AtlasSouth Thermal
Geysir
The geyser that gave its name to all geysers around the world: in the Haukadalur geothermal area, Strokkur erupts every 5–10 minutes, shooting boiling water up to 30 m into the air.
- Ticket
- Free entry
- Estimated duration
- 1h
- Difficulty
- Accessible to all
- Crowd level
- Very busy
Safety warning
Geothermal pools reach temperatures above 100°C. Never leave marked paths or approach the water. Children must be held by the hand throughout the area.
At a glance
- Stand upwind of Strokkur: sprays of boiling, sulphurous water can catch you by surprise.
- Arrive early or late to avoid the crowds from tour buses.
- NEVER approach geothermal pools outside the marked paths.
The source of all geysers
The geothermal area of Haukadalur is home to the famous Geysir, the geyser that gave its name to all geysers around the world in 1294. The Icelandic term comes from the verb gjósa ("to gush"), from which derives the word used in almost every language to describe these natural phenomena.
Geysir vs Strokkur
The original Geysir, once known to erupt up to 70 m high, is now almost inactive: it erupts only on rare occasions, often after earthquakes. Visitors to the area can instead admire its neighbour, Strokkur, which erupts regularly every 5–10 minutes, shooting boiling water 15–30 m into the air. Strokkur’s display — with the blue water bubble swelling before the eruption — is one of Iceland’s most photographed sights.
The geothermal area
Around the two geysers lies a broad area of geothermal springs in various colours, from cobalt blue to emerald green, along with bubbling mud pools and fumaroles. The perimeter paths are well marked, but it is essential to stay on them: the water exceeds 100°C.
How to visit
Entry to the outdoor area is always free. The visitor centre with café has variable opening hours. Large car park (paid in summer). Typical visit: 45–60 minutes.
Golden Circle
Geysir is only 10 km from Gullfoss and around 80 km from Reykjavík along Route 35.
Getting there
It is easy to reach from Reykjavík along the classic Golden Circle route. The site has parking, boardwalks and a service centre just a few steps from the geothermal field.
- Geysir, 806
Weather & conditions
The area can be visited year-round. In winter, geothermal steam is denser and more spectacular in the cold air. In strong winds, steam from the springs can obscure the view of Strokkur at the moment of eruption.
Photography tips
To photograph Strokkur’s eruption, use a fast shutter speed (1/1000s or faster) to freeze the column of water. Stand upwind to use the steam as a backdrop. The full pre-eruption sequence lasts 3–5 seconds: keep your finger on the shutter.
Practical info
Visit planning
30 min
Minimum
60 min
Ideal
90 min
Extended
Suitable for
Hours
Sempre aperto (area geotermica esterna).
Avoid during
Services & access
- Parking
- Toilets
- Café
- Shop
- Visitor centre
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller friendly
Access & rules
Accepted payments
Terrain
Recommended gear
- Windproof jacket
- Waterproof shoes
- Warm layers
- Gloves in winter
- Camera rain cover
Traveler reviews
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Frequently asked questions
Is entry to the Geysir area free?
Yes, access to the geothermal paths is always free. Only parking is charged in summer (around 500 ISK). The visitor centre with shop and café has variable opening hours.
How often does Strokkur erupt?
Strokkur erupts on average every 5–10 minutes. The average wait from arrival is around 5 minutes. The eruption lasts only a few seconds — keep your camera ready.
Is it accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs?
Yes, the main route around the springs is paved and flat, and accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Some outlying areas have gravel terrain.
Tours/activities related to Geysir
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