Geysir Geothermal Area
Geysir Geothermal Area is one of the narrated stops on the self-guided Reykjavík audio walking tour in Gingerguide. Plan about ~45 min here. Press play at the spot for its two to three minute story, or ask the AI guide anything about it.
- Type nature
- Suggested visit ~45 min
- Reykjavík Reykjavík guide
About Geysir Geothermal Area
The valley that gave the world the word 'geyser.' The original Great Geysir mostly sleeps now, but its neighbour Strokkur blasts a column of water skyward every few minutes.
The Geysir geothermal area lies in the Haukadalur valley in southwest Iceland, roughly 110 kilometres east of Reykjavík, and is one of the busiest stops on the Golden Circle. The field contains hot springs, boiling pools and fumaroles, including features such as Blesi and Konungshver. Near the surface the water sits around 85 to 95 degrees Celsius, rising to about 120 degrees at depth.
The area takes its name from the Great Geysir, the source of the English word 'geyser', from the Icelandic verb geysa, to gush. The Great Geysir is now only rarely active and often dormant for long periods. The geyser visitors reliably see is Strokkur, about 100 metres to the south, which erupts every few minutes, typically to around 15 to 20 metres and occasionally higher. The oldest written records of hot springs here date to 1294.
Did you know? The English word 'geyser' comes straight from this valley, from the name Geysir and the Icelandic verb 'geysa', meaning to gush or rush forth. Nearly every language on Earth borrowed the same word.
How long should you spend at Geysir Geothermal Area?
Plan about ~45 min at Geysir Geothermal Area. That is enough to take it in and hear its narrated story; stay longer if it grabs you. The tour is self-guided, so there is no rush.
Is Geysir Geothermal Area worth visiting?
Geysir Geothermal Area is one of the 18 sights the Gingerguide team researched and narrated in Reykjavík, so it earns a place on a self-guided walk. Its story explains why it matters, and you can ask the AI guide anything the story leaves open.
Nearby stops in Reykjavík
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Hear the story of Geysir Geothermal Area
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