After spending about an hour at Dettifoss, we left around 2 pm and continued toward Hverir Geothermal Area. It was a short drive, only about half an hour, but the scenery changed completely. All of a sudden, the green valleys and waterfalls disappeared, and it felt like we drove straight onto Mars. Seeing steam rising against the barren, colorful hills made it feel like we were in a totally different world.
Hverir is one of Iceland‘s most active geothermal fields, making it one of the country’s most unusual landscapes. As we drove up, we could see massive plumes of steam rising into the air, and the mountains around us started turning into wild shades of red, yellow, and orange. Even before reaching the parking lot, it was obvious we were entering a very different environment.
We arrived at Hverir around 2:45 pm. The parking area was busy, with visitors coming and going, but the geothermal field was wide open and did not feel crowded at all.
The first thing we noticed after stepping out of the car was the smell. It was impossible to ignore, but after a few minutes, we started to get used to it. We paid the parking fee at the machine and walked towards the wide open geothermal area.
A short walk from the parking area led us directly into the heart of the geothermal field. It was windy and chilly, and under the cloudy sky the landscape looked almost alien.
Unlike many waterfalls or viewpoints in Iceland, Hverir isn’t about one specific attraction…. the entire area is the attraction. Everywhere we looked, the ground seemed alive. Steam rose from vents everywhere, and mud pots of all sizes bubbled and splashed constantly. Between the orange and rust colored hills, the ground was covered in bright yellows, whites, reds, and other colors created by the minerals. In the distance, a broad, snow-covered flat topped mountain rose up, creating a striking wild contrast with the hot, steaming ground.
We slowly followed the marked paths through the geothermal field, stopping frequently to watch the active mud pots and steaming vents. We spent a good 30 minutes exploring the area, amazed by the colors, the constant steam, and the strange landscape.
Here are the highlights from our quick visit to Hverir on June 21, 2025.
Walking path leading to the geothermal landscape of Hverir 
An informational board detailing the history and geological features of Námafjall Hverir. 
A brick-paved path leading visitors toward the main boardwalk viewing platform. 
Panoramic view showing the colorful geothermal terrain and surrounding hills at Hverir. 
A close-up view of shallow, grey bubbling mud pools. 
Active bubbling mud pots and a raised geothermal mud vent at Hverir. 
Close-up of a bubbling grey mud pool with visitor boardwalks running nearby at Hverir. 
Thick steam rising from a hot pool along the visitor boardwalk at Hverir. 
Expansive shallow mud pots bubbling across the mineral crust. 
A massive boiling mud pot situated near the main walking path. 
Steam billowing from a deep geothermal mud pit in the clay-rich soil. 
Steam billowing from a deep geothermal mud pit in the clay-rich soil. 
The stark, alien-like geothermal plain stretching toward Námafjall mountain 
A thick cloud of steam rises from a boiling mud pit at Hverir. 
Exploring the marked trails across the sulfur-stained clay ground. 
The barren, otherworldly terrain of the Hverir geothermal area. 
Detailed look at the crusty rim and interior of active mud vents. 
A natural mud cone formation standing out against the geothermal field. 
A dirt path tracing the base of Námafjall mountain. 
Walking along the marked boundary rope across the wide geothermal plain. 
Active, bubbling grey mud pots sunk into the mineral-rich earth. 
Steam venting continuously from sulfur-crusted fumaroles. 
Steam rising across the expanse of the Hverir geothermal area. 
Delicate geothermal ground 
Thick steam clouds drifting over the reddish clay terrain. 
A shallow thermal pool feeding small steam vents across the field. 
Exploring the active steam vents along marked visitor paths. 
A small cone vent bubbling amid geothermal runoff. 
A wide view of low-lying steam rising from dark, wet clay ground 
Steam plumes rising from active vents across the mineral-crusted landscape. 
A panoramic view of the vast geothermal landscape beneath Námafjall mountain. 
A prominent rock cairn built around an active steaming fumarole vent. 
Dense steam clouds engulfing a rock cairn on the geothermal field. 
The parking area at Hverir featuring a central volcanic rock feature. 
A road sign pointing the way to the Hverir geothermal area in North Iceland.
Then we headed back to the parking lot and continued to our next stop, Mývatn Nature Baths, a beautiful geothermal spa, located just a few minutes down the road. Jarðböðin is its official Icelandic name, meaning “The Earth Baths”. It was often referred to as the “Blue Lagoon of the North”, because of the warm, milky-blue water and a relaxed atmosphere.
It was so refreshing to just sit back and soak in the warm water. We didn’t even mind the sulfur smell at al…..the experience was totally worth it. It felt like a perfect stop in our itinerary, less crowded, more affordable, and set in the beautiful northern landscape of Iceland. It was a much more relaxed alternative to the famous Blue Lagoon.
We could have stayed there for hours, but it was already past 4 pm and we still had more places to visit, so we left and continued exploring the Mývatn area.
Before moving on, here are some quick facts and tips about Hverir Geothermal Area.
Quick Facts and Tips
- Best Time to Visit:
- Summer (June to August): Easy access, long daylight hours, and comfortable walking conditions.
- Shoulder Seasons (May & September): Fewer visitors and dramatic weather conditions that enhance the steaming landscape.
- Winter: The contrast between snow and geothermal steam can be spectacular, though paths may be icy and conditions more challenging.
- Hverir Geothermal Area is located near Lake Mývatn in Northeast Iceland, just off Route 1 (Ring Road) at the base of Námafjall Mountain. It is located 10 minutes from Mývatn, 1 hour from Dettifoss, 1.5 hours from Húsavík, and 2.5 hours from Egilsstaðir.
- Weather can change quickly. Check road conditions at road.is and weather forecasts at vedur.is before visiting.
- There is no entrance fee, but parking fee (around 1,400 ISK) applies and can be paid using the EasyPark app or by parking machine on site. Parking policies and fees may change, so check the latest information before your visit.
- Basic restroom facilities are available.
- Easy access directly from the parking area, and the trail is short, mostly flat.
- Geothermal features are extremely hot, stay strictly on marked paths.
- Allow at least 30 mins for the geothermal loops, or 1 to 1.5 hrs to include Námafjall Ridge.
- Dress in layers, weather can change quickly. Bring a waterproof jacket, camera and lens cloth, sunglasses, and wear comfortable walking shoes.
- Aware of the strong sulfur smell throughout the area.
- Limited shade and shelter.
- Drone use is prohibited in Hverir as it is a protected geothermal area. Check current regulations before flying.
- No restaurants directly at the site, bring snacks and water.
- The nearest gas stations, food, and larger services are around the Mývatn area or along the Ring Road, so it’s best to fill up and grab supplies beforehand.
- Mobile signals are generally good in the area, especially near the parking lot.
- Things to see:
- Steaming fumaroles, colorful mineral deposits, bubbling mud pots, and the viewpoint on Námafjall Mountain.
- Nearby Attractions:
- Mývatn Nature Baths
- Hverfjall Volcano
- Dimmuborgir Lava Field & the Cave of the Yule Lads
- Grjótagjá Cave
- Skútustaðagígar Pseudocraters
- Krafla Volcanic Area & Viti Crater
- Dettifoss – Europe’s Most Powerful Waterfall (East via Route 862 or 864)
- Goðafoss – The Waterfall of the Gods (West on Route 1 toward Akureyri)
- Akureyri ( 1 hr West)
Conclusion
Hverir is one of Iceland‘s most unique landscapes, with steaming vents, bubbling mud pots, and vibrant mineral colors creating an almost otherworldly experience. It’s a fascinating and worthwhile stop when exploring the Mývatn area and the Diamond Circle.
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