Geysir Geothermal Area
The most reliably fun stop on the Golden Circle — a steaming valley where Strokkur fires off every few minutes, about 47 minutes up the road from the cabin.
Why we send guests to Geysir
Of all the Golden Circle stops we recommend, Geysir is the one that gets the biggest reaction — especially from anyone travelling with kids. The Great Geysir that the area is named for is mostly quiet these days, but its neighbour Strokkur picks up the slack and erupts every few minutes, so you never have to wait long for a show. The best part is the second or two before it blows: a smooth turquoise dome of water swells up before bursting skyward, and once you've seen it you'll find yourself waiting around for "just one more."
Our tip for photos is to watch which way the steam is drifting and stand upwind, with the sky behind the spout rather than the hillside — you'll get a much cleaner shot of the column. Have your camera ready and your finger on the shutter; the eruption itself is over in a blink. Beyond Strokkur, it's worth walking the short loop past the steaming vents and bright mineral-stained pools, but keep to the marked paths and behind the ropes — the water is genuinely boiling and the ground near the springs can be fragile.
We usually tell guests to pair Geysir with Gullfoss, which is only about 10 km further on, and do the two as an easy half-day from the cabin. Give yourself half an hour to an hour here so you can catch several eruptions rather than rushing off after one. There's a visitor centre across the road with a café and restrooms if you want a break before carrying on.
Distance from Cabin
~56 km / 47 minutes by car from Northern Lights Cabin via Route 37 and Route 35.
Strokkur Eruptions
Erupts every 5–10 minutes, reaching 15–30 meters. No waiting — you're guaranteed a show!
Visit Duration
30–60 minutes to explore the geothermal area and watch several eruptions. Open year-round, 24/7.
Admission
Free entry and free parking. A visitor centre with restaurant, cafe, and gift shop is on site.
Geysir Gallery
Photos from our visits to this incredible geothermal wonderland — just under an hour from the cabin.
Location & Directions
Geysir is about a 47-minute drive from Northern Lights Cabin along the Golden Circle route.
From Northern Lights Cabin
- Distance: ~56 km (35 miles)
- Drive time: ~47 minutes
- Route: Head north on Route 37, then east onto Route 35 (Biskupstungnabraut). Geysir is well signposted on the left.
- Parking: Free large parking lot right at the geothermal area entrance.
Good to Know
- Stay behind the ropes — the water is boiling hot (80–100 °C) and the ground can be fragile near hot springs.
- Stand upwind of Strokkur to avoid the spray of hot water.
- The walking paths are well maintained and accessible for most fitness levels.
- Combine with nearby Gullfoss (just 10 km away) for a perfect Golden Circle half-day trip.