A Guide to Hverir Geothermal Area and Namafjall Hike
Hverir Geothermal Area is a must-see stop on Ring Road and one of the top attractions in North Iceland. Our travel guide includes tips on visiting the Hverir Geothermal Area, a description of the Namafjall hike, and practical information on how to get there and where to stay.
Hverir Geothermal Area, also known as Hverir, Námafjall, Námaskarð or Hverarönd is a must-visit stop when traveling around North Iceland.
It is a must-see place on Diamond Circle and one of the top attractions at the Lake Myvatn.
Like almost everything in Iceland, this particular area has a volcanic origin, a fact that is probably not that surprising by now.
Hverir is a geothermal place under the Namafjall mountain that belongs in the Krafla volcano fissure zone.
At a depth of 1000 meters, the temperature is above 200°C. The water that flows below the surface is quickly heated and comes back to the surface transformed into steam.
The fumarole gas contains hydrogen sulfide that causes that characteristic smell of rotten eggs that makes these places so much fun to explore.
The rotten smell is not the only thing you can expect from Hverir.
Be also prepared for bubbling mud pools, hissing fumaroles, and cracked colorful grounds.
Easy accessibility makes it one of the best stops on Ring Road you should not miss during your Iceland road trip.
So without further ado, here's everything you should know about Namafjall Hverir Geothermal Area.
Why Visit Hverir Geothermal Area
In our opinion, Hverir Geothermal Area is absolutely surreal and definitely worth visiting.
We do not want to compare it to other similar areas we've seen, such as Wai-O-Tapu in New Zealand or Yellowstone National Park in the United States.
Still, we definitely enjoyed it a bit more than Krysuvik on Reykjanes Peninsula, as we didn't have time to hike in that area.
And maybe even a bit more than Geysir Area on the famous Golden Circle as there were no crowds here.
Although Hverir does not have a geyser, just the bubbling and smoking ground rich in minerals, it's a fantastic place to visit.
When you stand on the viewing platform, overlooking the barren land, you will soon understand why NASA used this place as a training center for their astronauts.
This is yet another awesome reason to include Hverir Geothermal Area in your Iceland itinerary.
How to Visit Hverir Geothermal Area
Before we turned onto the access road to Hverir parking, we decided to first explore the smoking area on the right side.
We traveled Ring Road counterclockwise, so we turned right onto Road 863 and followed the narrow road that led us uphill.
Krafla
The scenic road took us to Viti Crater, which was formed by a massive eruption in the Krafla region that lasted for five years.
Reading about it showed us how destructive the Icelandic nature powers can be and reminded us how we really should be with Mother Earth on good terms.
Nowadays, Viti is a large photogenic crater with green water inside.
On the way to the crater, you will drive by a power plant station that uses geothermal energy.
In Iceland, that's a common sight as even the most popular tourist attraction, Blue Lagoon, sits right next to a power plant.
But back to the Namafjall Hverir Geothermal Area.
Hverir Geothermal Area
The Namafjall Hverir Geothermal Area location reveals itself before you reach it.
The Ring Road from the turnoff to Dettifoss to Lake Myvatn is almost flat and has only a few curves. Therefore, we could see steam coming out of the vents from a distance.
As the wind was blowing in our direction, we also had the opportunity to enjoy the typical rotten eggs smell that many people hate sooner than we wanted.
We didn't mind, as it told us we were getting closer to the colorful ground, steam vents, mud pools, and fumaroles.
In other words, a place that will be a pure joy to visit despite the unpleasant first impression.
Once you park your car, you are just a few steps away from the first viewing platform.
Here you can read information about Hverir that will give you a good introduction to the area.
You will also get a first glimpse that will give you an idea of what to expect from this site.
The strong smell of hydrogen sulfide will attack your senses, but your nose will adjust to the bad odor after a while.
After you take a panoramic picture of the area, it is time to get a closer look at bubbling mud pools, hissing vents, steaming fumaroles, earth cracks, and ground colored by minerals.
Of course, only figuratively speaking, as you don't want to get too close.
A clearly visible trail will take you around all the most beautiful attractions, so there is no need to wander off the designated path.
On a windy day, the steam will change the direction every few seconds, and, consequently, the entire scenery will look different.
Always stay on the designated trail. All elements, water, steam, and even mud, are active and dangerous.
Namafjall Hike
To be honest, the Hverir Geothermal Area would not be that high on our list without the 2.5-kilometer hike to Namafjall Mountain.
This relatively easy 1-hour trail allows you to admire the entire area from a different perspective and without crowds.
The otherworldly scenery gets even better when you see it from above.
As a reward, you also get amazing views of the other side of the area, including Lake Myvatn in the distance.
Trailhead
The Namafjall hike starts at Hverir. You can say that the trail begins either in the northwest or southwest corner of the area.
When you stand on the main viewing platform by the parking lot, you can see paths climbing the mountain on both right-hand and left-hand sides.
Clockwise or Counterclockwise
The Namafjall hike is a loop, so it does not matter which side you choose.
Many travelers start the hike from the right side because the climb is not that steep there.
However, we did not know that and decided to hike Namafjall clockwise.
Trail
Yes, the first fifteen minutes or so were steeper. The elevation gain is about 100 meters, so you have nothing to worry about if you're moderately fit.
On the other hand, the rest of the trail was absolutely fine, and the descent was even more comfortable.
Moreover, hiking is one of the best ways to stay active while traveling, which is especially needed on long road trips.
The views are much better here, the trail is clear and well-visible (you can always use Maps.me when in doubt), and you'll see the diverse landscape from yet another angle.
If you want to get away from crowds, the Namafjall hike is a great trail that you should not skip.
How Much Time Do I Need
How much time you need for Hverir Geothermal Area largely depends on the weather and your preferences.
If the weather is pleasant, and we assume you walk slowly, allow yourself at least thirty minutes to get the most out of Hverir.
When the weather is windy and rainy, we believe you'll be gone in fifteen to twenty minutes.
This applies if you decide not to do the Namafjall hike. In this case, add another hour to the time above.
How to Get to Hverir Geothermal Area
Lake Myvatn is a traditional stop on Ring Road.
At the same time, it is still within driving distance from North Iceland's largest city Akureyri, and Egilsstadir, the transportation hub of East Fjords.
Husavik, known for whale watching boat trips, is also nearby.
Getting to Hverir is very easy as the man entrance is just off the Ring Road. If you travel this iconic road counterclockwise, you will see the access road on your left-hand side.
For example, we arrived that day at Lake Myvatn from Borgarfjordur via Egilsstadir.
Car
Undoubtedly, the best way to reach Hverir Geothermal Area is by car.
It gives you the freedom and flexibility to visit top Iceland attractions at your own pace and allows you to explore many other sites along the way.
There is no need to have a 4WD car for Hverir in summer as the road leading to it is fully paved.
In winter, we believe it's better to rent a 4WD car as the road can be icy and slippery.
Here you can rent a car or read a guide on renting a campervan in Iceland.
Directions
As mentioned earlier, Hverir parking is about three hundred meters off Ring Road.
Hverir is only six kilometers east of Reykjahlid, a village in the northeast corner of Lake Myvatn.
Moreover, it's only four kilometers from Myvatn Nature Baths. The chances are that this incredible place will be your next stop on your itinerary.
Akureyri lies about ninety kilometers west of Hverir, while Egilsstadir can be found about 160 kilometers southeast from here.
Parking
The parking at Hverir is 1200 ISK, and it's no longer free of charge.
Public Transport
There is no public transport connecting Hverir with Lake Myvatn. A bus 56 connects Egilsstadir and Lake Myvatn but doesn't stop here.
In case you travel around Iceland without a car, you might try to ask a driver whether he is willing to drop you off at Hverir or not.
In our opinion, it's not very likely.
Don't forget that the bus runs only once a day, so you would need to hitchhike back to town anyway.
Tours
As the site is quite small, travel agencies usually include Hverir in a Lake Myvatn Tour that shows you the best of the Myvatn area.
This tour is a great alternative for travelers without their own transport or for those of you who want to take a day off from driving.
Here you can reserve a Lake Myvatn Tour that includes Hverir.
Entrance Fee
There is no entrance fee to Namafjall - Hverir Geothermal Area, though you need to pay for parking.
It is great news for everyone who travels around Iceland on a budget.
Opening Hours
The site is open 24/7, which is very convenient during the summer as you can avoid crowds here.
Staying Safe
As the name suggests, Hverir is an active area. Therefore, always stay on the designated trail.
The most active and dangerous mud pools are roped off for a reason.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
When to Go
You can visit Namafjall Hverir Geothermal Area all year round.
As the entrance is only a few hundred meters off Ring Road, you should be able to see Hverir even in winter. Be prepared that it's better to rent a 4WD car for this period.
You can argue that the best time to visit Hverir is summer due to the long days and good weather conditions.
Here you can find more tips on when to visit Iceland.
What to Pack
Hiking shoes are recommended, although runners might be okay if the trail is dry.
On a rainy day, it is much better to wear proper hiking boots because of the mud. Obviously, be prepared that the trail will be slippery.
Also, the area of Lake Myvatn is infamous for midges, especially in the summer.
An insect repellent might protect you from these annoying flies, even though they don't bite. Some people bring a head net instead.
You should also wear a good winterproof rain jacket that will protect you from Iceland's rain and cold winds.
If you find the smell of hydrogen sulfide irritating, then bring a scarf to cover your nose.
Here you will find more tips on what to pack for Iceland.
Where to Stay Near Hverir
Hverir is very close to Lake Myvatn, one of the best places to stay overnight while in the area.
Lake Myvatn is a popular tourist hub, and you will find more hotels here than in other destinations.
Finding a hotel where you can stay overnight before or after visiting Hverir depends on your travel itinerary.
As mentioned earlier, we arrived here from Borgarfjordur via Egilsstadir, then we stayed close to Husavik and afterward near Akureyri.
We've selected a hotel in each location for every traveler and budget.
Myvatn | Sel - Hotel Myvatn - Situated by Lake Myvatn, this lovely hotel offers modern rooms with amazing views, free parking, an on-site restaurant, and free access to a sauna and a hot tub.
Husavik | Fosshotel Husavik - You can basically travel all around Iceland and stay only in the Fosshotel chain as they offer accommodation in every major tourist destination. Modern design, excellent services, and a reasonable price-quality ratio is the reason why this hotel is popular both among local and foreign travelers.
Egilsstadir | Lake Hotel Egilsstadir - Egilsstadir is not the most picturesque town in Iceland, but it is a tourist hub with an excellent location. This hotel is modernly decorated and offers everything you will need after a long and tiring day on the road.
Akureyri | Akureyri Hostel - This lovely hostel is about a 10-minute walk from the city center and offers clean rooms, modern furnishings, and a well-equipped shared kitchen. Simply put, this is one of the best budget-friendly accommodations in Akureyri.
Is Hverir Worth Visiting?
Hverir Geothermal Area is definitely worth seeing. However, things have changed, and you need to be prepared that the parking is no longer free.
In fact, as most visitors spend as little as 15-30 minutes here, the current price seems pretty steep. Don't forget that you can see similar places in Iceland for free.
As usual, it is your money, so it is your decision.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
