The Geysir geothermal area in Haukadalur Valley is a small but accessible hot spring on the Golden Circle in the western part of Iceland. The Strokkur geyser is the only one active right now. It erupts about every 5-10 minutes reaching 65-130 feet high. We stayed to watch a few eruptions. They were pretty cool, but hardly mind-blowing.
There are several other geysers in the small park but they are currently inactive. We are definitely back in the tourist zone – lots of people around on big tour buses. We’ve been spoiled and people unnerved us!
Gullfoss is a waterfall just up the road from the hot spring. We parked at the lower viewpoint and walked into the spray out to the falls.
We then walked up the stairs for upper viewpoint.
There were various tour vehicles parked in the upper parking lots. This is one of the more extreme ones. Iceland is a huge 4×4 engineering mecca.
Lunch was at Fridheimar Farm, a tomato greenhouse with a restaurant inside. Everything on the menu (yes everything) contains some form of tomato. They grow four different kinds of tomatoes and harvest about 2 tons every day. Most remain at the restaurant or local supermarkets. Very few are exported out of Iceland.
The refillable tomato soup with beautiful bread selection was a definite highlight.
The farm has some Icelandic horses for competition. No feeding but petting is allowed.
After many days of hikes it was time for some hot springs. Secret Lagoon (Gamla Laudin – or the old pool) is the oldest natural swimming pool in Iceland. We had to obey Icelandic hot spring etiquette – naked shower before entering the pool.
All around the pool are the natural hot springs. The signs are for real. This water is deadly!
After pasta with meatballs for dinner, we expect to sleep well tonight!