Golden Circle Classic Day Trip from Reykjavik
Reykjavik
Viator
Price €72
Min age 0
Rating 4.51 / 5 [4078 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Travel bucket list idea:
Iceland
Bucket List Experience
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.
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.
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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Iceland
Destination guide
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.