About this experience
Add Iceland's largest lava cave to the Silver Circle route on this private 9.5-hour tour from Reykjavik.
After a brief stop in Borgarnes, then Deildartunguhver, Reykholt, and Hraunfossar, you enter Vidgelmir — a lava tube formed in the same 900-year-old eruption that created the lava field you just walked past above ground. Your YFIR guide draws the connection. The cave's own specialist guide takes you through it.
1,500 metres of illuminated lava cave — stalactites, lava pillars, ice formations in winter. About one hour inside. Cold year-round (4°C): bring a warm layer. Helmet and headlamp provided on-site.
Private tour from Reykjavik. Hotel pickup included.
At a glance
- Duration: 9 hr 30 min
- Private experience
Plan your experience
Set aside 9 hr 30 min for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Compare the available options before choosing: their itinerary, inclusions and pickup arrangements can differ. Check the price for your date and whole group.
Before you go
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
What is included
- Vidgelmir lava cave entry — guided tour with specialist cave guide
- Expert English-speaking guide throughout
- Helmet and headlamp provided on-site at Vidgelmir
- Private vehicle (car for 1–8 guests; minibus for 9–18 guests)
Not included
- Lunch (café at Hraunfossar available year-round — guide will advise)
- Warm clothing (cave is 4°C year-round — bring your own)
- Gratuities
- Travel insurance
- Personal purchases
Itinerary and highlights
Your guide meets you at your hotel lobby, or outside your accommodation if lobby access is not available. Departs 08:30.
A brief stop on a peninsula above Borgarfjordur. Fjord views, fresh air, and a moment to stretch before the route heads inland. Your guide sets the scene for West Iceland's geology and history.
Europe's most powerful natural hot spring — 180 litres of water at 97°C surge from the earth every second. Flat, paved path. Your guide explains Iceland's geothermal energy system and how this spring supplies two towns over 70 kilometres away.
Home of 13th-century scholar Snorri Sturluson, who wrote the Prose Edda and Heimskringla — the texts that preserved Norse mythology and Viking Age history for the world. His natural hot pool, Snorralaug, still exists and still fills with geothermal water. Your guide tells the full story.
Hundreds of springs emerge silently from the edge of a 900-year-old lava field and cascade into the Hvita river — with no visible source above ground.
Barnafoss carries a Viking Age legend your guide will tell in full. Café on site.
Iceland's largest lava cave, formed in the same Hallmundarhraun eruption that created the lava field at Hraunfossar — 10 minutes away. The cave stretches over 1,500 metres and is professionally lit throughout. A specialist cave guide leads the underground section: stalactites, lava pillars, chambers where the ceiling reaches 10 metres, and ice formations in winter. Temperature inside is approximately 4°C year-round. Helmet and headlamp provided on-site.
Return drive through West Iceland. Estimated arrival back in Reykjavik approximately 18:00.
Meeting and pickup information
- You will be met by your expert guide in your hotel lobby when possible, or outside your chosen accommodation if not. Please be ready and waiting 15 minutes before departure. Our guides usually wear a blue jacket and drive a black luxury SUV, both clearly marked with the “Your Friend in Reykjavik” logo. For any questions or concerns, contact us 🙂
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Your Friend In Reykjavik
Accessibility and practical details
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Questions about this experience
How long is this experience?
What are the pickup arrangements?
Our guides usually wear a blue jacket and drive a black luxury SUV, both clearly marked with the “Your Friend in Reykjavik” logo.
For any questions or concerns, contact us 🙂
Which guide languages are listed?
What ticket format is listed?
What ticket age bands are listed?
What is the cancellation policy?
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