Seltún - A highlight at Reykjanes peninsula

Hot springs at Krýsuvík

You feel inevitably transported back to your childhood when some prankster found it funny to delight those present with the smell of rotten eggs. At that time the smell came from ampoules, here it is 'natural'. As you explore the bubbling and hissing area on the boardwalk, however, you gradually get used to the smell of sulfur.

In the middle of the green fascinating landscape, nature has torn a scar that glows in all earthy colors. Beneeth Iceland, the Eurasian and American continental plates drift apart by several centimeters each year. The break runs right under the Reykjanes peninsula, a real volcanic hotspot. This is accompanied by earthquakes and active volcanism. At the end of 2019, several earthquakes were measured daily in the Krýsuvík volcanic system with its central volcano Trölladyngja. The volcanic activity, however, is in the green area. The last eruption in Krýsuvík was in the 12th century.

If you want to stay up-to-date on current volcanic activities, you can find information at the overview of Icelandic volcanoes, at the Weather Office or on the website of the Lava Center in Hvolsvöllur. With the latter, you can optionally be notified of earthquakes by email.

Depending on your interest in the information boards and photo breaks, the wooden walkways will take between 20 and 30 minutes. However, if you want to enjoy the spectacular view, you should bring about 40 minutes more, good shoes and a little fitness. At the top of the paved path, a narrow path leads up the hill to the left. Most of the time you see a few people running and get an idea of ​​how to move safely through the thermal area towards the view.

Once at the top, you cannot see enough of the landscape. Behind the geothermal area is one of the deepest lakes in Iceland, the Kleifarvatn. He became famous in 2000 when he quickly 'lost' a fifth of his water volume after a strong earthquake. The famous Icelandic author Arnaldur Indriðason processed the story a few years later in his crime novel "Kleifarvatn" (english titel "The Draining Lake"). In the meantime the lake has recovered and shines in old splendor.

If you look to the other side towards the sea, there are two volcanic explosion craters filled with water. Grænavatn, up to 46 meters deep and with a distinctive, turquoise green color. Its glow is due to thermal algae that absorb sunlight. Opposite, on the right side of road 42 is the smaller lake Gestsstaðavatn.

Krisuvik/Seltún Parking, Island 63°53'44.4"N 22°03'07.4"W