Gepa Viaggi: Hveragerði

Hveragerði Iceland

The name of this pretty Icelandic village comes from HVER = Hot Waters, and that is exactly what it has in abundance: hot springs. Hveragerði is known as “the greenhouse” because its mild micro‑climate, caused by the hot springs and the mineral‑rich soil, makes it possible to grow a great variety of vegetables, fruit and flowers. Visiting Hveragerði’s geothermal park is a good option if you’re passing through, because although it’s not as spectacular as Gunnuhver or Krýsuvík, it’s well worth a stroll. It’s located 45 km from Reykjavík, at the foot of a volcano. Its intense geothermal activity increased after the 2008 earthquake, when new thermal areas appeared, even in the middle of the town. The view of Hveragerði from the road to Reykjavík is spectacular: you can see the whole valley filled with greenhouses and steam vents. It’s a colourful town, with streets and gardens richly decorated. Locals use the hot water for heating, cooking, baking and washing clothes. For more information about this lovely village, you can contact the Hveragerði Tourist Office. The jewel of Hveragerði is its geothermal area, maybe not as dramatic as Gunnuhver or Krýsuvík, but charming all the same. It’s very central and is open from 1 June to 15 September. Entry is free and it’s located at Hveramörk 13, 810. There are guided tours from the information office (ask there). In one of the many holes in the park, locals bake the famous black bread. The visit to the area is fairly short, but you can clearly see the constant bubbling of the hot springs, as well as the endless colours of the water and stones caused by mineral deposits.

Recommended airport

Keflavik International Airport (KEF)

Nearby destinations

Hveragerði, Iceland

Hveragerði Iceland