Geysir and Strokkur

The Haukadalur geothermal field gave the world the very word geyser, from the Great Geysir that once shot water high into the air. Though Geysir itself now rarely erupts, its neighbour Strokkur performs reliably, blasting a column of boiling water fifteen to twenty metres into the sky every few minutes to the delight of the crowds.

What you actually see

• Strokkur - the reliable geyser erupting every few minutes.
• The Great Geysir - the famous but now mostly dormant original.
• The geothermal field - the steaming, bubbling hot springs and pools.
• The blue eye - the vivid blue pool before an eruption.

When to go

Year-round; Strokkur erupts whatever the weather, and steam rising in the cold is dramatic. Early or late avoids the peak coach crowds.

Honest expectations

It is a busy Golden Circle stop, so crowds gather around Strokkur for the eruption. The boiling water is genuinely dangerous, so keep behind the ropes. It is a short stop rather than a long visit.

Nearby

Gullfoss is minutes away; Thingvellir completes the Golden Circle back toward Reykjavik.