Iceland`s great natural wonder - Geysirs still erupt by spouting columns of boiling water and steam into the air

Iceland is full of volcanic traces and activity. First I drove to Krafla, which is an volcanic area, which has erupted several times in the last few centuries (in 1724, 1975 and in 1984). The eruption in 1724 left a large crater, which has subsequently been filled with water. So I drove further to the magic "spitting" water holes.

Geysirs are natural wonders
There are several geysirs around Iceland. The eruption takes place all 10-15 minutes. Near the geysirs there are very often sulpheric springs with hot water. The earth is very thin and one should not walk to close to the holes.

Hot springs is another less harmful form of volcanic activity. The crust of the earth is very thin in some parts of Iceland allowing for hot springs to form continueosly. A story has it that once a hot spring appeared in the middle of someone's kitchen! As inviting as a hot spring looks, don't stick your finger in. Many get attempted just for fun, but I have to remind you: the water is boiling!

Photos. Some poits of boiling water.

Iceland generates most of its electric powers out of steamengines which run with hot steam out of the springs. One more reason why the air is that clean and there is no air pollution.

Geysir (full name The Great Geysir), in the Haukadalur valley, Iceland, is the oldest geyser in recorded history and one of the world's most impressive examples of the phenomenon. The geothermal field surrounding the Great Geyser is the definitive geyser, having given its name to the geological phenomena. The Strokkur, another famous geyser located nearby, gives a performance every few minutes, shooting a tower of water and steam 30 meters into the air.

Photo. Geysir, an Icelandic great natural phenomena.   Indeed the English word geyser to describe a spouting hot spring derives from Geysir, the place (which itself is related to the Icelandic verb gjósa meaning to erupt). Geysir lies on the slopes of Laugarfjall hill which is also the home to Strokkur geyser. Sometimes the name Geysir is used to describe the whole surrounding area - both Great Geysir and Strokkur and several dozens smaller geysirs on the same hillside.

"Strokkur" (geysir or geyser) is also a title of a song, which the world famous Icelandic popgroup Sigurd Ros performs.

Until 1894 the Geysir area was owned by a local farmer. In that year the area was sold to James Craig (later Lord Craigavon), a whisky distiller and future Prime Minister of Northern Ireland. Initially he erected large fences around the site and an entrance fee was charged for visitors wishing to view the geysers.

The following year however Craig appeared to tire of his project and gave the area as a present to a friend, E. Craig, who dropped the entrance fees. Later Craig's nephew Hugh Rogers inherited the site.

In 1935 he sold the site to film director Sigurður Jónasson who subsequently donated it to the Icelandic people in perpetuity.

For a long time ago the biggest Gesirs rose boiling water 50 - 60 metres up in the air. Walking amaong his natural wonders, is a dramatic experiences where you can feel the power of nature. There is also opportunities for night time observations which gives new dimension in the view of the bubbling hot springs.

This is definitely not the place you go for showering. If you get too close you will be boilded of the hot water. But the view is wonderful!

Stein Morten Lund, 15 January 2005

Additional information
Iceland has the last years been one of Europe`s hottest destinations. It`s natural wonder, various range of activities and party life appeal much to people who look for an extraordinary adventure. In Iceland you can get everything! Why not try a combined tour?

Facts about Iceland:
Full country name: Republic of Iceland
Area: 103,000 sq km (39,768 sq mi)
Population: 279,000
Capital city: Reykjavík (population 171,500)
People: 97% Icelanders
Language: Icelandic
Religion: 95% Evangelical Lutheran, 3% other Protestant denominations, 1% Roman Catholic, & some followers of Ásatrú, an ancient Norse religion
Government: Constitutional republic

The Official Travel Guide to Iceland: click on the link for more information about Iceland www.icetourist.is.

Frequent flights operate to Iceland from main cities in Europe and North America and many gateways are served daily. Check out the routes and prices on Iceland Air`s website: www.icelandair.no.