Strokkur Geyser
A geyser that erupts every 5-10 minutes in the heart of the Golden Circle
About This Experience
Strokkur is the star of the Geysir geothermal area, even though the area is named after its famous but now mostly dormant neighbour, Geysir (which gave its name to all geysers worldwide). While Geysir erupts only rarely, Strokkur performs faithfully every 5 to 10 minutes — a turquoise bubble swells at the surface, holds for a fraction of a second, and then explodes upward in a column of boiling water that reaches 20 to 30 metres.
We stood in a circle with about fifty other people, cameras raised, watching the pool. The anticipation is part of it — the water surges and retreats a few times before the real eruption. When it blows, everyone cheers, then immediately checks their photos. The eruption lasts only seconds, so timing the shot is a game in itself.
The surrounding geothermal area is dotted with steaming vents, bubbling mud pots, and mineral-stained pools. The largest, Blesi, is split into two adjacent pools — one milky blue, the other clear — connected underground. The whole area steams and hisses, smelling faintly of sulphur.
What to Expect
The Geysir geothermal area is on Route 35, about 10 minutes' drive from Gullfoss. A large car park with a visitor centre, café, and gift shop serves as the base. From there, a paved path leads to Strokkur and the surrounding hot springs in about 5 minutes.
A roped perimeter keeps visitors at a safe distance from Strokkur. The eruption is visible from all sides, though standing downwind can mean a shower of hot water. The path continues past several other hot springs and mud pots, with information boards explaining the geology.
The whole area can be covered in about 30-45 minutes, though many people stay longer to watch multiple eruptions and try to get the perfect photo.
Practical Tips
- Stand upwind of Strokkur — the spray is boiling water and you don't want it on you
- For the best eruption photos, shoot in burst mode and start when you see the blue bubble forming
- Stay behind the roped perimeter; the ground near the vents is unstable and scalding
- The adjacent pools and mud pots are worth exploring beyond Strokkur itself
- Clean toilets and a good café at the visitor centre
- Part of the Golden Circle route with Gullfoss (10 min) and Þingvellir (45 min)
- The drive from Reykjavik takes about 1.5 hours via Route 35
- Eruptions happen every 5-10 minutes — you won't have to wait long
Photo Gallery
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