Geysir

The Haukadalur geothermal area is home to the world-famous Great Geysir, the namesake for all such springs across the globe. While the Great Geysir erupts infrequently today, its neighbor Strokkur is highly active and reliable. Every 6 to 10 minutes, Strokkur blasts a column of boiling water 20 to 30 meters into the air. The brief moment before the eruption, when a large blue water bubble forms at the vent, is a highlight for every spectator. The surrounding field is filled with bubbling mud pots, steaming fumaroles, and animated mineral streaks. Visitors must stick to the paths as the water is dangerously hot. As a key stop on the Golden Circle, the site is well-equipped with a large visitor center featuring exhibitions, local crafts, and dining. Admission to the geothermal area is free, and it is reachable by car from Reykjavík in about 90 minutes. It is a powerful display of Iceland's volcanic nature that remains active through all seasons.

Nearby cities

Reykjavík

Reykjavík is the capital and largest city of Iceland, serving as the nation's cultural, economic, and governmental hub.

Kópavogur

Kópavogur is Iceland's second largest city, located directly south of Reykjavík.

Hafnarfjörður

Hafnarfjörður is a port city south of Reykjavík, built on an ancient lava field.

Hafnarfjörður

A charming port town just outside Reykjavík, known as the 'town in the lava' and famous for its Viking heritage and elf folklore.

Keflavík

Keflavík is a town on the Reykjanes Peninsula, part of the Reykjanesbær municipality.

Mosfellsbær

Mosfellsbær is located northeast of Reykjavík, known for its hilly landscape and thermal springs.

Garðabær

Garðabær is a growing town in the Greater Reykjavík area.

Selfoss

Selfoss is the largest service center in southern Iceland, situated on the banks of the Ölfusá River.

Akranes

Akranes is a port town on Iceland's west coast, known for its long fishing tradition and two distinctive lighthouses.

Seltjarnarnes

Seltjarnarnes is a small municipality on a peninsula just west of Reykjavík.

Vestmannaeyjar

Vestmannaeyjar is a town on Heimaey island in the archipelago of the same name off Iceland's south coast.

Blue Lagoon (Grindavík)

Iceland's most famous geothermal spa, known for its milky-blue, mineral-rich waters.

Grindavík

Grindavík is a fishing town on the south coast of the Reykjanes Peninsula.

Hveragerði

Known as the 'Greenhouse Town', it sits on an active geothermal field and is famous for its hot springs and banana cultivation.

Hveragerði

Hveragerði is famous for its high geothermal activity, located about 45 km east of Reykjavík.

History & landmarks

Reykjavík City Hall

Reykjavík City Hall is situated on the banks of Lake Tjörnin.

Hvolsvöllur

A historic town in South Iceland, famous as the heart of the Njál's Saga and a gateway to glaciers.

Gullfoss

One of Iceland's most iconic waterfalls, plunging in two stages into a deep canyon.

Gullfoss

Gullfoss is a powerful two-tiered waterfall located in the canyon of the Hvítá river.

More places

Skálholt Monastery

This was once the religious and intellectual center of Iceland.

Skálholt

For over 700 years, this location was the religious and cultural center of Southern Iceland.

Skjaldbreiður

A prominent shield volcano located north of Thingvellir National Park.