Strokkur is the most visited active geyser in Iceland and one of the three main attractions, along with Gullfoss Waterfall and Þingvellir National Park on the famed Golden Circle route.
The main attraction of the Geysir Geothermal Area
Strokkur lies within the small Geysir Geothermal Area. The place takes its name from a neighboring geyser – Geysir – which is where the name “geyser” comes from. However, Geysir itself erupts very rarely and irregularly, so although its eruptions are much larger, it is Strokkur that “steals the show.” Simply put, Strokkur also erupts quite high, and for that it does so very regularly and frequently. Usually every 8 to 10 minutes. So during a short visit here you can see several of its eruptions….
Video: See how Strokkur explodes.
The environment of Strokkur is naturally beautiful and shaped by the forces of the earth: full of fumaroles, hot springs, mud pits and small geysers. Thanks to its mineral content, the earth here takes on picturesque colors of yellow (sulfur), green (copper) and red (iron). You’ll find here, of course, the Geysir itself, but also Blesi and other smaller springs.
How geysers work
Active geysers such as Strokkur are a rarity in the world. This is because several conditions are necessary for them to come into existence. The first is an intense heat source; after all, the magma must be close enough to the earth’s surface for the rocks to boil water. Another condition is precisely the source of flowing underground water. In the case of Strokkur, it comes from the country’s second-largest glacier, Langjökull. Meltwater from the glacier plunges into the surrounding porous lava rock and flows underground in all directions. In order for the geyser to erupt, an intricate “hydraulic” system is still needed to prevent the heated water from gradually, calmly escaping (then it would simply form a hot spring, like many in Iceland).
You can read more about how geysers form and work thanks to volcanoes in the article Stunning effects of Iceland’s volcanism
Strokkur – tips and practical information
- Strokkur erupts regularly, blowing water to a height of about fifteen to twenty meters every five to ten minutes.
- If you plan to visit Strokkur, take a hat with you to protect your head from the sun (there is no shade in the area). In winter, take gloves with you to protect your hands from the wind and low temperatures (especially if you want to take Photos).
- The temperature on the surface of the geyser is very variable, which affects the changes in atmospheric conditions in its immediate vicinity.
- At a depth of 1 m, the temperature is near-boiling (90-95 °C / 194-203 °F), at 10 m – 112 °C (234 °F), and at 23 m – even about 130 °C (266 °F)! This is no mistake; the record hot spring in Iceland at depth and so under immense pressure sometimes heats up to 150 °C / 300 °F!
- Ahead of the main geothermal area in the Haukadalur valley, there is a restaurant, café, hotel, gift store and N1 gas station.
How to get to Strokkur
Strokkur, along with several other geysers, is located in the Geysir Geothermal Area, in the Haukadalur Valley. It’s just off Road 35, in the northern part of the so-called Golden Circle, east of Reykjavik and north of the village of Fludir.
There is a convenient, large parking lot for coaches on Road 35, but if you’re traveling in a smaller vehicle, you can turn onto the smaller F333 road to the north and drive up to the parking lot located almost next to the geysers themselves.
