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Alex Ayling
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"Geysir, located in southwestern Iceland, is a geothermal area famous for its erupting hot springs and geysers. Here's what you need to know about Geysir:
Geothermal Activity: Geysir is part of the larger geothermal region known as the Haukadalur Valley. The area is characterized by intense geothermal activity, with bubbling mud pots, steaming fumaroles, and geysers. Geothermal energy is harnessed for heating and electricity production in Iceland, and Geysir showcases the power and beauty of this natural phenomenon.
The Great Geysir: Geysir itself is the namesake of all geysers around the world. It was the first geyser to be recorded in European literature and gave rise to the term "geyser." While it is less active today, its eruptions in the past were reported to reach incredible heights of up to 80 meters (262 feet). However, it occasionally still erupts, albeit infrequently and unpredictably.
Strokkur: The most active geyser in the Geysir area is Strokkur, located just a short distance from the Great Geysir. Strokkur erupts with impressive regularity, shooting boiling water up to 30 meters (98 feet) into the air every few minutes. This makes it a popular attraction for visitors who gather around in anticipation of its dramatic eruptions.
Geysir Center: To enhance the visitor experience, there is a Geysir Center nearby that provides information, exhibitions, and facilities. Here, you can learn about geothermal energy, the geological processes behind geysers, and the history of Geysir. It's a great place to explore and gain a deeper understanding of the geothermal wonders of Iceland.
Accessibility: Geysir is easily accessible from the Icelandic capital, Reykjavík, by car or organized tours. It is part of the Golden Circle route, one of the most popular tourist routes in Iceland, which also includes other notable attractions like Þingvellir National Park and Gullfoss waterfall.
Visiting Geysir offers a chance to witness the incredible power of nature as geothermal forces create spectacular eruptions and stunning landscapes. It's a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Iceland's geothermal wonders and gain a deeper appreciation for the geological processes that shape our planet."
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Lisa Dahl
"🇮🇸 Geysir is the final big three destination in the Golden Circle and a great photo spot!
📍LOCATION: Geysir is a 10-minute drive from Gullfoss.
🚗 PARKING: The Visitor Centre, across the road, has a large, free parking lot.
MUST-SEES:
👉 Geysir Centre: Another great spot to use the restrooms or grab food.
🍕 The restaurant offers hot food as well as many takeaway options.
😋 The centre closes at 5:45 pm, so if you're hungry, eat first!
🎁 The gift shop at the visitor center is one of the best in the Golden Circle.
💦 As you walk up the path through this active geothermal area to get to Strokkur, aka the star of the show, you'll notice areas of bubbling mud and steam vents... stay on the marked path.
💦 Gather around what looks like a massive puddle and hold your phones and cameras up to get a shot of Strokkur, which erupts every 5-10 minutes.
✨ HINT 1: You'll get a half-second warning; a big blue bubble will form on the surface before it erupts.
✨ HINT 2: If you are taking a video, keep filming after the eruption; sometimes, there's a second geyser several seconds after the first eruption.
💦 The Great Geysir, which gave the area its name, can be viewed but has been mostly inactive in recent years.
👀 Upper Viewing Platform: While the view is nice, personally, don't think it's worth the hike.
💙 Wander behind Strokurr towards the Great Geysir to see some cool, blue-hot pools.
📸 PHOTOGRAPHY NOTES:
☀️ Get great shots in the afternoon as the sun sink low in the sky while Strokurr is erupting.
🌼 In the summer, you can also walk behind the crowds and get a shot of Stokurr with wildflowers in the foreground.
⏰ VISITOR CENTRE HOURS:
9:15 am - 5:45 pm
GEYSIR: Always open for viewing
💰 COST: Free!"
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Nally Preseault
"After Þingvellir National Park, your drive around the Golden Circle continues to Geysir. Geysers (hot springs that boil and shoot tall columns of water into the air) are a rare phenomenon. The Great Geysir in Iceland (spurting up to 550 feet) was the first one seen by Europeans. It, along with Old Faithful in Yellowstone National Park (USA), are the considered the most-famous ones in the world.
The Great Geysir rarely erupts anymore. A second geyser, Strokkur, is much more consistent. It shoots water 50-130 feet in the air approximately every 6-10 minutes. Boiling mud pits, hot springs, and steam vents surround the geysers. Be sure to stay on the well-marked walking path to avoid getting burned.
Note: It's rare to have Geysir all to yourself. Plan to come early or late to avoid the large crowds."
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