The Geysir that named All Other Geysers in the World

Are you ready to enjoy a truly unique experience at one of the most famous tourist spots Iceland has to offer, a part of the Golden Circle route, the dynamic hot spring area of Geysir with consistently boiling mud pits and water springs that keep exploding up to 100 feet into the air. Geysir geothermal area is a must see part of your Iceland expedition.

Written by Ashmita. Edited by Andrea Gylfadóttir.

It is believed that the geothermal field has a huge surface area of up to 3 square kilometers. The springs are aligned with a wide strip of land that is 100 meters wide and run into the same direction as the tectonic lines. The strip of land is also 500 meters long and extends till near the Haukadalur territory, which was once known as the seat of the lords. The hot spring area became active more than 1,000 years ago and is dotted with more than a dozen hot water spring holes. Even though the geyser is not active as it used to be, it did lend its name to hot springs across the world. 

The Geysir in Haukadalur Valley dates back to the earliest available accounts of 1294 when a series of earthquakes in southern Iceland caused several geographical changes in the geothermal area and resulted in the creation of many new hot springs. Research findings suggest that seismic activity in the year 2000 affected Geysir and brought about its revival for a few years, but nowadays he is mostly dormant. The most active geyser in the area is called Strokkur, which keeps ejecting hot water into the air as high as 30 meters every 15  minutes or so. And even when the other hot springs in the Geysir geothermal area are quite active, Geysir remains mostly dormant compared to them.
But…

How do geysers erupt?

Situated in an active geothermal area in Haukadalur, the groundwater in the geysers comes in contact with the hot bedrock, heats up and subsequently builds pressure inside the geyser. When the water attains its peak temperature and pressure, it shoots out from the geyser into the air up to 30 meters. Eruptions and explosions at Geysir occur when boiling water underneath is trapped by the cooler water above and forces the water onto the surface. 

The geysers are better appreciated from a distance as the water is tremendously hot and can result in burns. Visitors are advised to act prudently and stay put within the marked areas to avoid treading into the territory that is prone to geyser eruptions.

Discover one of the most famous outdoor attractions on your Golden Circle day tour and enjoy travelling in a small group family expedition with us.  

Witness the most scenic bounties of Iceland and the breathtaking view will leave you spellbound. The great Geysir lends its name to describe the gushing hot springs, along with the English word ‘geyser’.  The first thought that occurs to many people when they imagine Iceland is the image of a vast amount of superheated water gushing out of the geyser. The images of erupting geysers have come to define Iceland’s natural beauty, along with glaciers, waterfalls and of course the Northern Lights. There are only a few such sights on the surface of the Earth.

Travel to Iceland

Read enough about the geology, haven’t you? Are you excited to know about things that can be seen or done near the Geysir Geothermal Area? Since capturing photographs or filming footages is increasingly common, getting images of geysers is becoming increasingly rare. Geyser eruptions in and around Geysir are not identical, just like no two snowflakes are ever the same, which is why repeated walks or hikes amid the hot springs is highly recommended. Avail the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to venture into the pathways that will take you around the hot spring area.

If you are keen on exploring the history and geography behind the valleys and mountains, Iceland is your place to go to. Renowned worldwide for its hiking adventures and incredibly breathtaking scenery, visiting Iceland should be high on your list of have-to-explore travel destinations. If  you have a thirst for even more adventures we recommend you don’t miss out on glacier walks, glacier hiking tours and ice cave tours. A trip to the south coast is a perfect way to get the most out of your visit and a chance to see more glaciers in Iceland, such as Vatnajökull glacier, black sand beaches, basalt columns and lava pillars. 

The Charming Northern Lights

Geysir is not just a location to savor the delightful hot springs, but also a place where you can take delight in the winter Northern Lights and witness the midnight sun. The special light at the time of daybreak and twilight add a dreamy and surreal quality to the Haukadalur landscape. A Golden Circle tour in the winters with the thrilling view of the Northern Lights will make your experience a memorable one for years to come. So, what are you waiting for? Drive along the Golden Circle, visit Gullfoss waterfall and Geysir late in the evening under the midnight sun and the experience will remain etched in your mind forever.

Visit the stores and shops across the Geysir Center to find handcrafted souvenirs and designer goods including blankets, sweaters, and wool among other clothing fashioned from Icelandic wool.

With so many wonderful places to explore in this country, we are sure you must now be dying to book your tickets for this home of natural wonders far up north. You surely have to feel it to know it. Hoping more and more people plan their next vacation to this part of the world, we can’t help but ask – When are you traveling to Iceland?

Tours mentioned in this article : 

Golden circle, Kerid crater and a farm visit, small group, free ice cream - Click here!