Nestled in the heart of Iceland’s Haukadalur Valley, the Geysir Geothermal Area is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Iceland’s dramatic landscapes. Known for its steaming hot springs, boiling mud pots, and most famously, its powerful geysers, this area offers a glimpse into the geothermal forces that lie beneath Iceland’s surface. It is the birthplace of the English word “geyser”—derived from The Great Geysir, the area’s most iconic hot spring.
Geysir is part of the famed Golden Circle, which includes other popular Icelandic attractions like Þingvellir National Park and Gullfoss Waterfall, making it an essential stop for travelers eager to witness Iceland’s natural wonders.
A History of Geysir: The Geyser That Named Them All
The word “geyser” itself comes from the Icelandic verb “gjósa,” meaning “to erupt,” and it was coined after The Great Geysir in Haukadalur. This geothermal marvel has been active for centuries, with records of its eruptions dating back to the 13th century. At its peak, Geysir’s eruptions could shoot boiling water up to 170 meters (558 feet) into the air, making it one of the tallest geysers in the world.
However, due to shifting geothermal activity and changes in water pressure, The Great Geysir no longer erupts with the same frequency it once did. Today, it remains largely dormant, though it occasionally springs to life following significant seismic activity. Despite its inactivity, Geysir continues to attract visitors who are drawn to its history and the other geothermal features in the area.
Strokkur: The Star Attraction
While The Great Geysir’s eruptions are rare, the nearby Strokkur Geyser has become the area’s star attraction. Located just a few meters away from Geysir, Strokkur is a highly reliable geyser, erupting every 5-10 minutes and shooting water up to 20-40 meters (65-130 feet) into the air. Its frequent eruptions make it a crowd-pleaser and an ideal subject for photographers.
Watching Strokkur erupt is a mesmerizing experience. Before each eruption, you’ll see the water in the geyser basin begin to bubble and swell into a dome before a powerful jet of steam and water bursts into the sky. Visitors often gather around the roped-off area to wait for this dramatic display, and it never disappoints.
Geothermal Features of the Geysir Area
Beyond the geysers themselves, the Geysir Geothermal Area is home to a variety of other fascinating geothermal features. The landscape is dotted with bubbling mud pots, steaming vents, and hot springs, all of which showcase the powerful geothermal forces at work beneath the Earth’s surface.
Some of the key geothermal features in the area include:
- Litli Geysir: This small but active geyser is less impressive than Strokkur or The Great Geysir, but it still puts on a show, sending spurts of water into the air every few minutes.
- Blesi: This pair of hot springs has strikingly clear and colorful waters. One of the pools is bright blue, thanks to the minerals dissolved in the water, while the other is a cloudy, milky color.
- Solfatara Fields: These are areas of boiling mud and steam vents, where the ground hisses and gurgles as geothermal gases escape through cracks in the Earth’s crust. The sulfurous smell of the area is a reminder of the volcanic activity just beneath the surface.
Walking through the Geysir Geothermal Area, visitors are treated to a surreal landscape that feels like something out of another world. The combination of the hot springs’ vivid colors, the steam rising from the ground, and the frequent eruptions of Strokkur make this area one of Iceland’s most unique natural attractions.
The Science Behind Geysers
Geysers, like those found in the Geysir Geothermal Area, are a rare natural phenomenon. They occur only in specific regions where a combination of volcanic activity, water, and heat exists.
Here’s how geysers work:
- Water seeps into the ground through cracks in the Earth’s surface.
- The water descends deep into the ground, where it comes into contact with hot rocks heated by magma chambers below.
- As the water heats up, it turns into steam. However, the pressure deep underground keeps the steam from expanding, causing the water to become superheated.
- Eventually, the pressure builds to the point where it forces the superheated water and steam up through the geyser’s narrow vent, causing an eruption.
After the eruption, the cycle begins again as more water seeps into the ground to replace the water that was ejected. The entire process can take anywhere from a few minutes, in the case of Strokkur, to several hours or days, depending on the geyser.
Visiting the Geysir Geothermal Area
The Geysir Geothermal Area is located about 100 kilometers (62 miles) from Reykjavik, making it an easy day trip from the capital. It is one of the key stops on the Golden Circle route, which also includes Þingvellir National Park and Gullfoss Waterfall.
Visiting Geysir is a straightforward experience, as the area is well-equipped for tourists. There are boardwalks and paths that allow visitors to explore the geothermal features safely, with informational signs providing details about the area’s history and geology.
Additionally, the nearby Geysir Visitor Center offers restrooms, a restaurant, and a gift shop, making it a convenient stop for travelers exploring the Golden Circle. There’s also a hotel located near the site for those who wish to stay overnight.
Safety Precautions
While the Geysir Geothermal Area is a fantastic place to visit, it’s essential to follow safety guidelines. The ground in geothermal areas can be unstable, and the water in the hot springs can reach temperatures of over 100°C (212°F), making it extremely dangerous to touch.
Visitors should stay on marked paths and avoid getting too close to the hot springs and geysers. Pay attention to signs and warnings, and respect the natural environment by not throwing anything into the geysers.
Best Time to Visit Geysir
The Geysir Geothermal Area can be visited year-round, and each season offers a unique experience. In the summer, the area is lush and green, with long daylight hours allowing visitors to explore late into the evening. In the winter, the area takes on a different kind of beauty, with snow and ice contrasting against the steam rising from the hot springs.
One advantage of visiting in winter is the smaller crowds, as Iceland sees fewer tourists during the colder months. Additionally, winter visitors may have the chance to witness the Northern Lights if they visit Geysir after dark.
Tours to the Geysir Geothermal Area
If you’re looking to visit the Geysir Geothermal Area as part of a guided tour, Iceland Travel Guide offers a range of options to suit your travel preferences. Our Golden Circle Tours take you to the best attractions along this popular route, including Geysir, Þingvellir, and Gullfoss.
For more information on our tours and to book your adventure, visit Iceland Travel Guide’s Golden Circle Tours.
Conclusion
Geysir geothermal area on a map
Interesting locations in the area
Locations
- Gullfoss
- Faxi waterfall
- Þingvellir National Park
- Helgufoss waterfall
- Þórufoss waterfall
- The Cave People
- Nesjavellir
Activities
Hotels & Restaurants
- ION Adventure Hotel
- Golden Circle Apartments
- Háholt
- Friðheimar Tomato Farm
- Efstidalur Farm
