Is there an entry fee for Óþerrishola?

No, visiting Óþerrishola and the Geysir geothermal area is free of charge.

Is Óþerrishola wheelchair accessible?

The main paths around the Geysir area are generally accessible, but some viewing spots near the spring might involve uneven ground.

Can I touch the water in Óþerrishola?

No, the water in Óþerrishola and other hot springs in the area is extremely hot and can cause severe burns. Always stay on marked paths and behind safety barriers.

What facilities are available near Óþerrishola?

The Geysir area features a visitor center with restrooms, a restaurant, a cafe, and a souvenir shop, all within walking distance.

How far is Óþerrishola from the main Strokkur geyser?

Óþerrishola is located within the same geothermal field as Strokkur, making it a short walk away from the more famous erupting geyser.

Iceland/south-iceland

Óþerrishola

Named geothermal pool in the Geysir area of Haukadalur.

At a Glance

Visit time

30-45 minutes

Best season

Daytime, especially late morning to early afternoon for good light.

Access

Paved road, easily accessible by car within the Geysir geothermal area.

GPS

64.3120, -20.3024

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About

About Óþerrishola

Named geothermal pool in the Geysir area of Haukadalur.

Witness Iceland's powerful geothermal forces firsthand within the iconic Geysir area.

Photos

Photo Gallery

Background

History & Background

Óþerrishola, nestled in the Haukadalur valley, is a testament to Iceland's profound geothermal heritage. Its existence is a direct consequence of the island's unique geological position on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates diverge. This constant geological activity creates a volcanic hotspot, giving rise to thousands of natural hot springs and geysers across the country. For over a thousand years, long before modern technology, Icelanders have ingeniously utilized these natural hot springs. They served as vital resources for bathing, cooking, and heating, shaping the everyday lives and culture of the island's inhabitants. Óþerrishola, like many others, embodies this enduring relationship between the Icelandic people and their geothermally active land, reflecting a tradition of sustainable living rooted deeply in the island's natural bounty.

Óþerrishola is one of the individual hot-spring features in the Geysir geothermal field. Its hot water, steam and mineral deposits are part of the same geothermal system as Great Geysir and Strokkur, but it should not be presented as a reliably erupting geyser without specific evidence. The surrounding ground can be dangerously hot and unstable, so visitors must remain on marked routes.

Folklore

Story & Folklore

Step onto the rust-colored earth surrounding Óþerrishola, where the very ground hums with geothermal energy. The air is thick with the scent of sulfur and the soft hiss of steam rising from the spring's vivid blue-green depths. This natural hot spring, a reminder of Iceland's birth on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, offers a mesmerizing glimpse into the island's fiery heart. For over a millennium, such springs have been lifelines for Icelanders, providing warmth, sustenance, and a unique connection to the land. As you gaze into its steaming pool, you're not just seeing a natural wonder; you're witnessing the continuous geological dance that shapes this extraordinary country. The contrasting colors of the mineral-stained earth, the vibrant water, and the vast, green landscape under a dramatic sky create an unforgettable tableau of nature's artistry and power.

💡 Did You Know?

Óþerrishola is located in the Haukadalur valley, part of the Geysir geothermal area, highlighting Iceland's position on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.

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