Great Geysir (Great Geyser)

The basics

The Great Geysir's geothermal activity has become sporadic in the recent past, noticeably increasing with earthquake activity in the region. However, the nearby Strokkur geyser erupts every 5 to 10 minutes, shooting a plume of boiling water 50 to nearly 100 feet (15 to 30 meters) in the air.

Both Geysir and Strokkur are best seen as a stop on a Golden Circle tour that covers the natural wonders of southern Iceland, whether with a group and guide or on your own. Other Golden Circle landmarks include Thingvellir National Park, and the waterfalls at Gullfoss and Seljalandsfoss. If you’re limited on time, Great Geysir is possible to do as a half-day tour. For example, if you book this Golden Circle Small-Group Afternoon Tour from Reykjavik you’ll be picked up from your hotel at 12pm and be dropped back off by 6pm.

Things to know before you go

• A brief stop at the site is sufficient; just wait a few minutes to see Strokkur erupt.

• You'll find a gift shop across the road from the spouting hot spring.

• Although they look inviting, especially on cold days, stay away from the geothermal pools; save your soaking for nearby Kúalaug where it’s safe to swim in the natural pools.

• Take a comprehensive Golden Circle tour from Reykjavik to see more of Iceland's top sights.

• The Geysir area is accessible for wheelchair users, thanks to wide boardwalks.

• You don’t need to purchase Great Geysir (Great Geyser) tickets to visit as admission is free; however, investing in a guided tour is well worth it if you’re a first time visitor to Iceland and don’t want to have to worry about driving.

How to get there

The Great Geysir lies on the slope of Laugarfjall Hill, about 62 miles (100 kilometers) outside of Reykjavik. It takes about 90 minutes to reach by car from the city. Most people arrive as part of a southern Iceland tour that follows the Golden Circle route. The majority of these tours include pick up and drop off at Reykjavik-area hotels.

Unfortunately, it’s not easy to get to the Great Geysir by public transportation. Iceland does not have a public rail service. If you want to take a public bus, you’ll probably have to transfer buses at Selfoss and take a taxi (Iceland doesn’t have Uber or Lyft) from Reykholt. The entire trip, by public bus and taxi, takes around 3 hours.

When to get there

Both Geysir and the Strokkur geyser erupt on their own schedule; you generally won't have to wait around too long to see a spout, though, and both erupt throughout the year. Visit Geysir before 10am and after 4pm if you want to avoid crowds. High season is June, July, and August when tourists are around all day, every day.

If you decide to visit during the winter months, December to March, keep in mind that daylight will be limited. For example, in January the sun might not rise until 11am, and it may set as early as 3pm. If you want to see Strokkur erupt, time your visit for when the sun is out.

Iceland's Golden Circle

A staple on the Golden Circle, Iceland's Great Geysir is a must-see for many visitors. To make the most of your time in the region, be sure to pay a visit to the spectacular waterfall at Gullfoss, Thingvellir National Park, and the 361-square-mile Langjökull glacier. All of these striking natural attractions can be explored on Great Geysir (Great Geyser) tours from Reykjavik and beyond.

Ways to explore

While the Great Geysir rarely erupts nowadays, the nearby Strokkur geyser is reliably active, erupting every 4–10 minutes, and shooting a plume of boiling water up to 131 feet (40 meters) in the air. The Geysir geothermal area encompasses both geysers and is a typical stop on group and private guided tours that make their way around the Golden Circle in South Iceland, between stops at Thingvellir National Park and the Gullfoss waterfall. Many tours include Reykjavik hotel pickup and drop-off, while some include additional destinations beyond the route, such as the Kerid Crater and Blue Lagoon.

Accessibility

A paved footpath leads to the Great Geysir and is wheelchair accessible.

Age limits

All ages are welcome, but keep an eye on kids near boiling water.

What to pack

Camera (a fast shutter speed is best for capturing eruptions), bug spray in the summer

What to wear

Insulated layers (Iceland is often chilly, even in summer), closed-toe walking shoes

Not allowed

Leaving designated footpaths, entering hot springs

Amenities

There are restrooms at the Great Geysir, and the nearby Geysir Centre has a restaurant and gift store.

Address

The Great Geysir lies in the valley of Haukadalur in South Iceland, about 66 miles (107 kilometers) east of Reykjavik. Most people arrive by car or with guided tours of the Golden Circle.

Driving

The drive from Reykjavik to the Great Geysir takes around 90 minutes. Head east out of the city on Route 1 (better-known as the Ring Road), take Route 35 north through Selfoss and follow signs for Geysir and the Golden Circle. Paid parking is available at the site.

Public transportation

Limited public bus services run to the Great Geysir. Buses depart from the BSI bus terminal in downtown Reykjavik and take around 2.5 hours to reach the Geysir bus stop, a short walk from the geothermal area.

Best times to visit

Arrive in the early morning or late evening to avoid the biggest crowds—it’s open 24 hours a day.

Best days to visit

Weekends are typically busiest, so if possible, plan for a weekday.

Best months to visit

June through August boast the most pleasant weather, but are also the peak season and see the highest number of visitors. In June, you can see the geothermal area under the glow of the midnight sun.