If you’re planning a trip around Iceland’s famous Golden Circle, you can’t miss the famous Geysir Hot Springs filled with bubbling geothermal fields and erupting geysers. Here’s our guide to visiting Geysir and the surrounding area!
About the Geysir Hot Springs Area
Geysir Hot Springs are an active geothermal field encompassing an area just over one square mile. You can find more than a dozen hot water blow holes in the area, which has had geothermal activity for over 1,000 years.
The area was once known for the famous Great Geysir, which was once of the most powerful geysers in the world. It’s claimed that the old geyser would blast water over 500 feet in the air back in the 19th century. In fact, it’s the Great Geysir that gave use the term “geyser” that all other geysers are known by today.
Today the Great Geysir is mostly dormant, although it did have a period of activity following an earthquake in 2000. But luckily, there are other active geysers here to entertain us!
The current centerpiece of the area is the Strokkur Geyser, which spots water up to 100 feet in the air and erupts every 4-10 minutes. That makes it a very reliable source of entertainment for visitors.
Visiting Geysir & Strokkur
Like many of Iceland’s attractions, you can spend as little or as much time here as you like. The geothermal field and geysers are easily accessed on a short walking path from the parking area, so very easy to see.
Follow the walking paths around the geothermal field to get a view of the many bubbling blow holes, Blesi hot springs, and to view the famous Great Geysir, which is currently dormant. Then find a comfy spot and keep your eyes on Strokkur!
It erupts regularly but times between eruptions can be anywhere from 4-10 minutes, so it’s always a bit of a surprise. It’s fun to try and guess when the next eruption is coming and countdown to the big blow. Have your camera ready in advance if you want a photo!
If you’re up for a short hike, there is a nice hiking trail that leads up to the viewing point above the hot springs area. The trail was a bit steep and muddy, but still very easy to tackle.
At the top. you’ll find several lookout points to take in the scenery from all directions and view the erupting geyser from above.
Note that the water from the geysers is hot. It looks like it’s boiling for a reason – it is. There’s absolutely no swimming in this area and don’t try to touch the water. Just respect the clearly marked boundaries and everyone will remain safe.
The Geysir Center (the visitor center) has some informational exhibits on the area, plus restrooms and snacks.
How much time do I need to visit Geysir Hot Springs?
Plan to spend about one hour at Geysir Hot Springs to walk the geothermal area and watch a few eruptions of the famous Strokkur geyser.
Location & Hours
The hot springs area can be visited anytime 24/7. The Geysir Center is open daily from 10am – 7pm. Hours may vary in the off season.
This is a very popular tourist destination on the famous Golden Circle route, and it’s best to visit in early morning or evening to avoid the largest crowds.
Fees & Parking
There are no fees to visit Geysir Hot Springs, and parking is free here as well.
Where to Eat at Geysir
At the Geysir Center, you’ll find a restaurant with lunch fare such as soups and sandwiches. You can also dine at the Hotel Geysir restaurant, which is excellent and more upscale.
There is also a large cafeteria at the nearby Gulfoss Waterfall Visitor Center.
Where to Stay near Geysir Hot Springs
If you’re looking to stay nearby the Geysir Hot Springs, the absolute best choice is Hotel Geysir. The hotel is directly across the street from the hot springs so you can walk over in the early morning or late evening when the area is less busy. The property is beautiful, their restaurant is excellent, and the service is outstanding.
What did we think of Geysir Hot Springs?
We really enjoyed the Geysir Hot Springs area and spent a bit more time here than the average tourist. We stayed overnight at Hotel Geysir, allowing us to visit at our leisure. We really enjoyed climbing the short hiking trail to the viewing points above the geothermal area and our seven year old loved watching the geyser erupt over and over again!
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