Hveragerði Tjaldsvæði
Hveragerði
About This Campsite
A peaceful campsite in Iceland’s geothermal town of Hveragerði, perfect for visiting Reykjadalur hot river and the Golden Circle region.
Details
Hveragerði Campsite is located in the heart of one of Iceland’s most unique geothermal towns, just 45 minutes from Reykjavík along the Ring Road. Known as the “hot spring town,” Hveragerði is famous for its steaming hillsides, greenhouses heated by geothermal energy, and access to the Reykjadalur hot river hiking trail. The campsite is well equipped and within walking distance of shops, restaurants, swimming pools, and local walking paths. Its location makes it an ideal overnight stop for travelers exploring South Iceland or beginning their journey along the Golden Circle route. One of the main highlights nearby is Reykjadalur (“Steam Valley”), where visitors can hike through a geothermal landscape to reach a naturally warm river suitable for bathing. The surrounding area also offers excellent opportunities for hiking, horse riding, and visiting geothermal exhibitions. With easy access from Route 1 and close proximity to Reykjavík, Hveragerði Campsite is a convenient and scenic base for exploring Iceland’s geothermal landscapes.
🌿 Environment & Surroundings
Hveragerði sits in an active geothermal area surrounded by steaming hills, greenhouses, and lava fields formed by volcanic activity thousands of years ago. The nearby Reykjadalur valley offers bubbling hot springs, colorful mineral slopes, and one of Iceland’s most accessible natural bathing rivers. The town combines nature, geothermal energy, and local culture in a peaceful setting close to Reykjavík.
📍 Nearby Attractions
Reykjadalur Hot River
(3 km)Popular geothermal hiking trail leading to a natural warm bathing river (approx. 3 km hike).
Hellisheiði Geothermal Area
Active geothermal plateau between Reykjavík and Hveragerði.
Hveragerði Geothermal Park
Small geothermal exhibition area within the town.
Kerið Crater
Colorful volcanic crater lake along the Golden Circle route.
👻 Folklore & Local Stories
The geothermal hills surrounding Hveragerði have long been associated with Icelandic folklore about hidden people (huldufólk) believed to live in warm hillsides, lava formations, and steaming valleys such as nearby Reykjadalur. Because steam constantly rises from the ground in this area, earlier travelers sometimes believed the landscape itself was alive and inhabited by unseen guardians of nature. Local traditions also tell of unusual lights appearing in geothermal valleys during dark winter nights. Whether explained by natural geothermal activity or imagination, these stories reflect the strong connection between Icelanders and the powerful forces beneath the earth around Hveragerði.