Everything you need to know about Geysir Geothermal Area

Geysir Geothermal Area is one of the top three attractions on the Golden Circle route and a favourite with Gray Line clients. Let’s take a closer look at this very special visitor destination and find out what makes it so popular with our comprehensive guide to Geysir.

Why are geysers so called?

If you ever wondered where the word geyser comes from, then this place is it. The original geyser here was called Great Geysir and it’s why geysers are so called. In Old Norse, “geysa” means to gush or burst into life, which is just what the ground does as the superheated water and steam escapes upwards.

The history of Great Geysir

There’s a consensus among geologists that Great Geysir’s history can be traced back to about 1150 AD. However, written records are sketchier. The first time we definitively see the place being written about is in 1294, when the Haukadalur Valley’s hot springs are mentioned. Another reference is made some centuries later to a burst of activity in 1630 when the ground shook dramatically.

This geyser was formed as a result of a now inactive volcano and is situated at the bottom of Laugarfjall, a rhyolite hill. Over time, mineral deposits have altered the landscape and now visitors see sinter mounds across the site. Great Geysir is now dormant, but at its peak, the jet of water that it sent into the air could be as much as 90 metres tall, far higher than anything you might see in the area today.

What happened to Great Geysir?

Great Geysir last burst into action in 1935 and doesn’t erupt any more, though that’s not to say it can’t reawaken in the future. For now, it sleeps. In the past, just as they do to see the area’s other landforms, tourists flocked to see the geyser. Guides, feeling under pressure to make sure that they were satisfied, didn’t want to leave anything to chance.

To trigger a reaction, they used to pour soap powder down into the cavity. This lowered the surface tension of the water and sent a jet high into the air, to the delight of their watching guests. Over time, the soap clogged the hole, preventing the geyser from working by itself and eventually it pretty much stopped working at all.

Strokkur takes centre stage

You might be wondering why so many people would visit an inactive geyser. But Great Geysir isn’t the only landform in this geothermal area and there’s still plenty of activity to see. Steam rises from the ground, giving the place an other-worldly quality, especially when the air is chilly. The Haukadalur Valley’s hot springs and fumaroles are a sight to behold.

These days, the main attraction is another splendid geyser. This one is called Strokkur – The Churn – and it’s just as reliable as Great Geysir was at the peak of its activity. You’ll wait less than ten minutes – sometimes half that – for it to perform. When it does, it’s a jaw-dropping spectacle that leads to audible gasps from the crowd that has gathered to watch it.

What to look out for

When Strokkur is about to erupt, there are a few warning signs. You might want to watch the process first to get an idea of how long it takes, and then be ready with your camera to record the next event. If you can, plan to film it too so that you capture the awesome power of nature as the eruption unfolds.

At first, the action is very close to the ground. There’s a small puddle of water and it will start to shiver. Next, the water will push upwards to form a low but clearly noticeable dome. It’s a gorgeous turquoise blue shade and utterly photogenic. Look closely as for a split second, a small spurt of water pierces this dome and then whoosh – the magnificent jet of water reaches up to 30 metres high in an instant.

A protected area

Of course, Geysir Geothermal Area is now a protected area, overseen by the Environment Agency of Iceland. Though the site is largely natural in appearance, there are warning signs that indicate the presence of very hot water and ropes in place to keep visitors from wandering into spaces that are not safe to walk on.

We know better than to interfere with nature in the way those guides did decades ago. Visitors are still welcome, of course, but the place is managed so that those who come after us will be able to enjoy the same experience as we do. Local or not, we all share the responsibility of looking after Iceland’s fragile but extraordinarily beautiful landscape.

When and how to visit

The easiest way to reach Geysir Geothermal Area is by booking a spot on a guided tour. Gray Line’s buses depart from Reykjavik on a daily basis and this is a year-round activity. In summer, you’ll have the best chance of fine weather, though you shouldn’t expect to have the Golden Circle to yourself in peak season.

As the temperatures drop, the crowds thin and if the sun shines, this is an exceptionally pretty place. It’s a bit more of a gamble, but you only have to settle into your seat on our comfortable buses and let us take care of getting you around this iconic route – no need to worry about driving in wintry conditions. There’s even WiFi on board, so you can upload your photos straightaway so that your friends and family can see what they’re missing.

Our classic tour picks up and drops off in the capital, and with a total duration of 7.5 hours you’ll have ample time to appreciate not only Geysir but also Gullfoss waterfall and Thingvellir National Park as well. After you’ve seen Strokkur, take a stroll or call in to the Geysir Centre for some coffee and cake or a comfort break. There’s also a gift shop where you can treat yourself to a souvenir.

Combine the Golden Circle with other nearby attractions and activities

Gray Line also offers a range of combo tours and add-ons that you can pair with the Golden Circle. It’s a good way of maximising your time in this remarkable part of the country. One popular option is a visit to a geothermal spa. There are several in the area; one of the most attractive is Laugarvatn Fontana, where not only can you soak in the warm water, you can also eat steaming rye bread straight from the ground – it’s delicious!

If you’re keen to extend your Golden Circle Classic tour, consider other geothermal spas such as Sky Lagoon or Blue Lagoon. Glacier snowmobiling will no doubt appeal to thrill-seekers, while if you’re up for a late night adventure then combining Geysir with a Northern Lights hunt is another potentially magical experience.

We’re delighted to remind you that Gray Line’s Golden Circle Classic tour is one of our bestsellers, and if you join us, it won’t take you long to see why that is as the scenery unfolds. This incredible route encompasses the drama of the country’s landscapes – some dub it Iceland in a nutshell – and for first-time visitors especially, it’s a must-do.