EXPLORING GEYSIR: A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO ICELAND'S GEOTHERMAL MARVEL

Our guide to Geysir Iceland is aimed at travellers visiting the Geysir Geothermal Area for the first time. Thanks to the show put on at regular intervals first by Great Geysir and latterly by its current star performer, the Strokkur geyser, this part of Iceland has long been a favourite with tourists. These days, it’s a popular stop on the Golden Circle tour route and a must for visitors.

Great Geysir, the original, is where we get the word geyser from. The meaning of the Old Norse verb geysa is to erupt, gush, go forward, or burst into life—you get the idea. Many geologists believe that the Geysir geothermal area started to form about 1150. It is located at the foot of a rhyolite hill called Laugarfjall; its underground heat comes from a long-dead volcano.

The first written account of hot springs in the Haukadalur valley was in 1294. More than 700 years later, the area’s steaming fumaroles, sulphurous mud pots, and warm streams are still noteworthy. It would certainly have taken many centuries for sinter deposits to build up to form the mounds that characterise the area’s geysers, such as Great Geysir.

There have been periods of dramatic activity in this geothermal valley in the past. For instance, in 1630, records tell of eruptions so powerful from the geysers at Haukadalur that the ground around them would shake violently. At its peak, records show that Great Geysir, a hot water pool geyser, would send a jet of superheated water 60 to 90 metres into the air, perhaps every few hours.

It soon became apparent that people would travel long distances to see this striking natural phenomenon and so it was important that when they arrived, there’d be something to see. Sometimes, however, nature isn’t as cooperative as we’d like and Great Geysir in Iceland was one such example. It has largely been dormant for more than a century.

Great Geysir’s natural activity pretty much ceased in 1916, except for a short-lived burst in 1935. Once, therefore, it was commonplace to throw soap powder into the crater. This would lower the surface tension of the water and force an eruption because the water would be able to boil more easily. This would give the waiting crowd what they had come to see.

However, that doesn’t mean an end to activity: much more recently, an earthquake that took place in June 2000 kicked off a series of geyser eruptions. Currently, however, only Strokkur geyser sends a jet of water high into the air on a regular basis – usually every few minutes. This can reach as much as 20 to 30 metres high, which is more than enough to satisfy those who’ve come to watch.

Looking after fragile environments

Nowadays, our understanding of fragile environments (such as found at Geysir) is much better. We understand why past behaviours might no longer be considered acceptable, not least because we know that the addition of soap powder – or any other material for that matter – into the geyser can clog it up and cause it to cease activity indefinitely. Scientists now firmly believe that we shouldn’t interfere.

The Haukadalur valley, where these geysers are located, has recently become a protected area. As visitor numbers rise, careful custodianship of this unique place is essential. The Environment Agency of Iceland is now responsible for looking after the area and managing it so that it future generations can continue to enjoy it as we do.

Strokkur geyser – its name means The Churn – is one of the largest and most easily accessible geysers in the world. As such, it’s a must for tourists, who gather in a circle around the steaming vent and watch intently as the water starts to shiver and then form a low dome before bursting into life.

But the Geysir geothermal area’s broader appeal is wrapped up in the Golden Circle as a whole. This popular scenic driving route is, in many respects, the best of the Icelandic countryside in a nutshell. Along with Geysir, the route leads to Gullfoss waterfall, where enormous volumes of water tumble over a double fault in the rock into a breathtaking gorge.

Of course, Thingvellir National Park completes the trio. Where the North American and Eurasian plates meet, they’ve formed an extraordinary gorge with huge cultural and historical significance on top of its remarkable natural beauty. The Golden Circle is also sufficiently close to Reykjavik to be an easy day trip, so there really is no excuse not to book a tour.

While some visitors opt to self-drive and reach Geysir Geothermal Area under their own steam, it’s also a stop on Iceland’s premier tour. Tours of the Golden Circle route can take as little as six hours if you choose an express version, so there’s no need to miss out if you don’t have a huge amount of time.

Geyser on the Golden Circle Route - Guided Tours

The Geysir Geothermal Area is part of the Golden Circle, Iceland’s most famous tourist route, featuring some of the country’s most stunning and iconic natural landmarks.

The route spans approximately 300 kilometres and loops from Reykjavík into central Iceland and back. It includes key attractions Thingvellir, the Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss Waterfall.

While self-driving this popular circuit is a common choice for many visitors, opting for a guided tour can significantly enhance your experience. Guided tours add immense value through the knowledge and expertise of local guides.

You can also combine a Golden Circle tour with other activities such as snowmobiling on Langjökull glacier, snorkelling at Silfra Fissure or eating rye bread freshly dug up from the hot sand that lines Laugarvatn, a nearby lake. Being able to fully customise how you experience the Golden Circle area is a real plus – just make sure you don’t miss Geysir.

Our experts navigate effortlessly and enrich your journey with historical facts, geological information, and cultural insights you might miss when driving yourself.

The Best Times to Visit

Geysir is a year-round tourist attraction, so no matter when you plan to visit, you will be able to access it. Tours of the Golden Circle depart frequently from Reykjavik, and all of them make a stop at Geysir. Though it’s likely to be busiest in summer, this is typically when you’ll have the best chance of fine weather.

In any season, the sight of Strokkur erupting against a blue sky with sunshine catching on the airborne water droplets is very special indeed. In winter, there tends to be fewer people at the site and sometimes, a photogenic dusting of snow over the surrounding landscape. The water beautifully sets off the soft light, particularly at sunrise and sunset.

Viewing tips

Plan to stand and watch as Strokkur geyser erupts multiple times. It’s a mesmerising sight and you won’t fully appreciate it the first time. Take your spot behind the rope and make sure you have an uninterrupted view of the proceedings.

You’ll notice how the water at the centre of the pool starts to vibrate a little and then rises to form an immaculate turquoise-coloured dome. Then the jet of water forces its way through and – whoosh – up it goes. After you’ve had your fill of Strokkur, take a walk around the rest of the geothermal area.

Safety guidelines

Those ropes are there for a reason: the water is scalding hot. Never be tempted to put your hand in the water to see just how hot it feels as you could be injured.

Keep a close eye on small children and never let them wander off. Despite it being firmly on the tourist trail, this isn’t a place to underestimate and you don’t want to slip and fall onto the hot water.

Facilities in the area

Since 2020, the Environmental Agency in Iceland has been responsible for overseeing the Geysir geothermal area to ensure it is effectively protected. However just beyond this area is the Geysir Centre.

There, you’ll find several places to stay, including Hotel Geysir, Hotel Litli Geysir and a campsite on the southern slopes of Laugarfjall. Plus, there are shopping and dining options within the stylish Geysir Centre. There’s also a petrol station nearby and charging points for electric vehicles, another reason to pull off the road here.

Some long overdue construction work is taking place at Geysir to improve the trails and create a circular route around a larger portion of the geothermal area. It is hoped that this will help spread tourists over a wider area. As visitor numbers have significantly increased in recent years, such construction work is essential if this fragile environment is to be adequately protected.

Unfortunately, there will be some impact to visitors in the short term. For instance construction equipment will use existing pathways in order to prevent unnecessary damage to the environment and small sections of the geothermal area will have to be temporarily cordoned off. However, it is hoped that those who do come while works are underway will understand such disruption will be beneficial in the long term. Construction work began in the summer of 2014 and will continue periodically until the end of 2025.