Haukadalur Valley
Haukadalur is a valley with many geysers in Iceland, located one hundred kilometers from Reykjavik. In addition to the famous geysers of Strokkur and Geyser, there are many small hot springs here. The beautiful Gullfoss waterfall is located in the northern part of the valley.
In 1894, a local farmer sold the Hawkadaloor Valley to alcohol producer James Craig, who later became Prime Minister of Northern Ireland. He erected a fence and made the entrance paid for those who wanted to look at the geysers. Then he handed over the territories to a close friend, who reduced the cost of admission. In 1935, the site was bought by director Sigurdur Jonasson, who donated the area to the people of Iceland.
From a distance, clouds of steam can be seen from the valley, sometimes rising to the sky, sometimes lying right on the ground. By the way, the name of the capital of Iceland translates as "Steaming Harbor". The majestic Strokkur and Geyser geysers, from which the name of this natural phenomenon once originated, are located in the Haukadalur valley. The geyser was mentioned as early as the 13th century, and in the records of 1630 it is said that its power was so strong that it made the earth tremble at long distances from it. In the 19th century, the eruptions of the Geyser stopped, but soon it was awakened by an earthquake, but its power did not recover. Today, the Geyser rises to the sky no more than 5 times a day, unlike the Strokkur, which erupts once every ten minutes. The Geyser has a twist - it systematically dries completely and tourists can see its bottom, covered with tuff rocks. In addition to these main ones, there are about 30 small geysers and thermal springs in the Haukadalur Valley.
Lake Blesi, which stands out in bright blue, is no less famous. Also in the Haukadalur valley, you can see mud cauldrons, where mud blooms everywhere, which gives beauty and exoticism to the valley. Walking through the valley, you should definitely visit the Gullfoss waterfall, whose name means "Golden Waterfall". He brings down the power of the Khvitau River with all his might, raising water dust into the air, forming a fabulously beautiful rainbow.
The valley is constantly changing due to frequent earthquakes. Nearby residents use geothermal sources to heat their homes in winter, and water from hot springs is collected in pools.
