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After visiting the stunning and powerful Gullfoss, we were on our way to an entirely different kind of sight for our third stop: the Geysir Geothermal Area. Only 10 minutes away, this is the home of the original geyser! We arrived after 1:00 pm, ready to transition from the roar of the falls to the hiss of steam, the cool breeze of fresh air to warm, sulfur-scented air, the deep plunges to sudden eruptions shooting high into the sky. It was a unique natural setting, and it looked absolutely amazing.

We parked our car and looked for a parking payment machine but couldn’t find it. There is a visitor center (Geysir Glíma) right next to the parking lot with a café, restrooms, and gift shop, but we were too excited to see Strokkurt, the active geyser that regularly erupts every few minutes. So we decided to pay later and headed straight for the geothermal area.

The geothermal area is right across the road, so we followed the short walking path past bubbling pools, steaming vents, and strange mineral formations that looked like something from another world. A small crowd had already gathered around Strokkur, waiting to catch the next eruption. We squeezed in and waited, and within minutes… boom! Strokkur shot a tower of boiling water, maybe 20 to 30 meters high into the sky, followed by a loud “whoa!” from the crowd. It happens fast, watch for that little blue bubble right before it bursts, and be ready to click!

The Geysir Geothermal Area is not just about Strokkur which erupts every 5 to 10 mins. It also features bubbling pools, steaming vents, colorful hot springs, mineral stained ground, and of course, the Great Geysir. The Great Geysir is the original one, which used to shoot up to 70 meters, but is mostly quiet these days. There are plenty of informative signs explaining the geology and history throughout the flat and easy walking paths.

We spent a good 30 to 40 minutes there, just wandering around the geothermal area, watching Strokkur do its thing, and taking photos. Afterward, we needed something to take over the strong sulfur smell, so we grabbed costa coffees and hot chocolate, and of course, paid the parking fee at the café before leaving.

Next stop: Kerið crater, but first, here’s a look at Geysir in action! Enjoy this slideshow of the Geysir Geothermal Area from our visit on June 19, 2025.

Check out the Quick Facts and Tips section to help with your planning.

Quick Facts and Tips

• Best Time to Visit:
  • Summer (June to September): Long daylight hours, mild weather, easy road access, visible geothermal activity, and comfortable walking conditions.
  • Winter (November to March): Snow and ice cover the area, paths may be slippery or closed, but it creates a magical atmosphere, fewer crowds
  • Shoulder seasons (May and September): Cooler weather, fewer visitors.
• Check road conditions at road.is and weather forecasts at vedur.is.
• The Geysir Geothermal Area is about 1 hour 45 minutes (100 km) from Reykjavík and can be reached by a direct route via Route 1 and Route 35 or by starting the traditional Golden Circle loop via Route 36/37 and Route 35. About 10 minutes (10 km) from Gullfoss, easily accessible by Route 35.
• The website is Geysir Geothermal Area.
• Admission is free, but parking costs approximately 1000 ISK per vehicle and is usually paid via the Parka app (parka.is) or at the café.
• Open year-round. 
• The main walking loop is short (about 1 km or 0.6 miles), flat, easy, and stroller-wheelchair friendly. Some areas may be wet and muddy. There is a short but steep 1.5 mile (2.4 km) loop up to a bluff for a top-down view of the eruptions, a perfect photo spot.
• The walking path can be slippery in winter, covered with snow and ice, although the area is always bubbling.
• Geysir center | Hótel Geysir has a café, restrooms, a gift shop and gas station. (Seasonal hours may apply, it’s good to check ahead).
• Have your camera ready to capture the split-second “bubble” just before Strokkur erupts. Use continuous shooting mode or film and grab stills later to catch the eruption.
• Strokkur erupts reliably every 5 to 10 minutes, so there’s no long wait for the next “boom”.
• Allow 30 to 45 minutes to see the active geysers, watch Strokkur erupt, and explore the surrounding geothermal area, add extra time if taking the bluff loop.
• Midday to late afternoon works well. 
• Dress in layers, wear sturdy comfortable walking shoes. 
• Be prepared for the sulfur smell, very common in geothermal areas.
• Stay on marked paths, the water is boiling and the ground can be unstable, even when covered in snow or ice.
• Nearby Attractions on Golden Circle day:
  • Gullfoss Waterfall – The Golden Falls
  • Pingvellir National Park – National Park of Iceland
  • Kerið Crater – A Vibrant Volcanic Caldera
  • Laugarvatn Fontana 

Conclusion

The Geysir Geothermal Area in Iceland is fascinating, with bubbling pools, steaming vents, and the thrill of watching Strokkur erupt. It is a unique stop on the Golden Circle and absolutely worth experiencing.