This thrilling tour takes you to Borgarfjordur, the heartland of the Icelandic Sagas, for a day of exploration, natural wonders and relaxation. Here you’ll see untamed landscapes that will help bring Viking history to life, including secret waterfalls, unique Husafell Canyon Baths, hot springs and medieval Icelandic heritage sites.
Your West Iceland adventure will start with a convenient pickup in Reykjavik. The tour takes the scenic route from the capital past Mount Esja and then through the tunnel deep under Hvalfjordur to the gateway to West Iceland. We’ll make a short stop in Borgarnes for refreshments and to take in the astonishing views across the broad fjord there.
Then we will leave the busy Ring Road behind us and dive deep inland through the rich farming country towards our first stop at Glanni Falls. On our way there, you’ll be able to look out for the fast-flowing glacial rivers as they rush down from Langjokull, the second biggest glacier in the country.
Glanni Waterfall
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Your first stop will be at Bifrost – a place that you might have heard about when reading stories about Norse Mythology. Here, aside from mythical boarder between human and god´s world, you will find tiny, but charming waterfall called Glanni. Located on the Nordura River multiple tiers fall down across old lava fields called the Grabrokarhraun. In fact, you can also enjoy the view over 3 volcanic craters called Grabrok, that rise above these fields.
Deildartunguhver - the most powerful hot spring in Europe
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Our next stop 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.
Reykholt Historic Site
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Snorralaug (Snorri’s Pool) is a smaller hot spring found just a few minutes away in Reykholt, 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.
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.
Hraunfossar - famous Lava Falls
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Next, we will see the great Hraunfossar, a stunning series of waterfalls formed by several rivers running a distance of about 900m across the Hallmundarhraun lava field, created a thousand years ago by a volcano erupting under the nearby Langjokull glacier.
Hraunfossar translates as the “Lava Waterfalls”, but nowadays it’s clear glacial meltwater that tumbles down into the Hvita (White) river below to provide one of the most breathtaking views in the country.
Barnafoss - a tragic tale
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A short walk through the many viewing points and platforms here brings us to another beautiful waterfall, but this is one with a tragic tale to tell. This is Barnafoss, or “the waterfall of the children”. The sad story here is that there used to be a natural stone bridge over these ferociously powerful falls, and one day two children from a nearby farm fell to their deaths when they were trying to cross the river. The grief-stricken mother had the bridge destroyed, so that no others would ever suffer the same fate.
Husafell - a woodland oasis
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Husafell is a magical place, set between the two glaciers of Eiriksjokull and Langjokull, with birch tree forests, waterfalls and traditional turf houses
The fairytale setting of Husafell has been home to many local artists too, with many works on display. The Husafell Stone can also be found here, a legendary lifting stone that has been used to test the strength of the locals, and in international competitions too.
After a good look around Husafell, you’ll transfer to a specially prepared 4WD vehicle, and we’ll begin to make our way along rugged mountain passages that aren’t usually accessible to other visitors.
Langifoss - Hidden Waterfall of the West
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We’ll make a stop along the way to see Langifoss, a spectacular two-tiered waterfall that plunges through a steep ravine into the depths of the Deildargil canyon. Langifoss and Deildargil are astonishing sights and the best-kept secrets in the area, barely even marked on a map or Instagram, but our tour reveals their glories to you.
There is an easy path to a viewing platform that overlooks the canyon and the waterfall too.
Husafell Canyon Baths
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The highlight of your tour comes next – an authentic Icelandic hotpot experience in the splendid setting of Hringsgil canyon, magically combining a serene soak in a hot spring with the enchanting landscapes all around you.
This is a spellbinding place that has to be seen to be believed, with three geothermally-heated pools of varying temperatures (30-41°C or 86-105°F), a cold-water pot and a cooling waterfall, all designed to blend seamlessly into the natural environment.
The inspiration for the Husafell Canyon Baths can be found at Reykholt – one of the previous stops visited during this tour.
The Husafell Canyon Baths have a maximum of 20 visitors at a time, making it more of a luxury experience, without crowds of other people.
Imagine relaxing in these healing hot springs while taking in the spectacular views of the steeply surrounding canyon, marvelous mountains and glistening glaciers!
These are traditional and authentic Icelandic bathing pools, inspired by the age-old ways used by the locals in this area for a thousand years. Sustainably built in the traditional stone-bath style in an off-grid location, it’s a unique combination.
The canyon is in a protected environment – there are changing rooms here at the Husafell Canyon Baths, but guests are not allowed to use soaps or detergents in the showers. After your time in the hotpots, guests are welcome to use the facilities at Husafell swimming pool free of charge, when we return there later in the 4WD.
Don’t miss this opportunity to see the most stunning landscapes in Western Iceland!
Check the booking availability above by selecting your preferred travel date.
The maximum number of passengers on tour is 19, which we believe creates a more personal and enjoyable experience for our guests.
Lunch – we make scheduled stops so that guests can buy lunch or snacks during the tour
Bathing suit
Towels
Know Before You Go
Pickup takes place between 08:30 – 09:00 – so please be ready from 8:30 at your pick up location
The tour takes about 10 hours
Tour is operated under all weather conditions: please bring warm, wind & waterproof clothes
It can happen that activities are cancelled due to weather or other unforeseen reasons - in that case a refund for the cancelled activity will be issued
Please bring your own swimsuit and towel
Hiking boots are highly recommended
Proper footwear when walking on uneven and slippery surfaces increases your safety and comfort. If you do not own proper footwear (solid shoes reaching above your ankle) you can rent them during booking process
We offer pick up and drop off within the city of Reykjavik. We can pick-up directly from many hotels and guest houses in Reykjavik as well as from the Reykjavik cruise ship terminals.
Parts of Reykjavík City Center are closed for the commercial traffic. Please note, that your pick up might be from one of the dedicated meeting points
