Boardwalk
~15–30 min loop
Well-maintained boardwalk through the heart of the geothermal field
Kr\u00fdsuv\u00edk-Selt\u00fan: Colorful Geothermal Area on Reykjanes
A vivid geothermal field of bubbling mud, steaming vents, and ground painted in extraordinary colors by sulfur and mineral deposits.
Updated February 1, 2026By the Iceland.org Travel Team
Location
Route 42
Reykjanes Peninsula \u2022 Near Kleifarvatn
Kr\u00fdsuv\u00edk-Selt\u00fan is one of the most visually striking geothermal areas in Iceland, located along Route 42 on the Reykjanes peninsula, just south of the dark waters of Kleifarvatn lake. The Selt\u00fan geothermal field is a compact but intensely active landscape of bubbling mud pots, hissing fumaroles, and steaming vents set against terrain stained in vivid yellows, oranges, reds, and greens by sulfur and iron oxide deposits. A well-built boardwalk loop allows visitors to walk safely through the heart of the geothermal activity and observe the features up close. The area is part of the larger Kr\u00fdsuv\u00edk volcanic system, one of several active systems on the Reykjanes peninsula. Its easy access from Reykjav\u00edk and dramatic colors make it one of the most popular geothermal stops on the peninsula.
Safety + sourcing
Last updated: 2026-02-01
Stay on boardwalks. Boiling mud and scalding steam present throughout the area. Ground outside the boardwalk is unstable and potentially dangerous. Check volcanic alerts for Reykjanes.
Sources to check
Entrance Fee
Free
Open year-round with parking and restroom facilities
Distance
~40 km
From Reykjavík via Route 42, about 40 minutes’ drive
What to Expect
Vivid Mineral Deposits
Sulfur (yellow), iron oxide (red/orange), silica (white), and clay minerals (green) coat the ground in an ever-changing palette -- most vivid after rain
Bubbling Mud Pots (100°C)
Thick, gurgling pools of hot gray mud at approximately 100°C popping and splattering as volcanic gases escape from below the surface
Free Admission & Boardwalk
Completely free to visit year-round. A well-maintained boardwalk loop with information boards takes 15-30 minutes to walk at a leisurely pace
What to Bring
Sturdy footwear with good grip (boardwalk can be slippery when wet), windproof jacket (Reykjanes is windy), and a camera for the extraordinary colors
Kleifarvatn Lake Nearby
Iceland's deepest lake (97 m) lies just north of Seltún with underwater hot springs. The dark, mystical lake is a dramatic photo stop on Route 42
Grænavatn Crater Lake
A striking green crater lake just east of Seltún. Its vivid green color comes from a combination of algae, sulfur compounds, and mineral deposits
Getting There
From Reykjavík, take Route 41 south toward Hafnarfjörður then continue onto Route 42, which crosses the Reykjanes peninsula. Krýsuvík-Seltún is located directly on Route 42 between Kleifarvatn lake and the south coast, approximately 40 km (40 minutes) from central Reykjavík. A free parking area is right beside the road with restroom facilities. No 4WD required -- the route is paved or well-maintained gravel throughout. The nearest town is Hafnarfjörður (30 km). Combine with Kleifarvatn lake (5 minutes north), Grænavatn (2 minutes east), and Gunnuhver (30 minutes west) for a full Reykjanes geothermal day trip.
Best Time to Visit
Year-round. The mineral colors are most vivid after rain when wet ground intensifies the hues. June through August: longest daylight, mildest conditions, and best photography light. Summer afternoons see the most visitors, but it rarely gets as crowded as Golden Circle attractions. September through October: autumn brings dramatic moody skies and fewer people. November through February: atmospheric winter conditions with steam contrasting against dark skies. The boardwalk can be icy -- wear sturdy footwear with good grip. On clear winter nights, the Reykjanes peninsula is excellent for northern lights viewing. March through May: spring light returns with moderate visitor numbers. Morning visits are quietest in any season.
Planning help
Kr\u00fdsuv\u00edk-Selt\u00fan FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.