Geysir is historically the first spring of gushing water from the depths of the Earth, recorded in written documents as early as 1294.
Because of its uniquely documented origins, it is referred to as The Great Geysir, even though it is actually a sub-average geyser in terms of activity and the height of the water column ejected above the surface. After all, literally a few steps away from the Geysir you can admire the much larger and more significant Strokkur geyser.
The area in which Geysir is located lies on Iceland's famous Golden Circle.
Sleeping geyser with a big G
The discerning eye will note that it is Geysir that has lent its name as a generic name to all the geysers of the world, and it is certainly Iceland's most famous word.
Geological analyses have shown that Geysir was already active about 10 000 years ago and its activity is directly dependent on volcanic activity and therefore very irregular. During the 20th century, for example, Geysir went through several periods of activity and inactivity.
The last known period of activity to date was after the 2000 earthquake, when the water column reached a height of 122 metres, making it one of the highest geysers in the world at the time. After 2003, however, its activity ceased again and it is now referred to as dormant. However, due to the living tectonics beneath Iceland, it could wake up at any time. Don't despair though, as hinted at in the introductions, just about 20 metres from Geysir you can see the much more active Strokkur geyser.
Admission to Haukaladur
Geysir is just one of the many geysers in the geothermal valley of Haukaladur, through which there are comfortable paths suitable for all categories of hikers. Currently, there is no entrance fee and there are no restricted opening hours.
Accommodation
Geysir lies at one of the furthest points of the Golden Triangle (or circuit) and therefore can be a good place for accommodation. There are two hotels right by the car park with standard Icelandic prices from 202 eur per night per room upwards: the Litli Geysir Hotel and the Hotel Geysir.
There is also a Geysir tjaldsvæði campsite right at the entrance, where you don't pay per tent space but per person, namely 1 800 isk per adult + an optional fee 500 isk for using the showers, see the official website. Slightly cheaper is Skjol Camping, about 2 km away, with prices from 1 500 isk per person.
How to get here?
The Haukaladur area is about 105 km from Reykjavík, near the main road number 35 (route map: mapy.cz), which is fully asphalted and of very good quality. It is passable all year round. There is a large free parking lot near the entrance.
There are no public transport buses, but you can take advantage of the many travel agencies in Reykjavik and take a tourist bus here. For example, Reykjavík Excursions offers a 6-hour trip across the entire Golden Circle, including a visit to the Haukaladur area from 8 000 isk, which is a very friendly price by Icelandic standards.
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