Top 9 Things to Do in Hveragerdi

Top Things to Do in Hveragerdi

Photo from Wikimedia, Creative Commons, by Netha Hussain.

The town of Hveragerdi is home to beautiful and unique nature, charming streets, rich flora, and a cozy atmosphere. Here are all the best things to do while in Hveragerdi!

Visit the Greenhouse

Right along the main street of Hveragerdi is the Greenhouse, known in Icelandic as "Gróðurhúsið." It's predominantly a great hotel, but on the ground floor, you'll find a lively food hall, along with an excellent shopping area.

The Greenhouse Food Hall has plenty of different restaurants to choose from, and it's the best place to stop for a tasty lunch or dinner in Hveragerdi. There's also a coffee house and an ice cream parlor if you want a smaller tasty treat throughout the day, or you can stop by the Colonial Bar if you're thirsty after a day of exploring.

The shopping area of the Greenhouse has interesting decor, gourmet products, accessories, and clothing from Icelandic brands such as 66 North. It's a great place to find high-quality souvenirs.

If you want to spend more than a day in Hveragerdi, you can book a stay in the Greenhouse Hotel. It's highly rated and just in the center of town, making it a cozy and convenient option for your stay!

• Learn about the iconic brand: The History of 66°North: Keeping Iceland Warm for a Century

Hike to Reykjadalur Hot Spring Valley

Photo from Relaxing 4-Hour Hike to Reykjadalur Valley With Hot Spring Tour from Hveragerdi.

The geothermal heat that lies under Hveragerdi has shaped the surrounding nature, forming plenty of hot springs in the area. Most are far too hot and dangerous to touch but, in the Reykjadalur hot spring valley, you can find a hot river that's the perfect temperature for bathing!

Reykjadalur is likely the most famous attraction in Hveragerdi and there are plenty of hot spring tours you can take to visit. You can also go by yourself if you prefer, as the hiking path to the river is just on the edge of Hveragerdi.

The Reykjadalur hike is around 1.8 miles long (3 kilometers) and will take about 45-60 minutes one way. The path is clear and easy to follow, but some parts of it are a bit steep. It's well worth it, though, as once you reach the Reykjadalur hot spring river, you can unwind in the calming natural water and enjoy the peaceful nature.

Remember to bring some snacks and a bag for your wet swimsuit and towel. Also, be aware that there really aren't proper facilities there, but there are wood walls where you can find a bit of privacy to change in and out of your swimsuit.

• Learn more: Reykjadalur Valley - Bathe in a Hot River in South Iceland!
• Also, discover the 30 Best Hot Springs and Geothermal Pools in Iceland

 Discover Nature With a Horse Riding Tour

Photo from Charming 1 Hour Horse Riding Tour through the Countryside of Hveragerdi.

A magical way to see the surrounding nature of Hveragerdi is with horse-riding tours. You'll be able to explore winding paths through lush mountainsides, small forests, and past bubbling hot springs.

Riding an Icelandic horse, known for its gentle nature and unique gait called the "tölt," offers a comfortable and enjoyable way to take in the scenery. Horse riding tours are also available for all skill levels, from beginners to experienced riders, so you're sure to find one that suits your needs.

With this charming 1-hour horse riding tour through the countryside of Hveragerdi, you'll both get to know the adorable Icelandic horse and see some of the popular sights in the vicinity. You'll pass by beautiful hot springs, steaming vents, and interesting nature so don't forget to bring your camera!

If you're staying in the Capital Region and don't have a Reykjavik rental car, you can still enjoy an adventure and spend a day exploring the nature around Hveragerdi with a stop in the Reykjadalur hot spring valley. Check out this 9-hour horse riding and hot springs tour, which ends with a soak in the famous hot spring river and includes Reykjavik transfers.

These kinds of adventures allow you to connect with nature in a peaceful and serene setting. Whether you’re looking for a short ride or a longer journey with extra activities, exploring Hveragerdi's nature on horseback is sure to be memorable.

• Learn more: The Icelandic Horse: A Comprehensive Guide
• See also: Wildlife and Animals in Iceland: The Complete Guide

Fly on Iceland's Longest Zipline

Photo from Thrill-Seeking 3.5-Hour Mega Zipline Adventure Tour in Hveragerdi with Departure from Reykjavik.

If you're looking for some memorable thrills, then why not see Hveragerdi from the longest zipline in Iceland? The Mega Zipline runs over a distance of 0.6 miles (1 kilometer), and you'll be able to see some of the beautiful landscapes that surround the town as you fly through the sky!

You can either book a standard Mega Zipline ticket known as "Free as a Bird," where you're in a sitting pose throughout the trip, or book the Superman ticket, also called the "Falcon." The name stems from your position throughout the ride, as you're facing head-first like Superman and flying at speeds up to 75 miles per hour (120 kilometers per hour) like a falcon!

If you can't choose which to try, book the zipline tour with both conventional and Superman rides for the full experience. You can even buy a special video of your trip down the line!

If you still want to experience the ride but are staying in Reykjavik accommodation, you don't have to miss out. Simply book the zipline tour in Hveragerdi with transfers from Reykjavik. It's really one of the most adrenaline-pumping activities in Iceland.

• See more: Top Activities in Iceland for Adrenaline Junkies

Explore the Streets of Hveragerdi

The main charm of Hveragerdi is found when simply walking around the town's lush streets. Hveragerdi is sometimes referred to as "Blómabærinn," or the Flower Town, because of the many greenhouses in the area, which are used to grow fruit and vegetables, but also plenty of flowers!

For avid local gardeners, Hveragerdi is the best place to get summer flowers or plants for the garden, and the abundance of greenery and blooming flowers during the warmer months makes strolling through town a delightful experience.

It's well worth it to check out the cozy gift shops, cafés, bakeries, and restaurants, and the flower greenhouses are also very charming. Make sure to visit the lovely town park and the Reykjafoss waterfall. You'll find plenty of nice photo opportunities to capture the small-town charm, and it's a great way to enjoy a more calm experience during your Iceland adventure.

Visit the Hveragardurinn Geothermal Park

Photo from Flickr, Creative Commons, by Aaron Toth.

A must-stop when exploring this lovely South Coast town is the Hveragerdi Geothermal Park, known locally as "Hveragarðurinn." This small, unique park is right in the middle of town and showcases the area's rich geothermal activity, providing an up-close look at hot springs, steaming vents, and colorful mineral deposits.

One of the Hveragerdi park's highlights is the opportunity to cook food using geothermal heat. You can boil eggs in the hot springs and enjoy geothermal rye bread baked in the ground! In the summer, you can also go for a footbath and soak your feet in the hot-spring water.

There are plenty of informative signs around the well-mannered paths where you can learn about the geothermal phenomena and its significance for the town. The park is a great place for families and nature enthusiasts to learn about Iceland's nature so remember to stop by on your travels!

• See also: Volcanic Eruptions in Iceland: A History of Fire

Enjoy a Soak at the Laugaskard Swimming Pool

Photo taken from Sundlaugin Laugaskarði-Hveragerði.

It's the unofficial law in Iceland that you should always check out the local swimming pools when visiting Icelandic towns, and the pool in Hveragerdi is no exception. It's known as "Laugaskarð," and it was once the largest swimming pool in Iceland!

It originally opened in 1938 and was built by volunteers. Since then, it has been extensively renovated and extended, and now features modern amenities. Along with a 164-foot (50-meter) heated swimming pool, you can relax in a nice sauna and cozy hot tubs, one of which has an electric massage system.

The water is heated with natural geothermal steam, which is also used for the sauna. Additionally, you can get access to gym facilities for a small price if you want to keep up with your exercise regime.

It's a great place to unwind after exploring the surrounding sights and the perfect family-friendly activity. Enjoy the best benefits of Hveragerdi's geothermal nature with a visit.

• Laugaskard is one of the Best Swimming Pools in Iceland
• See also: The Best Swimming Pools in Reykjavik

See the Quake 2008 Exhibition

Photo from Flickr, Creative Commons, by Alf Igel.

An interesting place to add to your South Coast itinerary is the Quake 2008 Exhibition. It's located in the main Hveragerdi shopping center and is pretty small, but it's well worth checking out if you have the extra time.

In 2008, South Iceland experienced two large earthquakes simultaneously, measuring a combined 6.3 in magnitude. The towns of Hveragerdi and Selfoss were the closest to the epicenter and were the most affected, but it could be felt throughout the region, including in Reykjavik.

Infrastructure was damaged, some minor injuries were reported, and ground deformation and landslides occurred as a result. You can learn all about the event and its effects at the Quake Exhibition, so it's definitely worth a stop!

• Learn more: Earthquakes in Iceland: The Ultimate Guide
• See also: Top 8 Things to Do in Selfoss

Visit the LA Art Museum

Photo from Listasafn Arnesinga - LÁ Art Museum .

The LA Art Museum is a must-see addition to any art lovers itinerary when exploring Hveragerdi. The name stands for "Listasafn Arnesinga," and this contemporary art museum showcases a dynamic array of Icelandic and international art. The museum's collection features diverse mediums, including painting, sculpture, photography, and installation art, and the exhibitions change regularly.

The LA Art Museum is dedicated to promoting cultural enrichment and artistic dialogue, offering visitors a chance to engage with thought-provoking exhibitions and innovative works. Their collection is pretty extensive and there's always something interesting to see.

The entrance to the LA Art Museum is free, so make sure to check it out during your time in Hveragerdi. Also, take the chance to visit the small gift shop, which has plenty of art, decor, and handicrafts, before enjoying a coffee and cake at the museum's café.

• Learn about the Best Museums in Iceland

Where to Stay in Hveragerdi

Photo from Flickr, Creative Commons, by Neil Howard.

This charming town has plenty of great activities to offer, and it's not lacking when it comes to places to stay! These are the best Hveragerdi accommodations for your visit that make a great base for your South Iceland adventure.

The Greenhouse Hotel

As the Greenhouse sits at the top of our list of things to do, thanks to its lively food hall and shopping area, it's only natural that it's also one of our top recommendations for accommodation in Hveragerdi.

The Greenhouse Hotel has some beautiful modern rooms which have a great view over Hveragerdi. There are stylish lounge areas, and you can even enjoy the on-site hot tub and heated swimming pool.

Of course, you just have to go down to the entrance for a great meal and to do some shopping. For further adventure, the hotel is right in the town center, so you'll be within easy reach of fun activities, restaurants, shops, and cafés.

With a 4.6 out of 5-star rating from over 230 guests, it's a top accommodation in Hveragerdi. Make sure to book your stay well ahead of time for the best prices on Iceland's largest travel marketplace.

Hótel Örk

Hótel Örk has been a popular option among travelers for years. This hotel originally opened in 1985 and has been recently extended. It's now one of the largest South Iceland accommodations.

It has plenty of comfortable rooms that serve different needs and budgets, and guests have access to hot tubs, a heated swimming pool with a fun slide, and a 9-hole golf course. It's also conveniently close to the center of Hveragerdi, and after a day of exploring, you can enjoy a meal at the newly opened on-site restaurant.

Over 770 guests have given their stay a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars, and it's a solid choice for a fun stay in Hveragerdi. As a popular option, it's always best to book with good notice to ensure availability.

Nupar Cottages

For a more private and cozy option, the Nupar Cottages are a great choice. They're just a five-minute drive from Hveragerdi, surrounded by nature, and you'll enjoy the comfort of having a small home away from home.

The Nupar Cottages have all you need for your stay, with a kitchen, spacious living area, and even a private hot tub on the patio and an outdoor grill! There are two sizes to choose from, so they can comfortably serve as a base for between three and five people.

It's a great way to enjoy the quiet natural surroundings while staying comfortably close to Hveragerdi. If you'll be traveling around the country and want a similar accommodation experience, there are also many cottages in Iceland to choose from. Just make sure to book with good notice to ensure the best prices and availability.

Photo from Excellent 9 Hour Horse Riding & Hot Springs Tour of Reykjadalur Valley with Transfer from Reykjavik.

Enjoy all the activities the charming town of Hveragerdi has to offer. The town's geothermal landscape, lush greenery, and welcoming atmosphere make it a perfect place if you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or a convenient base for your South Iceland adventure.

Make sure to include this delightful town in your itinerary and take the time to explore, relax, and fully experience Hveragerdi. Check off all the activities on our list and form some unforgettable memories in this special South Coast town!

Which of these activities would you most like to try? Would you book accommodation in Hveragerdi? Will you be visiting Iceland this year? Share your thoughts and experience in the comments section below!