Flow Rate
180 L/sec
Deildartunguhver produces approximately 180 liters of hot water every second, making it the highest-flow hot spring in Europe.
Deildartunguhver - Europe's Most Powerful Hot Spring
Europe's most powerful hot spring, producing 180 liters of near-boiling water per second in the heart of West Iceland.
Updated February 1, 2026By the Iceland.org Travel Team
Location
West Iceland
Borgarfjordur, near Reykholt
Deildartunguhver is Europe's most powerful hot spring, located in the Borgarfjordur region of West Iceland near the historic settlement of Reykholt. The spring produces an extraordinary 180 liters of water per second at a temperature of 97 degrees Celsius, sending vast clouds of steam into the air. This immense geothermal output has been harnessed for practical use: the hot water is piped through insulated conduits to provide district heating for the towns of Borgarnes and Akranes, located 34 km and 64 km away respectively. Adjacent to the hot spring, the Krauma geothermal spa offers visitors the chance to bathe in the spring's water, cooled and blended with cold glacial water from the Ok glacier.
Safety + sourcing
Last updated: 2026-02-01
The water at Deildartunguhver is near boiling temperature. Stay behind all barriers and on marked viewing platforms. Never touch the water or attempt to enter the spring.
Sources to check
Water Temperature
97°C
The water emerges at 97 degrees Celsius, just below boiling point, creating dramatic clouds of steam year-round.
European Ranking
Most Powerful
Deildartunguhver holds the record as the most powerful (highest flow rate) hot spring in all of Europe.
What to Expect
Massive Steam Clouds
The sheer volume of 97°C water creates enormous plumes of steam visible from a considerable distance. Most dramatic on cold winter days when the temperature contrast is greatest.
Record-Breaking Flow Rate
Watch 180 liters per second of steaming water surge from the earth -- the highest flow rate of any hot spring in Europe. Free to view year-round.
Krauma Spa Adjacent (from ~4,900 ISK)
Krauma spa offers five hot baths (36-40°C), a cold tub (5°C), two steam rooms, and a relaxation area, all fed by Deildartunguhver's water blended with glacial water.
District Heating Infrastructure
The hot water is piped through insulated conduits 34 km to Borgarnes and 64 km to Akranes, remaining hot enough to heat buildings -- a testament to Iceland's geothermal engineering.
What to Bring
A camera and waterproof jacket for steam spray. The viewing walkway is free and takes 15-20 minutes. No swimming -- the water is near boiling. Stay behind all barriers.
Reykholt & Snorralaug Nearby
The medieval settlement of Reykholt (2 km) features Snorralaug, the reconstructed hot pool of saga writer Snorri Sturluson -- one of Iceland's oldest man-made pools.
Getting There
Deildartunguhver is located in the Borgarfjörður area of West Iceland, approximately 100 km north of Reykjavík. From Reykjavík, take Route 1 north through the Hvalfjörður tunnel, continue through Borgarnes, then turn east onto Route 50 toward Reykholt. The hot spring is well-signposted with a free parking area accommodating approximately 30 cars. The nearest town is Reykholt (2 km). The drive takes approximately 1.5 hours on paved roads -- no 4WD required. Combine with Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls (10 km east), Víðgelmir lava cave (25 km), and Krauma spa (adjacent) for a full West Iceland day trip.
Best Time to Visit
Year-round. October through March: cold air produces the most dramatic steam columns -- winter visits are visually spectacular. Northern lights are possible from nearby Krauma spa on clear evenings. December through February offers the most dramatic steam-to-air contrast. April through May: returning spring daylight with moderate visitor numbers. June through August: longest daylight and warmest weather, but also peak tourist season. Book Krauma spa in advance during summer. September: autumn colors in the Reykholt-area birch woods make for excellent photography. The hot spring itself requires only 15-20 minutes for viewing, but budget 2+ hours if combining with Krauma spa. The viewing area is open 24 hours with no gates or closures.
Planning help
Deildartunguhver FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.