Geysir and Gullfoss Waterfall

Geysir is a famous geothermal area located in the Haukadalur valley in Southwest Iceland, known for its stunning geothermal features, particularly the Strokkur geyser.

The Geysir area has been a popular tourist destination for centuries, attracting visitors with its dramatic eruptions of hot water and steam. Strokkur, the most active geyser in the region, erupts every 5-10 minutes, shooting boiling water up to 20-30 meters into the air.

Geysir Geothermal Area

Though Geysir itself is very rarely active these days, Haukadalur Valley boasts a plethora of hot springs and geysers, including the powerful Strokkur, Smidur, and Litli-Strokkur. Strokkur is arguably the country’s most famous hot spring.

The geothermal area takes its name from the Geysir Hot Spring, which was once one of the most impressive geysers in the world. Although Geysir now erupts infrequently, it gave rise to the word “geyser” and continues to lend its name to the entire region.

Geysir is much larger, but years can go by between eruptions here. It is currently in an inactive phase. When it does erupt, the water can shoot up in the air as high as 70 meters.

Just a few minutes walk north of Geysir is a wealth of fumaroles, emanating steam and gas into the cool Icelandic air. Aside from watching the pillars of steam, you will also be able to observe the yellow sulfuric stains along the fumaroles themselves, a result of the earth’s minerals crystallizing around the rock bed.

The geothermal activity in the area is a result of Iceland's unique geology, situated on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. This geological setting provides a rich supply of geothermal energy, leading to numerous hot springs, mud pots, and fumaroles in the vicinity.

The region is part of the Golden Circle tourist route, which includes other notable attractions like Þingvellir National Park and Gullfoss waterfall.

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Continuing from Geysir along road 35, about a 10 minute drive away is Gullfoss.

Gullfoss, often referred to as the "Golden Falls," is one of Iceland's most iconic and breathtaking waterfalls. Located in the Hvítá river canyon in Southwest Iceland, Gullfoss is part of the Golden Circle, a popular tourist route that also includes Þingvellir National Park and the geothermal area in Haukadalur, home to the famous geysers Geysir and Strokkur.

Iced Gullfoss Waterfall at Sunset

The Hvítá River originates from the Langjökull glacier, flowing through Iceland’s rugged landscape before dramatically plunging over the two-tiered Gullfoss waterfall.

Rather than being a single cascade, Gullfoss is made up of two distinct stages: the first drop is 11 meters, followed by a second, larger plunge of 21 meters. Together, these stages create an incredible display of nature’s power, with a total drop of about 32 meters.

Flanked by towering canyon walls that reach up to 70 meters high, Gullfoss plunges into the majestic Gullfossgjufur canyon. This deep ravine, geologists believe, was formed by violent glacial floods during the end of the last ice age.

In the summer, around 140 cubic meters of water rushes over the falls per second, while in winter, this flow reduces to about 109 cubic meters, still maintaining an impressive force.

The water cascades down in a dramatic manner, creating a powerful and mesmerizing sight. On sunny days, the mist generated by the falls often results in beautiful rainbows, adding to the enchantment of the scenery. The site is accessible year-round, with each season offering a unique experience, from the lush greenery of summer to the icy formations of winter.

Geysir and Gullfoss waterfall are often visited together as part of the Golden Circle, offering travelers a chance to experience some of Iceland’s most impressive geothermal and natural features in one trip. Both sites showcase the raw power and unique landscapes that make Iceland a truly extraordinary destination.

See you soon!

Luigi