Do you want to go to those corners of the globe that can boast amazing natural phenomena and unique sights? Today we are going on a tourist visit to the Haukadalur Valley, which is located among the rich in exotic landscapes of the surroundings of Iceland. The valley has long won love among tourists with its unique nature and just a huge number of natural springs and reservoirs for every taste. It is precisely because of this that it is included in the so-called Golden Circle (“Golden Ring”) of the route of many tourist groups.
Divine landscapes of the volcanic island
In the cold waters of the Atlantic, not far from the Arctic Circle, there is a unique and, one might even say, a fabulous island with inimitable nature – Iceland. The beauty here is unusual, even a little harsh and ascetic. Dozens of scorching geysers are located throughout the entire area of the island, which explode here and there like soap bubbles. They are echoed by numerous ancient volcanoes. And this whole bright picture is completed by masses of huge glaciers sliding down from the tops of the mountains.
The brightest place on the island – the valley of geysers – is located just a hundred kilometers from the Icelandic capital. Even at the entrance to it, an unusual picture opens before the eyes of inspired tourists. Huge clubs of steam alternately soar up, as if saluting the next thrill-seekers. It is thanks to this unique natural phenomenon that Iceland has received the nickname “Smoking Harbor”.
Iceland itself is a unique place on the planet. Extreme activity of tectonic processes is observed here. And the island itself is nothing more than a huge column of lava that has risen from the depths of the ocean for centuries. There are similar phenomena in other regions of the globe, one of which is also part of Russia (Kamchatka).
Symbols of the Icelandic valley
Thousands of tourists and simply those who have a weakness for breathtaking natural phenomena and picturesque places come to admire the local beauties every year. There are about 40 hot springs here, among which Lake Blezi, world-famous for its unusually turquoise waters, deserves special attention.
But the real symbols of the valley are considered to be the geysers Strokkur and Geysir, which are among the most powerful on the planet. Being next to these wonders of nature, a deceptive impression is created that they have their own soul, and their mood can change several times a day. It is as if we are in the abode of Mother Nature herself, where everything boils and rages, striking the imagination with its outlandish actions.
Both geysers spew their waters from the depths of the earth at different intervals. If Geysir pleases tourists only a couple of times a day (sometimes fading for several weeks or even months) with grandiose jets of water, which sometimes reach 60 meters in height, then Strokkur gives vivid emotions every ten minutes, and sometimes manages to shoot several jets in a row. The maximum height of such a steam-water flow reaches 20-30 meters.
No matter how much you would like to get closer to the geyser, this should not be done in any case. The temperature of the bubbling water is so high that it can easily leave unpleasant memories in the form of serious burns. Agree, then there will be no time for tourist excursions and photography. At the same time, the Icelandic services took care of the safety of visitors, so they fenced off the most dangerous areas. Now even children can witness this striking natural phenomenon, and their parents will not worry about their safety.
How does a natural “fountain” work?
The whole process originates in the depths of the earth's crust. The lower layers, which are under constant pressure from the upper layers of water, heat up and form the release of a huge amount of steam. Rumor has it that the water in the earth's crust is heated up to 120 degrees. Over time, hot streams rise up. The temperature difference causes boiling, which ends with an enchanting release of steam and millions of sprays several meters into the sky. It seems that the spray compete with each other, trying to surpass the speed and altitude of their “rivals”.
Immediately after the splash, the water retreats into the mouth of the geyser, but a second later it emerges again, as if studying the reaction of tourists who have just witnessed an impressive show. The approach of the next eruption can be predicted. Shortly before this, a noticeable pulsation of water begins in the neck of the geyser. This happens under the influence of steam, which accumulates in the lower layers and rushes to the top. Well, before you throw out the water, a kind of bubble forms in the geyser, which is about to burst, which makes even the most daring tourists slowly move back. Under the influence of steam, the bubble collapses and an eruption occurs.
As a rule, for one such “approach” there is only a one-time release of water, but sometimes you can become a witness to a whole cycle of eruptions. It is believed that it is difficult to find two identical geysers on the planet, and the Icelandic representatives of these natural “fountains” are the brightest and most impressive. Everyone should see the Strokkur geyser with their own eyes at least once in their life. Memorable pictures, vivid memories and unique sensations are guaranteed to everyone without exception.
Interestingly, Strokkur arose a little later than his “older brother” Geysir. It is the latter that is considered its ancestor and main creator. Earthquakes, which until recently were the hallmark of the island, had a significant impact on its formation and operation.
Tourist route
Well, are you already looking forward to your meeting with the brightest representatives of the genus of geysers? Then let's deal with the tourist route, which will allow us not to lose sight of many more interesting things. Iceland is rich in vibrant landscapes and unusual natural attractions.
Going to Iceland, you should definitely make your route through the Thingvellir Valley (which is better known as the Thinga Fields National Park) and the Gullfoss waterfall, which are also part of the Golden Tourist Ring mentioned above.
The most optimal route would be from the capital of the island through the valley of geysers, which is only a few tens of kilometers away. And you will have to get at least 100 km to the Big Geyser and the Strokkur Geyser. But, take my word for it, you will not be bored on the way at all. Wonderful landscapes, blue sky with shaggy clouds of bizarre shapes and rapidly changing weather – all this will give you vivid impressions of your stay in this distant, almost polar land.
Even if you decide to travel using public transport, the trip will not take more than a couple of hours. But most tourists prefer to travel by rented car, the prices for which are quite modest here. Well, for special tourists who crave not only new experiences, but also cannot live without extreme sports, there is always the opportunity to rent a snowmobile.
If you are in Iceland for the first time and are poorly oriented in the area, numerous guides will help you organize your weekend correctly. As a rule, sightseeing under the guidance of a professional guide takes 7-8 hours, so you should think about preparing sandwiches and hot tea.
Here are the approximate prices for excursions. So, a trip along the Golden Ring with stops at the most striking sights on a comfortable bus will cost each tourist about 70 dollars. For children, there is a discount system that allows you to save on a ticket for tourists under 12 years old about half of the indicated cost.
Prefer to travel separately from noisy groups? Then a company offering car rental services is waiting for you. The cost of such pleasure is $ 290 for each adult traveler and $ 145 for children.
Undoubtedly, the most comfortable trip will be in your own car. It is economical, convenient and cultural. You can choose places for stops yourself and not worry about falling behind the general group. At the same time, you should be extremely careful while driving. The specific climate contributes to the formation of ice on the roads, which increases the risk of accidents in some areas at times. Be careful and good luck discovering in Iceland!
In addition to the Strokkur geyser, there is much to see in Iceland. I recommend that you familiarize yourself with another popular attraction – Glacial Lake Jokulsarlon in Iceland.