Hveravellir
Hveravellir
Hveravellir
sulfur · Northwest
Hotter than 10% of Iceland springs (n=20).
More acidic than 70% of Iceland springs (n=20).
Mineral profile
Bar width reflects listing order, not measured concentration.
Suitability
At a glance
Getting there
Easy — under 1km from a station
About this spring
This rustic, natural geothermal pool sits nestled into a smoking highland oasis between the Langjökull and Hofsjökull glaciers. The pool features stone-paved edges and sits surrounded by a vibrant field of roaring fumaroles, multi-colored sinter deposits, and clear azure boiling pools. It represents one of the most remote and iconic wilderness bathing experiences in the rugged interior of the country.
Highlights
History
The geothermal field has served as an essential sanctuary for outlaws, explorers, and sheep herders navigating the treacherous highland interior since the medieval era.
The infamous eighteenth-century outlaw Fjalla-Eyvindur lived at the site for years, using the boiling springs to cook horse meat and stay warm through freezing winters. Today, a historic mountain cabin protects the site for adventurous summer hikers.
Local guide
Reaching Hveravellir requires a true adventure across the rugged, unpaved F35 mountain road deep into the Central Highlands. When you arrive, you are greeted by a surreal, smoking geothermal oasis nestled directly between two massive glaciers. The ground is alive with roaring fumaroles, bubbling mud pots, and beautiful, sky-blue boiling springs that are strictly for viewing.
The natural public bathing pool sits right next to a historic wooden mountain lodge. It features simple stone-paved edges and is fed by a continuous stream of hot mineral water, creating a perfect soaking temperature. Floating in the warm water while watching thick columns of volcanic steam rise into the crisp highland air provides an incredible sense of isolation. The vast, empty horizon makes you feel like the only person on earth.
You must bring all your own supplies, including a thick towel, a warm windproof jacket, and plenty of drinking water. The changing facilities are located inside the historic mountain cabin, which also features a small cafe serving hot coffee and light snacks. There are no luxury amenities here, only raw wilderness.
The site is only accessible during the summer months when the highland tracks are cleared of snow and open to 4x4 vehicles. It is a legendary destination filled with stories of eighteenth-century outlaws who used the hot springs to survive the brutal winters. Staying overnight at the campground allows you to experience the ultimate peacefulness of the highlands under the midnight sun.
Mineral chemistry
Sulfuric hot springs are among the most studied in balneology worldwide. The sulfur compounds, primarily hydrogen sulfide and thiosulfate, have documented antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Regular bathing is associated with relief from chronic skin conditions including eczema and psoriasis, as well as joint inflammation and muscle soreness. Sulfuric waters have been used therapeutically across Asia and Europe for centuries.
The distinctive rotten-egg smell dissipates quickly after leaving the bath. Avoid if you have a sulfur allergy, very sensitive skin, or respiratory conditions. Remove silver jewellery before entering — sulfur will blacken it permanently.
Simple thermal springs have lower dissolved mineral content but are valued for the pure therapeutic effect of heat immersion itself — easing muscle tension and improving circulation. Considered the gentlest introduction to hot spring bathing.
Standard precautions apply: avoid bathing within 30 minutes of eating, keep soaks to 10–15 minutes for first-timers, and hydrate before and after.
Similar springs
This world-famous geothermal spa features striking milky-blue waters rich in silica and sulfur. The massive lagoon is surrounded by a dramatic, pitch-black mossy lava field on the Reykjanes Peninsula. Modern architectural facilities seamlessly blend luxury wellness with the raw volcanic environment.
This beautiful alkaline bathing complex overlooks the volcanic terrain and craters of the Lake Mývatn region. The steaming blue pools are supplied with mineral-rich water drawn from depths of up to 2500 meters. Visitors can enjoy sweeping panoramic vistas of the surrounding geothermal landscapes while they soak.
This historic open-air pool utilizes a continuously flowing natural hot spring that feeds a stone-lined basin. A small active geyser erupts nearby every few minutes, casting thin plumes of steam across the pastoral landscape. The water remains perfectly warm year-round and maintains an authentic, old-world Icelandic atmosphere.
This luxury oceanfront geothermal spa features a dramatic seventy-meter infinity edge overlooking the cold waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The architectural design incorporates traditional Icelandic turf walls to replicate the aesthetic of historical coastal homesteads. A multi-step wellness ritual takes guests through steam rooms and cold plunges cut into artificial volcanic rock walls.
Amenities
Getting there
Accessible only during the summer season by driving a high-clearance 4x4 vehicle along the rugged, unpaved Kjalvegur mountain road (Route F35).
Location & nearby
Hveravellir, Central Highlands
Make a day of it
Pair your soak with these nearby spots.
Attraction
Hveravellir
0.2km away
Attraction
Hveravellir Geothermal Area
0.3km away
Park
Hveravellir
0.4km away
Attraction
Eyvindarett
1.1km away
More springs in Northwest
This striking architectural infinity swimming pool sits cut into the grassy bluffs overlooking the waters of Skagafjörður. The clever design makes the warm geothermal water appear to merge seamlessly with the cold fjord below. Bathers can look out directly toward the steep, uninhabited basalt cliffs of Drangey Island on the horizon.
This traditional pair of circular pools is built entirely from smooth, hand-stacked volcanic stones on the edge of the Skagafjörður shoreline. The water is supplied by a natural hot spring vent and smells faintly of earthy minerals and sea salt. The coastal location is constantly swept by ocean breezes and offers beautiful views across the bay toward Drangey Island.
FREEThis completely natural hot spring pool is built from rough river stones and turf directly along the banks of the rushing Svartá river. The pool sits just a few meters away from the dramatic Reykjafoss waterfall, allowing bathers to hear the roaring cascade while soaking. The remote setting offers an untouched, peaceful bathing experience amidst the rolling hills of Skagafjörður.
Common questions
What is the water temperature at Hveravellir?▾
The water temperature at Hveravellir ranges up to 40°C (minimum around 38°C).
Is Hveravellir free to visit?▾
Yes, Hveravellir is free to visit.
Is Hveravellir a public or private bath?▾
Hveravellir is a public bathing spring.
Are tattoos allowed at Hveravellir?▾
Yes, Hveravellir welcomes visitors with tattoos.
What is the nearest station to Hveravellir?▾
The nearest station to Hveravellir is Hveravellir Bus Stop, about 1km away.