Haukadalur

Haukadalur (Hawkdale) is a name shared by three valleys in Iceland.

Haukadalur, Golden Circle

This valley lies to the north of the Laugarvatn in the south of Iceland at 64°18′40″N 20°17′2″W / 64.31111°N 20.28389°W / 64.31111; -20.28389.

Here are to be seen some of the most famous sights of Iceland: the geysers and other geothermal features which have developed on Laugarfjall rhyolitic dome. The biggest geysers of Haukadalur are Strokkur and Geysir itself, which gave others their name. Strokkur is very dependable and erupts every 5 to 10 minutes, whereas the bigger Geysir nowadays only erupts very rarely. There are also more than 40 other little hot springs, mud pots and fumaroles nearby.

Haukadalur geothermal area was first mentioned in written sources in 1294, when the local hot springs were activated by earthquake. Earthquakes are known to activate local geysers also in the recent past, including the 17 and 21 July 2000 earthquake. Due to geysers the valley has been a prime tourist attraction of Iceland since the 18th century.