Hveragerdi Geothermal Park Reseguide
The Geothermal Park Hveragerdi (spelled Hveragerði or Hveragarðurinn in Icelandic) is a fantastic attraction that shows visitors the raw power and beauty of Iceland's geothermal activity. It draws visitors eager to learn about geothermal energy and see steaming hot springs and bubbling mud pots.
You can visit the Hveragerdi Geothermal Park as part of a self-drive tour of Iceland's Ring Road. While in the area, you could also take a scenic horseback-riding tour through the countryside.
Image courtesy of Hveragerdi Geothermal Park.
Why Visit the Hveragerdi Geothermal Park?
The Hveragerdi Geothermal Park is a center dedicated to geothermal activity. Visitors can take a self-guided tour through the area to see steaming vents, hot springs, and active geysers. Visitors can explore walking trails that wind through these geothermal features, providing up-close encounters with nature's impressive power.
The physical landscape of the Hveragerdi Geothermal Park is shaped by the geothermal power that runs beneath the surface. In some areas, steam rises from cracks and crevices, creating an otherworldly atmosphere for visitors.
Signage is available in several languages throughout the park, giving you a better understanding of the area's geothermal history and the power it holds. The nearby Hengill volcano is the source of the geothermal energy. Volcanic activity in 2008 changed the town's landscape — some hot springs in the park dried up, and you'll learn all about this at the geothermal center.
Image courtesy of Hveragerdi Geothermal Park.
What Makes the Hveragerdi Geothermal Park Special?
What makes the Hveragerdi Geothermal Park special is the possibility of getting more hands-on time with geothermal power. There's a small mud bath and a geothermal spring to soak your hands and feet. It's a brilliant place to unwind if you've been hiking nearby.
Refreshments are available in a small cafe. You can try a delicious local rye bread called Hverabraud, which means "hot springs bread." This delicacy is cooked by geothermal energy in the ground.
Visitors who want an even more memorable experience can boil an egg using geothermal heat. It's an incredible way to immerse yourself in Icelandic traditions and learn about geothermal power.
Image courtesy of Hveragerdi Geothermal Park.
Where Is the Hveragerdi Geothermal Park?
The Hveragerdi Geothermal Park is in the town of Hveragerdi in Southwest Iceland, about 28 miles (roughly 45 kilometers) from Reykjavik. The park is within the Hengill volcanic area, known for its intense geothermal activity. The town of Hveragerdi is often called the "Hot Spring Town" or "Earthquake Town" due to the high level of seismic activity in the area.
You can follow the Ring Road eastward from Reykjavik to reach the geothermal park. The town is just off the Ring Road, and the park is about a kilometer (roughly 850 meters) from the junction. You'll find the park in a residential area of town with a parking lot just outside.
If you don't have a rental car, you can reach the town of Hveragerdi on public transport from Reykjavik. The number 51 bus, which links the town of Selfoss with a suburban area of Reykjavik (Mjodd), stops at Hveragerdi town. It's about a 15-minute walk to the geothermal park from the bus stop.
When Is the Hveragerdi Geothermal Park Open?
The Geothermal Park Hveragerdi is usually open Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 16:00. However, opening times can change throughout the year, so it's worth checking their social media or website for more details.
Do I Need Tickets to Visit the Hveragerdi Geothermal Park?
There's a small entrance fee for the Hveragerdi Geothermal Park, but you don't need to purchase tickets ahead. There are also additional charges for refreshments and boiling an egg.
Photo from Flickr, Creative Commons, by Ian McBride. No edits made.
What Other Attractions Can I See Near the Hveragerdi Geothermal Park?
Given its location in the center of Hveragerdi town, it should come as no surprise that there are plenty of other things to see in the area.
In Hveragerdi
Photo from Amazing 40-Minute Zipline Tour over South Iceland from Hveragerdi.
There are various things to do in the town of Hveragerdi. The area is home to several greenhouses that grow food using geothermal heat. Many of these greenhouses welcome visitors, offering a chance to see how Icelanders use geothermal heat to grow exotic plants and produce in the cold climate of Iceland.
When you get hungry, stop at the Grodurhusid food market for a bite. This greenhouse marketplace offers a wide range of culinary treats. If you want to work up an appetite first, this nearby off-roading buggy tour takes you on an exciting ride through the countryside and includes a meal at the market.
The Laugarskard swimming pool is a good option if you'd prefer a relaxing dip. You'll find a large pool for swimming, a shallower pool and a hot tub for unwinding, a natural steam bath, and a spa center.
Adventurous travelers looking for fun can enjoy a thrilling free-fall zipline tour in Hveragerdi. This bungee experience lets you jump from a 42-foot (roughly 13-meter) tower, falling through the air before a safety mechanism slows you down and you land on the ground slowly. It's a thrilling experience you'll never forget.
Reykjadalur Valley
Photo from Flickr, Creative Commons, by Peter Collins. No edits made.
For those seeking outdoor adventure, the nearby Reykjadalur Valley offers stunning hiking routes through a geothermal valley, leading to a naturally heated river where you can bathe in the warm waters surrounded by breathtaking scenery.
The parking lot for the Reykjadalur Valley hiking area is about two miles (just over three kilometers) from the Hveragerdi Geothermal Park.
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