Geysir Entrance Fee to be ISK 600

An entrance fee to Geysir erupting hot spring in South Iceland will be charged by private landowners of the area as of March 10, ruv.is reports. The fee will be used for development and protection of the area, according to a statement from the landowners.

The entrance fee of ISK 600 (USD 5.20, EUR 3.80) for visitors over 17 years of age. Up to 6,000 people visit the area every day.

The entrance fee has caused heated debate in Iceland with some arguing that the establishment of a nature pass would better serve the protection of areas.

Tourism Minister against Admission Fee at Geysir

In an interview with RÚV, Ragnheiður reasoned that it will serve nature protection and development of destinations much better to introduce a nature pass, as has been discussed, than to charge admission to selected destinations.

Two thirds of the Geysir area is in private ownership while the Icelandic state owns one third, including the area’s main tourist attractions: erupting hot springs Geysir and Strokkur.

Source: IcelandReview
Iceland24, February 2014