Hveravellir geothermal pool

Admission to Hveravellir is free

Visitors to Hveravellir are not required to make any payment for entry. Despite the limited capacity of the parking area, it generally accommodates the number of visitors adequately without reaching full capacity. Restrooms and sanitary facilities are provided at this natural attraction.

Natural geothermal pool at Hveravellir in the Icelandic Highland

Hveravellir is a large geothermal area in the Icelandic Highland, located northeast of the glacier Langjökull and between the two glaciers Langjökull and Hofsjökull. It is a wonderland of steam, sulfur, colors, and hot water. It is situated close to Kjalvegur road, which is an old route and among the few that Icelanders used for centuries to travel between the north and south regions of the Highland. So, contrary to many places in the Highland, Hveravellir has a long history and is probably one of the best-known spots in the area. One probable reason for its fame is that during the summer, in one day you could travel on a horse to Hveravellir from Skagafjörður in the north and the second day to the area around Gullfoss in the south. It is a place most Icelanders know, and many have visited. Another reason is that, according to folklore, the highly admired outlaw couple Eyvindur and Halla had their home in Hveravellir for a while. Today, it is most likely a beautiful area with various hot springs with exciting names and an endless spectrum of activity and colors that draw people to it.

Map og Highland in Iceland

Kjalvegur is the best option to travel in the Icelandic Highland:

Boiling hot spring in Hveravellir

Hveravellir is renowned for its natural geothermal pool, making it a popular destination in Iceland. For those planning a visit, a recommended route is to drive via Road Nr. 35 from the Gullfoss waterfall to the north, heading towards Kjalvegur. It is important to note that this road is only accessible from late June to mid-September due to snow coverage in winter. Travelers intending to visit after mid-September should consult Safetravel for updated road conditions. While it is technically possible to navigate this route in a small vehicle, it is not advisable due to the road's challenging nature, characterized by rough gravel and often poor maintenance. Therefore, a 4X4 vehicle is strongly recommended. The journey offers breathtaking views of glaciers, mountains, and highland lakes, enhancing the overall travel experience.

Access to Hveravellir is easy both from the south and the north:

Hveravellir when driving Kjölur drive

Highland Road No. 35 stretches from Gullfoss and Geysir, two of Iceland's renowned landmarks and natural marvels, to the Ring Road in the north. The journey covers about 170 kilometers, with the distance from Gullfoss to Hveravellir roughly 80 kilometers. This route offers the easiest access to Hveravellir. For those planning to drive this road for the first time, visiting Hveradalir and Kerlingarfjöll is essential. It is highly recommended to spend a night in Kerlingarfjöll, enjoy a hike, and then continue to Hveradalir the following day.

If you're planning to tour Iceland in a rental car, read this article about the type of car that would be best for your trip.

Location of Hveravellir hot spring area on the map of Iceland