North IcelandSulfur fields
Hverir (Namaskarð)
One of Iceland’s largest and most accessible high-temperature geothermal areas. Boiling mud pots, steam vents, and sulfur-encrusted fumaroles spread across a barren, Mars-like landscape near Lake Mývatn.
Geothermal Areas
Geothermal Areas of Iceland: Hot Springs, Mud Pools & Fumaroles
Boiling mud, steaming vents, and natural hot springs\u2014Iceland sits on one of Earth\u2019s most volcanically active hotspots, and its geothermal areas are among the most dramatic on the planet.
Updated February 1, 2026By the Iceland.org Travel Team
Safety warning
Stay on marked paths
Ground near hot springs can be thin and unstable. Boiling water lies just beneath the surface.
Safety + sourcing
Last updated: 2026-02-01
This guide is for trip planning, not emergency guidance. Geothermal areas contain scalding water and unstable ground\u2014always stay on marked paths and boardwalks, and never touch geothermal water unless in a designated bathing area.
Sources to check
HighlandsHot springs + rhyolite mountains
Landmannalaugar
A Highland gem where a natural hot spring meets a cold river, creating a perfect bathing spot amid colorful rhyolite mountains. Starting point of the famous Laugavegur trek.
South IcelandSwimmable hot river
Reykjadalur Hot Spring River
A geothermally heated river in a scenic valley near Hveragerði. A 3 km hike through steaming hillsides leads to a section where hot and cold water mix for comfortable bathing.
South IcelandHistoric outdoor pool
Seljavallalaug
One of Iceland’s oldest swimming pools, built in 1923 and fed by a natural hot spring. Nestled in a narrow valley beneath Eyjafjallajökull. Free and open year-round but unmaintained.
HighlandsGeothermal oasis
Hveravellir
A geothermal oasis in the interior highlands between Langjökull and Hofsjökull glaciers. Hot springs, silica deposits, and a small bathing pool at a historic refuge used since saga times.
ReykjanesPowerful mud pools + steam
Gunnuhver
Iceland’s largest mud pool and one of Europe’s most powerful geothermal vents, located near the tip of the Reykjanes peninsula. Named after a ghost from Icelandic folklore. Boardwalk viewing only.
ReykjanesColorful geothermal area
Krýsuvík-Seltún
A vivid geothermal field on the Reykjanes peninsula with bubbling mud pots, steaming vents, and soil stained in shades of yellow, orange, red, and green by sulfur and mineral deposits.
South IcelandSmall natural hot pot
Hrunalaug
A tiny, historic natural hot pot near the village of Flúðir in South Iceland. Hand-built stone basin fed by a geothermal spring. A small donation is requested to help with upkeep.
Hverir: Iceland's Gateway to the Underworld
Hverir (also known as Namaskar\u00f0) is a high-temperature geothermal field on the eastern shore of Lake M\u00fdvatn in North Iceland, sitting on the Krafla volcanic system. The area is a vast expanse of clay and sulfur with no vegetation\u2014just bubbling mud cauldrons, hissing fumaroles, and steaming vents against a backdrop of rust-colored ridges.
The geothermal activity here is driven by magma sitting just 2\u20133 km below the surface, heating groundwater to extreme temperatures. Surface temperatures at the vents can exceed 100\u00b0C. The colorful mineral deposits\u2014yellow sulfur, white silica, red iron oxides\u2014create an otherworldly palette that has drawn comparison to Mars.
Hverir is located right off Route 1, making it one of Iceland\u2019s most accessible geothermal areas. There is no entrance fee. A small parking area serves visitors year-round, though the area can be icy in winter. No boardwalks are installed\u2014visitors walk freely but must exercise caution near boiling mud pots and steam vents. Combine with visits to the nearby Krafla caldera, V\u00edti crater, and M\u00fdvatn Nature Baths.
Planning help
Iceland geothermal areas FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.