home to the legendary writer, chieftain and lawmaker Snorri Sturluson, without whom we’d know very little about mediaeval northern Europe.

It was also the place of his assassination in 1241. There’s a centre dedicated to the works of Snorri Sturluson. The Snorrastofa is a research centre with an expansive library and regular exhibitions showcasing artefacts and texts about mediaeval northern Europe and Snorri Sturluson’s writings.

Reykholt is also home to one of Iceland’s oldest structures – the Snorralaug geothermal pool. There are a few places to stay here from homely little cabins to hotels. Our two-day tour of the Northern Lights and Snaefellsnes national park includes a stop at historic Reykholt.

Grábrók Crater

Grábrók Crater is a striking reminder of Iceland’s volcanic past, rising from the moss-covered landscape just off the Ring Road. Formed over 3,000 years ago, this crater is the largest in a small volcanic system and offers an easy hike to its rim, where visitors are rewarded with panoramic views of lava fields, rolling hills, and distant mountains.

The hike to the crater is short, accessible, and offers rewarding views of the surrounding lava fields. A well-maintained wooden boardwalk leads to the crater’s rim, making the ascent easy for most visitors. The climb takes about 10–15 minutes, with gentle switchbacks that wind up the crater’s side.

At the top, you’ll be greeted with panoramic views of the mossy Bifröst lava field, the nearby Grábrókarfell and Grábrókarlítil craters, and the rolling countryside beyond. The rim walk allows you to peer into the crater itself—a quiet reminder of the volcanic forces that shaped this region over 3,000 years ago.

Sturlureykir Horse Farm

Sturlureykir is a family-run farm has been home to Icelandic horses for generations, offering visitors the chance to meet these gentle and sturdy animals up close. But the farm’s charm goes beyond its horses—Sturlureykir sits on an active geothermal area, with a bubbling hot spring right on the property. The family harnesses this natural heat not only to warm their home and stables but also to bake traditional Icelandic rye bread in the steaming ground. This slow-baked, slightly sweet bread is a local favorite, and guests can even get a taste of this unique, earth-cooked treat during their visit.

Experience Iceland's mystical Silver Circle on Guided Tours

The Silver Circle offers a journey through Iceland’s rich history, geothermal wonders, and quiet countryside landscapes. We provide two guided day tours to the Silver Circle, each offering a unique experience. Choose our classic sightseeing tour, which features several incredible stops and short hikes, or opt for a more relaxing journey with a visit to the Krauma Geothermal Spa, where you can soak in natural hot spring waters.

For those seeking something more exclusive, our Super Jeep tour takes you on a unique journey, offering ann intimate and thrilling way to explore the region’s remote landscapes.

Whichever way you choose to experience the Silver Circle, you’re in for a day of unforgettable discoveries!

What to Pack for Your Iceland Trip: Your Complete Guide

With rugged volcanic and glacial landscapes, cutting-edge museums, and thrilling outdoor activities on offer, Iceland promises a holiday you’ll never forget. Yet with so much on offer, visitors often have a fundamental question before they embark on their getaway: what to pack for a trip to Iceland? Read our handy guide about what to pack for your Icelandic trip.