Geothermal Features
50+ Vents
The valley contains dozens of hot springs, fumaroles, mud pots, and geysers spread across a compact geothermal field.
Haukadalur Geothermal Area - Iceland's Famous Geyser Valley
A steaming geothermal valley home to the legendary Geysir, the ever-erupting Strokkur, and dozens of bubbling hot springs and fumaroles.
Updated February 1, 2026By the Iceland.org Travel Team
Location
South Iceland
Route 35, Golden Circle
Haukadalur is one of Iceland's most remarkable geothermal areas, a valley alive with steaming vents, boiling hot springs, and vivid mineral deposits. Situated along the Golden Circle route in South Iceland, this compact geothermal field contains over 50 active vents, including the world-famous Geysir and the reliably erupting Strokkur. The valley's name means "Valley of Hawks" in Icelandic, and its geothermal activity is driven by a shallow magma intrusion that heats groundwater to extreme temperatures. Walking through Haukadalur, visitors experience the raw power of Iceland's volcanic geology at close range.
Safety + sourcing
Last updated: 2026-02-01
Always stay on marked paths and boardwalks throughout Haukadalur. The ground can be thin and unstable near geothermal features, with scalding water just below the surface.
Sources to check
Tourist Route
Golden Circle
Haukadalur is one of the three essential stops on Iceland's most popular sightseeing route from Reykjavik.
Admission
Free
The entire geothermal area is free to access. Parking and walking paths are provided at no charge.
What to Expect
Strokkur Eruptions Every 5-10 Min
The star attraction shoots boiling water 15-20 meters high with clockwork regularity. Watch for the iconic blue bubble forming moments before each eruption.
The Great Geysir Basin
Stand before the 10,000-year-old original geyser that named all others. The 3-meter wide basin steams at 80-100°C. Mostly dormant since 2000.
Blesi Hot Spring Pair
Two adjacent pools -- one clear turquoise blue, one milky opaque white -- colored by different dissolved silica concentrations and water temperatures.
Free Admission & Open Access
The entire geothermal area is free. No tickets, no booking. Walking paths and viewing areas are open 24/7, year-round. Restrooms at the Geysir Center.
What to Bring
Warm windproof layers, sturdy shoes, and a camera (burst mode for eruptions). Stand upwind of Strokkur to avoid hot spray. Stay on marked paths at all times.
50+ Active Geothermal Vents
Beyond Strokkur and Geysir, the valley contains dozens of fumaroles, mud pots, and hot springs with colorful mineral deposits of silica, sulfur, and iron oxide.
Getting There
Haukadalur is located along Route 35 in South Iceland, approximately 100 km from Reykjavík. The drive takes about 1.5 hours via Route 1 east and Route 35 north, entirely on paved roads -- no 4WD required. A large free parking lot is available at the Geysir Center, from which the geothermal features are a 2-minute walk. The nearest town with fuel and shops is Laugarvatn (25 km). Haukadalur is one of the three essential Golden Circle stops alongside Þingvellir National Park (60 km southwest) and Gullfoss waterfall (10 km northeast). Well-served by tour operators year-round. Winter roads are typically well-maintained but check road.is before departure.
Best Time to Visit
Year-round. June through August: warmest conditions (10-15°C) with up to 21 hours of daylight. However, this is peak tourist season -- the area can become very crowded between 10 AM and 4 PM when tour buses arrive. Visit early morning or late afternoon. September through October: smaller crowds, cooler temperatures, and more visible steam in the crisp air. November through February: a magical atmosphere as steam billows against snow-covered landscapes with far fewer visitors. Northern lights are sometimes visible from the area on clear evenings. March through May: lengthening days with moderate crowds. Strokkur erupts equally impressively in all seasons and all weather conditions.
Planning help
Haukadalur FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.