Geysir Geothermal Area
The valley that gave the world the word geyser — and where Strokkur still erupts on schedule every 6 to 10 minutes.
Strokkur geyser erupting steam and water column
What to expect at Geysir Geothermal Area
The Haukadalur valley on the Golden Circle sits on a shallow geothermal system that boils groundwater to explosive point. The original Great Geysir gave every other geyser its name but has been mostly dormant since the 1990s. Its neighbour Strokkur, 50 metres away, took over and now erupts a 20-30 metre column of water every 6 to 10 minutes, reliably enough that you can film it on your first try. Fumaroles, blue hot pools and mud spots dot the trail alongside.
The field is fenced, ticketless and open at all hours. Park free across Route 35 at the Geysir Center (which houses a restaurant, hotel and gift shop) and walk 100 m to Strokkur. The stop pairs with Gullfoss 10 km further east and Thingvellir 60 km back toward Reykjavik. Come at 09:00 or after 18:00 to photograph eruptions without a crowd of arms in the way. Do not cross the safety ropes — the water is 80-100 C.
Questions about Geysir Geothermal Area
Free. Both entry and parking at the Geysir Center car park are free.
Free 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
1-2 hours to walk the loop and watch Strokkur erupt 3-4 times.
The field never closes. Only the shop and restaurant have opening hours.
No. Golden Circle coach tours from Reykjavik ($85-110) include Geysir if you don’t want to drive.
The Geysir Center car park is directly on Route 35, 106 km east of Reykjavik. All Golden Circle tour buses stop here.
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