How do I get to Hveravellir?

Hveravellir is located on the Kjölur Highland road (Route 35) between Langjökull and Hofsjökull glaciers. While Route 35 is technically not an F-road, it crosses rivers and is unpaved—a 4WD vehicle with good clearance is strongly recommended. The drive from Reykjavík via Gullfoss takes about 4–5 hours. Highland buses also run the Kjölur route in summer.

Can I stay overnight at Hveravellir?

Yes, Hveravellir has a staffed mountain hut operated by the Touring Club of Iceland (Ferðafélag Íslands) with sleeping bag accommodation, as well as a campsite. The hut includes a small kitchen and common area. Reservations are recommended in summer as the hut fills up, especially on weekends. The season typically runs from mid-June to early September.

Is the hot pot at Hveravellir natural?

The bathing pool at Hveravellir is a small, constructed pool fed by natural geothermal water. It sits among the hot springs and offers a comfortable bathing temperature. It is free for hut and campsite guests. The setting—surrounded by steaming vents and silica formations in the middle of the Highland desert—makes it one of Iceland’s most atmospheric bathing spots.

What is the history of Hveravellir?

Hveravellir has been a stopping point for travelers crossing the Highlands since saga times. The 18th-century outlaw Fjalla-Eyvindur reportedly hid here for years, using the hot springs to cook food. His shelter ruins can still be seen near the geothermal area. The site has been a waystation on the Kjölur route for centuries.

Hveravellir: Geothermal Oasis in Iceland's Highlands

A geothermal oasis in the barren interior Highlands, offering hot springs, silica terraces, and a warm bathing pool between two glaciers.

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

Location

Kjölur Route

Highlands \u2022 Route 35 \u2022 4WD recommended

Hveravellir is a protected geothermal area situated in the heart of Iceland\u2019s uninhabited interior, midway along the Kjölur Highland road (Route 35) between Langjökull and Hofsjökull glaciers. This oasis in the highland desert features a cluster of hot springs, fumaroles, and delicate silica terraces formed over centuries by mineral-rich water. A small, warm bathing pool offers one of Iceland\u2019s most memorable soaking experiences\u2014surrounded by steaming vents with nothing but barren highland landscape in every direction. Hveravellir has served as a waystation for highland travelers since the saga age, and the ruins of the 18th-century outlaw Fjalla-Eyvindur\u2019s shelter can still be seen among the hot springs. Today, a staffed mountain hut and campsite welcome summer visitors.

Safety + sourcing

Last updated: 2026-02-01

Highland location\u20144WD recommended. Route 35 typically open mid-June to September. Stay on marked paths around hot springs. Silica formations are extremely fragile.

Sources to check

Elevation

~650 m

Highland desert between Langjökull and Hofsjökull glaciers

Season

Mid-Jun–Sep

Route 35 and facilities open during summer months only

Distance

~200 km

From Reykjavík via Gullfoss and Route 35 (4–5 hours)

What to Expect

Bathing Pool (36-40°C)

A small constructed pool fed by natural geothermal water at 36-40°C. Free for hut guests and campers. Soak amid steaming highland scenery at 650 m elevation

Silica Terraces & Bláhver

Delicate white and blue silica formations built up over centuries. The blue spring Bláhver is particularly striking. These fragile formations are strictly protected -- never touch

What to Bring

Swimsuit, towel, warm layers, waterproof jacket, food and water (no shop on site), sleeping bag if staying overnight. Bring all supplies from lowland towns

Fjalla-Eyvindur's Outlaw Ruins

Ruins of an 18th-century outlaw shelter visible among the hot springs. Fjalla-Eyvindur reportedly survived decades in the highlands using geothermal heat to cook food

Mountain Hut & Campsite

FI operates a staffed summer hut with sleeping bag bunks (~8,000 ISK/night) and a campsite (~2,000 ISK). Kitchen available. Book huts in advance for weekends

Highland Desert Panorama

Vast treeless landscape stretching to Langjökull glacier to the west and Hofsjökull to the east. One of Iceland's most remote inhabited summer locations

Getting There

From Reykjavík, drive to Gullfoss via Route 35 (the Golden Circle route), then continue north on Route 35 (the Kjölur road) into the Highlands. Hveravellir is approximately 100 km north of Gullfoss on this unpaved but usually manageable road. The total drive from Reykjavík is approximately 200 km (4-5 hours). A 4WD vehicle is strongly recommended due to river crossings and rough stretches, though Route 35 is technically not an F-road. The nearest fuel and services are at Gullfoss (100 km south) or Blönduós (130 km north). Highland buses on the Kjölur route (SBA-Norðurleið) stop at Hveravellir in summer, making it accessible without a car. A gravel parking area is available at the site. Always check road.is for current conditions before departure.

Best Time to Visit

Summer only, typically mid-June through early September. Late June: Route 35 may just be opening -- check road.is daily. River crossings may be high from snowmelt. July: the most reliable month with the warmest highland weather (5-15°C) and fully staffed hut. The highland desert is stunning in clear weather with views to both glaciers. August: still excellent conditions. The bathing pool is at its best on cool, clear evenings when steam rises dramatically. Book mountain hut bunks well ahead for July weekends. September: the road may close early depending on weather. The facility closes for winter when Route 35 becomes impassable, typically by mid-September.

Planning help

Hveravellir FAQs

Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.

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