Hveragerði, Iceland

Hveragerði Iceland

The name of this pretty Icelandic village comes from HVER = hot springs, and that is precisely what it has in abundance. Hveragerði is known as the “greenhouse village” because its mild microclimate, created by the hot springs and the mineral‑rich soil, makes it possible to grow a wide variety of vegetables, fruits, and flowers. Visiting Hveragerði’s geothermal park is a good option if you are passing through, because although it is not as spectacular as Gunnuhver or Krýsuvík, it is well worth a walk. The town lies 45 km from Reykjavík, at the foot of a volcano. Its intense geothermal activity increased after the 2008 earthquake, when more thermal areas emerged, even in the middle of town. The view of Hveragerði from the road to Reykjavík is spectacular: you can see the entire valley dotted with greenhouses and steam vents. The town is full of color, with streets and gardens richly decorated. Locals use the hot water for heating, cooking, baking, and washing clothes. For more information about this beautiful village, you can visit the Hveragerði Tourist Office. The jewel of the town is its geothermal area—perhaps not as striking as Gunnuhver or Krýsuvík, but charming in its own right. It is very centrally located and is open from June 1 to September 15. Admission is free, and it is located at Hveramörk 13, 810. Guided tours are available from the information office (inquire there). In one of the many holes in the park, locals bake the famous Icelandic “black bread.” The visit to the whole area is fairly short, but you can clearly observe the constant bubbling of the hot springs and the incredible variety of colors in the waters and stones caused by mineral deposits.
Recommended airport
Keflavik International Airport (KEF)
Nearby destinations
  • Reykjavik a 39.56 km
  • Hella a 42.61 km
  • Laugarvatn a 32.70 km