Krýsuvík-Seltún Geothermal Area - a rocky mountain with snow
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Krýsuvík-Seltún Geothermal Area

4.7
·1k reviews·, Iceland

Witness Iceland's raw geothermal power with bubbling mud pots and steaming vents amidst vividly colored, mineral-stained hills.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful

CrowdLow
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Krýsuvík-Seltún Geothermal Area - a rocky mountain with snow

Krýsuvík-Seltún Geothermal Area

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Witness Iceland's raw geothermal power with bubbling mud pots and steaming vents amidst vividly colored, mineral-stained hills.

4.7
(1k reviews)

"Cool stop to check out geothermal activity up close and personal."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ Stay on the Path!

Wooden walkways and gravel paths are for your safety and to protect the delicate geothermal area.

📸 Capture the Colors

The mineral-stained hills offer incredible photo opportunities. Bring your camera!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Bubbling Mud Pots

Bubbling Mud Pots

Watch the earth come alive with mesmerizing, bubbling mud pools and steaming vents.

Mineral-Stained Hills

Mineral-Stained Hills

Marvel at the vibrant, otherworldly colors painted across the landscape by mineral deposits.

Scenic Hiking Trails

Scenic Hiking Trails

Venture beyond the boardwalk for breathtaking views and a deeper exploration of the geothermal field.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Earth's Power

Witness bubbling mud pots and steaming vents up close. Stick to marked paths to protect the fragile landscape and ensure your safety. Free restrooms are available.

Timing is Key for Views

Weekdays offer a more serene experience with fewer visitors. Consider exploring beyond the main boardwalk for stunning panoramic views, especially if you enjoy a hike.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon
Why
Good light for photos
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Is it worth planning a stop at Seltún?

🚶‍♀️ Stay on the Path!

Wooden walkways and gravel paths are for your safety and to protect the delicate geothermal area. Reddit

📸 Capture the Colors

The mineral-stained hills offer incredible photo opportunities. Bring your camera! Reddit

reddit.com

Seltun Geothermal Area

reddit.com

Sightseeing hikes near Reykjavik

⛰️ Hike for Views

Explore trails beyond the main boardwalk for stunning panoramic vistas. Reddit

🚻 Restrooms Available

Convenient free restrooms are located on-site for visitors. Reddit

reddit.com

Last Minute Ideas for Tomorrow (Saturday Sept 30)

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Stay on the Path!

Wooden walkways and gravel paths are for your safety and to protect the delicate geothermal area. Reddit

📸 Capture the Colors

The mineral-stained hills offer incredible photo opportunities. Bring your camera! Reddit

⛰️ Hike for Views

Explore trails beyond the main boardwalk for stunning panoramic vistas. Reddit

🚻 Restrooms Available

Convenient free restrooms are located on-site for visitors. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors are consistently impressed by the otherworldly beauty of Krýsuvík-Seltún, with its vibrant mineral colors and active geothermal features. The well-maintained paths and available restrooms add to the convenience. While some find it a quick stop, others enjoy hiking the trails for more expansive views.

"Cool stop to check out geothermal activity up close and personal. Ample parking for cars and busses is available nearby. The paths and trails are well maintained. There are wooden walkways and gravel paths. You can get pretty close to the vents and get good photos/videos of the area. There are free restrooms at the location as well. Cool place to visit."

Mike Gruey

"This was a last minute addition to our itinerary, but we are so glad we went! Beautiful site. So different from what we had seen of Iceland (Golden Circle and the South Coast). Followed the creek up the mountain all the way, and went over the top. GREAT view. Green Lake was so pretty from there too."

Akiko Ujiie

"Nice, bubbling geothermal field with steaming vents, mineral-stained hills, and boardwalk paths. Don’t go off path! Also I went on a week day and it was pretty empty - 4 people other than me."

Natasha Vorspel Rueter

What People Like

Otherworldly geothermal landscape
Vibrant mineral colors
Well-maintained paths

What People Dislike

Can be a quick stop

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Krýsuvík-Seltún is accessible by car from Reykjavik, typically taking about 30-40 minutes. Route 42 is a common route, but always check road conditions before you go, as some access roads can be affected by weather. Reddit

Yes, there is ample parking available for both cars and buses near the geothermal area, making it a convenient stop. Reddit

Absolutely! Krýsuvík-Seltún is a perfect addition to a day trip, especially if you're exploring the Reykjanes Peninsula. It's often combined with other nearby attractions. Reddit

Public transport directly to Krýsuvík-Seltún is limited. Renting a car is the most flexible way to visit. Some guided tours may include this stop. Reddit

Road conditions can vary, especially in winter. It's crucial to check safetravel.is for real-time updates on road closures and conditions before your visit. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the Krýsuvík-Seltún Geothermal Area is free to visit. You can explore the geothermal features and trails without any admission cost. Reddit

The geothermal area is open 24/7, as it's an outdoor natural attraction. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for the best experience and safety. Reddit

No booking is required as there is no entrance fee. You can visit spontaneously. Reddit

Yes, it's generally accessible year-round, but road conditions can be challenging in winter. Always check safetravel.is before heading out. Reddit

While there isn't a dedicated visitor center with tours, many Reykjanes Peninsula tours include a stop at Krýsuvík-Seltún. You can also explore independently. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can witness bubbling mud pots, steaming fumaroles, and colorful mineral deposits. Well-maintained boardwalks and trails allow you to get close to the geothermal activity. Reddit

The main paths are well-maintained with wooden walkways and gravel. However, it's crucial to stay on marked trails as the ground can be unstable and hot. Reddit

Most visitors spend 30-60 minutes exploring the main geothermal area. If you plan to hike the trails further up the mountain, allow an additional 1-2 hours. Reddit

Yes, children can enjoy the unique geothermal features, but they must be closely supervised and kept on the designated paths due to the hot ground. Reddit

You can capture stunning shots of the steaming vents, vibrant mineral colors, and the unique volcanic landscape. The higher trails offer panoramic views. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are no dining facilities directly at the Krýsuvík-Seltún Geothermal Area. It's recommended to bring snacks or plan to eat in nearby towns like Grindavík or Reykjavik. Reddit

While there are no designated picnic areas, you can enjoy a picnic in your car or at a nearby scenic spot. Please ensure you pack out all your trash. Reddit

The nearest town with dining options is Grindavík, which is a short drive away. Reykjavik offers a wide variety of restaurants. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Early morning or late afternoon often provide softer light and fewer crowds, enhancing the photographic experience. The vibrant colors are visible throughout the day. Reddit

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive geothermal landscape. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details of the vents. Consider a tripod for low-light conditions. Reddit

The boardwalk offers close-ups of the bubbling mud. Hiking up the hills provides sweeping views of the entire geothermal field and the surrounding landscape, including Green Lake. Reddit

Photographing steam can be tricky. Experiment with different angles and exposures. Shooting into the light can create dramatic silhouettes, while shooting with the light can highlight the steam's texture. Reddit

Always maintain a safe distance from the vents and stay on the designated paths. The ground can be unstable and extremely hot. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Krýsuvík-Seltún offers a unique and educational experience for families. Children are often fascinated by the bubbling mud and steaming vents, making it feel like a trip to another planet. The well-maintained boardwalks make it easy for families to navigate, but constant supervision is essential as the ground is very hot. Reddit

Encourage kids to stay on the paths and explain the importance of respecting the natural environment. The trails leading up the mountain offer a chance for a short family hike with rewarding views. Bringing snacks and water is a good idea, as there are no food facilities on-site. The free restrooms are a definite plus for families. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers & Hikers

For solo travelers, Krýsuvík-Seltún is a convenient and impactful stop, especially if you're driving yourself. It's easily accessible and offers a dramatic display of geothermal power without requiring a long commitment. Weekdays are ideal for a more solitary experience. Reddit

If you enjoy hiking, the trails extending beyond the main boardwalk are highly recommended. They offer a chance to stretch your legs, get some exercise, and discover more secluded geothermal features and stunning panoramic views of the Reykjanes Peninsula. It's a great spot to connect with Iceland's raw natural beauty. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Understanding the Geothermal Activity

Krýsuvík-Seltún is a prime example of Iceland's active geothermal areas, situated on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. The ground here is a canvas of intense geological processes, featuring bubbling mud pots, steaming fumaroles, and hot springs. The vibrant colors, ranging from yellow and orange to red and green, are due to various sulfur compounds and other minerals brought to the surface by the geothermal activity. It's a stark reminder of the powerful forces shaping Iceland. Reddit

Visitors can observe these phenomena from well-maintained wooden boardwalks and gravel paths. These paths are crucial for both visitor safety and the preservation of the fragile ecosystem. Venturing off these paths is strongly discouraged due to the risk of burns from the hot ground and the potential to damage the unique mineral formations. Reddit

For those seeking a more expansive view, trails lead up the surrounding hills. These hikes offer a different perspective on the geothermal field and often reveal Green Lake, a striking, vibrant green body of water, and other geothermal features higher up. This offers a chance to appreciate the scale of the geological activity and the surrounding volcanic landscape. Reddit

Navigating the Trails and Safety

The well-maintained trails at Krýsuvík-Seltún are designed to allow visitors to experience the geothermal wonders safely. The primary area features boardwalks that guide you directly past the most active mud pots and fumaroles. These are generally easy to navigate and provide excellent vantage points for photos. Reddit

Beyond the main boardwalk, gravel paths lead further into the landscape. These trails can be more rugged and may involve some inclines. A popular route follows a creek up the mountain, offering increasingly impressive views. It's important to wear sturdy footwear suitable for uneven terrain if you plan to explore these higher trails. Reddit

Safety is paramount in geothermal areas. Always heed warning signs and stay on marked paths. The ground can be extremely hot, and sudden steam releases can occur. It's advisable to visit during daylight hours for better visibility and to be aware of your surroundings. Free restrooms are available on-site for convenience. Reddit

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