Geysir: The Original Name in Geothermal Power

While the original Great Geysir is largely dormant today, the area is still very much alive — a place where nature performs on its own schedule, and you're invited to stand close and feel the heat of Iceland's volcanic heart.

The History Beneath the Surface

The word "geyser" comes from the Icelandic verb geysa, meaning "to gush." For centuries, Geysir—the spring—lived up to its name. Historical accounts tell of eruptions reaching up to 70 meters (230 feet) into the air, a spectacle that once drew royalty and curious travelers alike.

While seismic shifts have quieted Geysir over the years, its nearby sibling, Strokkur, has taken center stage. Strokkur shoots a column of hot water and steams up to 20 meters high every few minutes, giving visitors a reliable (and thrilling) look at geothermal energy in action.

It's easy to forget that what you're watching results from intense heat building beneath your feet — until the ground rumbles and another eruption bursts skyward.

More Than Just a Crowd-Pleaser

Geysir is one of the three main sights on the famed Golden Circle route, alongside Gullfoss and Þingvellir National Park. As such, it sees plenty of visitors. But it's also a reminder that Icelandic nature isn't a performance — it's a living, shifting force that operates on its own rhythm.

If you arrive between eruptions, don't rush. The pause is part of the experience—steam curls across the ground. Bubbles rise and fall. And just when you're lulled into stillness — Strokkur roars to life.

A Landscape of Contrast

Surrounding the geysers are boiling mud pots, vibrant mineral deposits, and steaming vents that paint the ground in rust-reds, golds, and greys. Walking the paths between them feels like stepping into a science experiment — or another planet.

But be cautious: these pools are scalding hot, and the crust around them can be fragile. Always stay on the marked paths for safety and out of respect for a landscape that's taken thousands of years to form.

Staying Present in a Popular Place

At Key to Iceland, we understand that some places are popular for a reason. Geysir isn't a hidden gem, but it is a gem nonetheless. The key is to experience it with presence.

Come early or late in the day, when the crowds thin and the steam rises in golden light.

This is where Iceland's power is most visible — but also most humbling.