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Witness the famous Geysir erupting, which happens every few minutes, and explore the nearby hot springs and boiling mud pits. Take a walk along the marked paths to enjoy the surrounding geothermal area and the vibrant colors of the mineral-rich waters.
Geysir, which means "bursting spring" in Icelandic, has the highest water spray height among all fountains and geysers in Iceland, making it one of the world's famous geysers.
Visitors can observe the entire eruption process from the vent, especially before the eruption, when boiling water gushes out into a bowl-shaped stream, then the central column of water transforms into steam and rises about 20 meters into the air. Next to Geysir is the Strokkur geyser, which erupts two or three times every eight minutes, with a column of water reaching 20 meters high, a truly spectacular sight. The Great Geyser is a circular pool about 18 meters in diameter. The central spring is a "cavern" with a diameter of just over 10 centimeters, and the water temperature inside can reach over 100 degrees Celsius.
Each time the spring erupts, a rumbling sound is heard within the cave. Gradually, the sound grows louder, and the boiling water surges upward, finally bursting out of the cave mouth and shooting high into the sky. From the center, the water column transforms into steam, shooting up to about 20 meters into the sky before quickly falling back down as pearls and broken jade. Each eruption lasts about one to two minutes before gradually subsiding. This process repeats itself endlessly, creating a truly magnificent scene.
Summer is the peak tourist season and the best time to travel.
3 hours
Admission to Geysir is free
Open all day
Geysir, also known as the Great Geysir, is the origin of the term "geyser." It has been erupting for thousands of years, with its most powerful eruptions reaching heights of up to 70 meters. It remains an important geothermal feature and a major tourist destination in Iceland.
Geysir is located in the Golden Circle route in Iceland, about 100 km from Reykjavik. The best way to reach it is by car or on a guided tour. Public buses are available, but the most convenient option is renting a car or taking a guided Golden Circle tour.
Geysir is open 24/7, but the best time to visit is from late morning to early afternoon to avoid crowds. The summer months (June to August) offer the longest daylight hours, making it ideal for sightseeing.
There is no entrance fee for Geysir, as it is a natural geothermal area open to the public. However, you may incur costs for parking or other optional services, such as a guided tour.
No booking is necessary for entry to Geysir. However, if you plan on taking a guided tour or visiting during peak seasons, it's recommended to book tours in advance.
You can explore Geysir in about 1 to 2 hours. This will give you enough time to observe the geyser eruptions, explore the nearby hot springs, and take photos.
The must-see highlights are the Great Geysir itself, Strokkur (the active geyser that erupts frequently), and the nearby hot springs and mud pools. The area also features scenic walking trails for visitors to explore.
Guided tours are available in multiple languages, including English, and can be booked on-site or in advance. Audio guides may also be available for a more self-paced experience.
The best viewpoints for photography are near Strokkur, where you can capture the geyser’s eruptions. The surrounding geothermal area, with its steam and colorful pools, also offers fantastic photo opportunities.
Start by visiting Strokkur, where you can witness the most active eruptions. Then, explore the surrounding geothermal area, including the bubbling mud pools and hot springs. You can also visit the nearby visitor center for more information about the area.
Night visits are not recommended due to the remote location and lack of lighting. There are no light shows, but guided tours during the day provide an in-depth experience of the area.
Geysir can get crowded during peak tourist seasons, especially in the summer months. To avoid the crowds, try visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon, especially during the off-peak months (fall and winter).
There are toilets and a visitor center with a café, gift shop, and rest areas. You can also buy bottled water and snacks at the café.
The main walking areas around Geysir are accessible for most visitors, including those with limited mobility. However, some of the geothermal areas have uneven paths and may be challenging for those with severe mobility issues.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, including for purchases at the visitor center. It’s recommended to carry a card, as cash may not be necessary.
The visitor center at Geysir has a café offering light meals, coffee, and snacks. Nearby, there are also a few restaurants along the Golden Circle route, including local Icelandic fare.
The café offers some vegetarian options, but vegan and halal choices may be limited. It’s recommended to check the menu ahead of time or visit nearby restaurants for more diverse options.
There are several accommodations nearby, including the Hotel Geysir, which is within walking distance of the attraction. Other options are available in the nearby town of Selfoss.
Nearby attractions include Gullfoss waterfall, Thingvellir National Park, and the Kerið Crater. These can easily be combined into a full day trip along the Golden Circle route.
There is a souvenir shop at the Geysir Visitor Center offering Icelandic-themed items such as woolen goods, postcards, and handmade crafts.
After visiting Geysir, the best options are to continue by car or take a guided tour to nearby Golden Circle attractions such as Gullfoss waterfall or Thingvellir National Park. Public transport options are limited in this rural area.
