Bucket list experience:
Iceland
The granddaddy of all the world’s geysers (and the one after which all others are named), Geysir is one of Iceland’s classic, must-see sights. Situated in the Haukadalur geothermal area, a maze of steaming hot springs and mineral pools, Geysir is arguably the most famous geyser on the planet, and everyone who visits Iceland wants to see it.
In fact, the site isn’t one geyser, but several. The original ‘Great Geysir’ is thought to have been active for around 800 years, but it waxes and wanes according to local volcanic activity; currently it’s going through a dormant phase.
However, nearby Strokkur blows its top like clockwork, shooting a steaming jet skywards every five to 10 minutes. On a good day, it blows up more than 30m, sending a spray of hot water over the crowds gathered below.
If you want to know more, The Geysir Centre has a geothermal area and multimedia museum that explains the science behind the spurt.
A ten-minute drive away is the dramatic, double-tiered waterfall of Gullfoss (Golden Falls in Icelandic), which is often atmospherically shrouded in mist and haloed by rainbows. There are a couple of huge car parks, but the site gets packed in summer, so plan accordingly.
Want more recommendations in this destination?
Destination Guide >Numerous bus tours leave from Reykjavik on the Golden Circle circuit. If you’re driving from Reykjavik, it’s a journey of about 106km, or around 1.5 hours.
For a high-octane way to get a bird’s eye view of Geysir and Gulfoss, and to experience the scenery, take a helicopter flight from Reykjavik. Flights with Extreme Iceland last 2.5 hours.
Accessible all year round, but peak season (June to August) sees these two attractions (Geysir & Gulfoss) weighed down with tourists. Come early or late in the day to avoid the tour buses.
Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity
Reykjavik
€63 | Rating 4.51 / 5 [3473 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Reykjavik
$65 | Rating 4.69 / 5 [1297 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Reykjavik
$67 | Rating 4.56 / 5 [454 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Reykjavik
$68 | Rating 4.76 / 5 [231 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Selfoss, Iceland[6.8 miles]
Experience a night in a traditional Icelandic turf house – only with all the modern luxuries you could ask for, including a renowned neo-Nordic restaurant and a basalt hot pool.
Official star rating:
Reykholt, Iceland[18.8 miles]
Spend a night in a transparent glass bubble, with 360-degree landscape views – and keep your fingers crossed for the Northern Lights. Glamping at its best.
Official star rating:
Nesjavellir, Iceland[50.8 miles]
The ultimate Icelandic design hotel, combining industrial style with an incredible setting near a geothermal power station, on the edge of Thingvellir National Park.
Official star rating:
Husafell, Iceland[51.1 miles]
Adventures galore at a sophisticated hotel on the edge of the Langjokull glacier, from hiking to ice caving, glacier walking and horse riding.
Official star rating:
Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Iceland
From volcanoes and glaciers to black beaches, geothermal pools and the Northern Lights, Iceland is one of the world’s wildest, weirdest destinations. A paradise for adventurous travellers.
Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Iceland[39.8 miles]
Dive or snorkel between two continental plates in this strikingly unique gorge, filled with pure and crystal-clear glacial meltwater.
Best for ages: 6+ | £80 | 4-8 hours
Thingvellir National Park, Iceland[40.4 miles]
A wonderous landscape of geological wonders – lakes, lava flows, striking rock formations, and tectonic rifts – only 40km from Reykjavik.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free | 1 night
Iceland[70.1 miles]
A hot pool surrounded by dramatic mountains and volcanoes – perfect for bathing and scenery gazing.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free | 1 night
Icelandic Highlands, Iceland[75 miles]
Iceland’s most famous trek and one of the world’s great long-distance hikes – a jaw-dropping 4-day, 55km hike across mountains, volcanoes, glaciers and hot springs.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free | 4 days
Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
Fluoir, Iceland[19.2 miles]
Despite the name, this landmark geothermal bathing pool is far from a well-kept secret: in fact, it’s said to be the oldest hotpot in Iceland, and it’s very popular as it’s easily reached from Reykjavik, and makes an ideal stop for visitors tracing the Golden Circle.
Best for ages: 6+ | £18 | 1 night
Iceland[41.8 miles]
For the full-on caving experience, visit these neighbouring caves in Thingvellir National Park, including the longest of all, 1,100m-long Vorouhellir. Initially thought to be separate, the caves are actually connected – and you get to squeeze through narrow tunnels joining the two systems.
Best for ages: 6+ | £35
Borgarfjordur, Iceland[54.7 miles]
An accessible, family-friendly cave in the Hallmundarhraun lava field, in Borgarfjordur. It’s a great choice for kids, as most of the cave is reached via a walkway, and illuminated by fixed lighting. No squeezing, sliding or slipping required here.
Best for ages: 6+ | £40
Hvolsvollur, Iceland[62 miles]
You probably wouldn’t be wise to get too close to a real-life volcanic eruption – but this immersive museum gives you a pretty good idea of what it might be like through interactive displays, spectacular films and live camera feeds from Hekla, one of Iceland’s most active volcanoes. Open daily.
Best for ages: 6+ | £22
