Iceland is home of Geysir (pronounced gay-surh), the original spouting phenomenon from which all other geysers across the globe have inherited their name. The image here shows Strokkur, a geyser several hundred feet from Geysir. Strokkur is far more active than Geysir, spouting approximately every five minutes. Though Geysir erupts far less frequently, its stream reaches much higher (up to 200 feet).

Iceland is known for its geothermal activity. As a volcanically formed island atop the Mid-Atlantic ridge, there is constant underground activity. Over the years, the country has harnessed geothermal energy to great effect, and most all of the city of Reykjavik is heated in this way. One of the nicest feelings was turning on the faucet and having instant hot water; every morning I stepped into the shower under a torrent of water that was the perfect temperature. There was a sulfur smell, but it seemed to me more natural and less putrid than others I have sniffed.