Strokkur Geyser

The Haukadalur valley is home to the Great Geysir, the hot spring that gave its name to geysers everywhere. Geysir itself now erupts only rarely, but its neighbour Strokkur performs every few minutes, sending a column of boiling water and steam high into the sky.

Watch the turquoise pool swell into a bubble before it bursts, then walk among the steaming vents and bubbling mud pots along the marked paths. Children love the anticipation of waiting for the next eruption.

Stay behind the ropes, as the water is boiling, and stand upwind to stay dry. Geysir pairs with Gullfoss and Thingvellir on a Golden Circle day from Reykjavík. The visitor centre across the road has cafés and shops for a warm break.