Reykholt in 1 Day for Seniors - Hvalfjarðargöng tunnel
In Collaboration with Absorb Iceland. Updated on February 19, 2026.
A private full-day tour through Borgarfjörður’s geology and saga landscapes. Pickup within the Reykjavík Capital Area; approx. 10 hours total. The itinerary follows the provided agenda: Hvalfjarðargöng tunnel, Borgarnes, Hvítárbrú, Deildartunguhver, Reykholt, Hraunfossar, Barnafoss, Húsafell, Grábrókargígar, Glanni and Paradísarlaut.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Absorb Iceland, inspired by the tour Private Silver Circle Saga Geopark Tour. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Hvalfjarðargöng tunnel
- Borgarnes town
- Hvítárbrú bridge
- Deildartunguhver hot spring
- Reykholt village (Snorri Sturluson sites & Snorralaug pool exterior view only)
Itinerary
Day 1
Drive from pickup in Reykjavík Capital Area into Hvalfjörður; brief stop at the tunnel entrance/portals for orientation and photos.
Hvalfjarðargöng tunnel
Visit the Hvalfjarðargöng tunnel area and learn about the underwater tunnel that passes beneath Hvalfjörður. A short stop at the tunnel entrance/portal for photos and explanation.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear a light windproof layer — the tunnel portals can be windy and cool even in summer.
- Mobility note: the stop is brief and mostly roadside; ask the driver to lower pace if you need extra time to board/disembark.
- Restroom option: use facilities in Reykjavík before departure or at the next scheduled Borgarnes stop if needed.
Day 1
Short stop in the coastal service town to rest, use facilities and get refreshments.
Borgarnes town
Stop in Borgarnes for a comfort break, light refreshments and short stretch after the drive. Time to use public restrooms and sit down briefly.
Tips from local experts:
- Driver can recommend cafés with seating suitable for seniors; tell the guide if you need a table near the entrance.
- Public restrooms are available in central Borgarnes; keep small change or card for café purchases.
- If you prefer minimal walking, ask the guide to park close to the café entrance.
Day 1
Drive across the older Hvítárbrú bridge to view its structure and the Hvítá river; very short photo stop.
Hvítárbrú bridge
Brief roadside stop at Hvítárbrú (the historic single-lane bridge across the Hvítá river) for photos and orientation about the route.
Tips from local experts:
- This is a quick photo stop; bring a small jacket as riverside breezes can be cool.
- The bridge area may have uneven ground — use the vehicle step and handrail when exiting/entering.
- If mobility is limited, remain near the vehicle; the guide can point out features from a short distance.
Day 1
Visit Deildartunguhver hot spring — a geothermal site with high flow used locally for district heating.
Deildartunguhver hot spring
Short easy visit to the Deildartunguhver geothermal area to observe the high-flow hot spring and hear about local geothermal use.
Tips from local experts:
- Stay on marked paths and viewing areas — ground can be hot and slippery near geothermal features.
- Avoid touching the water; temperatures at the main spring reach near boiling.
- Seating is limited; ask your driver-guide for a nearby sheltered spot if you need to sit while listening to the explanation.
Day 1
Cultural stop in Reykholt to see Snorralaug from outside and the Snorrastofa area; light walking on mostly level surfaces.
Reykholt village
Visit Reykholt to view Snorralaug (from the exterior) and the Snorrastofa cultural center area. Note: indoor visits to exhibitions are optional and may incur separate admission.
Tips from local experts:
- Snorralaug is protected; it is not permitted to bathe — please respect signage and barriers.
- Snorrastofa has an exhibition; if you want to enter, check opening hours with the guide as admissions are not included.
- There is a short, gentle walk between parking and viewing points; use walking aids if needed and ask the guide for a closer vehicle drop-off.
Day 1
Series of neighboring waterfalls: Hraunfossar and Barnafoss with viewing platforms and short level paths.
Hraunfossar cascading waterfalls
Walk short distances along viewing platforms to see the rivulets of Hraunfossar streaming from the lava field into the Hvítá river.
Tips from local experts:
- Paths and platforms can be wet and uneven; wear sturdy, slip-resistant shoes.
- Benches and viewpoints exist; take breaks frequently if you need to sit between viewpoints.
- Keep a light waterproof layer handy — spray from the falls can be noticeable on windy days.
Barnafoss waterfall
Short walk from Hraunfossar to view Barnafoss from the bridge and upper viewpoints; dramatic rushing water in a narrow channel.
Tips from local experts:
- Stay behind railings on viewpoints; currents are strong and areas near the edge are unsafe.
- The walking route between Hraunfossar and Barnafoss is short but includes steps — request extra time if needed.
- If steps are difficult, ask the guide to point out the best accessible viewpoints from the bridge area.
Day 1
Stop at the Húsafell estate area for a relaxed visit; facilities include a small bistro and pool area (entrances not included).
Húsafell woodland oasis
Short visit around the Húsafell estate: a birch-wooded lava oasis with easy walking paths, seating and refreshments available nearby.
Tips from local experts:
- There are sheltered seating areas and restrooms; use these if you need an extended rest.
- If you plan to visit the swimming facilities or baths, check openings and note they are not included in the tour price.
- Paths are mostly level in the immediate estate area; request the driver to park close to your preferred drop-off point for minimal walking.
Day 1
Visit the Grábrók craters for an easy-to-moderate path up to the main crater rim (optional depending on mobility).
Grábrókargígar volcanic craters
Walk the maintained footpath up to Stóra-Grábrók crater rim for expansive views over the lava field. The main path is well used but includes an incline; take it at a gentle pace.
Tips from local experts:
- The path to the crater involves inclined sections; wear supportive footwear and consider using a walking pole if helpful.
- Seniors: if the crater climb is too steep, request the driver to remain at lower viewpoints — the guide can explain the geology from there.
- Carry water and a light snack for the short hike; there are no facilities on the crater itself.
Day 1
Final nearby waterfall and the secluded Paradísarlaut hollow — short paths and a viewing deck.
Glanni waterfall
View the three-tiered Glanni waterfall from the viewing deck and take a short, level walk toward the Paradísarlaut hollow entrance.
Tips from local experts:
- The Glanni viewing deck is close to parking; request the driver to stop there for minimal walking.
- Paths to Paradísarlaut can be soft and mossy; wear shoes with good traction.
- Expect insects in warm months near the pond; a light insect repellent may help if you are sensitive.
Paradísarlaut hollow
Short walk to the secluded Paradísarlaut hollow and its dark green-blueish pond; a peaceful final nature stop before returning.
Tips from local experts:
- Stay on the marked path to protect fragile moss and vegetation in the lava field.
- The hollow is a quiet spot; allow a few minutes to sit and rest before the return drive.
- If mobility is limited, the guide can shorten the walk and point out the pond from the nearest accessible viewpoint.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Seniors |
| Transfers | 1 |
| Restaurants | - |
| Total Activities | 10 |
| Total Places | 10 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Neighborhood, Attraction, Culture, Outdoor |