Namafjall Hverir is a colorful, bubbling geothermal area in the lake Myvatn region.
Landscapes from another world
When you drive into the Hverir area, you are transported to a completely different world. It’s all thanks to the landscape: picturesque, boiling volcanic mud pots and hissing, steaming vents that spread the smell of sulfur – so-called exhalations. These are usually mofettes and possibly solfataras, although they are most often described as fumaroles. If you’re curious about the differences between these types of exhalations, take a peek at the Stunning Effects of Icelandic Volcanism guide. Hverir’s otherworldly look is completed by bare ground in shades of red, orange and yellow.
The sulfur smell can be unpleasant at first, but most people get used to it within a few minutes. Unfortunately, if you want to leave the viewing platform and walk among the mud pots (it’s worth it!), there is no way to keep your shoes and pants clean of the red clay. The hot springs keep splashing out water, so you are basically walking on wet clay. Still, don’t skip Hverir just because of the “rotten egg” smell and the risk of muddy shoes. Hverir is a special place.
Video: What you can see (and hear!) in Namafjall Hverir.
Origin of the name Hverir
In Icelandic, hverir means exactly “hot springs”. That’s why you will come across the word quite often when traveling around Iceland – and it refers not only to hot springs you can bathe in, but also to springs like these, completely unfit for bathing.
Because of the nearby mountain, Namafjall, the full name of this place is Namafjall Hverir. After the Namaskard pass, which Road 1 takes over the mountain, it is also called Namaskard Hverir (Visit North Iceland lists the area as Námaskarð). However, the signs for the parking lot turnoff on Road 1 and Google Maps simply say Hverir, so these full, precise names have lost some of their meaning.
Hverir – tips and practical information
- The water in Hverir’s hot springs can be hotter than 100 °C (212°F). The steam escaping from the vents is also superheated (i.e. above 100 °C, or 212°F) and contains various poisonous gases. However fascinating these things are, keep a safe distance from them and keep an eye on children – don’t let anyone slip into a mud pool or onto a solfatara!
- 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. The climb takes about 30 minutes.
- There is a convenient parking lot at Hverir with a wooden viewing platform next to it. Parking is paid: 1,400 ISK (about $12) for a regular car, 3,000 ISK (about $25) for a mid-size vehicle and 7,000 ISK (about $60) for a large one, per day (prices September 2026, Sannir, the private operator). Pay the same day in the EasyPark app or at the QR-code payment terminal – otherwise a 4,500 ISK (about $38) late fee is added. Still, nothing can replace a walk among the bubbling mud pools and hissing, steaming solfataras – the experience is truly remarkable, although your shoes will need a wash…
- Námafjall Hverir is located on Road 1, about 5 km (3 miles) east of Reykjahlid and Lake Mývatn, just past the Namaskard pass over Namafjall.
