Jun
01
2012
Aug
31
2012
Jun
01
2013
Aug
31
2013
Jun
01
2014
Aug
31
2014
Jun
01
2015
Aug
31
2015
Witness the Explosive Strokkur Geyser
Published by Tammy Burns, Writer
Country: Iceland 
The Experience
The oohs and ahs rise up from the crowd like clockwork. Turquoise water gurgles and forms a bubble over the hole, growing and growing, until, with a pop and a whoosh, it gushes skyward, shooting up to an impressive 30m high. Cue the oohs and ahs.
With a schedule of erupting every five minutes or so, Strokkur may not be the world's most impressive geyser, but it's certainly the most reliable. The title of Iceland's most impressive used to belong to Geysir (pronounced gay-zeer) - a formidable geyser that shot 80m into the air, and provided the namesake for all other geysers around the world. Sadly for Geysir, rumour has it that one day a group of tourists threw rocks into it, trying to set it off. Instead, the rocks plugged the spring, and now it shoots up only sporadically, and nowhere near to its original height. Some reports say the vandalism happened in the 1950s, others, as early as the late 19th century. Regardless of when, the fact remains that Geysir rests, silently steaming, while Strokkur has stepped in as the area's greatest attraction.
Strokkur geyser sits in the middle of a geothermal field, surrounded by bubbling springs and yellowed rock, just east of Thingvellir National Park. It's an area of intense volcanic activity - the park rests on the mid-Atlantic ridge fault line, where the European and North American plates are literally pulling away from each other. This intense underground activity and pressure is the force behind Strokkur's formidable explosions.
Geysers are formed as a result of geothermally heated water that becomes trapped in narrow underground fissures. The water near the surface cools, but the water below becomes hotter and hotter, warmed by the surrounding volcanic rock, and it eventually turns into steam. Once enough pressure has built up, the steam explodes, shooting the surface water upwards in a magnificent spray.
The water that emerges is stinky, but given that all of Iceland - from remote houses in the countryside to 5-star hotels in Reykjavik - is heated by natural springs of sulphuric water, it's a smell you quickly grow accustomed to in this country.
With a schedule of erupting every five minutes or so, Strokkur may not be the world's most impressive geyser, but it's certainly the most reliable. The title of Iceland's most impressive used to belong to Geysir (pronounced gay-zeer) - a formidable geyser that shot 80m into the air, and provided the namesake for all other geysers around the world. Sadly for Geysir, rumour has it that one day a group of tourists threw rocks into it, trying to set it off. Instead, the rocks plugged the spring, and now it shoots up only sporadically, and nowhere near to its original height. Some reports say the vandalism happened in the 1950s, others, as early as the late 19th century. Regardless of when, the fact remains that Geysir rests, silently steaming, while Strokkur has stepped in as the area's greatest attraction.
Strokkur geyser sits in the middle of a geothermal field, surrounded by bubbling springs and yellowed rock, just east of Thingvellir National Park. It's an area of intense volcanic activity - the park rests on the mid-Atlantic ridge fault line, where the European and North American plates are literally pulling away from each other. This intense underground activity and pressure is the force behind Strokkur's formidable explosions.
Geysers are formed as a result of geothermally heated water that becomes trapped in narrow underground fissures. The water near the surface cools, but the water below becomes hotter and hotter, warmed by the surrounding volcanic rock, and it eventually turns into steam. Once enough pressure has built up, the steam explodes, shooting the surface water upwards in a magnificent spray.
The water that emerges is stinky, but given that all of Iceland - from remote houses in the countryside to 5-star hotels in Reykjavik - is heated by natural springs of sulphuric water, it's a smell you quickly grow accustomed to in this country.
When to Go to Strokkur Geyser
The best time to visit Strokkur geyser is from June to August as Iceland's weather is at its warmest, the days are at their longest, and all tourist accommodations are up and running. Of course, it also means it's when the country is at its busiest. If you prefer less crowds, but still want the convenience of mild weather and long days, visit in late May or early September. Just be warned that many hotels and restaurants in the smaller towns only operate during peak tourist season.
Strokkur geyser makes up part of the Golden Circle - an area that includes the geyser, Thingvellir park, and the impressive Gullfoss waterfall, and is a popular day trip from Reykjavik. Give yourself a full day to take in all that the Golden Circle has to offer.
Strokkur geyser makes up part of the Golden Circle - an area that includes the geyser, Thingvellir park, and the impressive Gullfoss waterfall, and is a popular day trip from Reykjavik. Give yourself a full day to take in all that the Golden Circle has to offer.
Odds n' Ends
While you'll have to pay to get to Strokkur (either by bus, car rental, or tour group), it's free to view the geyser.
Dress in layers. Iceland's weather is unpredictable, and can change from hot to cold, from sun to rain, in a matter of minutes.
Don't stand downwind of Strokkur geyser, unless you're in the mood for a shower.
Dress in layers. Iceland's weather is unpredictable, and can change from hot to cold, from sun to rain, in a matter of minutes.
Don't stand downwind of Strokkur geyser, unless you're in the mood for a shower.
Recommended Places to Stay
- Geysir Center
- Offers a hotel, campground, restaurant, souvenir shop, and multimedia show explaining how geysers work.
Additional Places to Stay Nearby
Search over 900,000 global hotel deals from over 30 merchants. Book via Expedia, Travelocity, Hotels.com, Booking.com, Priceline and the websites of popular hotel chains.
With its central location, Hotel Edda Ml Laugarvatn is within easy reach of most tourist attractions and business addresses in Laugarvatn.The Hotel Edda Ml Laugarvatn ... 10 miles away
With its central location, Edda Iki Laugarvatn Hotel is within easy reach of most tourist attractions and business addresses in Laugarvatn.All hotel's guestrooms have all ... 10 miles away
+ 23 others. Show all.
More Experiences Nearby
- Gaze Out Over the Glacial Glory of Gullfoss Waterfall, Iceland
- When you first arrive at Gullfoss (translated as the “Golden Falls”), you’ll wonder what all the fuss is about. You approach from the top, down river from where the falls drop off, and as you draw nearer, it looks like a small, albeit pretty, waterfall. You’ll probably think it seems a bit disappointing to be the most famous waterfall in Iceland, but then as you walk closer, you’ll suddenly realize that the falling water just… disappears. That is, until you step closer still and the ground abruptly opens in front of you, leaving you peering down at a thunderous rush ...12 miles away.
While You're There - Tours and Trips Nearby
On a clear night, you may be lucky enough to see the Northern Lights swirling in a wild and carefree dance across the heavens, painting ...43.18 miles away via Reykjavik.
$44+
+ 22 others. Show all.
Carpe Diem! Book to do this experience now!
The tour begins with a visit to the Nesjavellir power plant, a geothermal area in the picturesque landscape of Lake Thingvallavatn (this part of the ...
Starting from $72.03 per person.
Starting from $72.03 per person.
Elsewhere on the Web
Travel Insurance. Simple & Flexible.
Discussion
Experienced this and have something to share? Experienced something like this somewhere else? Looking for advise or travel companions? Use this space to leave your mark. Our writers and editors are more than happy to help answer your questions.
Recent Tweets
Listed below are the most recent comments made on Twitter for "strokkur geyser":
