The origin of the strange word geyser lies in Iceland. Its most famous example, the legendary Stokkur Geyser at Geysir - which means gusher or spouter in Danish and hence gave the name to the phenomena - was once a spectacular tourist attraction with a giant spout over 80 metres high. Unfortunately, probably due to impatient visitors throwing things down its throat in an attempt to encourage an eruption, this star attraction now lies mostly dormant.

But don't be disheartened, another renowned water spout is literally a stone's throw away from the Strokkur Geyser at Geysir, in the hot spring area around Haukadalur, in the southern part of Iceland. Strokkur, or "the Churn," may not spurt so high, but with an almost-guaranteed water spout every five minutes or so, its 25-metre height is very impressive indeed. The area is directly on top of an active volcanic belt that stretches from the south-west tip of Iceland to the north-east tip and the spectacular water spouts, as well as the hot bubbling mud springs around about are, quite literally, the Earth's way of letting off steam. There are plenty of trails and walking tours that can be taken in the area.