The Geysir walking trail in Iceland's Haukadalur Valley is one of the most exciting and easy-to-explore geothermal areas in the world. Located on the famous Golden Circle route, this walking trail takes you through bubbling hot springs, steaming vents, and erupting geysers that shoot water high into the sky.
Whether you're planning a day trip from Reykjavik or exploring Iceland's natural wonders, this guide will help you make the most of your visit.
What is the Geysir Walking Trail?
The Geysir walking trail is a well-maintained path that winds through the Haukadalur Valley geothermal area. This is where you'll find some of Iceland's most famous geysers, including the Great Geysir (which gave all geysers their name) and the super-active Strokkur geyser. The trail is completely free to explore and gives you front-row seats to one of nature's most powerful shows.
The area is home to around 40 hot springs, fumaroles, mud pots, and geysers, all bubbling away thanks to volcanic heat deep underground. It's like walking on another planet, with steam rising from colorful mineral deposits and the ground literally cooking beneath your feet.
Trail Details and What to Expect
The main walking trail at Geysir is about 1.7 miles (2.7 kilometers) long and takes roughly 45 minutes to an hour to complete at a comfortable pace. The trail is rated as easy, making it perfect for families, older visitors, and anyone who wants to experience Iceland's geothermal wonders without a challenging hike.
The terrain is mostly flat with well-marked paths and boardwalks that keep you safe from the extremely hot water. There's a gentle elevation gain of about 426 feet if you choose to hike up to the viewing platform on the hill, which gives you amazing views over the entire geothermal field.
Main Highlights on the Trail
- Strokkur Geyser - This is the star of the show. Strokkur erupts every 6 to 10 minutes, shooting boiling water 15 to 20 meters (up to 65 feet) into the air. Sometimes it even reaches 40 meters (131 feet). It's incredibly reliable, so you won't have to wait long to see multiple eruptions.
- The Great Geysir - The original geyser that gave all others their name. While it's mostly dormant now and only erupts after earthquakes, you can still see its large 18-meter diameter opening surrounded by beautiful colored minerals. Standing next to this historic natural wonder is pretty special.
- Blesi Hot Springs - These twin hot springs have different colors due to their mineral content. One is crystal clear blue while the other appears milky blue. They're constantly bubbling and steaming, making them perfect photo spots.
- Smaller Geysers and Mud Pots - Throughout the trail, you'll pass dozens of smaller hot springs, steam vents, and bubbling mud pools. Each one is unique and adds to the otherworldly landscape.
- Viewing Platform - If you're up for a short climb, the viewing platform on the nearby hill offers incredible panoramic views of the entire geothermal area, including a bird's-eye view of Strokkur's eruptions.
How to Get There
The Geysir geothermal area is located about 100 kilometers (62 miles) northeast of Reykjavik, which takes roughly 1.5 hours to drive. It's right on Route 35 in the Haukadalur Valley and is one of three main stops on the Golden Circle route (along with Thingvellir National Park and Gullfoss waterfall).
You have a few options for getting there:
- Self-Drive - Rent a car and drive yourself. The roads are well-maintained year-round and cleared of snow even in winter. Just check the SafeTravel app before heading out for current road conditions.
- Guided Tours - Many visitors choose to join a Golden Circle tour from Reykjavik. These tours typically include transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and stops at all three major Golden Circle attractions. Most tours allow about an hour at Geysir, which is plenty of time to explore and watch several eruptions.
- Day Tours - If you want more flexibility or want to combine Geysir with other attractions like the Blue Lagoon or Kerid Crater, there are extended Golden Circle tours that give you more time and include additional stops.
Parking and Facilities
Parking at Geysir costs 750 ISK (about $5-6) for regular vehicles, payable through the Parka app. The parking lot is large and right next to the trailhead, so it's just a five-minute walk to reach Strokkur.
The Geysir Center, located across from the parking area, has excellent facilities including:
- Clean restrooms
- Several restaurants serving traditional Icelandic food like meat soup
- Large gift shop with souvenirs and Icelandic wool products
- Ice cream shop
- Self-service petrol station
- Hotel Geysir if you want to stay overnight
- Camping facilities nearby
Safety Tips
While the trail is very safe, keep these points in mind:
- Stay on marked paths at all times - the water can reach 80-100°C (176-212°F)
- Don't get too close to the geysers - hot water droplets can spray farther than you think
- Never touch the water or throw anything into the hot springs
- Keep a safe distance from rope barriers
- Watch children carefully - they can be unpredictable around the exciting geysers
- Be patient when watching Strokkur - give yourself space as crowds gather
Combining Geysir with Other Golden Circle Stops
Most visitors combine Geysir with the other two major Golden Circle attractions:
Thingvellir National Park - About 50 kilometers away, this UNESCO World Heritage Site lets you walk between two tectonic plates. It's historically significant as the site of Iceland's ancient parliament and offers beautiful hiking trails.
Gullfoss Waterfall - Just 10 kilometers from Geysir, this powerful two-tiered waterfall is one of Iceland's most spectacular. You can hear it roaring from the parking lot.
Many Golden Circle tours also include stops at:
- Kerid Crater Lake - A volcanic crater filled with bright blue-green water
- Bruarfoss Waterfall - Known as Iceland's bluest waterfall, it's a hidden gem tucked between Thingvellir and Geysir
- Laugarvatn Fontana - Natural geothermal baths where you can relax after sightseeing
- Secret Lagoon - A more low-key alternative to the Blue Lagoon
Is Geysir Worth Visiting?
Absolutely! The Geysir walking trail is one of Iceland's must-see attractions for good reason. Where else can you safely walk among erupting geysers, bubbling hot springs, and steaming mud pots? The combination of accessibility, natural power, and sheer beauty makes it perfect for all ages and fitness levels.
Whether you visit as part of a Golden Circle tour or explore on your own, watching Strokkur shoot boiling water into the sky while walking through this alien landscape is an experience you won't forget. The Geysir geothermal area shows you Iceland's wild volcanic heart in the most spectacular way possible.
Plan your visit to the Geysir walking trail and discover why this has been captivating visitors for centuries. It's raw nature at its finest, easily accessible, and guaranteed to leave you in awe of our planet's incredible geothermal power.
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