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.
There are to be seen some of the most famous sights of the island: the geysers and other geothermal features which have developed on Laugarfjall rhyolitic dome.[1] 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 only erupts 4 to 5 times a day. 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 17 and 21 July 2000 earthquake. Due to geysers the valley has been the prime tourist attraction of Iceland since the 18th century.
The waterfall Gullfoss is about 10 km to the north in the direction of the Highlands of Iceland and at the beginning of the Kjölur highland road. Like Þingvellir, Haukadalur is part of the Golden Circle.
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Haukadalur, Iceland
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Litli Geysir, Haukadalur, Iceland
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Geysir Hot Spring Area
Haukadalur, Snæfellsnes
Another valley by the name Haukadalur exists in the north-west region of Snæfellsnes. The valley is situated to the south of the village Búðardalur at 65°02′19″N 21°45′24″W / 65.03861°N 21.75667°W. This is the location of the former residence of the viking Erik the Red (isl. Eiríkur Rauði) who discovered Greenland.
Haukadalur, Vestfirðir
A third valley of this name is to be found near Þingeyri, in the Westfjords (Vestfirðir) at 65°52′8″N 23°29′48″W / 65.86889°N 23.49667°W.
See also
- Volcanism in Iceland
- List of cities in Iceland
- Waterfalls of Iceland
References
- ↑ "Haukadalur geothermal area". Wondermondo.