Strokkur

Strokkur is a well-known geyser located in the Haukadalur valley in south-west Iceland, within the Geysir Geothermal Area of the Golden Circle. The name Strokkur is Icelandic and is commonly interpreted as “the churn” or “the churner.” The geyser sits in a cone-like crater and is one of the area’s most active features, contrasting with the nearby older and more dramatic Great Geysir.

Eruptions at Strokkur occur at relatively regular intervals, typically every 6 to 10 minutes. Each burst ejects a column of hot water and steam into the air, usually reaching heights of up to about 20 meters (approximately 65 feet). In stronger bursts, water can rise much higher, with occasional reports of bursts approaching 40 meters. Eruptions are brief, lasting only a few seconds to about a minute before the vent refills and a new cycle begins.

The eruption mechanism is driven by geothermal heating from Iceland’s volcanic system. Groundwater collects in underground channels, becomes superheated, and gas accumulates until the pressure is released through the conduit, resulting in a fountain of hot water.

Strokkur is a major tourist attraction in Iceland and a staple of the Golden Circle itinerary. The surrounding hydrothermal area includes other boiling springs and geothermal features, illustrating Iceland’s active geology and dynamic landscape.