Geysers of Haukadalur in Iceland

About Geysers of Haukadalur in Iceland

Iceland sits astride the **Mid-Atlantic Ridge** — the boundary between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates — and the geological energy that results manifests in ways found almost nowhere else on Earth. The island has **over 130 volcanoes**, of which about 30 have erupted since Norse settlement began in the 9th century. The **Haukadalur valley in southwestern Iceland is home to the most celebrated geyser field in the world**. The great **Geysir — from which the English word 'geyser' derives**, via the Old Norse for 'to gush' — has been erupting intermittently for centuries and is now largely dormant. Its neighbour **Strokkur erupts reliably every 5 to 10 minutes**, shooting a column of boiling water **up to 40 metres into the sky** with a sound like a cannon. The valley also contains dozens of smaller geysers, hot springs **tinted turquoise and orange by heat-loving bacteria**, and fumaroles venting sulphurous steam. Haukadalur forms part of Iceland's famous **Golden Circle route** — a 300-kilometre loop from Reykjavik that also takes in **Þingvellir National Park**, where the Eurasian and North American plates are visibly pulling apart and where Iceland's medieval parliament first assembled in **930 AD**, and the **Gullfoss waterfall**. The entire route can be driven in a day. Iceland can be visited year-round — Northern Lights September to March, midnight sun May to August.

Highlights

• ✦ Strokkur geyser erupts every 6–10 minutes up to 30 m high
• ✦ The original Great Geysir gave all geysers their name
• ✦ Located in Iceland's volcanic Golden Circle route

Practical info

Frequently asked questions

Is it free to visit the geysers at Haukadalur?

Yes, walking around the geothermal field and watching Strokkur erupt costs nothing. There's a paid car park at busy times and a visitor centre with a cafe and shop, but the natural attraction itself has no entry fee or gate.

How do you get to Geysir without a car?

Iceland has no rail network, and public buses to Geysir are limited and infrequent, so most visitors either rent a car for a self-drive Golden Circle loop or book a guided day tour bus from Reykjavik, both of which typically also cover Þingvellir National Park and Gullfoss waterfall.

What's the difference between Geysir and Strokkur?

The Great Geysir gave its name to all geysers worldwide but is now largely dormant, erupting only rarely and unpredictably. Strokkur, a few metres away, is the reliable performer, erupting roughly every 5-10 minutes to heights of 15-40 metres, and it's what most visitors actually come to watch.

How long should you spend at the Geysir geothermal area?

Most visitors need 30-45 minutes to walk the marked loop and see a few Strokkur eruptions, though it fits naturally into a half-day or full-day Golden Circle trip alongside Þingvellir and Gullfoss.

Is it safe to walk around the hot springs at Haukadalur?

Stay on the marked paths and behind the ropes — the water in several pools is close to boiling and the ground can be unstable near vents. Every year a few visitors get burned by stepping off the path for a closer photo, so treat the roped areas as a hard boundary, not a suggestion.

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