Husafell Canyon Baths

Start in Reykjavik and head to Borgarnes, the gateway to West Iceland. Make your first stop at Deildartunguhver, the most powerful hot spring in Europe, which is so strong that it provides hot water and power for the locals for miles around. Spend some time walking amongst the steaming clouds of vapor. Move onto Hraunfossar, also known as the "Lava Waterfalls." Take in the sight from several viewing platforms and see how the water stretches for nearly a kilometer over ancient lava fields, with meltwater from the Langjokull glacier pouring into the Hvita river. Just a few yards away is Barnafoss, also known as “the waterfall of the children,” named after the tragic tale of two local children. Your next stop is Husafell, a breathtaking woodland oasis and a historical site with traditional turf houses and even some “elf huts” to delight the children, too. See intriguing works by local artists, as well as the famous “Lifting Stone of Husafell.” From Husafell, be transported in 4x4 cars further inland to the Deildargil Canyon, where you’ll see Langifoss, a towering two-tiered waterfall off the beaten path and which few people know of. Continue to the highlight of the tour, the Canyon Baths, for a traditional Icelandic hot spring experience at a sustainable, remote location found deep in the magnificent Hringsgil canyon. Bathe in 3 geothermally-heated stone pools of varying temperatures (30-41°C or 86-105°F), along with a cold-water pool and a cooling waterfall. Feel relaxed in the peaceful atmosphere, thanks to the limited capacity of 20 visitors at a time. Imagine what it was like for the early settlers to bathe in the same way. Make your final stop at Reykholt, which used to be the medieval home of Snorri Sturluson, a famous Icelandic historian and chieftain. Visit Snorralaug (Snorri’s Pool), another traditional natural hot spring, where locals have bathed since the 12th century. From there, return to the capital city, after a day of wonder and exploration in the wilds of West Iceland.

Led by a knowledgeable local guide in English, this year-round tour begins with a short ride from the Húsafell Activity Centre to the trailhead in the remote Icelandic Highlands. On this 2-hour tour, we enjoy a relaxed walk among natural wonders not found in many guidebooks, including the spectacular two-tiered waterfall Langifoss. We’ll also learn about Iceland’s renewable energy practices, cross an icy stream of glacial meltwater and see the site to Okjökull, Iceland’s first glacier claimed by climate change. Note that the route can change due to unforeseen weather circumstances such as snow, ice, mud or water. The highlight of our excursion is a serene soak in the Húsafell Canyon Baths, a surreal hot spring paradise that has to be seen to be believed. Enjoy an hour of relaxing, recharging and breathing in the pure Icelandic air before heading back to the starting point in Húsafell.

Day 1: After being picked up in Reykjavik, your tour begins by driving on the scenic route 1 to the town of Borgarnes. From there, continue to the Borgarfjodur area, where you will visit the unique Lava Waterfalls called Hraunfossar and nearby Barnafossar waterfalls. Visit Glanni Watefall, Deildartunguhver - the most powerful hot spring in Europe and the Reykholt historic site. The last stop will be at Husafell - the woodland oasis. From here you can choose your next adventure. You can either go inside the biggest Lava Cave in Iceland called Vidgelmir or go on 4WD tour to visit relaxing Canyon Baths, stopping on the way to soak in the view of the two-tiered Langifoss Waterfall. You will then spend the night in Borgarnes - the capital of West Iceland sitting in the fjord. You will find there charming coffee houses and restaurants, as well as turf houses. The Northern Lights are also famous for playing their incredible symphony of lights in this area if the conditions are favorable. Day 2: On the second day, travel first to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, where you will enjoy watching seals play on the beach and take in some amazing sights at the many beautiful creations of nature in the area. See the Snæfellsnesjökull glacier looming as your tour continues around the peninsula. Admire the beautiful and photogenic mountain of Kirkjufell. Snæfellsnes is also home to the big seal colony that you will have a chance to see at Ytri-Tunga Beach, before heading back to Reykjavik.