CityBuddy
Gunnuhver Hot Springs – active geothermal area with mud pools and steam vents
Best time to visit
Early morning or late afternoon offers softer light and fewer visitors. Winter mornings produce dramatic steam plumes and stark contrasts for photos.
Budget tips
No entry fee for the geothermal area; small parking lot nearby may charge during high season, so check signs and pay by card if needed.
Recommended for
Geology enthusiasts, Photography enthusiasts, Day trippers from Keflavík or Reykjavík, Nature lovers
Plan your visit
30-45 min
About
حقائق سريعة: Steam hisses from bubbling mud pools, and a sharp sulfur tang hits your nose the moment you walk the boardwalk. Ground temperatures often exceed 120°C a meter down, so elevated paths keep visitors a safe few meters from scalding vents.
النقاط البارزة: A local legend says a woman named Gunnhildur was swallowed by a steam vent in the 18th century, and many friends who've lingered near a certain plume swear they hear whispers in the hiss. Stand close on a windy day and you can feel heat on your face while salty sea mist and mineral-rich steam paint the air with yellow and ochre tones, a surreal mix that photographers chase for golden-hour shots.
Insider tips
- Wear windproof, waterproof outer layers and sturdy shoes; steam and spray can make surfaces slippery.
- Stay on marked boardwalks and observation platforms to protect fragile ground and for safety.
- Photograph from the raised platform or the eastern boardwalk for the best compositions of steam with the coastline in the background.
- Avoid coach arrivals around midday by visiting early or late to reduce crowds and avoid when the wind shifts and smells are strongest.
Reviews
No reviews yet
More attractions in Keflavík
Viking World (Víkingaheimar) – Víkingasafnið með víkingaskipinu Íslendingi
Duus Museum (Duushús / Duus Safnahús) – local history & art museum in Keflavík
Icelandic Museum of Rock 'n' Roll (Keflavík Rock Museum) – music museum dedicated to Icelandic rock
Keflavík Harbour (Keflavík Old Fishing Village) – waterfront, restaurants and boat views