Seltún
Seltún is a vivid geothermal area on the Reykjanes Peninsula — a collection of boiling mud pools, steaming vents and sulfur-stained earth in shades of yellow, o…
About
About Seltún
Seltún is a vivid geothermal area on the Reykjanes Peninsula — a collection of boiling mud pools, steaming vents and sulfur-stained earth in shades of yellow, orange and red, easily accessible on a network of boardwalks.
Witness the raw power of Earth's geothermal energy expressed in vivid, surreal colours and bubbling mud.
Tours Near Seltún
South Coast Tour - Black Sand Beach, Plane wreck, Skogafoss, Seljalandsfoss guided in Chinese冰岛南岸黑沙滩飞机残骸中文一日团
Magic Iceland Travel · 10 hours 30 minutes
DT 322 Private Superjeep South Coast & Eyjafjallajökull Volcano Sights
Superjeep · 8 hours
South Coast Small Group Tour: Waterfalls, Glacier & Black Sand Beach
BusTravel Iceland · 10 hours
South Coast Waterfalls, Black Beach and Glacier Adventure | Small Group Day Tour
Nicetravel · 11 hours
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Background
History & Background
Seltún is part of the Krýsuvík geothermal system, one of several high-temperature geothermal zones on the Reykjanes Peninsula. In 1999, a major geothermal eruption destroyed a drill hole at Seltún and created a large new vent. A previous attempt at geothermal drilling in the 1970s was abandoned after local protests. The boardwalks allow close-up views of the boiling features safely.
Seltún is one of the most accessible geothermal areas on the Reykjanes Peninsula. Mud pots, fumaroles and mineral-rich geothermal fluids create strongly coloured ground, while a boardwalk and marked paths guide visitors through the site. Seltún lies beside Road 42 near Kleifarvatn and forms part of Reykjanesfólkvangur. Geothermal ground can change and steam vents can be hazardous, so visitors must stay on paths and obey closures or warnings.
Folklore
Story & Folklore
Seltún demonstrates how hot water and steam alter volcanic rock close to the surface. The colours, mud pots and fumaroles are all products of the same active geothermal system rather than decorative landscape features.
Did You Know?
Seltún is a prominent part of the Krýsuvík-Seltún geothermal system, showcasing Iceland's incredible volcanic activity.
Explore
Hidden Gems Nearby
Steam Patterns
Watch how the steam patterns change with wind direction and temperature throughout the day.
On cold mornings, the steam is most dramatic, creating an otherworldly atmosphere that photographs beautifully.
Mineral Colors
Notice the vivid colors around the geothermal features — yellow sulfur, red iron oxide, and green algae.
These colors represent different minerals deposited by the hot water, creating a natural palette unique to each hot spring.
Bubbling Mud Pots
If present, the bubbling mud pots are mesmerizing to watch — each bubble is a small volcanic event.
The mud is created by acidic steam breaking down the surrounding rock, and each site has a unique bubbling rhythm.
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Location
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