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
Quick facts: Steam hisses from bubbling mud pools, and a sharp sulfur scent hits your nose as soon as you step on the boardwalk. Ground temperatures often exceed 120°C a meter down, so elevated paths keep visitors safely several meters from scalding vents.
Highlights: A local legend tells of a woman named Gunnhildur swallowed by a steam vent in the 18th century. Many who linger near a certain plume swear they hear whispers in the hiss. Stand close on a windy day and feel warm heat on your face while salty sea mist and mineral-rich steam paint the air in yellow and ochre hues, a surreal mix photographers love to capture at golden hour.
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.
Where to Stay in Keflavík
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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