Max Height (Historic)
70 m
At its peak, Geysir launched water columns up to 70 meters, among the tallest geyser eruptions ever recorded.
Geysir: The Original Great Geysir
The original geyser that gave all geysers their name: a 10,000-year-old hot spring on Iceland's Golden Circle.
Location
South Iceland
Haukadalur Valley, Golden Circle
Quick Answer
Geysir in Haukadalur valley gave its name to geysers worldwide. The 10,000-year-old spring is mostly dormant now; neighboring Strokkur erupts every 5-10 minutes.
Geysir, located in the Haukadalur geothermal valley of South Iceland, is the hot spring that gave its name to all geysers on Earth. First documented after earthquakes in 1294, Geysir was once capable of launching boiling water columns up to 70 meters into the sky. Though mostly dormant today, the Great Geysir remains one of Iceland's most historically significant natural landmarks and a centerpiece of the Golden Circle route.
Sources and page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
Stay on marked paths around Geysir. The ground near geothermal features is extremely hot and unstable. Never touch the water or venture off boardwalks.
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Official sources to check
Current Status
Mostly Dormant
Geysir has been largely inactive since 2000, with only occasional minor bubbling and steam activity.
Estimated Age
10,000+ Years
Formed at the end of the last Ice Age, with written records of eruptions dating back to the 13th century.
What to Expect
The Great Geysir Basin
The 3-meter wide steaming basin gave its name to all geysers worldwide. The pool temperature sits at approximately 80-100°C.
First Documented in 1294
Written records of Geysir's eruptions date to 1294 when earthquakes triggered its activity. European explorers later made it world-famous, and its name became the word 'geyser.'
Free Admission
The entire Haukadalur geothermal area is free to explore. No tickets or booking required. Follow current access signs; individual paths may close.
What to Bring
Warm windproof layers, sturdy shoes, and a camera. The area is exposed to wind. Stay on marked paths; the ground near hot springs is thin and unstable with boiling water below.
Strokkur Erupts Nearby
Just 50 meters away, Strokkur geyser erupts every 5-10 minutes to 15-20 m high, so you still get the eruptions Geysir itself once provided.
Geysir Center Amenities
The adjacent Geysir Center has a restaurant, gift shop, restrooms, and a multimedia exhibition about the geology. A hotel is also available for overnight stays.
Getting There
Geysir is located approximately 100 km northeast of Reykjavík along Route 35 in the Haukadalur valley. From Reykjavík, take Route 1 east then turn onto Route 35 north. The drive takes roughly 1.5 hours on fully paved roads; no 4WD required. A parking area is available at the Geysir Center. The nearest town with fuel and shops is Laugarvatn (25 km). Geysir is a standard stop on all Golden Circle tours (Þingvellir, Geysir/Strokkur, Gullfoss), accessible by both rental car and organized excursions year-round. Gullfoss waterfall is just 10 km further northeast on Route 35.
Best Time to Visit
Year-round. June through August: long daylight (up to 21 hours) and mild weather (10-15°C), but also the largest crowds. Tour buses peak between 10 AM and 4 PM. Arrive early morning or late afternoon for smaller crowds. September through October: fewer tourists, autumn colors, and the geothermal steam becomes more visible in cooler air. November through February: steam rises against snowy landscapes. The Golden Circle route is maintained year-round for winter driving. Northern lights are sometimes visible from the area. March through May: lengthening days with moderate visitor numbers. The geothermal features are equally active in all seasons.
Geysir belongs to a protected field
The official protected-area account identifies Geysir and Strokkur as separate springs within Haukadalur’s geothermal field. Look for each spring’s sign rather than assuming a crowd marks Geysir itself. The area became a natural monument on June 17, 2020.
Under the agency’s drone rules checked September 10, 2026, Geysir has a year-round flight restriction; permits are available only for qualifying professional purposes.
Planning help
Geysir FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
Does Geysir still erupt?
Geysir is mostly dormant today. It occasionally shows minor activity, but major eruptions are extremely rare. Earthquakes have historically triggered brief periods of renewed activity, but the geyser has been largely quiet since 2000.
How did Geysir get its name?
The name Geysir comes from the Icelandic verb 'geysa,' meaning 'to gush.' As the first geyser described in European literature, its name became the origin of the English word 'geyser' used for all such geothermal features worldwide.
Is there an entrance fee to visit Geysir?
No, the Haukadalur geothermal area where Geysir is located is free to visit. There is a visitor center nearby with a restaurant, gift shop, and restroom facilities.
How old is Geysir?
Geysir is estimated to be approximately 10,000 years old, formed at the end of the last Ice Age. Historical records of its eruptions date back to 1294, when earthquakes in southern Iceland triggered significant geothermal activity in the area.
Country reference: Iceland statistics.