Deildartunguhver is a geothermal hot spring in Reykholtsdalur, and the most powerful hot spring in Europe. The boiling water is used to heat nearby towns and the Krauma Geothermal Spa. Visitors can view the hot spring safely from marked walkways, making it a simple and worthwhile stop in West Iceland.
Deildartunguhver is one of the most powerful geothermal sites in West Iceland and a key stop along the Silver Circle route. It’s also a frequent stop on self-drive tours in Iceland, especially routes through Borgarfjordur.
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Known as the highest-flowing hot spring in Europe, it offers a rare chance to see how boiling water rises directly from the ground and is harnessed for everyday use. Many travelers pair Deildartunguhver with a visit to Krauma Geothermal Baths, where the same geothermal water is cooled and prepared for bathing.
The hot spring fits easily into many itineraries in Iceland, as it can be visited in a short time and paired with nearby waterfalls, lava caves, and historic sites. Many guided trips in Iceland that explore West Iceland include Deildartunguhver to show how geothermal power shapes both the landscape and daily life in the region.
Key Takeaways
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Deildartunguhver is the most powerful hot spring in Europe, located in Reykholtsdalur in West Iceland.
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The hot spring has a constant flow and plays an important role in heating nearby towns through geothermal energy.
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Visitors cannot bathe in Deildartunguhver, but the site is safe to visit using marked walkways and viewing platforms.
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Nearby Krauma Geothermal Baths offer a safe way to enjoy geothermal water from Deildartunguhver in a controlled setting.
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Deildartunguhver is easy to access and fits well into self-drive itineraries in Iceland and guided sightseeing routes.
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The hot spring can be visited year-round and works well for both short stops and longer itineraries in West Iceland.
Facts About Deildartunguhver Hot Spring
Deildartunguhver is a natural thermal spring with intense geothermal activity, where water reaches about 207 F (97 C). While it is too hot for bathing, the site is safe to visit, with designated paths and platforms offering close-up views of the steam and flowing water.
Deildartunguhver has an average output of about 380 pints (180 liters) per second. Both its flow rate and temperature stay consistent throughout the year. These stable conditions make it a reliable example of Iceland’s geothermal activity, regardless of season or weather.
Beyond its geothermal power, Deildartunguhver is also notable for its natural surroundings. The warm environment supports Blechnum spicant, also known as deer fern, one of the few plants in Iceland that thrives in this type of geothermal environment. This rare botanical feature shows how the hot spring creates a unique micro-environment within the surrounding landscape.
How To Get to Deildartunguhver
Deildartunguhver is easy to reach by car and fits well into affordable self-drive trips in Iceland. Many travelers use rental cars to explore West Iceland, as the hot spring is located just off Route 50 in Reykholtsdalur.
Driving distances to Deildartunguhver:
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From Reykholt: 4.5 miles (7 kilometers)
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From Husafell: 19 miles (30 kilometers)
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From Borgarnes: 22 miles (35 kilometers)
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From Reykjavik: 65 miles (104 kilometers)
Guided tours are also available for travelers who prefer not to drive. Deildartunguhver is included in a private sightseeing experience in Borgarfjordur, an adventure-focused Super Jeep route that explores glaciers and geothermal areas, and a multi-day trip along the Ring Road. It’s also included on popular West Iceland sightseeing routes, such as the Silver Circle, which features geothermal sites, waterfalls, and historic locations.
Krauma Geothermal Baths at Deildartunguhver
Krauma Geothermal Baths is a spa resort located next to Deildartunguhver and offers a safe way to enjoy geothermal water from the hot spring. The pools are filled by blending hot water from Deildartunguhver with cold glacial water from Ok Volcano, a former glacier, creating comfortable bathing temperatures year-round.
The spa includes several outdoor pools with different heat levels, a cold plunge pool, steam baths that use geothermal steam, and a quiet relaxation room. Compared to larger geothermal spas in Iceland, Krauma is smaller and less crowded. Because of this, it’s a good option for those looking for a calm and scenic setting.
Krauma also has an on-site restaurant and bar with views of the surrounding valley, where visitors can enjoy a meal or a drink before or after bathing. The spa is open year-round and easy to visit in any season. It’s included in day tours, such as a Silver Circle excursion that combines waterfalls, geothermal sites, and a relaxing stop at Krauma.
Geothermal Energy at Deildartunguhver
Reykholtsdalur Valley is one of Iceland’s most active geothermal areas and is often mentioned alongside places such as the Geysir Geothermal Area, the Highlands, the Reykjanes Peninsula, Reykjadalur Valley, and Namaskard Pass. Deildartunguhver, located within this valley, stands out for its constant flow, which makes it especially valuable for geothermal energy use.
Unlike geysers that erupt intermittently, Deildartunguhver flows constantly, allowing its geothermal water to be captured and used reliably. This steady output supports district heating systems in West Iceland rather than serving as a temporary or seasonal resource.
Geothermal water sourced from Deildartunguhver is transported through pipelines to nearby communities. One pipeline runs about 21 miles (34 km) to Borgarnes, while another extends roughly 40 miles (64 km) to Akranes, supplying hot water for heating homes and buildings.
Most hot water in Iceland comes from geothermal sources, with some exceptions in parts of the Westfjords, where older geological formations limit geothermal activity. This widespread use of geothermal energy is one of the main reasons Iceland is known for its strong commitment to renewable energy and low reliance on fossil fuels.
Best Time to Visit Deildartunguhver
The best time to visit Deildartunguhver depends on what you want to experience. The hot spring looks different throughout the year due to the weather in Iceland and seasonal light.
During summer in Iceland, access is easiest, with clear roads, dry walkways, and long daylight hours thanks to the midnight sun. However, warmer air in the summer months reduces visible steam. Visiting on cooler days or earlier in the day helps the geothermal activity stand out.
Alternatively, Iceland’s winter brings cold air that produces thick steam, making Deildartunguhver look more powerful and dramatic. Snow, ice, and shorter daylight hours mean visits require more planning. At the same time, the low winter sun creates a strong contrast between the steam, landscape, and sky, which is ideal for photography in Iceland.
Autumn and early spring offer a middle ground and are often overlooked. These seasons combine cooler air for better steam visibility with fewer visitors, making them a strong option for travelers considering the best time to visit Iceland while still enjoying manageable conditions.
Attractions Near Deildartunguhver Hot Spring
Deildartunguhver is close to several well-known natural and cultural attractions in West Iceland. Many visitors combine a stop at the hot spring with nearby waterfalls, lava caves, and historic sites in Reykholtsdalur.
Hraunfossar and Barnafoss are the two most notable waterfalls in the area. Hraunfossar, known as the Lava Falls, is a wide series of small cascades flowing out of an ancient lava field. Just upstream, Barnafoss is a narrow and powerful rapid linked to a local legend that gives the waterfall its name, "the Children’s Falls."
Vidgelmir, the longest lava cave in Iceland, is also nearby. The cave stretches for about 5,200 feet (1,595 meters) beneath the surface and is one of the most impressive lava tunnels in the country.
The closest settlement is Reykholt, a historic village once home to Snorri Sturluson, one of Iceland’s most important medieval figures. His life and work, which shaped much of what we know about Norse mythology and early Icelandic history, can be explored at the Snorrastofa Center.
FAQs About Deildartunguhver Hot Spring
Travelers often have quick questions about safety, access, and what you can do at Deildartunguhver. The answers below cover the essentials to help you plan your visit.
Is Deildartunguhver the most powerful hot spring in Europe?
Yes, Deildartunguhver is considered the most powerful hot spring in Europe. It has an average flow rate of around 380 pints (180 liters) per second, which sets it apart from other geothermal springs on the continent.
Is Deildartunguhver free to enter?
Yes, Deildartunguhver is free to enter and does not require a ticket or reservation. You can walk around the hot spring safely using the designated wooden walkways and observation areas.
Is Deildartunguhver accessible year-round?
Yes, Deildartunguhver is accessible throughout the year. The site remains open in all seasons, although winter weather may make the walkways slippery at times, so extra care is recommended.
Can you swim in Deildartunguhver?
No, swimming in Deildartunguhver is not allowed and is extremely dangerous. The water emerges at around 207 F (97 C), so bathing is unsafe. Travelers who want to soak in geothermal water can instead visit the nearby Krauma Geothermal Baths, which safely use water from Deildartunguhver.
How hot is Deildartunguhver?
Deildartunguhver has a constant water temperature of about 207 F (97 C), making it one of the hottest hot springs in Iceland. Due to this extreme temperature, the water is dangerous, and travelers must stay on the marked walkways at all times.
Is Deildartunguhver safe to visit?
Yes, Deildartunguhver is safe to visit as long as visitors follow safety guidelines. The hot spring is surrounded by wooden walkways and viewing platforms that allow you to observe the geothermal activity safely without getting too close to the boiling water.
Visit Deildartunguhver in West Iceland
Deildartunguhver offers a clear look at the geothermal forces that shape West Iceland and shows how natural energy supports daily life in the region. Its location and easy access make it a simple addition to many travel plans, including weekend vacations in Iceland and multi-day trips through the region.
The hot spring fits naturally into Iceland’s nature tours and guided excursions that focus on geothermal landscapes, waterfalls, and cultural sites. Deildartunguhver is a practical and rewarding stop for summer self-drive adventures and year-round travel in West Iceland.
