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Seltún - A highlight at Reykjanes peninsula
Arriving in Keflavík only a few imagine the impressive landscape hidden in this area. Inevitably you cross this part of Iceland on the 60-minute drive from the airport to the metropolis. The way back is often the only visit to this part of the world. But the peninsula immediately adjacent to Reykjavík has much more to offer than the expressway to the airport.
News 03/20/2021
Fagradalsfjall volcanic eruption. On March 19, 2021 at around 8.45 p.m. UTC, the eruption of Fagradalsfjall began about 10 km southwest of the coastal town of Grindavík. Although it is 'only' a small eruption,
the area of the eruption is classified as very dangerous - the site of the eruption can change without notice and endanger people unexpectedly.
The main road from Reykjavík to Reykjanesbær and the international airport in Keflavík are open. However, the Suðurstrandarvegur along the south coast between the Grindavík and Þorlákshöfn is closed. All roads and unpaved roads near the eruption site are also closed. Current information on the outbreak
News 07.03.2021
Currently, an earthquake swarm with the center of Seltún/Krýsuvík is passing under the Reykjanes peninsula. Due to the ongoing seismic activity in Reykjanes peninsula people are advised
to avoid steep terrain as rocks and boulders can fall and chances of landslides are increased. At icelandicvolcanos.is the warning
level for Krýsuvík has been increased to orange. Please be sure to observe the warnings at vedur.is beachten.
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
Þorbjörn inflates and achieves yellow warning level
Interaktives Museum rund um Vulkanismus und Erdbeben