A Guide to Geysir Geothermal Area in Iceland
Geysir Geothermal Area is a beautiful natural sight in Iceland and one of the best stops on the Golden Circle. In this travel guide, we are going to explore Strokkur, an active geothermal field, hot springs, and Icelandic geysers. Including tips on how to get there and where to stay.
Self-driving the famous Golden Circle from Reykjavik was an extraordinary experience for us. There are just so many things to see and do, that one day is barely enough for the trip.
And as we landed shortly after midnight at Keflavik Airport and slept only a few hours in Hafnarfjordur, we knew, that this is going to be a long and tiring day.
Earlier that day, we explored Thingvellir National Park and hiked to Bruarfoss Waterfall, and finally, our next stop was Geysir Geothermal Area.
In the past, the Geysir Geothermal Area was the main reason why people even traveled to Iceland.
The natural phenomenon was known around the world when mass tourism was not even a thing, and visitors from different corners of the world wanted to see shooting jets of boiling water several meters high.
Even if it meant they would have to wait a day or two as the activity of this geyser was highly irregular.
It was actually this very Geysir in Iceland who named all other geysers around the world, and together with the geyser in Yellowstone National Park, it is one of the most famous attractions of this type.
Geysir Geothermal Area is a destination that is easy to navigate and a series of well-taken-care-of paths will take you around some of the most notable places such as the Geysir itself, which is at the moment dormant.
That's why the biggest star of the park is right now Strokkur, another geyser, that is still active.
Other must-visit things are hot springs, boiling pools, or the trail to the top of the hill overlooking the area.
Thanks to the fact the area is very accessible and it offers a lot of fun without making much effort, it is one of the most popular stops on the Golden Circle, and one of the top day trips from Reykjavik.
If you happen to be in the area, as you should, especially when following our Iceland 2-week road trip itinerary, make sure you stop at Geysir Geothermal Area and enjoy a visit to one of Iceland's most iconic landmarks.
Visiting Geysir Geothermal Area
As it was our first day in Iceland, we were quite glad that the Geysir Geothermal Area is not some remote place in Haukadalur valley that requires a lot of effort to get there.
On the contrary, Geysir Geothermal Area is one of those places that are perfect for exploring after a tiring flight.
The entrance is just off Road 35, and this particular area is lined with large parking lots, restaurants, and hotels.
The only disadvantage is that thanks to its accessibility, this place sees a lot of visitors and you shouldn't expect to have this place for yourself. At least when you don't arrive here super early or late.
Restaurants nearby are clearly expecting tour buses for lunch and dinner, but this is not anything that should put you off visiting.
Iceland is no longer an unknown destination, and top attractions attract crowds, especially well-accessible ones.
As mentioned above, if you want to increase your chances to take photos of Strokkur without people, arrive here early in the morning or later in the afternoon. Or include other visitors in your photography.
But back to the point.
As we were approaching the area from the parking lot, we could already see an eruption in the distance, not the biggest one, but still pretty cool.
Sometimes, it is not easy to predict precisely when the geyser erupts.
It was not the case of Strokkur, though.
The geyser spouted the water in all directions every five to ten minutes.
Some spouts were relatively small, but a much more massive eruption usually followed them.
Unsurprisingly, it means that it's worth hanging around a little longer to enjoy some bigger eruptions.
But before we got to Strokkur, we walked around several hot streams, smaller or bigger pools with strikingly blue water, and we couldn't but notice how the ground here is colored by minerals creating a very captivating photo scene.
It is worth it to take a photo of the Geysir Geothermal Area map that is placed by the entrance as it displays even the small fumaroles, mud pools, and hot springs. Some of them have a name, some of them don't.
Then we finally reached Strokkur.
Strokkur
Strokkur itself reminded us of some other geysers we had the chance to see in Yellowstone National Park in the US or the thermal area around Rotorua in New Zealand.
And yes, we spent around this geyser plenty of time, waiting for one more spout.
Can we see one more spout? You are probably familiar with the feeling.
Okay, we'll see it one more time, and then we can finally move on.
Then the geyser sends up a massive column of water and sprays towards the sky, and you want to see if the next eruption will be even bigger.
If not, maybe the next one will do it.
Simply put, watching erupting geysers is such a captivating experience, regardless of their size.
One of the most interesting facts we learned about Strokkur was that it became inactive after a major earthquake.
It was actually on and off several times during centuries, usually affected by earthquakes, but in 1920, it went quiet for a longer period.
Therefore, in 1963 a 40-meter deep hole was drilled underneath, and since then, Strokkur has been active on a regular basis.
But this fascinating place is not only about Strokkur, and the Geysir Geothermal Area has so much more to offer.
Geysir
In the farther end of the geothermal area is Geysir, the famous geyser that is dormant at the moment.
Therefore it is not the main attraction on the traveler's list visiting this site.
You look in awe at the enormous basin, in diameter 18-meter wide, but it is hard to imagine that once the water was spouting up to 40 meters high.
From this point of view, Strokkur is much more attractive as it regularly sends jets of water to the sky.
Still, we think Geysir deserves your attention.
It is fenced off, but even from a distance, you can sense the power of nature that is responsible for everything we can see here.
Many attractions in Iceland, such as Namafjall Hverir Geothermal Area or Hengifoss and Litlanesfoss, were created either by volcanic activity or by earthquakes, and Geysir is a product of the latter one.
It started erupting after a large earthquake at the end of the 13th century. It stopped several times since then and started being active again, sometimes with the artificial help of humans.
Sometimes, in a span of a few years, Geysir erupts, so you should always be respectful and never go closer than allowed.
And who knows, you might be the one who will see Geysir in action again, hopefully from a safe distance.
From the edge of Geysir, you have several options to continue. You can explore a few more hot pools and springs or climb Mt. Laugafell to get a fantastic panoramic view of the area.
And if you're not sure where to head next after the Geysir area, then check out our guides on Reykjanes Peninsula or Iceland's South Coast.
Entrance Fee
How much does it cost to visit Geysir? There is no entrance fee to Geysir Geothermal Area.
It's similar to other natural attractions in Iceland, such as Dettifoss or Dyrholaey Peninsula.
There were attempts to make this place a paid attraction in the past, but luckily for us, these efforts were never successful.
Don't forget to check out our guide on Iceland on a budget that includes tips on the best ways to save money while there.
Opening Hours
As this is a natural sight, opening hours are 24/7, and you can visit Geysir Geothermal Area at any time.
Or as it appeared when we visited the area at the end of June.
Moreover, long days give you plenty of opportunities to avoid the crowds when traveling around Iceland in summer.
There was a metal gate at the entrance without any locks, and it might be different in winter.
Be prepared that it gets dark quickly during this period in Iceland, so you have only a few hours to see Stokkur during the daylight.
How Much Time Do I Need
As this area is not the largest and it's really close to the parking lot, you can walk around it in about 30-45 minutes.
However, you can easily add another 30 minutes just for the Strokkur.
We spent at Geysir Geothermal Area for about an hour, but we were not in a hurry.
As you can see, you don't need much time for Geysir Geothermal Area, and it's worth a visit even if your Ring Road itinerary is super packed.
How to Get There
Geysir Geothermal Area is approximately 100 kilometers east of Reykjavik. Bruarfoss is only 15 kilometers west from here and Gullfoss only 10 kilometers east of Geysir.
It hardly matters if you travel via the Road 30 or the Road 1 and then continue via Road 35. It takes about an hour and a half to get there from the capital city of Iceland.
What matters is how you get there.
Car
When road tripping Iceland, renting a car is essential.
Having a car gives you the freedom to explore this amazing country at your own pace, and your itinerary will be more flexible than ever.
Campervan
Also, renting a campervan is a great alternative for all travelers who prefer this way of traveling.
Camping in Iceland is fun and allows you to get even closer to nature.
Tour
If you do not plan on renting a car, it is good to know that your only chance how to reach Geysir Geothermal Area is to join a tour as public transport is almost non-existent here.
Luckily, this destination is so famous that every Golden Circle Tour has it on the itinerary.
Parking
The parking lot at Geysir Geothermal Area is free, and there is plenty of space.
We left our car a bit farther from the entrance, but it was still within a few minutes' walk.
Depending on how much gas you have left in the tank, it might be a good idea to fill it up here.
There is an N1 gas station right across the street from the entrance gate to the geothermal area. As usual, you can pay by credit card, which is very convenient.
Staying Safe
Geysir Geothermal Area is an active area, and you should pay attention to some basic safety rules.
Always stay on the designated trails or boardwalks. Needless to say, this is an approach you should adapt whether you visit Geysir, Fjadrargljufur Canyon, or Skaftafell National Park.
Also, the rope barriers were installed there for your safety, so you should stay behind them at all times.
The water is almost boiling (between 80-90 Celsius), and it comes without saying that you shouldn't test the temperature with your hands.
From one of the warning signs, you can also learn that the nearest hospital is 62 kilometers.
When you watch Strokkur erupt, it is also good to know that even if you stand behind the rope, the wind can blow the hot water on you, so always try to stay a bit away.
Often, you can see a wet ground behind the barrier, and it is where that day the wind caries the water, and this is where you should not stand to protect yourself and your camera.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
What to Pack
As this is Iceland, you should bring a rain jacket regardless of the water spray.
We were also glad we brought our down jackets even though we arrived here in summer.
We've already mentioned that you should bring your camera or smartphone to capture this immense beauty.
For more packing tips, head to this article: Iceland Summer Packing List.
Where to Stay in Geysir
Although there are many accommodation options along the Golden Circle, the Geysir area offers some excellent hotels.
When staying close to the Geysir, you will have a perfect opportunity to enjoy the sunset or sunrise as a background while watching the eruptions of Strokkur before the tours come or after they leave.
We've handpicked the three best hotels in the Geysir area.
Mid-range | Hotel Geysir - This brand new and modern hotel sits only a short walk from the Geysir area. With beautifully decorated rooms, comfy beds, and helpful staff, you won't find much better places to stay after a long day driving.
Mid-range | Litli Geysir Hotel - Spacious, quiet, modern, comfortable rooms, excellent breakfast with lots of choices, Litli Geysir Hotel is a great place to spend the night. The hotel also has a perfect location for seeing the Geysir.
Guesthouse and Cottages | Geysir Hestar - If you are interested in staying at a stylish Icelandic horse farm, Geysir Hestar is the perfect choice for you. You can stay either in the main guesthouse or in the cottages, which are great for families. And if you really want to ride a horse, you can arrange a tour. The location is a bit further from the Geysir than the rest, but it's not a problem when you have a car.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
