Haukadalur geothermal area + Strokkur geyser (Iceland): visit tips

The Haukadalur geothermal area is one of the highlights on the Golden Circle.
It is home to the famous Geysir which is dormant and the Strokkur geyser which you will be able to admire erupt many times. 
Below is my guide to plan your visit of the Haukadalur geothermal fied: map, access, tips, photos.... 

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Why visit the Haukadalur geothermal area and Strokkur?

Is it worth it?

Absolutely. Haukadalur and Strokkur are one of the wonders of Iceland.
They are easily accessed from Reykjavik on the Golden Circle.
It is the world of fire: eruption every few minutes, bubbling mud pools, colorful areas...
If you have never seen a geothermal field, you will be enchanted. And if you have, you won't be either because, as you know, it is always fascinating.

And it is as interesting in Summer as in Winter.

The home of Geysir

The area is famous for being home to Geysir.
The English word ‘geyser’ is even derived from the name Geysir!

Eruptions of Geysir can spray boiling water up to 70 metres high, its eruptions are infrequent and have stopped altogether for years at a time. It went into a dormant phase in 1916.

However the fountain geyser Strokkur erupts every few minutes and the water reaches 15 to 20 m high, sometimes up to 40 m.

Where is Haukadalur located?

• The Haukadalur geothermal area is part of the Golden Circle Iceland with Thingvellir and the impressive waterfall of Gullfoss.
• Reykjavik to Haukadalur = 1h20min drive 
• Borgarnes to Haukadalur = 2h drive
• Thingvellir to Haukadalur = 50min
• Not far from road 35, it is well indicated. 
• Below is a map to help you get oriented:

All my favorite locations are included (with GPS coordinates, map of region and planning tips) in my travel guide eBook to help you easily plan your Iceland road trip (for 5 days, 7 days, 10 days, 14 days...)

Visit tips

• Come early to avoid the big bus and other tourists that come as part of the golden circle tour
• Wear good shoes, it gets slippery (in Summer and in Winter)
• Stay on the paths, the temperature gets really hot
• Watch out for the wind if you don't want to take a second shower
• The geyser Strokkur erupts every 3 to 8 minutes. And sometimes I saw it erupt twice in a row.
• Do not forget the tripod in the bus like I did! The camera becomes very heavy as you wait for the eruption.
• You can also check out the Webcam pointed at Haukadalur  (note that it does not always work)
• Allow at least 30 minutes, more if you want to sit back and admire (I recommend 2 hours, it's really mesmerizing!)

The Strokkur geyser eruption in photos

As I stayed in the nearby hotel, I was able to go to the geothermal area early and avoid the crowds. This makes it really easier to take pictures. I can't imagine the situation when the Haukadalur Strokkur geyser is surrounded by tourists. 

Here is a break-down of the eruption:

I spent all of my time watching the water trying to guess when Strokkur was going to erupt and failing miserably. I had a lot of false starts on my camera. Also, be aware of the wind if, unlike me, you do not wish to take your second shower of the day!

It is the most active geyser in Iceland.
It's usual height is 15 to 20 meters high (49 to 66ft) but it can spray as high as 40m (130ft). 
It was first mentioned in 1789, most probably after an earthquake created the vent.
Apparently, it stopped erupting at the beginning of the 20th century because another earthquake blocked its conduit.And it is men that decided to unblock it and restore its eruptions.

Iceland's geyser's bubble

My favorite thing was trying to catch on my camera the bubble before it exploded. You really need to be ready and have good reflexes. I was successful a few times:

More features at the Haukadalur geothermal field & Valley

There are other attractions at Haukadalur:

• the Blesi a turquoise color hot spring,
• other geysers - Sódi, Smiður, Fata Óþerrishola, Litli Geysir (the small Geysir) and Litli Strokkur (the small Strokkur)
• steam vents
• mud pools

Because of the variation in temperatures, the colors are much less visible in Winter. But it is still cool.

The name Haukadalur means Valley of the Hawks.

What you will see of Geysir

As I wrote earlier the Geysir is dormant.
So you can only see the rock that indicates where the eruption area is... But you may be lucky and it could wake up, who knows...

Haukadalur and Strokkur in Winter

As I said Haukadalur is accessible in Winter.
 And it is easy to circulate around Strokkur as the heat melts the ice.
However, there can still be slippery areas, so be careful. And stay on the paths.
Here are a couple more photos: