Geysers like the Great Geysir and Strokkur are ever-evolving, their eruptions shaped by underground pressure shifts, earthquakes, and volcanic activity. Once a fiery giant, the Great Geysir now erupts only occasionally, while Strokkur has stepped into the spotlight, thrilling visitors with its regular bursts of steam. This constant evolution is what makes Iceland’s landscape so mesmerizing—always shifting, always surprising.
Address: 806, Iceland
Find on maps
Distance from Reykjavik: 106.2 km (a 1-hour and 41-minute drive away)
The Geysir geothermal area is conveniently located along the Golden Circle route, making it an easy and accessible stop. If you're starting from Reykjavik, head east along Route 1 (the Ring Road). After about 8 km, take a right turn onto Route 36. As you near the town of Laugarvatn, continue following Route 36, which will eventually merge with Route 35. This road will lead you directly to Geysir.
Distance: 9.8km from Geysir (a 10-minute drive away)
The Gullfoss Falls, also known as the ‘Golden Falls’, is one of Iceland's most iconic and stunning natural wonders. The waterfall plunges dramatically into a deep canyon, often forming misty rainbows on sunny days. With its easily accessible viewing platforms, you can enjoy panoramic views of the falls and the surrounding landscape.
The Geysir geothermal area is one of Iceland's most famous natural wonders, known for its steaming hot springs, bubbling mud pots, and erupting geysers. It’s the home of the Great Geysir, which gave all geysers their name, and the highly active Strokkur, which erupts every 5 to 10 minutes, shooting water up to 30 meters into the air.
The Great Geysir, after which the area is named, is mostly dormant today, with eruptions occurring infrequently. However, its neighbor Strokkur remains highly active and erupts every 5 to 10 minutes, offering visitors a spectacular and reliable show.
Geysir is around 100km from Reykjavik, roughly a 1.5 to 2-hour drive. It’s located in southwest Iceland and is a key stop on the Golden Circle route.
Yes, Geysir is one of the main showstoppers along the Golden Circle route, along with Thingvellir National Park, and Gullfoss Waterfall. Most Golden Circle tours also offer additional stops like the Blue Lagoon and the Kerid Crater, offering a more diverse and unforgettable Icelandic adventure.
The best way to get to the Geysir geothermal park is to book a Golden Circle day tour, including convenient, round-trip transfers from Reykjavik. If you want to drive by yourself, take Route 36 from Reykjavik, pass along the edge of Thingvallavatn Lake, and switch to Route 37. Finally, turn onto Route 35, which leads directly to Geysir.
Strokkur erupts consistently every 5 to 10 minutes, so any time of day or year is good for witnessing this natural phenomenon. Early mornings or late evenings tend to be less crowded, offering a more peaceful experience.
There are marked paths and viewing areas around the geothermal field. You can get close to the geysers, but it’s important to stay on the paths to protect the delicate ground and keep yourself safe from the scalding hot water.
Some parts of the Geysir geothermal springs, including the main paths and key viewing spots are accessible to visitors in wheelchairs. However, the natural terrain in some sections is uneven, which can make it difficult to navigate without assistance. The accessible pathways around the geysers can get slippery in winter as the mist often freezes, so take extra care while exploring.
Wear sturdy shoes and bring warm, waterproof clothing, as the area can be windy and wet. A camera is a must to capture the eruptions, and packing water and snacks can be helpful, especially if you plan to explore for a while.
Absolutely not! You cannot swim in the Geysir hot springs. These waters can reach temperatures of 82–100°C, which is dangerously hot and can cause severe burns. Iceland offers other geothermal pools, like the Blue Lagoon and its less crowded alternative, the Secret Lagoon, where the water is safe and perfect for bathing.