Geothermal Features
Hot springs and deposits
The valley contains dozens of hot springs, fumaroles, mud pots, and geysers spread across a compact geothermal field.
Haukadalur: Iceland's Geyser Valley
A steaming geothermal valley home to Geysir, the ever-erupting Strokkur, and dozens of bubbling hot springs and fumaroles.
Location
South Iceland
Route 35, Golden Circle
Quick Answer
Haukadalur valley in South Iceland holds Geysir, Strokkur, and numerous geothermal springs and vents. A standard Golden Circle stop with free admission.
Haukadalur is one of Iceland's best-known geothermal areas: a valley of steaming vents, boiling hot springs, and vivid mineral deposits. Situated along the Golden Circle route in South Iceland, this compact geothermal field contains numerous hot springs and vents, including the world-famous Geysir and the reliably erupting Strokkur. The valley's name means "Valley of Hawks" in Icelandic, and its geothermal activity is driven by a shallow magma intrusion that heats groundwater to extreme temperatures. Walking through Haukadalur, visitors see Iceland's volcanic geology at close range.
Sources and page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
Always stay on marked paths and boardwalks throughout Haukadalur. The ground can be thin and unstable near geothermal features, with scalding water just below the surface.
For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy.
Official sources to check
Tourist Route
Golden Circle
Haukadalur is one of the three main stops on Iceland's most popular sightseeing route from Reykjavik.
Admission
Free
The entire geothermal area is free to access. Check the parking signs and current payment arrangement separately.
What to Expect
Strokkur Eruptions Every 5-10 Min
Strokkur shoots boiling water 15-20 meters high with clockwork regularity. Watch for the blue bubble that forms moments before each eruption.
The Great Geysir Basin
Stand before the 10,000-year-old original geyser that named all others. The 3-meter wide basin steams at 80-100°C. Mostly dormant since 2000.
Blesi Hot Spring Pair
Two adjacent pools, one clear turquoise blue and one milky opaque white, colored by different dissolved silica concentrations and water temperatures.
Free Admission & Open Access
The entire geothermal area is free. No tickets, no booking. Follow current access signs; individual paths may close. Restrooms at the Geysir Center.
What to Bring
Warm windproof layers, sturdy shoes, and a camera (burst mode for eruptions). Stand upwind of Strokkur to avoid hot spray. Stay on marked paths at all times.
Geothermal features beyond Strokkur
Beyond Strokkur and Geysir, the valley contains dozens of fumaroles, mud pots, and hot springs with colorful mineral deposits of silica, sulfur, and iron oxide.
Getting There
Haukadalur is located along Route 35 in South Iceland, approximately 100 km from Reykjavík. The drive takes about 1.5 hours via Route 1 east and Route 35 north, entirely on paved roads; no 4WD required. A parking lot is available at the Geysir Center, from which the geothermal features are a 2-minute walk. The nearest town with fuel and shops is Laugarvatn (25 km). Haukadalur is one of the three main Golden Circle stops alongside Þingvellir National Park (60 km southwest) and Gullfoss waterfall (10 km northeast). Well-served by tour operators year-round. Winter roads are typically well-maintained but check road.is before departure.
Best Time to Visit
Year-round. June through August: warmest conditions (10-15°C) with up to 21 hours of daylight. However, this is peak tourist season; the area can become very crowded between 10 AM and 4 PM when tour buses arrive. Visit early morning or late afternoon. September through October: smaller crowds, cooler temperatures, and more visible steam in the crisp air. November through February: steam billows against snow-covered landscapes, and there are far fewer visitors. Northern lights are sometimes visible from the area on clear evenings. March through May: lengthening days with moderate crowds. Strokkur erupts just as reliably in all seasons and all weather conditions.
The protected ground between the pools
The Nature Conservation Agency describes a continuous area of geothermal sinter around the springs. Protection covers distinctive geology, microorganisms and vegetation, not only the eruptions. The 1.2-square-kilometre natural monument was designated on June 17, 2020. Use the open paths to compare these deposits without walking across them.
Planning help
Haukadalur FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
What can I see at Haukadalur?
Haukadalur is home to the famous Strokkur geyser (erupting every 5-10 minutes), the historic Great Geysir, numerous steaming fumaroles, bubbling mud pots, and colorful mineral deposits. The protected area includes the springs and their surrounding deposits.
How long should I spend at Haukadalur?
Most visitors spend 30-60 minutes at Haukadalur, which is enough time to see several Strokkur eruptions and walk around the main geothermal features. If you want to explore the walking trails and visit the exhibition at the Geysir Center, plan for 1-2 hours.
Is Haukadalur part of the Golden Circle?
Yes, Haukadalur is one of the three primary stops on the Golden Circle route, alongside Thingvellir National Park and Gullfoss waterfall. It is the most popular day-trip route from Reykjavik.
Are there facilities at Haukadalur?
Yes, the Geysir Center adjacent to the geothermal area provides a restaurant, cafe, gift shop, restrooms, and a multimedia exhibition about the geology of the area. There is also a hotel nearby for those wishing to stay overnight.
Country reference: Iceland statistics.