Seeing the waterfalls and exploring the glacier are the highlights of this great small group tour.
Staff review:Thorsteinn Mar
Reviewed September 3, 2018
Planning a short visit and want to see more than Reykjavik? Get close to the powerful fire and ice powers that created Iceland thousands of years ago, both above and below ground! Join a small group on the West Iceland Mini Tour and enjoy the best of what West Iceland has to offer.
West Iceland’s magical winter countryside represents Iceland in miniature with glaciers, waterfalls, charming villages, powerful hot springs and a great local focus on food and crafts. Located not far from Reykjavík, the Borgarfjordur region‘s ever changing scenery is a perfect way to get acquainted with the powerful forces of fire and ice that created Iceland. You’ll even have the chance to try some excellent craft beer at a local microbrewery!
Note: This tour does not include pre or post hotel nights in Reykjavik. Iceland Travel would be happy to assist you in booking your Reykjavik accommodation. Please let us know at booking time if you would like us to arrange Reykjavik accommodations.
What’s in it for You?
- Great small group experience
- Try some local craft beer
- Ideal itinerary for a short visit
- Excellent local guides
- Great Customer service and support from Iceland’s longest running tour operator
Highlights:
- Visit Hraunfossar falls, where icy water seems to burst from solid lava
- See and hear the power of Europe’s strongest and fastest hot springs
- Travel through a stunning, colourful ancient lava cave
- Get a taste of adventure with a trip up a glacier in a modified vehicle
- Witness the beautiful blue heart of a glacier
- Walk through a vast ice tunnel and see how a glacier is formed from the inside out
- Visit a family-owned draft microbrewery and try some of their unique brews
Included
- Tour pick-up and drop-off in Reykjavik
- 1 night at a countryside hotel with private bathrooms
- Breakfast on day 2
- Guided mini bus tour with expert driver-guide
- Admission to Vidgelmir Cave; guided tour and use of safety helmet & lamp (Day 1)
- Into the Glacier experience includes ride up glacier in special vehicle and guided visit to the glacier tunnel and ice cave (Day 2)
- Visit to Stedji microbrewery and sample of seasonal beer products (Day 2)
Day 1
Highlights: Reykjavik Hraunfossar Deildartunguhver Husafell
Reykjavik – Hraunfoss- Vidgelmir Cave – Deildartunguhver - Reykholt
Pick up for the tour between 8:00—8:30 (8:00am – 8:30am). Please be at your assigned pick-up location no later than 7:30, as your location may be one of the first for tour pick-up. (Check your confirmation information for pick up location details.)
Make sure that your phone number and e-mail are listed with Iceland Travel so we can contact you if needed.
Depart Reykjavik, heading via an undersea tunnel to Borgarfjordur Fjord in West Iceland. This region is covered in ancient lava with rivers, hot springs, canyons and mini forests. One of the first areas to be settled by Vikings, it is an area rich in Saga history.
Stop at the Hraunfossar falls, where water flows through interesting lava formations. Nearby is the GeoCentre where your group will stop for lunch (Lunch not included). After lunch, head to Vídgelmir, one of the world’s largest lava tube caves, situated beneath a vast lava field. Vidgelmir was created by a volcanic eruption approximately 1100 years ago. Thanks to a new walkway and lighting, you can easily and comfortably experience the cave’s enormous beauty. The lava formations and brilliant colours are unforgettable. You´ll be accompanied by certified caving guides who will share their knowledge about Vidgelmir.
Afterwards, Stop at Deildartunguhver where you can view rushing and churning hot springs, the most powerful of their kind in Europe. Nearby is the town of Reykholt, located at the former home of one of Iceland‘s most important (and unique) personalities. Snorri Sturluson was an ambitious 13th century chieftain and author of Icelandic sagas that are now world famous. You can still see the old stone-lined hot spring pool where he once bathed.
Afterwards head to your hotel for the night. Dinner is on your own at the hotel. If the weather conditions are right, you might be able to see the mesmerising Northern Lights.
Dinner is on your own. Overnight in the Reykholt/Husafell area
Optional visit to Krauma Hot Springs.
Approximate Distance Driven: 185km/115 miles
Day 2
Reykholt – Husafell – Langjökull Glacier – Borgarfjordur – Borgarnes - Reykjavik
Breakfast at your hotel. Yesterday you experienced the power of fire and lava. Today you will experience the power of ice! Head into the vast highland wilderness dominated by Langjokull, Iceland’s second largest glacier. Board a specially modified glacier truck that will bring you up the slopes of the glacier, towards the entry to the Into the Glacier ice tunnel and ice cave. This man-made experience is located in the heart of Langjokull where you can experience the hidden and beautiful blue ice. An expert guide will accompany you through the tunnels of the glacier, giving you information about the glacier’s history and formation. You’ll also learn why glaciers are so important to Iceland’s geology.
Drive through the pretty landscape of the Borgarfjörður region, enjoying views of tiny forests, lava fields and mountains. Stop for a visit at Stedji microbrewery. Located on a family farm, the high quality Stedji brews excellent craft beer, including some unique flavours. Sample some for yourself and see how the beer is made at the brewery’s Guest Centre.
Tour arrives in Reykjavik in the evening. The tour ends at the designated drop-off location (see your confirmation for details). Please note during the winter arrival times may vary based on the weather and road conditions.
Approximate Distance Driven: 155km/ 96miles
