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Geysir (& Gulfoss)

  • Iceland

Last updated: 23 April, 2024

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.

Logistics

Price: Free
Minimum age: 0
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.

Who to go with: organised tours

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Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

  • 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 need to know about the area's history, culture and nature. Leave the city behind and get into the history of Iceland at Thingvellir National Park, witness the powerful beauty of a multi-tiered waterfall at Gullfoss and walk among bubbling geothermal pools at Geysir Geothermal Area.

Price €72

Min age 0

Rating 4.50 / 5 [4372 ratings]

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  • Reykjavik

The Golden Circle and the Blue Lagoon are the two most popular sights to visit in Iceland. Book this small group day tour and enjoy visiting both the Golden Circle and the Blue Lagoon in a relaxing fun filled day. Admission to all sights, also the Blue Lagoon, is included in the tour price so as soon as you have booked you can relax and start looking forward to your adventure. Your first stop is at the Thingvellir National Park, the UNESCO listed World Heritage Site. This is where the American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet, which allows you the unique feeling of having one foot in each world. Next destination is the famous Geysir Hot Spring. Watch Strokkur erupt every few minutes up to 30 meters high. Here you can buy a lunch during the stop. Gullfoss the Golden Waterfall is next and will amaze you with its beauty and raw power. Adding even more, you will visit the Kerid Volcanic Crater before heading off the Blue Lagoon for a relaxing end to a great day.

Price $229

Min age 5

Rating 4.88 / 5 [3586 ratings]

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  • Reykjavik

Indulge in a tour of the Golden Circle - the relaxing way, and explore some of Iceland's most famous sights, including Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall and the Geysir hot spring. Plus, see the erupting geyser Strokkur in Haukadalur geothermal area and visit the Secret Lagoon hot spring bath. Your tour begins with a mid-morning pickup. Board a climate-controlled minivan destined for the Golden Circle route. Over the course of the morning, stop at Gullfoss Waterfall, the Geysir Geyser, and Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates collide. On this tour, you will also spend free time soaking in the Secret Lagoon hot spring pool.

Price $150

Min age 0

Rating 4.80 / 5 [1780 ratings]

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