The Silver Circle of Borgarfjörður: Your Ultimate Self-Drive Guide

While many visitors to Iceland are familiar with the famous Golden Circle, a lesser-known but equally captivating route awaits discovery just north of Reykjavík. The Silver Circle, located in the historic and scenic Borgarfjörður valley, offers a mesmerising journey through a landscape rich with powerful waterfalls, geothermal hot springs, and ancient saga sites. This self-drive itinerary is perfect for travellers seeking to experience the raw beauty of West Iceland away from the larger crowds.

Embarking on a Silver Circle tour is a fantastic day trip from the capital, showcasing a diverse slice of Iceland in a compact and accessible loop. From the thundering cascades of Hraunfossar to Europe's most powerful hot spring at Deildartunguhver, this route promises unforgettable sights. With a reliable vehicle, you can explore this saga-steeped region at your own pace. This guide provides everything you need to plan your adventure, from securing the right vehicle to navigating the must-see stops along the way.

Planning Your Silver Circle Self-Drive Tour

The beauty of a self-drive itinerary in Iceland is the freedom it affords. Unlike a guided tour, you can linger at the sights that capture your imagination and tailor the day to your interests. The Silver Circle is easily accessible year-round, making it a dependable option regardless of the season.

The entire loop, starting and ending in Reykjavík, covers approximately 250-300 kilometres and can comfortably be completed in 8-10 hours, including stops. The roads are well-maintained and predominantly paved, making them suitable for most vehicles.

Choosing the Right Vehicle for Your Trip

 

Selecting the appropriate vehicle is the first step to a successful Icelandic road trip. For the Silver Circle, a standard 2WD car is sufficient for most of the year, particularly during the summer months (May to September) when road conditions are optimal. If you are planning your trip during the winter (October to April), when Icelandic weather can be unpredictable with potential snow and ice, a 4x4 vehicle is highly recommended for enhanced safety and stability.

Whether you need to collect your car from Keflavik International Airport (KEF) upon arrival or are looking for Reykjavik rental cars, booking in advance is always a wise strategy. This ensures you get the best choice of vehicles and often leads to more affordable car rental in Iceland. Companies like Höldur offer a wide range of options, from small, economical cars perfect for solo travellers or couples, to larger 4x4s suitable for families and winter driving.

See also: Your Guide to Car Rental in Iceland with Europcar.

Key Stops on the Silver Circle Route

The Silver Circle is packed with natural wonders and historical landmarks. Here’s a breakdown of the essential stops to include in your self-drive itinerary.

Deildartunguhver Geothermal Area

Your first major stop after leaving the Reykjavík area is Deildartunguhver, Europe's most powerful hot spring. This geothermal marvel pumps out an astonishing 180 litres of near-boiling water (97°C) per second. You can witness the immense power of the earth as steam billows into the air. The raw energy on display is a potent reminder of the volcanic forces shaping Iceland.

The water from Deildartunguhver is harnessed to provide heating for the nearby towns of Borgarnes and Akranes. While you cannot bathe in the spring itself, the adjacent Krauma Geothermal Baths offer a unique opportunity to relax in pools filled with a perfect blend of this potent hot water and cool glacial water.

Hraunfossar and Barnafoss Waterfalls

A short drive from Deildartunguhver, you will find two of Iceland's most unique waterfalls, located right next to each other. Hraunfossar, or the "Lava Falls," is a breathtaking sight. It is not a single cascade but a series of countless rivulets streaming out from under the edge of the Hallmundarhraun lava field. The water flows over a distance of 900 metres, creating a delicate and wide curtain of falls that tumble into the vibrant turquoise Hvítá river below.

Just a few steps upstream lies Barnafoss, the "Children's Fall." This waterfall has a more turbulent and powerful character as the river is forced through a narrow rocky gorge. The name is tied to a sombre local folk tale about two children who tragically fell into the falls from a natural stone arch that once spanned the river. Viewing platforms provide safe and spectacular vantage points for both waterfalls.

Reykholt Historic Site

For those interested in Icelandic history and literature, Reykholt is an unmissable stop. This small village was the home of Snorri Sturluson (1179-1241), one of the most important figures in Icelandic history. A renowned chieftain, poet, and historian, Snorri wrote several masterpieces of Old Norse literature, including the Prose Edda and Heimskringla, which are fundamental sources for our understanding of Norse mythology and Scandinavian history.

Today, you can visit Snorrastofa, a cultural and research centre dedicated to his life and work. You can also see Snorralaug, a small, geothermally heated pool believed to be one of the oldest man-made structures in Iceland, where Snorri himself likely bathed.

Húsafell

Húsafell is a beautiful woodland area nestled between lava fields and glaciers, offering a perfect spot for a lunch break or a bit of exploration. This location serves as a gateway to more adventurous activities. It is a popular base for hiking, and during the summer, you can find a swimming pool, a small shop, and a bistro.

More significantly, Húsafell is the starting point for the "Into the Glacier" tour, a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. This tour takes you in a specially modified monster truck up onto Langjökull, Iceland's second-largest glacier, and then inside a man-made ice tunnel carved deep into the ice cap. It offers an incredible perspective on the ancient blue ice of a glacier from within. While the glacier tour itself must be booked separately, a self-drive trip to Húsafell allows you to easily connect with this unique adventure.

The Town of Borgarnes

As you loop back towards Reykjavík, a stop in the charming coastal town of Borgarnes is highly recommended. Situated on a scenic peninsula, Borgarnes offers stunning views of the fjord and surrounding mountains. It’s an ideal place to refuel both your car and yourself.

The town is home to the excellent Settlement Centre, which features two exhibitions. One explores the history of Iceland's settlement, while the other brings the dramatic Egil's Saga to life. It provides fascinating context to the sagas that originated in this very region. Borgarnes also has several lovely cafés and restaurants where you can enjoy a meal before completing your journey back to the capital.

A Practical Self-Drive Itinerary for the Silver Circle

Here is a sample timeline to help you structure your day:

• 9:00 AM: Depart from Reykjavík. If you’re arranging car hire in Iceland on the day, ensure you've collected your vehicle early. The drive to the Borgarfjörður region takes about 1-1.5 hours.
• 10:30 AM: Arrive at Deildartunguhver. Spend about 30-45 minutes admiring the hot spring. If you plan to visit the Krauma baths, allocate an additional 2 hours.
• 12:00 PM: Drive to Hraunfossar and Barnafoss (approx. 20 minutes). Spend an hour exploring the viewpoints and walking between the two falls.
• 1:30 PM: Head to Húsafell for lunch and a short walk (approx. 10 minutes drive).
• 3:00 PM: Drive to Reykholt (approx. 15 minutes). Spend 45-60 minutes at the historical site.
• 4:30 PM: Begin your drive back towards Reykjavík, stopping at Borgarnes on the way.
• 5:00 PM: Explore Borgarnes and The Settlement Centre, or enjoy a coffee with a view.
• 6:30 PM: Depart Borgarnes for the final 1-hour drive back to Reykjavík.

This itinerary allows for a relaxed pace with plenty of time at each location. Remember, driving in Iceland requires your full attention. Adhere to the speed limits and be prepared for changing weather, especially outside of the summer months.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What type of car is best for driving the Silver Circle?

For most of the year (late spring, summer, and early autumn), a 2WD vehicle is perfectly adequate for the Silver Circle route as the main roads are paved and well-maintained. However, if you are travelling in winter (October-April), we strongly recommend opting for a 4x4. Icelandic winter weather can bring snow and ice, and a 4x4 offers superior grip and safety. When searching for car hire in Iceland, you can easily filter for both 2WD and 4x4 options.

Do I need an international driving permit to rent a car in Iceland?

If your driving licence is issued in a country within the EU/EEA, you can use it in Iceland without an international driving permit (IDP). For licences from other countries (such as the US, Canada, or Australia), you can typically drive in Iceland if your licence is printed in English or another language using the Latin alphabet. If it is in a different script (e.g., Cyrillic, Arabic, or Chinese), you must have an IDP to accompany it.

Is it expensive to rent a car and drive in Iceland?

Car rental and fuel expenses often form a substantial part of any travel budget. In Iceland, Holdur - Europcar provides affordable vehicle rentals, though booking well in advance is highly recommended, particularly for peak summer travel. Additionally, fuel costs in Iceland exceed those in many other nations, making it crucial to account for this expense when planning a self-drive itinerary.

Can the Silver Circle be driven in a single day from Reykjavík?

Yes, absolutely. The Silver Circle is an ideal day trip from Reykjavík. The total driving distance is around 250-300 km, and the tour can be completed in about 8 to 10 hours, including generous stops at all the main attractions. Its relative proximity to the capital makes it a more manageable day out than some of the longer routes along the South Coast or Snæfellsnes Peninsula.

 

Final Words

Exploring the Silver Circle is a rewarding way to experience the diverse wonders of West Iceland. With breathtaking natural features, rich cultural history, and the flexibility of a self-drive adventure, this route offers something for every traveller. By choosing a safe and dependable rental car, you can set your own pace, discover hidden gems, and embrace the journey with confidence. Whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple, or with family and friends, the Silver Circle promises a memorable day out—bringing you closer to Iceland’s unique landscapes and heritage.

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