30 Jan Strokkur and Geysir Hot Springs in Iceland

The Golden Circle holds incredible wonders and attractions, for example the rift between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. In addition, you can find Strokkur and the Geysir Hot Springs. The Geysir Hot Springs is a geothermal area full of geysers, boiling mud pits, and fumaroles. The main attraction, however, is Strokkur. Strokkur advanced to the most popular geyser in the Golden Circle (and arguably Iceland overall) when Geysir became fairly dormant years ago. Stand by and watch as it shoots water over 100 feet into the air. 

If you would rather book a tour than plan out the logistics yourself, then check out this list of the best Golden Circle tours in Iceland.

Contents:

1) Location of Geysir Hot Springs

2) Opening Hours and Entrance Fee

3) The Best Time to Visit

4) Quick Facts

5) Background

6) Attractions + Words of Warning

7) Recommended Items to Bring

8) Nearby Attractions 

1) Location of Geysir Hot Springs

Strokkur is one of the most popular geothermal geysers in all of Iceland, and it is located within the Geysir Hot Springs at the tip of the Golden Circle. Geysir Hot Springs is also known as Haukadalur Valley.

For reference, Geysir Hot Springs is an hour and a half northeast of the capital city of Reykjavík. The hot springs are therefore in a convenient location, for you can plan a visit even if you are in Iceland for only a couple of days. When you drive out to the Geysir Hot Springs, plan to stop at Gullfoss Waterfall and Kerid Crater along the way. 

Parking

Turn onto F333 from the main road 35 to find the parking area. Once parked, you can walk around the hot springs to see all of the geothermal activities. While Strokkur is the most popular geyser to visit, it is certainly not the only attraction in the area.

There is no parking fee for the area. Additionally, across the road from the hot springs there are restaurants, hotels, and a gift shop. 

Nearby Lodging

We stayed our first night in Iceland at Skyggnir Bed and Breakfast. We had a great experience, and I would thus recommend this bed and breakfast to others. Furthermore, the owner even told us about a hidden gem in the area – a nearby lake on top of a mountain. It does not even have an official name.

You can also check out this list of the best hotels in the Golden Circle. If you want to turn your trip into a romantic getaway, then book a stay at one of the most romantic hotels in Iceland. 

Panoramic view from the top of the Loop Trail

2) Opening Hours and Entrance Fee

I love when I get to pass on a bit of good news about an attraction. First, there are no restrictions in terms of visiting hours. You can thus visit whenever you so desire, whether that be at 8:00am or 8:00pm. 

Second, there is no entrance or parking fee. The hot springs are thus entirely free to visit! That being said, let us each do our part to protect this attraction since we are able to visit it at no cost. For example, pick up after yourself and leave no trace of your presence. 

Waiting for Strokkur to erupt

3) The Best Time to Visit Geysir Hot Springs

Plan a visit for the early morning or late evening if you would like to avoid the crowds. Peak crowds, especially those brought in by tour buses, tend to show up in the late morning and afternoon.

Best Season to Visit

There is no truly no bad season to visit Geysir Hot Springs in Iceland. Strokkur, the main geyser, erupts all year round so you do not have to worry about that. Additionally, the boiling mud pits and fumaroles are so hot that they cannot possibly be covered in snow. 

Furthermore, the road around the Golden Circle, which you will use to access the hot springs, is open almost all year round. It is only closed during intense snowstorms for a safety precaution. 

Estimated Visit Time 

Plan for a minimum of one hour to visit the Geysir Hot Springs in Iceland and to see Strokkur erupt. You will need approximately 45 minutes if you decide to walk along the entire loop trail surrounding the area. Additionally, you might have to wait a bit for Strokkur to erupt, so I added some padding time in there to reach the one hour mark. 

Plan for around two hours if you want to take your time exploring the hot spring area, grab a bite to eat, and stop at the gift shop. There is truly so much to see, for example an array of geysers, boiling mud pits, and fumaroles. You can thus easily spend an hour or two walking around and taking pictures. 

Our Experience – Geysir Hot Springs

We visited in the afternoon in mid-August and had a good experience. Were there a lot of people? Yes, of course. Nevertheless, we only felt crowded while waiting for Strokkur to erupt. Everyone crowds around the geyser, waiting to see the water shoot into the air during the eruption. We expected this, though, and did not mind it too much. Additionally, we did not find the crowds bothersome for the rest of our visit because the area is vast enough to accommodate the large crowds. 

If you really want to get away from the crowds, hike the path up the short hill for a panoramic view. We hiked this path and had almost no company. 

Some of the geothermal activity at Geysir Hot Springs

4) Quick Facts

1. Geysir Hot Springs is located within the Golden Circle in Iceland.

2. There is no entrance or parking fee for the area. 

3. Strokkur is the main attraction at Geysir Hot Springs in Iceland, for it is a geyser that shoots water over 100 feet into the air when it erupts every five to 15 minutes. 

4. Geysir Hot Springs first became active over 1,000 years ago.

5. The area is full of geysers, fumaroles, and boiling mud pits. 

Geysir Hot Springs geothermal activity

5) Background of Geysir Hot Springs

Geysir Hot Springs composes a geothermal area of around three square kilometers. While there are hot springs all over the area, most of them run parallel to the tectonic plates. The springs are thus conveniently located in a row for visitors to view. Moreover, the Geysir name is derived from gjósa in Icelandic, which means to erupt.

Another one of Iceland’s most popular geothermal areas is Hverir Geothermal Area, which is located in northern Iceland in the Lake Myvatn region.

Geysir 

The first activity of Geysir, which is the largest geyser in the area though is now dormant, started around 1,000 years ago. The whole hot spring area formed due to the ground shifting during earthquakes. Geysir was active initially and then over time grew dormant. However, it did erupt daily starting in 2000 due to an earthquake. It continued to erupt for a couple of years before going dormant once again. Every now and then it does erupt due to seismic activity. 

Furthermore, hot springs from all around the world received their name from the Geysir in Iceland. It was one of the first geysers discovered in the modern world. Additionally, it was the first geyser to be detailed in print. Geysir is thus one of the most famous geysers in the world alongside Old Faithful in Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, USA. When active, Geysir shoots water anywhere from 197 feet (~60 meters) to 558 feet (~170 meters) in the air.

One of my favorite geysers in the area due to its stunning colors

Strokkur – Geysir Hot Springs

Strokkur is now considered the main attraction in this Iceland geothermal area as it is still active on a daily basis. Witness Strokkur in all its glory as it shoots water into the air anywhere from around 65 feet (~20 meters) to 130 feet (~40 meters) approximately every five to 15 minutes. It is not consistent in its eruption times, and thus you might have to stand ready with your camera for a few minutes if you want to capture the perfect photograph or video as it erupts. 

Eruptions

But how do geysers actually erupt, shooting water dozens and sometimes even hundreds of feet into the air? First, the Geysir Hot Springs is a geothermal area. Second, ground water meets with hot bedrock. The water then begins to heat up while also building pressure in the ground. Third, when the pressure has reached its maximum and the water is as hot as can be, the geyser erupts. 

How do you know how to spot an eruption? I did some research on this because when we visited the hot springs and Strokkur erupted, I was surprised. I was expecting a little spout of water before the whole thing just shot into the air, but that was not the case. Instead, you can look for any bubbling or retracting of the water as an indication of an upcoming eruption. 

Maybe you prefer the kind of geothermal activity that creates a lagoon you can swim in? Well, then the Blue Lagoon just outside of Reykjavík and the Myvatn Nature Baths just outside of Akureyri are calling your name.

Strokkur erupting at Geysir Hot Springs

6) Attractions + Words of Warning 

Geysir Hot Springs in Iceland has geysers, including the famous Strokkur, as well as fumaroles. Fumaroles are essentially holes in the ground through which gas and steam emerge. Around the edges of the fumaroles are yellow stains due to the sulfur present. Additionally, the mud pits are actually a version of fumaroles. Once they become dry and harden, they will then emit steam and gas similar to the others. 

Strokkur is the main attraction at Geysir Hot Springs in Iceland. You can witness it erupt multiple times during your visit. The eruption occurs every five to 15 minutes. It shoots water into the air anywhere from around 65 feet (~20 meters) to 130 feet (~40 meters). There is space to stand all around the geyser. Although, do be aware it can be crowded at peak visit times, especially in the summer. Additionally, be courteous and do not walk in front of others or block their view when the eruption occurs. 

Loop Trail – Geysir Hot Springs

There is a 1.2 mile loop trail that passes by all of the main geothermal attractions in the area as well as goes up a short hill for a panoramic view. The elevation gain is approximately 340 feet (~104 meters), and an average hiker can complete the trail within 45 minutes. Furthermore, the trail starts and ends at the parking lot. 

Looking for additional hikes in Iceland? Check out Fimmvorduhals Pass past Skógafoss Waterfall or the hike to Svartifoss Waterfall.

Words of Warning

For your safety, please do not approach any of the fumaroles or the geysers. The water is incredibly hot and will cause burns. Moreover, you never know exactly when a geyser will erupt. Pay attention to the signs and stay on the marked paths. 

Taking in the views at the top of the Loop Trail

7) Recommended Items to Bring

For additional recommendations on what to pack for your Iceland trip, check out this Iceland road trip packing list and list of hiking essentials for Iceland.

1. Water bottle: Please be sure to bring water with you while visiting the Geysir Hot Springs. Even though Iceland has cooler temperatures, you can still become dehydrated. I carried around my Yeti water bottle with me everywhere in Iceland.

Hiking Apparel

4. Hiking shoes: A pair of hiking shoes will be helpful while you walk along the loop trail surrounding the area and especially if you decide to walk up the short hill. 

5. Hiking poles: Consider bringing along a pair of hiking poles if you want a bit of extra support while walking along the path.

6. Optional – crampons: These are only necessary in the winter months if there is snow or ice along the hiking trails. Crampons are spikes that attach to the bottom of shoes.

Some of the bold and unique colors at Geysir Hot Springs

8) Nearby Attractions to Geysir Hot Springs

The Golden Circle in Iceland holds many wonders, Strokkur at Geysir Hot Springs is just one of them! For instance, Thingvellir National Park is less than an hour away. 

Thingvellir National Park 

• Parking: Öxarárfoss Parking or Þingvellir Parking P5
• Estimated visit time: 1 hour +
• Attraction: waterfall, rift between tectonic plates, snorkeling/diving
• Distance from Strokkur: 55 minutes southwest
• Nearby lodging: Skyggnir Bed and Breakfast

Thingvellir has many attractions to offer. First, we booked an excursion to snorkel in the Silfra fissure, which meant we were snorkeling in between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. Second, we stopped at the waterfall Öxarárfoss. Third, we walked Almannagjá, which is a pathway that runs between the tectonic plates. 

For more information: Everything to Know: Thingvellir National Park in Iceland.

Snorkeling in the Silfra Fissure in Thingvellir National Park

Gullfoss Waterfall

• Parking: Gullfoss Car Park
• Estimated visit time: 30 minutes to 1.5 hours 
• Attraction: waterfall
• Distance from Strokkur: 10 minutes northeast 
• Nearby lodging: Skyggnir Bed and Breakfast

Gullfoss might just be the most well-known waterfall in the Golden Circle. Upon arrival you can check it out from a viewpoint next to the parking lot. Then you have the opportunity to walk along a trail right next to Gullfoss. However, be prepared to get wet as the falls spray mist over the trail. With a little bit of luck there will even be a rainbow.

For more information: Visiting Gullfoss Falls in Iceland.

Rainbow over Gullfoss Waterfall

Mountain Lake in Flúðir

• Parking: ​​Skeiða-og Hrunamannavegur 64.118726, -20.317397
• Estimated visit time: 1 to 3 hours 
• Attraction: lake on top of a mountain 
• Distance from Strokkur: 25 minutes south 
• Nearby lodging: Skyggnir Bed and Breakfast

The tarn was one of the best hidden gems we discovered in Iceland. The Skyggnir Bed and Breakfast owner told us the hike up to the lake was one of their favorite activities in the area, and we took their word for it. Shortly after speaking with them we set out to find this hike. We then hiked up the mountain for approximately 30 minutes and were met with a beautiful lake at the top.

For more information: Discovering the Tarn (Mountain Lake) in Flúðir, Iceland.

Enjoying the views at the Tarn in Flúðir

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Relax in some hot springs: Best Hidden Hot Springs in Southern Iceland. 

Check out our Iceland itinerary: 9 Day Road Trip Itinerary for Iceland.