Geysir

In Southwestern Iceland is one of the world’s greatest geysers, known as The Great Geysir. Thought to have been around since the 13th century, it’s one of Iceland’s most popular attractions. The English word “geyser” comes from the Icelandic word “geysir”, meaning gusher. The Great Geysir itself is now mostly inactive, however, the attraction of the area is now another geyser, named Strokkur. One hundred meters south of The Great Geysir, Strokkur erupts every eight minutes or so, spewing boiling water 30 meters skywards. In the poetic words of Visit South Iceland, “Belching sulphurous mud pots of unusual colors, hissing steam vents, hot and cold springs, warm streams, and primitive plants can all be found here.”

How do you get there? There are plenty of tour buses that stop at the geyser on the Golden Circle Tour, but we rented a car and took the tour ourselves. Driving straight from Reykjavik to the geyser takes about an hour and a half, however, if you’re planning on seeing geyser, make it worth your while and also consider stopping at Gullfoss and Thingvellir National Park. Per usual, whenever driving on your own accord, add 30 – 45 minutes to your agenda for jaw dropping picture opportunities. Google Map it.

Why should you go? If you’ve never seen a spewing hot spring, you must experience the anticipation of the watching the geyser along side a crowd of camera ready tourists, watching as the water rises, bubbles with pressure and erupts momentarily skyward, leaving a white mist floating in the air.

How much time should be spent there? Leave 30 minutes for walking or hiking around the greater geyser area. However, leave enough time to dine or shop at the cafe, restaurant, and gift shop. Good luck leaving without an expensive-yet-must-have woolen gift.

How much does it cost? It’s free.