West Iceland
Go to West Iceland for the lava waterfalls at Hraunfossar, the Deildartunguhver hot spring and the 146 km Silver Circle loop north of Reykjavík.
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West Iceland is the region north of Reykjavík, reached by road through Hvalfjörður and Borgarfjörður to Akranes and Borgarnes. At Hraunfossar, water seeps out from under a lava field and drops into the Hvítá river. Nearby, the Deildartunguhver hot spring is one of the largest in Europe. Reykholt, inland from the fjords, is where the medieval historian and poet Snorri Sturluson lived. The Langjökull glacier, Iceland's second largest, lies farther inland.
The region works as a day trip or a slower loop. The Silver Circle is a 146 km route through the main sights. It can be driven in one day, but stopping at Hraunfossar and the hot spring takes time, so two or three days leave room for caves, the glacier and a stop in Borgarnes. Summer brings the longest days and the most open roads. Winter days are short, and road conditions change quickly, so check before you set off.
West Iceland in five
- Drive the 146 km Silver CircleThe Silver Circle in Borgarfjörður is a scenic route of about 146 km linking hot springs, waterfalls, glaciers and heritage sites. It works as a long day from Reykjavík or as one night with caves.Silver Circle
- Book Víðgelmir cave with a guideVíðgelmir is the largest cave in Iceland, 148,000 cubic metres, and entry is allowed only with guidance. Guides arrange short tours of about 1.5 hours and long tours of about 4 hours.
- Stop at DeildartunguhverDeildartunguhver is Europe's most powerful hot spring, with 180 liters a second of 100°C water. It supplies Borgarnes and Akranes, through a 64 km pipeline to Akranes.
- Pair Hraunfossar with BarnafossAt Hraunfossar, clear springs seep through lava and run into the Hvítá river. Barnafoss is the nearby rapid on the same Silver Circle stretch; plan both in one stop.
- Add Reykholt for Snorri SturlusonReykholt has a cultural centre and a church and was the home of Snorri Sturluson, Iceland's best-known medieval author. It fits between the hot spring and Húsafell.
Things to do in West Iceland
See all attractions in West Iceland
Need to know
- Airport
- Keflavík (KEF), then north through the Reykjavík area
- Getting there
- Route 1 north of Reykjavík; Hvalfjörður has a scenic alternative road
- Getting around
- Car; the Silver Circle is a loop of about 146 km
- Best base
- Borgarnes, or Húsafell for caves and glaciers
- Time needed
- A long day, or one night with a cave tour
Weather by month
- Rainy days
- Snowy days
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuarySnow19 rainy days5 snowy daysHigh1°Low-3°Storms, auroraJanuarySnow
Poor
- High
- 1°
- Low
- -3°
- Precipitation
- 171 mm
- Rainy days
- 19
- Snowy days
- 5
- Days with storms
- 0
Storms, aurora
- FebruarySnow18 rainy days5 snowy daysHigh2°Low-2°Aurora, snowFebruarySnow
Poor
- High
- 2°
- Low
- -2°
- Precipitation
- 169 mm
- Rainy days
- 18
- Snowy days
- 5
- Days with storms
- 0
Aurora, snow
- MarchRain18 rainy days3 snowy daysHigh3°Low-1°Snow, longer daysMarchRain
Mixed
- High
- 3°
- Low
- -1°
- Precipitation
- 136 mm
- Rainy days
- 18
- Snowy days
- 3
- Days with storms
- 0
Snow, longer days
- AprilRain16 rainy days1 snowy dayHigh6°Low2°Cool, quietAprilRain
Mixed
- High
- 6°
- Low
- 2°
- Precipitation
- 135 mm
- Rainy days
- 16
- Snowy days
- 1
- Days with storms
- 0
Cool, quiet
- MayRain18 rainy daysHigh9°Low5°Green, quietMayRain
Good
- High
- 9°
- Low
- 5°
- Precipitation
- 130 mm
- Rainy days
- 18
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Green, quiet
- JuneRain16 rainy daysHigh11°Low7°Bright nightsJuneRain
Best
- High
- 11°
- Low
- 7°
- Precipitation
- 101 mm
- Rainy days
- 16
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Bright nights
- JulyRain16 rainy daysHigh13°Low9°Warmest, glacierJulyRain
Best
- High
- 13°
- Low
- 9°
- Precipitation
- 92 mm
- Rainy days
- 16
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Warmest, glacier
- AugustRain15 rainy daysHigh13°Low9°Warm, busyAugustRain
Best
- High
- 13°
- Low
- 9°
- Precipitation
- 110 mm
- Rainy days
- 15
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Warm, busy
- SeptemberRain18 rainy daysHigh10°Low6°Lights returnSeptemberRain
Good
- High
- 10°
- Low
- 6°
- Precipitation
- 154 mm
- Rainy days
- 18
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Lights return
- OctoberRain18 rainy daysHigh7°Low3°Wet, windyOctoberRain
Mixed
- High
- 7°
- Low
- 3°
- Precipitation
- 156 mm
- Rainy days
- 18
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Wet, windy
- NovemberRain15 rainy days1 snowy dayHigh4°Low0°Dark, windyNovemberRain
Poor
- High
- 4°
- Low
- 0°
- Precipitation
- 128 mm
- Rainy days
- 15
- Snowy days
- 1
- Days with storms
- 0
Dark, windy
- DecemberSnow18 rainy days5 snowy daysHigh2°Low-2°DarkestDecemberSnow
Poor
- High
- 2°
- Low
- -2°
- Precipitation
- 142 mm
- Rainy days
- 18
- Snowy days
- 5
- Days with storms
- 0
Darkest
Average daily high and low in Borgarnes, 2016–2025. Rainy day: 1 mm of rain or more.
Right now in West Iceland
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
9
- Feels like
- 4°
- Humidity
- 90%
- Wind
- 39 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 100%
West Iceland
08:48 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today6°5°100%Monday: Rain. High 6°, Low 5°. Chance of rain 100%.
- Tue6°2°100%Tuesday: Thunderstorms. High 6°, Low 2°. Chance of rain 100%.
- Wed3°0°38%Wednesday: Drizzle. High 3°, Low 0°. Chance of rain 38%.
- Thu6°0°75%Thursday: Rain. High 6°, Low 0°. Chance of rain 75%.
- Fri4°1°40%Friday: Drizzle. High 4°, Low 1°. Chance of rain 40%.
- Sat4°2°61%Saturday: Rain. High 4°, Low 2°. Chance of rain 61%.
- Sun2°-3°65%Sunday: Snow. High 2°, Low -3°. Chance of rain 65%.
Updated 06:05 PM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 121.8 ISK
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Every year
- AugReykjavík PrideReykjavík, a day trip
Day trips by train
- Reykjavíkthe usual start for the Silver CircleLeave early for a day trip; a night in Borgarnes or Húsafell saves the evening drive.Read the guide
- Snæfellsnes Peninsulawest of BorgarnesKirkjufell, the national park and fishing villages on the next peninsula.Read the guide
- The Westfjordsvia Dalir and road 60The remote north-west peninsula; plan several days.Read the guide
Before you go to West Iceland
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Rules for West Iceland, checked
Plan around West Iceland
Kirkjufell and the glacier volcano, west of Borgarnes
Read the guideThe WestfjordsThe remote peninsula reached through West Iceland
Read the guideReykjavíkBase city for the Silver Circle
Read the guideGolden CircleThe other day-trip loop from Reykjavík
Read the guideAll of IcelandSilver Circle planning inside a wider route
Read the guideBest time to visit IcelandCave tours, glacier access and light by month
Read the guideÍsafjörðurThe Westfjords main town, beyond Dalir and road 60
Read the guideWest Iceland FAQ
What is the Silver Circle in West Iceland?
A scenic route of about 146 km through Borgarfjörður linking Hraunfossar, Deildartunguhver, Reykholt, Húsafell and other stops, as described by West Iceland's tourism board. It is the area's counterpart to the Golden Circle.
Can you do West Iceland as a day trip from Reykjavík?
Yes for the Silver Circle if you start early and choose a few stops. Add a night if you want a cave tour, a glacier visit or to see more than one waterfall without rushing.
Can you visit Víðgelmir cave without a tour?
No. Entry is allowed only with proper guidance, and guides arrange short tours of 1.5 hours and long tours of 4 hours. Book ahead and ask what footwear and clothing the operator supplies.
What is Langjökull?
Iceland's second-largest glacier at 950 km², in Borgarfjörður. Its accessibility is among the best of Iceland's glaciers, and visitors can join tours on the ice, including through a man-made tunnel.
Is West Iceland or the Golden Circle better for a first trip?
The Golden Circle is shorter and better known; West Iceland suits a second day trip, a cave visit or a slower route toward Snæfellsnes. Choose by days: the Golden Circle is closer to Reykjavík, the Silver Circle adds caves and glaciers.