Hverir Geothermal Area Myvatn
Experience a surreal, Mars-like landscape with bubbling mud pots and steaming vents at Hverir, Iceland's active geothermal wonderland.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
See the colors and steam clearly
Hverir Geothermal Area Myvatn
Best Time
See the colors and steam clearly
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience a surreal, Mars-like landscape with bubbling mud pots and steaming vents at Hverir, Iceland's active geothermal wonderland.
"It's like being on another planet! A must-visit place in the north of Iceland."
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Wear closed-toe, sturdy shoes as the ground is often muddy and can be hot.
😷 Mask for Sulfur Smell
Bring a face mask if you're sensitive to the strong sulfur odor.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Bubbling Mud Pots
Throughout the area
Witness the mesmerizing spectacle of mud pots gurgling and boiling, a raw display of Earth's geothermal power.
Steaming Fumaroles
Various vents
Marvel at the plumes of steam erupting from the ground, creating a surreal, almost Martian landscape.
Vibrant Mineral Colors
Ground and rock formations
The ground is painted with striking hues of yellow, red, orange, and grey due to mineral deposits.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Smell, Wear Sturdy Shoes
Parking and Facilities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Wear closed-toe, sturdy shoes as the ground is often muddy and can be hot.
😷 Mask for Sulfur Smell
Bring a face mask if you're sensitive to the strong sulfur odor.
🅿️ Pay for Parking
Parking is managed by Easypark and requires a fee.
🚶♀️ Explore on Your Own Risk
Stick to marked paths; venturing off can be dangerous.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Wear closed-toe, sturdy shoes as the ground is often muddy and can be hot.
😷 Mask for Sulfur Smell
Bring a face mask if you're sensitive to the strong sulfur odor.
🅿️ Pay for Parking
Parking is managed by Easypark and requires a fee.
🚶♀️ Explore on Your Own Risk
Stick to marked paths; venturing off can be dangerous.
📸 Otherworldly Photos
Capture the unique, Mars-like landscape.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Hverir is a highly recommended, surreal geothermal area offering a unique, otherworldly experience with its bubbling mud pots and steaming vents. Visitors are captivated by the vibrant colors and lunar-like landscape, though the strong sulfur smell and muddy terrain are notable aspects. While parking requires a fee and facilities are minimal, the natural spectacle is considered a must-see in North Iceland.
"It's a very special place, there are steam fountains here and there, the parking lot is big but there is no washroom around it, so we saw people doing there business right near the scence, we hope a washroom can be built very soon. the areas are worthy to see . you can have a short walk around it, maybe spend 1-2 hours in this place.
be sure to pay the parking fee."
Ken Xu
"I'm not the biggest fan of that smell. Nevertheless it's quite impress to see something like this. For me seeing it from the viewpoint was enough, if you go down you do it on your own risk. The parking is managed by easypark, you can pay via app (we didn't try it because the parka app didn't work for us too) or on the payment machine. There are also toilets on site, but you have to pay them."
Sofi Grüneisen
"Hverir is a surreal geothermal area with bubbling mud pots, steaming vents, and vibrant mineral colors. The strong sulfur smell isn’t exactly pleasant, but it adds to the raw experience. The ground is muddy and hot—sturdy shoes are a must. Loved the colorful pits and otherworldly vibe! Free parking nearby."
Marta Stashevska
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Hverir is located in North Iceland, near Lake Myvatn. From Reykjavik, you can drive via the Ring Road (Route 1) for approximately 5-6 hours. It's a popular stop on the Diamond Circle route. 
Public transport options to Hverir are limited. Renting a car is the most convenient way to reach and explore the area, especially if you plan to visit other attractions in the Myvatn region.
Yes, Hverir is easily accessible by a 2WD car as it's located right off Route 1, the main road.
The closest town to Hverir is Mývatn, which is about a 10-minute drive away.
Yes, Hverir is a key attraction along the famous Diamond Circle route in North Iceland.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Hverir Geothermal Area itself is a free attraction to visit.
Yes, parking at Hverir is managed by Easypark and requires a fee. You can pay via their app or at a payment machine on-site. +1
Hverir is an outdoor natural attraction and is generally accessible year-round, 24 hours a day. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for the best experience.
Currently, there are no restrooms or snack joints directly at the Hverir site. Visitors are advised to use facilities in nearby towns before arriving. +1
Yes, you can walk around the geothermal area, but it's crucial to stay on marked paths for your safety due to the hot ground and mud.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
It's highly recommended to wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes as the ground can be muddy and hot. Layers of clothing are also advisable as the weather in Iceland can change quickly.
Hverir is known for its strong sulfur smell, which is emitted from the geothermal vents. Some visitors find it unpleasant, while others feel it adds to the raw, natural experience. +1
Most visitors spend about 1 to 2 hours exploring Hverir, taking in the sights and sounds of the geothermal activity.
Hverir is generally safe if you stick to the marked paths. The ground can be unstable and hot, so venturing off-trail is strongly discouraged.
The barren, rugged terrain, vibrant mineral colors, bubbling mud pots, and steaming fumaroles create a surreal, lunar-like landscape that often reminds visitors of another planet.
📸 📸 Photography
Daylight hours offer the best visibility to capture the vibrant colors and steam. Summer evenings can also be magical with the midnight sun casting a unique glow.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive, otherworldly landscape. Consider a tripod for stable shots, especially in windy conditions. A protective filter can help shield your lens from any airborne particles.
The entire area offers unique photographic opportunities. Focus on the contrast between the colorful earth, the steaming vents, and the bubbling mud pots.
Drone regulations in Iceland can be strict. Always check the latest rules and obtain necessary permits before flying a drone in protected natural areas like Hverir.
While you can't photograph a smell, you can convey it through visual cues like the intense steam, the barren landscape, and perhaps even a person reacting to the odor.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
+1 You can easily incorporate a visit here into a day trip from Akureyri or as part of a longer road trip around the island. Allocate about 1-2 hours to explore the area and take photos. 📸 Photographers
+1 Wide-angle lenses are excellent for capturing the vastness, and shooting during daylight hours will best showcase the vivid colors. Be prepared for windy conditions and potential airborne particles. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Science Behind Hverir's Geothermal Activity
+1The vibrant colors seen at Hverir are due to the presence of various minerals, such as sulfur, iron, and other elements, brought to the surface by the geothermal processes. Sulfur, in particular, gives the area its distinctive yellow hues and contributes to the strong, pungent smell. The constant geological activity means the landscape is dynamic, with new vents and changes in activity occurring over time.
Visitors are advised to stay on marked paths because the ground can be unstable and extremely hot. The geothermal energy here is a powerful force of nature, and understanding its origins adds another layer of appreciation to the surreal environment.
Experiencing Hverir: A Sensory Journey
+1However, the most dominant sensory input for many is the smell of sulfur. While some find it off-putting, it's an intrinsic part of the geothermal landscape and a reminder of the powerful forces at play beneath your feet. Bringing a face mask can help mitigate the intensity of the odor if it's a concern.
The ground itself can be warm and muddy, making sturdy footwear essential. The raw, untamed nature of Hverir offers a unique opportunity to connect with the Earth's geological processes in a visceral way, making it a truly unforgettable stop on any Icelandic adventure.
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