Namafjall Hverir is a colorful and bubbling geothermal area in the Myvatn region.
Landscapes from another world
When you enter the Hverir area, you will be transported to a completely different world. It’s all due to the completely unusual landscape, full of picturesque boiling volcanic burrs and hissing, smoking and spreading the smell of sulfur “smokestacks,” or exhalations. These are usually mofetas and possibly sulfatars, although they are most often described as fumaroles. If you’re interested in the differences between these types of exhalations, take a peek at the Stunning Effects of Icelandic Volcanism guide. Hverir’s cosmic effect is complemented by the vegetation-free soil taking on various shades of red, orange and yellow.
Although the characteristic sulfur smell can be unpleasant at first contact, most people get used to it after a few minutes. Unfortunately, if you want to get off the viewing platform and walk between the burrs (it’s worth it!), it’s impossible to keep from getting your shoes and pants dirty in the red clay. Hot springs are constantly splashing out water, which makes walking here basically wet clay. No less, don’t give up seeing Hverir just because of the smell of “rotten egg” and the risk of getting your shoes dirty. Hverir is a special place.
Video: What you can see (and hear!) in Namafjall Hverir.
Origin of the name Hverir
Hverir in Icelandic means exactly “hot springs.” Therefore, the word can be encountered quite often when traveling in Iceland, and it means not only hot springs in which you can bathe, but also springs such as these – completely unfit for bathing.
Because of the nearby mountain – Namafjall (or otherwise Namaskard) – the full name of this place is Namafjall Hverir or Namaskard Hverir. However, signs indicating the turn to the parking lot on Road 1 and popular Google Maps describe the place simply as Hverir, so these full, accurate names lose their meaning somewhat.
Hverir – tips and practical information
- The temperature of the water in Hverir’s hot springs even measures over 100 oC. The steam escaping from the exhalation is also superheated (i.e., at more than 100 oC), and contains various poisonous gases. However fascinating these things are, keep a safe distance from them and watch out for children – don’t let anyone slip into a pond or onto a solfatar!
- Stick to the designated paths. The ground beyond them can be treacherous and fragile. Disregarding prohibitions can end in severe burns.
- If you want to see Hverir from a wider perspective, climb Namafjall Mountain. The approach takes about 30 minutes.
- There is a convenient public parking lot (unfortunately, paid – see comments below) at Hverir, and a wooden viewing platform next to the parking lot. However, nothing can replace a walk between bubbling mud lakes and hissing, smoking sulfatars – the experience is truly remarkable, although your shoes will need to be washed…
- Námafjall Hverir is located on Road 1, about 5 km east of Reykjahlid and Lake Mývatn, just after the exit from Namafjall Pass (or Namaskard)
Photos from Namafjall Hverir
