Strokkur, Geysir

Strokkur translated into English is Churner. It isn't the largest geyser in Iceland, the credit for that lies with the nearby Geysir (meaning gusher), but it is incredibly impressive reaching upto 20 metres in height and is a great deal more relaible spouting every eight minutes or so. Strokkur and Geysir erupt from the geyser fields in the geothermal Haukadalur valley of Southern Iceland. A massive cauldron of bubbling spurting mud, water and steam, the geyser fields are an essential visit for any tourist to the country. The two largest of the geysers, Strokkur and Geysir have been included ... more

Geysers, or hot springs, exist all around Iceland with one of the main areas being in the south west. As the area is within easy reach of the capital, Reykjavik, it is one of the most commonly visited sites in Iceland, particularly as it forms part of the popular Golden Circle tour - which is the tour I took to visit. Here, the spring named Geysir (the name comes from an Old Norse verb geysa, meaning "to gush") gave its name to geysers in general. Geysers are generally found near volcanic areas, and are formed when water near the surface of the ground works its way down and contacts hot rocks ... more