Tours and Tickets to Experience Geysir (Great Geyser)

The Great Geysir is a famous geothermal attraction located amidst the boiling mud pots and mud pools in southwestern Iceland’s Haukadalur Valley. It attracts many visitors hoping to see one of its sporadic eruptions. All of the world’s geysers are named after the Great Geysir, which was the source of the English word.

The Great Geysir does not erupt often. When records of the geyser’s activity began, around 800 years ago, it erupted as frequently as every three hours. Today, due to decreased seismic movement, it very rarely has major eruptions. While Strokkur erupts every 5 to 10 minutes, Great Geysir hasn’t erupted since 2016. Before then, the last time it erupted was in 2000.

The history of Geysir begins at least 10,000 years ago. Records referring to its volcanic activity date all the way back to 1294. In the 19th century, its waters would reach up to 560 feet (170 meters) high. A reawakening occurred in the year 2000, when eruptions caused the water to reach 400 feet (122 meters), but such heights haven’t been seen since.

Yes, there are other geysers near the Great Geysir in the Geysir geothermal area, including the Litli Geysir, Blesi Geysir, and the far more active Strokkur. Strokkur erupts approximately every 5-10 minutes, shooting a plume of hot water into the air that reaches heights of 49-66 feet (15-20 meters).

Yes, you can visit the Great Geysir year-round. While summer boasts the most comfortable weather and long daylight hours, it is also peak tourist season and you may encounter large crowds. Winter offers a quieter experience and magical, snow-covered landscapes, but the climate can be harsh and days are short. Spring and fall are good alternatives.

Yes, it is generally safe to visit the Great Geysir, as long as you stay on designated pathways and keep a safe distance from geysers, water, and steam vents. In 2016, a tourist suffered from severe burns after accidentally stepping in one of the area hot springs. It’s also advisable to dress for the weather Iceland is famous for, not the weather you want. In winter, driving to the site can be tricky, so it’s advisable to book a tour.