Hverir Námaskarð
Witness Iceland's raw geothermal power at Hverir, a surreal landscape of bubbling mud, hissing steam, and vibrant mineral colors.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant temps
Hverir Námaskarð
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Witness Iceland's raw geothermal power at Hverir, a surreal landscape of bubbling mud, hissing steam, and vibrant mineral colors.
"It honestly feels like walking on Mars!"
👃 Brace for the Sulfur Smell
The strong smell of sulfur is intense! Consider a mask if sensitive .
⚠️ Stay on Marked Paths
Ground is unstable and extremely hot. Never step off marked trails .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Bubbling Mud Pots
Main geothermal area
Witness the mesmerizing, thick grey mud boiling and gurgling in numerous pools.
Hissing Fumaroles
Throughout the site
Marvel at the steaming vents releasing sulfurous gas, creating an otherworldly atmosphere.
Colorful Volcanic Landscape
Surrounding hills
Admire the striking hues of yellow, green, brown, and blue painting the barren, mineral-rich terrain.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Smell, Stay on the Path
Stick strictly to marked paths and boardwalks; the ground is unstable and dangerously hot.Parking and Accessibility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👃 Brace for the Sulfur Smell
The strong smell of sulfur is intense! Consider a mask if sensitive.
⚠️ Stay on Marked Paths
Ground is unstable and extremely hot. Never step off marked trails.
🚗 Paid Parking
Parking is available and charged based on vehicle size.
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The terrain can be uneven and wet; good walking shoes are essential.
Tips
from all over the internet
👃 Brace for the Sulfur Smell
The strong smell of sulfur is intense! Consider a mask if sensitive.
⚠️ Stay on Marked Paths
Ground is unstable and extremely hot. Never step off marked trails.
🚗 Paid Parking
Parking is available and charged based on vehicle size.
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The terrain can be uneven and wet; good walking shoes are essential.
📸 Capture the Alien Landscape
The unique colors and steam create surreal photo opportunities.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are captivated by Hverir's unique, almost alien landscape, with its bubbling mud pots and steaming fumaroles creating a visually stunning and memorable experience. The colorful terrain is frequently praised, though the intense sulfur smell is a common point of note, leading some to have shorter visits.
"Colorful mountains and the serene environment makes this place a must visit. The area itself is incredibly unique. You will smell a strong smell of sulfur (rotten eggs) as the water is heated directly by magma. The water in the springs itself has a very distinct blue color."
Jason Ling
"Wow! We came over the small mountain and saw the steam and thermal area. We had to stop!
The parking lot is large and can accommodate all vehicle sizes. You do have to pay for parking - they scan your license plate and charge you based on vehicle size. A small vehicle was 1300 idk. Definitely worth it.
The area is large and you can walk on the surface (marked) and platforms to see the various thermal pools, vents, and gases. We spent about an hour there. It was awesome. It reminded me of some areas in Yellowstone National Park.
You can also do the 2.5 Km hike up to the viewing area. The hike up was very steep and it was wet from rain, so we only went part way up.
I would recommend stopping."
Rob Macdonald
"If you ever try to imagine what Hell might look or smell like, go to Hverir. You will get a good sense of that, for sure.
This place is easily noticeable from afar, with its colorful mountain slopes, the smoke coming out of the ground and the load of tourists in the area. The parking is paid, as usual. The restrooms at the parking lot don't work and have an Out of Order sign which seems to have been there for some time now.
When you step out of your car and start walking towards the area, you'll need some time to get used to the heavy smell of sulfur and other earthy goodies. The walking paths are surrounded by boiling holes full of hot grey mud. Make sure you don't step outside of the paths, or you risk getting burned or even sink. At least that's what all the signs warn you about - it's your responsibility to keep yourself out of danger.
These colors are as much frightening as they are beautiful. A mixture of yellow, green, brown, greyish and bluish. Everything looks like coming out of a painting of an impressionist. A very memorable sight, indeed.
Still, the sense of being close to Hell never leaves you. And this is the impression this place left on me."
Ognian Voynikov
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Hverir, also known as Námaskarð, is located in North Iceland, near Lake Mývatn.
Yes, Hverir is a key attraction along Iceland's popular Diamond Circle route in the north, making it a convenient stop for travelers exploring the region.
While accessible year-round, winter visits can be challenging due to snow and ice. Roads may be slippery, and the geothermal features might be partially obscured by snow. Always check road conditions before traveling in winter.
Public transport options directly to Hverir are limited. It is best visited by car, either your own or a rental, or as part of an organized tour.
Hverir is located in North Iceland, approximately a 5-6 hour drive from Reykjavik. Many visitors combine it with other attractions around Lake Mývatn.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no entrance fee to walk around the geothermal area itself. However, parking is paid, with fees typically based on vehicle size and scanned via license plate.
Hverir is an outdoor natural attraction and is accessible 24/7. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and better viewing.
No, advance booking is not required for Hverir as it is a natural site with no formal entry gates. Parking fees are paid on-site.
The main restriction is to stay on marked paths due to the extreme heat and unstable ground. Visitors are also advised to be mindful of the strong sulfur smell.
A dedicated parking lot is available near the geothermal area. It is paid, and the cost varies depending on the size of your vehicle.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
At Hverir, you can witness bubbling mud pots, hissing fumaroles, and steaming vents. The landscape is colorful due to mineral deposits.
Most visitors spend about 30 minutes to an hour exploring the main geothermal area. Some may extend their visit by taking a short hike up the surrounding hills for different perspectives.
While visually fascinating, Hverir requires extreme caution with children. The ground is dangerously hot, and the sulfur smell can be overwhelming. It's recommended to keep children very close and potentially use a mask.
The dominant smell is sulfur, often described as rotten eggs, due to the volcanic gases released from the earth. It's a natural byproduct of the intense geothermal activity.
You can walk on designated, marked paths and boardwalks only. Venturing off these paths is extremely dangerous due to the high temperatures and unstable ground.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities directly at Hverir. Visitors should plan to eat before or after their visit, with options available in nearby towns like Reykjahlíð.
While there are no designated picnic areas, you can bring your own food. However, due to the strong smell and the nature of the site, it might not be the most pleasant place for a meal.
The closest town with dining options is Reykjahlíð, located on the shores of Lake Mývatn, a short drive from Hverir. Here you can find various restaurants and cafes.
📸 📸 Photography
The best photo opportunities are around the bubbling mud pots, steaming fumaroles, and the colorful mineral-rich soil. The contrast between the steam and the landscape is striking.
Absolutely. The alien-like terrain, vibrant colors, and dramatic steam plumes make Hverir a unique subject for landscape photographers.
Consider a wide-angle lens to capture the vastness of the landscape. Use a tripod for stability, especially in windy conditions or for longer exposures to capture steam movement. Protect your lens from any airborne sulfur particles.
Drone regulations in Iceland can be strict. Always check the latest rules and restrictions before flying a drone in any natural area. Respect any posted signage.
Late afternoon, during the golden hour, can provide beautiful lighting that enhances the colors of the landscape. However, the steam is visible and dramatic throughout the day.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
However, it's crucial to approach this visit with extreme caution. The primary concern is safety: keep children extremely close at all times and ensure they stay on the marked paths.📸 Photographers
+1 The vibrant mineral deposits create a surreal palette of colors, contrasting beautifully with the white steam plumes rising from fumaroles and mud pots. Utilize wide-angle lenses to capture the expansive, otherworldly terrain. The interplay of light and steam can be particularly stunning during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset, though the site is accessible at any time. Be prepared for the sulfurous air, which can sometimes create a haze, and protect your equipment from any airborne particles.🚗 Road Trippers
+1 The geothermal area is conveniently located near the Ring Road and offers ample parking, though it is paid.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Science Behind Hverir's Geothermal Activity
+1 The area lies above the Krafla volcano fissure zone and is characterized by its proximity to underground magma, which heats the groundwater to extreme temperatures, often exceeding 100°C. This intense heat causes the water to boil and transform into steam, leading to the formation of fumaroles (steam vents) and solfataras (sulfur-emitting vents).The distinctive bubbling mud pots are formed when steam and gases rise through clay-rich soil, mixing with water to create a thick, viscous mud that boils and splatters. The vibrant colors of the landscape, ranging from yellow and orange to green and blue, are a result of sulfur and other minerals deposited by the geothermal activity.
Visitors are reminded that this is a dynamic and potentially dangerous environment. The ground's surface can be very thin and unstable, with temperatures high enough to cause severe burns.
Navigating Hverir: Safety and Best Practices
Another aspect to prepare for is the intense smell of sulfur, which can be overwhelming for some.
For those with young children, extra vigilance is required. Keeping toddlers and young children very close and holding them in certain areas is recommended due to the inherent dangers.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit