Krýsuvík-Seltún Geothermal Area
Witness Iceland's raw geothermal power with bubbling mud pots and steaming vents amidst vividly colored, mineral-stained hills.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Krýsuvík-Seltún Geothermal Area
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Witness Iceland's raw geothermal power with bubbling mud pots and steaming vents amidst vividly colored, mineral-stained hills.
"Cool stop to check out geothermal activity up close and personal."
🚶♀️ Stay on the Path!
Wooden walkways and gravel paths are for your safety and to protect the delicate geothermal area.
📸 Capture the Colors
The mineral-stained hills offer incredible photo opportunities. Bring your camera!
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.7 · 1,340 reviews
Type
Tourist Attraction
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Bubbling Mud Pots
Watch the earth come alive with mesmerizing, bubbling mud pools and steaming vents.
Mineral-Stained Hills
Marvel at the vibrant, otherworldly colors painted across the landscape by mineral deposits.
Scenic Hiking Trails
Venture beyond the boardwalk for breathtaking views and a deeper exploration of the geothermal field.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Earth's Power
Timing is Key for Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Stay on the Path!
Wooden walkways and gravel paths are for your safety and to protect the delicate geothermal area.
📸 Capture the Colors
The mineral-stained hills offer incredible photo opportunities. Bring your camera!
Is it worth planning a stop at Seltún?
On the way from the airport to Reykjavik I was thinking of heading over to Seltún and then maybe over to Krísuvíkurberg Cliffs I see that rt 42 is open but the one next to it is closed. Also 427 is closed coming from west up to 42 so it looks like maybe you can't get to…
⛰️ Hike for Views
Explore trails beyond the main boardwalk for stunning panoramic vistas.
🚻 Restrooms Available
Convenient free restrooms are located on-site for visitors.
Seltun Geothermal Area
Currently I am in Reykjavik, and we were planning on going to the Seltun Geothermal Area before catching our flight out. Do you know if, due to the eruption, traffic might be too much there? Wouldn't want to take a chance since we have a flight to catch right after
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Stay on the Path!
Wooden walkways and gravel paths are for your safety and to protect the delicate geothermal area.
📸 Capture the Colors
The mineral-stained hills offer incredible photo opportunities. Bring your camera!
⛰️ Hike for Views
Explore trails beyond the main boardwalk for stunning panoramic vistas.
🚻 Restrooms Available
Convenient free restrooms are located on-site for visitors.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently impressed by the otherworldly beauty of Krýsuvík-Seltún, with its vibrant mineral colors and active geothermal features. The well-maintained paths and available restrooms add to the convenience. While some find it a quick stop, others enjoy hiking the trails for more expansive views.
"Cool stop to check out geothermal activity up close and personal. Ample parking for cars and busses is available nearby. The paths and trails are well maintained. There are wooden walkways and gravel paths. You can get pretty close to the vents and get good photos/videos of the area. There are free restrooms at the location as well. Cool place to visit."
Mike Gruey
"This was a last minute addition to our itinerary, but we are so glad we went! Beautiful site. So different from what we had seen of Iceland (Golden Circle and the South Coast). Followed the creek up the mountain all the way, and went over the top. GREAT view. Green Lake was so pretty from there too."
Akiko Ujiie
"Nice, bubbling geothermal field with steaming vents, mineral-stained hills, and boardwalk paths. Don’t go off path! Also I went on a week day and it was pretty empty - 4 people other than me."
Natasha Vorspel Rueter
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Krýsuvík-Seltún is accessible by car from Reykjavik, typically taking about 30-40 minutes. Route 42 is a common route, but always check road conditions before you go, as some access roads can be affected by weather.
Yes, there is ample parking available for both cars and buses near the geothermal area, making it a convenient stop.
Absolutely! Krýsuvík-Seltún is a perfect addition to a day trip, especially if you're exploring the Reykjanes Peninsula. It's often combined with other nearby attractions.
Public transport directly to Krýsuvík-Seltún is limited. Renting a car is the most flexible way to visit. Some guided tours may include this stop.
Road conditions can vary, especially in winter. It's crucial to check safetravel.is for real-time updates on road closures and conditions before your visit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Krýsuvík-Seltún Geothermal Area is free to visit. You can explore the geothermal features and trails without any admission cost.
The geothermal area is open 24/7, as it's an outdoor natural attraction. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for the best experience and safety.
No booking is required as there is no entrance fee. You can visit spontaneously.
Yes, it's generally accessible year-round, but road conditions can be challenging in winter. Always check safetravel.is before heading out.
While there isn't a dedicated visitor center with tours, many Reykjanes Peninsula tours include a stop at Krýsuvík-Seltún. You can also explore independently.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can witness bubbling mud pots, steaming fumaroles, and colorful mineral deposits. Well-maintained boardwalks and trails allow you to get close to the geothermal activity.
The main paths are well-maintained with wooden walkways and gravel. However, it's crucial to stay on marked trails as the ground can be unstable and hot.
Most visitors spend 30-60 minutes exploring the main geothermal area. If you plan to hike the trails further up the mountain, allow an additional 1-2 hours.
Yes, children can enjoy the unique geothermal features, but they must be closely supervised and kept on the designated paths due to the hot ground.
You can capture stunning shots of the steaming vents, vibrant mineral colors, and the unique volcanic landscape. The higher trails offer panoramic views.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities directly at the Krýsuvík-Seltún Geothermal Area. It's recommended to bring snacks or plan to eat in nearby towns like Grindavík or Reykjavik.
While there are no designated picnic areas, you can enjoy a picnic in your car or at a nearby scenic spot. Please ensure you pack out all your trash.
The nearest town with dining options is Grindavík, which is a short drive away. Reykjavik offers a wide variety of restaurants.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon often provide softer light and fewer crowds, enhancing the photographic experience. The vibrant colors are visible throughout the day.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive geothermal landscape. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details of the vents. Consider a tripod for low-light conditions.
The boardwalk offers close-ups of the bubbling mud. Hiking up the hills provides sweeping views of the entire geothermal field and the surrounding landscape, including Green Lake.
Photographing steam can be tricky. Experiment with different angles and exposures. Shooting into the light can create dramatic silhouettes, while shooting with the light can highlight the steam's texture.
Always maintain a safe distance from the vents and stay on the designated paths. The ground can be unstable and extremely hot.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit