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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 12 December, 2022
Expert travel writer: Oliver Berry

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.

While you're there

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.

Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 4+
Frequency: monthly
When: All year around
Duration: 1 night

Getting there & doing it

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.

When to do it

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

Golden Circle Classic Day Trip from Reykjavik

Golden Circle Classic Day Trip from Reykjavik

Reykjavik

Discover some of the best sites in Iceland on the the Golden Circle Tour, in the company of a professional guide who will tell you all you n...

€63 | Rating 4.51 / 5 [3473 ratings]

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Golden Circle Day Trip with Kerid Volcanic Crater from Reykjavik

Golden Circle Day Trip with Kerid Volcanic Crater from Reykjavik

Reykjavik

This grand Golden Circle tour takes you to the most popular sights where you can experience the three highlights of the South West of Icelan...

$65 | Rating 4.69 / 5 [1297 ratings]

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The Golden Circle Direct 6-Hour Tour from Reykjavik

The Golden Circle Direct 6-Hour Tour from Reykjavik

Reykjavik

Explore Iceland's popular Golden Circle on this this 6-hour tour from Reykjavik. Set out to see the Golden Circle and the Geysir geothermal ...

$67 | Rating 4.56 / 5 [454 ratings]

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Golden Circle Afternoon Tour from Reykjavik

Golden Circle Afternoon Tour from Reykjavik

Reykjavik

Explore the unique volcanic and arctic nature of Iceland. This Golden Circle Afternoon tour is a later version of the Grand Golden Circle to...

$68 | Rating 4.76 / 5 [231 ratings]

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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Torfhus Retreat

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:

Buuble Hotel

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:

Ion Adventure Hotel

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:

Hotel Husafell

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

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.

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Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Thingvellir National Park

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

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Overview >

Hike the Laugavegur Trail

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..

Secret lagoon hot spring, public outdoor warming swimming pool, landmark of small city of Fludir, Iceland
Experience

Secret Lagoon

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

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Tour group underground in a tunnel listening to tour guide
Experience

Little Bjorn- Vorouhellir Lava Tunnels

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

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Overview >
View down a yellow walkway descending into a tunnel
Experience

Vidgelmir Lava Tunnel

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

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Lava Centre
Experience

Lava Centre

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

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