Reykjavik: Lava Cave, Hot Springs, Horses & Waterfalls Tour

The star of this long day is Viðgelmir Lava Cave, a nearly 1,600-meter tunnel filled with colored rock, lava formations, and, in winter, remarkable ice shapes. You also get a good look at West Iceland’s waterfalls and geothermal country without having to rent a car or manage the roads yourself. I like the small group size and the mix of geology, local culture, and Icelandic saga history. The main catch is simple: the cave is cold, the footing can be wet and slippery, and ten hours is a serious commitment.

I especially like the stop at Sturlureykir Horse Farm, where you meet Icelandic horses and try homemade rugbrauð, a dark rye bread baked with geothermal heat. I also like the unhurried time at Hraunfossar, where many small streams run from an old lava field into the river below. Lunch is not included, and the price is high at $222, so this tour makes the most sense if you want several West Iceland sights in one carefully arranged day.

At a glance

• Viðgelmir is the main event: Walk through one of Iceland’s best-known lava caves on a guided underground visit lasting about 1.5 hours.
• Hraunfossar gives you time to look: The waterfall system stretches for roughly 900 meters, with several viewpoints and space for photos and lunch.
• The horse farm adds a local touch: Meet friendly Icelandic horses, then have hot spring bread with coffee or water.
• Borgarfjörður connects nature and saga history: Reykholt and Snorralaug bring Iceland’s medieval past into the day.
• Expect a small vehicle: The tour allows up to 19 passengers, with Wi-Fi and pickup around Reykjavik.
• Pack for cold and wet conditions: Warm clothing matters, and sturdy footwear is a wise choice for the cave.

Why the lava cave is worth the long ride

Iceland’s famous sights are often above ground, but Viðgelmir shows you what happened below it. The cave formed when lava flowed through the earth and later left a hollow passage behind. Inside, you see the textures and colors left by that eruption, rather than just another black volcanic field viewed from a roadside.

The cave is just under 1,600 meters long, though your guided walk covers only the section open to visitors. A guide leads the group and explains the geology as you go. Past cave guides have included Brian, Erin, Lilla, and Garith, while the main tour guides have included Filip, Walter, Addi, Thor, Cristina, and Colin. Names change by departure, but the experience depends heavily on having a guide who can make the rock formations readable and keep the group moving safely.

Bring warm layers even if Reykjavik feels mild. The cave stays cold, and one visitor found it especially chilly. Underground conditions can also be wet. The route includes a wooden walkway and handrails in places, but one section has been described as slippery. You should walk carefully, keep one hand free for support, and wear shoes with a firm sole.

This is not a suitable activity for wheelchair users or people with significant mobility limits. Children under five cannot join. If someone in your party does not want to enter the cave, the area near the entrance includes a cafe and views over the lava flow, according to one family’s experience, but the tour itself is built around the cave visit.

Glanni Waterfall starts the western journey

After pickup in Reykjavik, the bus heads toward Borgarfjörður, a part of Iceland closely tied to the medieval sagas. The first sightseeing stop is Glanni Waterfall, with about 30 minutes to look around.

Glanni is a useful opening stop because it gets you into the rhythm of West Iceland before the larger attractions arrive. You have time to take photos and hear about the area without spending the entire morning at one viewpoint. The stop is short, so do not expect a long walk or an extended hike.

The broader Borgarfjörður region is important in Icelandic literature and settlement history. Your guide may connect the scenery to the sagas as the bus travels, which adds meaning to what might otherwise be a series of separate waterfalls and hot springs.

Meeting the horses at Sturlureykir

The visit to Sturlureykir Horse Farm lasts about 45 minutes and gives the day a welcome change of pace. Instead of only looking at Icelandic scenery, you get close to the animals and learn about a familiar part of rural Iceland.

Icelandic horses are smaller than many people expect, with a sturdy build and a calm reputation. At Sturlureykir, you can pet the horses and spend time around the farm. The stop is designed to be hands-on, but it is not a long riding excursion. If you are hoping to saddle up, this is not that kind of activity.

The food is a small but memorable part of the visit. You can try rugbrauð, a dense rye bread traditionally cooked using geothermal heat, with coffee or cold water. It is a good example of how Iceland’s hot ground has practical uses beyond heating swimming pools and houses.

Bring some cash. Meals are not included, and cash is specifically recommended for the food and coffee stops. The horse farm admission is included in the tour price, so you do not need to budget a separate entry fee there.

Deildartunguhver shows Iceland’s hot ground at work

Deildartunguhver is one of the day’s briefest stops, with about 20 minutes for photographs and sightseeing. The geothermal area produces very hot water, and the steam and bubbling ground make the power beneath Iceland easy to understand.

You should stay within marked viewing areas and listen to your guide. Geothermal ground can look harmless while being dangerously hot. This is a photo stop, not a bathing stop, so do not expect a pool or time to get into the water.

The stop works well beside Viðgelmir. At Deildartunguhver, you see heat rising from the earth. In the cave, you see the solid remains of an earlier volcanic event. Together, they give you two very different views of Iceland’s geology.

Reykholt and Snorralaug add the human story

Reykholt is one of the most important historical stops on the route. You have around 30 minutes to visit the site and see Snorralaug, a small hot spring linked to Snorri Sturluson, the medieval poet and politician.

Snorralaug was mentioned in medieval writings and was used by local people from at least the 12th century. Snorri is one of Iceland’s best-known literary figures, and Reykholt was his home. The spring itself is modest, but its importance comes from the people and stories attached to it.

This stop is short, so you will not get a full museum visit or a long historical walk. Still, it helps explain why Borgarfjörður matters. If you enjoy Iceland’s sagas, poetry, and political history, Reykholt may be more rewarding than a quick photograph at a geothermal vent.

Hraunfossar and Barnafoss deserve the longest outdoor stop

The tour allows about 90 minutes at Hraunfossar, including free time, sightseeing, photographs, and lunch. That is welcome because this is one of the prettiest parts of the day and one of the few stops where you have room to slow down.

Hraunfossar is not a single waterfall dropping from a cliff. Instead, countless rivulets spill out of the Hallmundarhraun lava field over a stretch of roughly 900 meters. The water then runs into the river, creating a wide band of falls rather than one narrow cascade.

The lava field formed around 1,000 years ago during a huge eruption linked to a volcano beneath the Langjökull glacier. That background makes the view more interesting: the water is emerging through old lava, not simply flowing over ordinary rock.

A few meters away, Barnafoss offers a different sight. It is more concentrated and forceful, while Hraunfossar spreads across the slope in many small streams. Together, they make the stop feel varied rather than repetitive.

The walking is manageable for many people, but paths can be wet and conditions change with the weather. You should keep your waterproof layer handy and allow enough time to return to the bus. Lunch is not part of the $222 price, so bring food or money for the planned stop. One departure included a buffet lunch, but you should not count on that being included every time.

What the 10-hour schedule feels like

This is a full-day outing, with pickup generally between 8:30 and 9:00 in the morning and a return to Reykjavik after the cave and western stops. The day includes several short visits, one longer waterfall stop, and a substantial underground tour.

The schedule works because the activities vary. You spend part of the day outside at waterfalls and hot springs, part of it with horses and food, and part of it underground. That variety helps prevent the ride from feeling like a string of identical photo stops.

The drawback is the amount of time spent on the road. You are making a large loop into West Iceland, and the cave is far enough from Reykjavik that the total day can reach ten hours. If you have only one free day in Iceland and want a compact outing, the Golden Circle may be simpler. If you have already seen the major sights around Reykjavik, this tour gives you a different side of the country.

The vehicle carries no more than 19 passengers, which is smaller than many standard coach excursions. That matters at the cave, where a large crowd would make the walk less pleasant. It also gives you a better chance to ask questions, although the level of interaction depends on the guide.

Past guides have received especially strong praise for their humor, stories, and ability to explain Iceland. Filip was remembered for his music and personal stories, Walter for keeping people comfortable and laughing, Addi for Icelandic facts, and Thor for making a difficult weather day enjoyable. That said, one departure had a guide who acted more like a driver and offered less commentary. You should see the small group as a benefit, but not assume every guide will have the same style.

Free Wi-Fi is available on the bus, a practical bonus on a long day. It will not replace the scenery outside, but it helps with messages, maps, and checking plans after you return.

Is $222 a fair price?

At $222 per person, this is not a cheap day trip. The price includes transportation from Reykjavik, an English-speaking guide, admission to Viðgelmir Lava Cave, and admission to Sturlureykir Horse Farm. It does not include lunch or other meals.

The value depends on how you would otherwise see West Iceland. Renting a car could give you more control, but it would also require driving, navigation, fuel, and arranging cave admission yourself. This tour packages the cave, waterfalls, geothermal sites, horse farm, and Reykholt into one day, which is useful if you have limited time.

The tour is less compelling if you only want waterfalls. Hraunfossar and Barnafoss are excellent, but the price is justified mainly by the combination of the cave and the guided transport. For me, the lava cave is the part that makes the cost easier to defend.

You should also remember the hidden costs of a long day. Bring money for lunch and coffee, and bring proper clothing so you do not spend the cave visit feeling cold. A tour that looks expensive becomes better value when it saves you from paying for separate admissions and a rental car.

Who should book this West Iceland tour?

I would choose this for someone who wants more than scenery. You get geology at Viðgelmir and Deildartunguhver, local life at Sturlureykir, medieval culture at Reykholt, and two very different waterfall settings.

It suits adults and older children who can walk carefully on a wet underground route. It can also work for older family members if they are comfortable walking, though the cave is not suitable for everyone. One family brought relatives in their late seventies, with one person choosing to remain at the cafe while the others entered the cave.

You should think twice if you dislike cold, enclosed spaces, or long bus days. The cave is the central attraction, so skipping it would mean missing the main reason to book. This is also not the right choice for wheelchair users, people with major mobility impairments, or children under five.

Pickup is included within Reykjavik, though buses cannot enter every central street. You may be assigned a nearby bus stop rather than your hotel entrance. If you prefer to meet the group yourself, the stated meeting point is the Nicetravel office at Fiskislóð 45M, with arrival required before 8:20 AM. Confirm the exact pickup point before the morning of the tour.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want a well-filled day in West Iceland and the idea of walking through a lava cave excites you. The combination of Viðgelmir, Hraunfossar, Reykholt, geothermal sites, and the horse farm is unusually broad, and the small group keeps the day more personal than a large coach trip.

Skip it if you want a relaxed schedule, included meals, or a warm outdoor activity. The cave is cold, the footing may be slippery, and the drive takes most of the day. For the right visitor, though, the underground geology and the chance to see Borgarfjörður beyond Reykjavik make the $222 worthwhile.

FAQ

How long does the tour take?

The tour takes up to 10 hours, including pickup in Reykjavik, sightseeing stops, the cave visit, and the return journey.

Where does the tour begin?

Pickup is available within Reykjavik, generally between 8:30 AM and 9:00 AM. Because buses cannot enter certain central streets, your pickup may be at a nearby bus stop.

Can I meet the tour instead of using hotel pickup?

Yes. You can meet at the Nicetravel office at Fiskislóð 45M, 101 Reykjavik. You must be there before 8:20 AM and notify Nicetravel if you plan to use this option.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is 19 passengers.

Is admission to Viðgelmir Lava Cave included?

Yes. Admission to the lava cave is included in the tour price.

Is the horse farm admission included?

Yes. Admission to Sturlureykir Horse Farm is included.

Are meals included?

No. Meals are not included. Bring cash for the lunch stop and the coffee break, and consider bringing food with you.

What should I bring?

Bring warm clothing and cash. Warm layers are especially important inside the lava cave, where it can be cold.

Is the tour suitable for children?

Children under five cannot join the tour. The cave route also requires careful walking, so consider your child’s comfort with cold and wet conditions.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English with a live English-speaking guide.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.