SILVER CIRCLE

The Silver Circle, unlike its more famous Golden cousin, often flies under the radar. Yet, this overlooked driving route is a must for any traveller keen to get off the beaten track, no mean feat this close to Iceland’s capital region.

Organised tours offer a sociable, easy alternative to self-drive itineraries, but however you choose to tackle it, this area is certain to make a lasting impression.

Volcanic activity laid the groundwork for this remarkable place, but meltwater from the area’s glaciers feeds local rivers and continues to sculpt the landscape. The area is geothermally active, home to Europe’s most powerful hot spring, and there are numerous geothermal baths and spas in the area, including Krauma and Húsafell Canyon Baths. Snorralaug, perhaps the oldest known pool in the country, serves as a reminder that soaking in a hot tub has been part of Icelandic culture for centuries.

Accessing the Silver Circle Route is straightforward as it connects to the ring road at Borgarnes in West Iceland, about 70km from Reykjavik. This means it’s easy for self-drivers to visit for the day or to add the Silver Circle onto a longer road trip. This route can also act as a bridge between the Golden Circle and other West Iceland tourist destinations such as those on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.

The Silver Circle in Iceland follows a route that is approximately 146km long and broadly follows an east north easterly trajectory extending into Iceland’s interior from Borgarfjörður.

It comprises two distinct parts. The first is a loop that is formed from a section of Route 1 and a smaller road, the 50. Secondly, at the intersection between the 50 and the 518 at Deildartunguhver an out and back part enables drivers to reach Húsafell and Víðgelmir further inland.

It’s possible to tackle the entire route in a day, particularly in summer, but there’s much to be gained from slowing down the pace and visiting it over two. If you’re considering an overnight stop, then within the Silver Circle Húsafell has much to recommend it; Reykholt is another stellar choice. Accommodation in Borgarnes may suit those continuing their trip in Snæfellsnes or north along the ring road.

Out of season, some services close, road surfaces can become slippery and the highland roads beyond the Silver Circle become impassable because of snowfalls. However the tempting prospect of seeing photogenic autumnal vegetation or wintry icicles ensures a steady stream of travellers along this route throughout the colder months.

Deildartunguhver & Krauma Geothermal Nature Baths

If you’re coming from the ring road, the most obvious attraction to begin with is Deildartunguhver. The powerful flow of water gushes out of the earth at a mind-blowing rate of 180 litres a second. It’s scalding hot, with an average temperature of around 97°C.This geothermal spring is responsible for supplying hot water and heating to thousands of people in the wider area via a lengthy pipeline.

Minerals stain the rock red, and the humidity enables mosses and a unique plant called tunguskollakambur, the tongue deer fern, to thrive here – this is the only place in the world where you’ll find it. Once you’ve toured the site, you’ll probably want to don your swimsuit for a relaxing soak at Krauma Geothermal Nature Baths next door. To be able to bathe in it safely, it’s necessary to dilute it with ice-cold glacial water to bring the temperature down.

The Silver Circle route boasts three standout waterfalls: the joint waterfalls Hraunfossar and Barnafoss and the hidden gem Glanni. Hraunfossar and Barnafoss are located close to each other but are very different in appearance. Hraunfossar is wider, with numerous rivulets of water cascading over the edge of the Hallmundarhraun lava field. A viewing platform opposite makes it easy to appreciate its beauty. Just upstream you’ll encounter Barnafoss. Here, the water has to funnel through a narrow gap between the rock which creates plenty of white water as it crashes down to the river below.

Glanni is a picturesque, multi-tiered waterfall located on the Norðurá River near Bifröst. Surrounded by lava fields and lush greenery, it is believed to be home to elves and hidden folk in Icelandic folklore.

As with many places in Iceland, the Silver Circle has been forged from fire and sculpted by ice. An eruption back in 900AD led to the formation of an impressive lava cave called Víðgelmir.

At 1585 metres long it is the largest of its kind in the country. Enter via a collapsed section at its north end. Walkways and lighting have been installed to ensure that it’s safe to visit. They’ll supply a helmet and head torch for the 1.5 hour tour, but you’ll need sturdy shoes and suitably warm clothing – the temperature below ground is chilly year-round.

Langjökull lies within easy reach of Iceland’s Silver Circle making this remarkable glacier an easy add-on. It’s the second biggest ice cap in the country. Though considerably smaller than Vatnajökull, its size is ample for various glacier-related pursuits such as snowmobiling.

However it does have one advantage over its larger counterpart: its ice cave is accessible year round. Participants on the Into The Glacier tour travel by specially modified truck up onto the glacier before hiking into a tunnel cut into the side of the glacier. This icy shaft opens out into a cavernous space, which is quite something when you realise the work that’s gone into creating it.

The Silver Circle’s contribution to Icelandic culture and history is centred on the village of Reykholt which was once home to Snorri Sturluson. He was born in the latter part of the 12th century and held the role of lawmaker at the Alþing parliament at nearby Þingvellir for a time.

He was also a dedicated writer and it’s through his books that we know so much about what the country was like back then. Prose Edda gives us an insight into Norse mythology, while Heimskringla tells the story of the Norwegian kings under whose jurisdiction Iceland fell.

He also authored Egil’s Saga, a book that helps us understand how people lived in the early days. Learn more about him and the influence he had in Snorrastofa, the cultural centre that bears his name.

Alongside these major sights, there are numerous other places that you may choose to visit. Set your own pace following a self-drive itinerary or opt for a private Silver Circle tour which can be customised to match your interests and needs. Reykjavik Excursions’ carbon-neutral Silver Circle day tour is a good choice for any traveller keen to minimise their environmental impact.

Among the other attractions you’ll find along the Silver Circle route is a small forest called Danielslundur. Located at the western end of the region close to Route 1, it contains some short but attractive hiking trails and a viewpoint overlooking Borgarfjörður.

At the opposite end of the route, Húsafell is a good base for active travellers keen to enjoy the great outdoors. Golf, horse riding and hiking can all be arranged locally and you can soak your aching muscles in the Húsafell Canyon Baths at the end of the day.

While wild animal encounters are incredibly rare, though Arctic foxes are sometimes seen in rural parts of West Iceland, one thing you can guarantee is horses. Stulureykir Horse Farm is a riding stables that is located just off the 518 not far from the junction with the 50.

They offer beginner-friendly short rides along the nearby river which are suitable for most ages. Further along the 518 you’ll come across Háafell Goat Farm. They’ll let you interact with their herd of goats as well as educate you about the way they are reared. Take home a souvenir purchase of soap or cheese made from their milk.