Is Gunnuhver safe to visit?

Gunnuhver is safe when you stay on the designated boardwalks and viewing platforms. The mud pools and steam vents are extremely hot—temperatures exceed 300°C underground. The ground around active vents is unstable and can collapse. In 2008, a section of the viewing platform was destroyed when the geothermal area suddenly expanded. Never leave the boardwalk.

Who was Gunna and why is the area named after her?

According to Icelandic folklore, Gunna (Guðrún Önundardóttir) was a woman from the area who became a vengeful ghost after death in the 13th century. She reportedly haunted the Reykjanes peninsula until a priest trapped her spirit in the largest hot spring, which has carried her name ever since.

How long does a visit to Gunnuhver take?

A visit to Gunnuhver typically takes 20–40 minutes. The boardwalk loop is relatively short, passing the main mud pool and several steam vents. Combine it with nearby Reykjanestá lighthouse (Iceland’s oldest, just a short walk away) and the Bridge Between Continents for a half-day on the Reykjanes peninsula.

Is Gunnuhver connected to recent volcanic activity?

Yes, Gunnuhver sits within the Reykjanes volcanic system, which has been experiencing increased seismic and volcanic activity since 2020. Several eruptions have occurred on the Reykjanes peninsula in recent years. The geothermal activity at Gunnuhver is related to the same tectonic forces. Always check SafeTravel for current volcanic alerts before visiting the Reykjanes area.

Gunnuhver: Powerful Mud Pools & Steam on Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula

Iceland\u2019s largest mud pool and one of Europe\u2019s most powerful geothermal vents, named after a ghost from Icelandic folklore.

Updated February 1, 2026By the Iceland.org Travel Team

Location

Reykjanes tip

Reykjanes Peninsula \u2022 Near Reykjanest\u00e1

Gunnuhver is a fierce geothermal area located near the southwestern tip of the Reykjanes peninsula, just minutes from the Reykjanest\u00e1 lighthouse. It is home to Iceland\u2019s largest mud pool\u2014a roiling cauldron of gray, boiling mud\u2014and some of the most powerful steam vents in Europe, sending massive columns of steam high into the air. The area is named after Gu\u00f0r\u00fan \u00d6nundard\u00f3ttir (nicknamed Gunna), a ghost from local folklore who was reportedly trapped in the hot spring by a priest in the 13th century. A boardwalk system allows visitors to safely view the mud pools and fumaroles from a safe distance. The area sits atop the Mid-Atlantic Ridge where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet, and has become more active in recent years alongside the broader Reykjanes volcanic unrest.

Safety + sourcing

Last updated: 2026-02-01

Extremely high temperatures. Stay on boardwalks at all times\u2014ground can collapse without warning. Check volcanic alerts for the Reykjanes area before visiting.

Sources to check

Temperature

300°C+ underground

Surface temperatures at vents exceed 100°C; subsurface far hotter

Entrance Fee

Free

Boardwalk access year-round, parking at the site

Distance

~50 km

From Reykjavík, about 50 minutes via Route 41 and 425

What to Expect

Massive Mud Pool (100°C+)

Iceland's largest mud pool -- a churning cauldron of thick, boiling gray mud several meters across with surface temperatures exceeding 100°C

Powerful Steam Vents

Enormous columns of steam rising 15-20 meters from fissures in the earth, visible from a considerable distance. Underground temperatures exceed 300°C

Safe Boardwalk System

Maintained boardwalks and viewing platforms allow close but safe observation. The boardwalk loop takes 20-40 minutes. Free admission, open year-round

Folklore of the Ghost Gunna

Named after Guðrún Önundardóttir, a 13th-century ghost reportedly trapped in the hot spring by a priest. Information signs at the site tell the full saga

What to Bring

Windproof jacket (the Reykjanes tip is extremely windy), sturdy shoes, and a camera. No swimming or bathing -- this is a viewing-only geothermal site

Reykjanestá Lighthouse Nearby

Iceland's oldest lighthouse (built 1878) is a 5-minute walk from Gunnuhver, perched on dramatic coastal cliffs with views across the Atlantic

Getting There

From Reykjavík, drive south on Route 41 toward Keflavík, then continue southwest on Route 44 and Route 425 to the tip of the Reykjanes peninsula. The total drive is approximately 50 km (50 minutes). A free parking area with an information board is located at the site. The boardwalk to the viewing platforms is short, flat, and wheelchair-accessible. No 4WD required -- the route is fully paved. The nearest town is Grindavík (15 km). Combine with the Reykjanestá lighthouse (5-minute walk), the Bridge Between Continents at Sandvík (10-minute drive), and Krýsuvík-Seltún (30-minute drive) for a full Reykjanes geothermal day trip.

Best Time to Visit

Year-round, with conditions varying by season. November through February: the most dramatic steam columns form on cold, calm winter days, rising tall and straight against dark skies. Northern lights are sometimes visible from the area. March through May: lengthening days with moderate crowds and spring light on the coastal cliffs. June through August: longest daylight and mildest temperatures, but also peak tourist season. The Reykjanes peninsula is Iceland's windiest region -- bring windproof layers in any season. September through October: quieter shoulder season with atmospheric autumn conditions. Always check SafeTravel for volcanic activity alerts in the Reykjanes area, as eruptions have occurred nearby since 2021.

Planning help

Gunnuhver FAQs

Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.

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