Nature and geology

Geysir in Haukadal is one of the most famous geysers in the world and the local name Geysir has given the geyser its name in foreign languages (e. geyser) and the hot spring scabs are often called "geyserite".

The geyser area lies in the western volcanic belt of Iceland, which explains the geothermal activity of the area. There have been theories that there was a main volcano in the area as liparite has been found around the area, for example in Laugarfell (187 m) which rises above the hot spring area. The high temperature area covers approx. 3 km2with numerous hot springs, but the Geysir area itself is only a small part of it. There are numerous hot springs in the area outside of Geysir, of which Strokkur is the most famous, but amongst other significant ones are Konungshver, Blesi, Litli Geysir, Ótherrishola and Sísjódandi.

In the past, Geysir has been active in varying degrees, but seismic activity in the Southern region has sometimes caused it to stir. After the earthquakes in the Southern region in the year 2000, Geysir livened up again for a while, but has been dormant since. It was last known to have erupted in the year 2016.

In recent years, Strokkur has therefore been the main tourist attraction. Its activity has also fluctuated over the years, but Strokkur still does not behave quite like Geysir, as it erupts in small but powerful eruptions. However, since the geyser does not empty between eruptions (unlike Geysir), the geyser quickly fills up again and eruptions therefore happen at regular intervals. The eruptions in Strokkur can reach up to 30 m in height.

There are numerous other geysers in the area, including: Blesi, Fata, Seydirinn, Sódi, litli Geysir, Ótherrishola, Litli Strokkur, Vigdísarhver, Smidur, Móri, Sísjodandi, Konungshver, Thykkvuhverir

In the Geysir area a variety of vegetation can be found. Birch trees make an impression on the landscape, as the area is also home to a number of vascular plants, including self-heal, creeping thyme, hairy stonecrop, marsh cudweed and buckhorn. One may also find two geothermal types of vascular plants that are classified as species in some danger, i.e. blue water speedwell (veronica anagallis-aquatica) and adder´s tongue (ophioglossum azoricum). In addition to vascular plants, several geothermal types of moss grow in the Geysir area.