Geysir Iceland is one of the most popular stops along the Golden Circle. It is known for its bubbling hot springs and the reliable eruption of Strokkur, but this area offers more than just geothermal drama.
Within a short drive, you’ll find waterfalls, greenhouses, historic sites, and natural hot pools that add real variety to your day. Here are five must-see attractions near Geysir that are close, easy to visit, and absolutely worth your time.
Top 5 Must-See Attractions Near Geysir
Gullfoss Waterfall
Gullfoss Waterfall sits just 10 minutes from Geysir Iceland and is one of the most powerful and photogenic waterfalls in the country. The falls drop in two stages into a narrow canyon carved by the Hvítá River, which flows from the Langjökull glacier.
Its name means “Golden Falls,” likely inspired by the way sunlight hits the water or the glacial sediment it carries. In the early 1900s, a woman named Sigríður Tómasdóttir fought to protect Gullfoss from being turned into a hydroelectric plant, making it a symbol of Iceland’s early conservation efforts.
Today, the site has well-maintained trails, panoramic viewing decks, and a visitor center with a café and gift shop. Whether you're visiting in summer or winter, the sheer force and beauty of Gullfoss never disappoint.
Things to do at Gullfoss Waterfall:
- Walk the upper and lower trails: Follow gravel paths that offer two different views, above the falls for the full panoramic scene, or closer to the canyon edge where you can feel the spray.
- Visit Sigríður’s memorial: Stop at the stone monument dedicated to the woman who helped protect Gullfoss and learn how her efforts shaped Iceland’s environmental legacy.
- Stop by the café: Grab a warm soup or a cup of coffee at the on-site café while enjoying views of the surrounding highlands.
- Take dramatic photos: Snap shots of the waterfall from different angles, especially on sunny days when rainbows appear through the mist.
- Join a Langjökull Glacier Snowmobile Tour: Book a snowmobile experience that departs from Gullfoss and takes you onto Iceland’s second-largest glacier for an unforgettable ride across the ice.
Friðheimar Tomato Farm
Friðheimar Tomato Farm is a 20-minute drive from Geysir Iceland, and offers one of the most unique food experiences on the Golden Circle. Inside the greenhouse, tomato vines stretch in every direction, grown year-round using geothermal heat and natural pest control.
Guests eat right among the plants, with fresh tomato soup, homemade bread, and even green tomato beer on the menu. The family-owned farm is known for its warm, down-to-earth hospitality.
It also features Icelandic horse demonstrations that highlight the animals' unique gait and cultural importance. Combining fresh food, innovative farming, and local tradition, Friðheimar is a refreshing change of pace between waterfalls and hot springs.
Things to do at Friðheimar Tomato Farm:
- Dine inside the greenhouse: Sit at rustic wooden tables surrounded by lush tomato plants while enjoying fresh soup, bread, and pasta made with ingredients grown on-site.
- Take a guided fresh Friðheimar greenhouse tour: Learn how Friðheimar uses geothermal energy, bees, and natural methods to grow thousands of tomatoes in Iceland’s cold climate.
- Watch an Icelandic horse show: Attend a short live performance that introduces you to the Icelandic horse and its smooth tölt gait, unique to this breed.
- Join a Golden Circle tour: Join a Golden Cicrle tour with Kerið Crater and Friðheimar Farm and combine this delicious experience with nearby natural wonders like Kerið’s volcanic caldera and let us handle the planning for a full, flavorful day.
Secret Lagoon
Secret Lagoon is just 30 minutes from Geysir Iceland, located in the quiet village of Flúðir. Built in 1891, it holds the title of Iceland’s oldest swimming pool and still uses natural hot spring water that bubbles straight from the ground.
Unlike the crowded and commercial Blue Lagoon, Secret Lagoon keeps things simple and authentic. The pool stays around 38 to 40°C year-round and is surrounded by mossy rocks, mini geysers, and rising steam.
Locals and travelers come here to soak in peace without background music or luxury spa distractions. After a long day of sightseeing, nothing beats slipping into warm geothermal water under open skies.
Things to do at Secret Lagoon:
- Soak in geothermal water: Relax in the naturally heated pool while watching steam drift off the surface and listening to the bubbling spring vents around you.
- See mini geysers up close: Walk the short gravel path around the lagoon to watch tiny geysers erupting just a few feet from the pool every few minutes.
- Use clean, modern facilities: Shower off in heated changing rooms equipped with lockers and private stalls before and after your swim.
- Join a Golden Circle tour that includes the Secret Lagoon: Let us take care of your route so you can enjoy highlights like Gullfoss, Geysir, and Flúðir’s Secret Lagoon in a single relaxed itinerary.
- Bring your swimsuit or rent one on-site: If you forgot your gear, the reception desk offers rentals so you never miss a chance to take a dip.
Faxi Waterfall
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Faxi Waterfall is just 15 minutes from Geysir Iceland, tucked along the calm and winding Tungufljót River. Unlike Gullfoss, which thunders into a canyon, Faxi flows in a wide, even curtain over a gentle drop.
It's easier to approach than most falls in the area, with close-up views and almost no crowds. The surrounding area is open and grassy, with a small picnic spot just steps from the water.
In summer, salmon can often be seen leaping upstream beside the man-made fish ladder. If you're looking for a quiet stop to rest, snack, or just listen to the water, Faxi is a peaceful detour.
Things to do at Faxi Waterfall:
- Walk to the viewing area: Step close to the riverbank for a wide-angle view of the falls, without barriers or large crowds in the way.
- Watch salmon in season: Visit during summer to see wild salmon attempting to jump the falls, especially near the fish ladder installed to help their journey.
- Enjoy a riverside picnic: Use the nearby tables or spread out a blanket and take in the soft sound of the waterfall while you eat.
- Take photos at your own pace: Capture stunning photos of the full width of the waterfall and the peaceful surrounding landscape without competing for space.
- Explore short nature paths: Walk along the river for a few minutes to stretch your legs and enjoy the natural setting.
Skálholt Cathedral
Skálholt Cathedral is about 25 minutes from Geysir Iceland, and offers a historical break from the region’s natural attractions. For over 700 years, Skálholt served as Iceland’s religious and cultural center, home to bishops and a significant seat of learning.
The current church, built in the 1950s, stands on layers of history that date back to the year 1056. Inside, you'll find stained glass, modern art, and an underground crypt that reveals remnants of earlier churches.
The site also includes a small museum with ancient manuscripts, religious artifacts, and burial items from the area. It’s a quiet, thoughtful place that adds depth to any Golden Circle trip.
Things to do at Skálholt Cathedral:
- Walk through the cathedral: Step inside the peaceful church to see a mix of modern Icelandic design and traditional religious architecture.
- Visit the crypt beneath the floor: Descend into the stone chamber below the altar to explore the remains of earlier churches and historical burial sites.
- Browse the museum exhibits: Take a closer look at old church relics, handwritten texts, and preserved items from centuries of Icelandic Christianity.
- Look out over the countryside: Step outside to enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding farmland, rivers, and open skies.
- Attend a concert or service: If you’re lucky, you might catch a live music performance or cultural event held inside the cathedral throughout the year.
Plan Your Golden Circle Day the Easy Way
Geysir is worth the trip, no doubt about it. But the places around it turn your day into something memorable.
From roaring waterfalls to fresh tomato soup in a greenhouse, the nearby stops bring real variety. Stay close, plan smart, and you’ll see more than you expected.
Ready to make the most of your Geysir Iceland adventure? Book a Golden Circle Day Tour with Golden Circle Day Tours and let the locals guide you through Iceland’s greatest hits—without the guesswork.
