Iceland has embraced the tourism industry and, subsequently, a relatively small place has an exceptional selection of experiences to suit just about any traveler. Active adventures, foodie exploration, stunning nature, and cultural interactions are all accessible. In fact, travelers could stay only in Reykjavik and fill a couple of weeks worth of day tours from there alone (though there's so many beautiful places that it makes more sense to get out of town for at least part of your trip). Here's a sampling of the diverse experiences we had during our summer visit.
Golden Circle: Gullfoss Falls, Geysir, Kerid Crater
Jul 21, 2023
Gullfoss Waterfall Iceland (Mary Curry)
I've been to Victoria, Iguazu and Niagra Falls as well as many smaller, but still impressive falls around the world. However, for a single viewpoint, I don't think any of them beat Guilfoss Falls. It's hard to put into words the allure and photos can't fully capture the magnificence of this falls. Something about the way that the water cascades down multiple channels one direction before pouring over the side perpendicularly on the next level down and then returning to the original direction make this falls seem almost like an optical illusion. It's also that perfect compromise between impressive scale and yet not as fierce as Iguazu or Victoria such that the very volume of the falls obscures the view itself. Gullfoss Waterfall Iceland (Mary Curry)
Gullfoss is an easy 90 minute drive from Reykjavik along paved highway. Unlike similar sites in the US, there's no admission fee and even the parking is fee. Best of all, the route to the falls takes you past the also impressive Geysir thermal area and the Kerid Crater.
The Kerid Crater has free parking and a small admission fee ($3), but rewards with lovely views of the turquoise water filled crater. You can walk around an upper loop for views down to the crater or a lower loop at water level. Either one only takes about 15-20 minutes. Kerid Crater Iceland (Mary Curry)
Geysir, the namesake of the term 'geyser' is now dormant, but there's another reliable Geysir a few hundred feet away, Stokkur, that erupts about every 10 minutes. Parking and the site are also free and you can wonder amongst the bubbling pools and admire the smaller thermal features while you wait for Strokkur's next eruption. Unlike Yellowstone's Old Faithful, the entire complex feels much less chaotic and over commercialized. Geysir Area Iceland (Mary Curry)Geysir Park Iceland (Mary Curry)
Together with other smaller sites, these features make up the 'Golden Circle' route outside of Reykjavik, a nice day tour that can be completed independently via rental car or as a part of several day tour options if you don't feel up to driving the sometimes narrow, winding highways of Iceland.
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Deb Jewell
2 days ago
We have worked with Kassandra at Adventure-Life for several years. She continues to provide excellent guidance on our trips. This time, we tossed some real challenges - explicit number of days, specific itineraries and limitations on who we would prefer to sail with. She actually gave us choices ! Deposit in place and working on additional details for insurance and extensions. Another success !!
Kathryn Jones
4 days ago
Seamless connections. Excellent guides. Fulfilled every request. Very nice hotels.
Susan Vogel
5 days ago
Its a beautiful country, very friendly people, and everything went like clockwork. The local guide/driver was one of the best we've had: knowledgeable, always on time, had good ideas for what to see. Khiri Travel (the local travel agency) is terrific. Second trip we've taken with them. Recommend them and Adventure Life 100%
LEIGH
1 week ago
Adventure Life organized an incredible trip matching our desired itinerary, with perfect planning and coordination from end to end, including a hand-off of guides and drivers across an international land border. I highly recommend their services.