Geyser is such a common word worldwide, yet it is derived from one very specific place in Iceland. Europeans first mentioned Geysir, or gusher in Icelandic, in 1294 and the name became an umbrella for the rare geological phenomena in the world. Geysir Hot Spring Area is located in Haukadalur Valley, easily accessible on a trip to the Golden Circle. For years it’s mighty eruptions of over 200 feet were legendary…but Geysir stopped erupting regularly in 1916. Though currently in a dormant phase, there are some resurgent spurts such as the time in the year 2000 when Geysir exploded 400 feet into the air!
Today it’s pool is still a thing of beauty, and one never knows when it could burst again, earthquakes seem to be helpful in shaking things up a bit. Even without the grand Geysir, the geothermal area is still quite exciting! The hot springs run along the tectonic line over 300’. You’ll see steaming fumaroles, yellow sulphuric stains, and boiling mud pits all in the mix.
An overall magically scorching setting, which you can explore within an hour.
Strokkur, translating to the churn, is surely the modern day highlight of the park. This lively geyser blows scalding water over 100 feet into the air every few minutes! Photographers line up in anticipation watching the surface of the pool boil violently. In the milliseconds that occur before the eruption a deep blue bubble appears, like a portal from another world.
Then piping hot water soars into the sky accompanied by cheers from the crowd!
If you miss the shot don’t fret, each eruption is so different varying in power and height, it is fun to watch over and over again.
Do be careful when viewing, mind the ropes placed for you to stand behind. They were installed there after accidents occurred from the exceedingly hot water. Other interesting features include a tiny geyser, Litli-Strokkur, which went off just as we were walking by.
Fata and Blesi are a duo of mesmerizing clear pools, the latter in which locals used to do their laundry in!
Find the panorama disk to learn about your surroundings.
Take the very mild climb up the hill to Laugafell for a view of the land, it’s a great place to watch Strokkur go off without the crowds.
This is one of the most popular parks in the country, be sure to get there early if you would like to avoid the tour buses.