Natural Hot Spring
Hengill Geothermal Area
south-iceland
Hengill is an active volcanic and geothermal system in southwest Iceland, south of Þingvallavatn. Hot springs, fumaroles, faults and mountain trails occur across the wider Hengill area.
Explore a broad volcanic landscape where geothermal activity, tectonic structures and mountain hiking meet.
Story
The air hums with a primal energy at Hengill. Standing amidst the rugged, moss-covered fissures that crisscross the landscape, as captured in the image, you feel the earth breathing. Wisps of steam rise from hidden vents, carrying the distinct scent of sulfur, a constant reminder of the volcanic might beneath your feet. The terrain, a patchwork of vibrant green moss and dark, cracked rock, slopes down towards a serene, vast lake that mirrors the overcast sky. In the distance, snow-dusted mountains loom majestically, their peaks often shrouded in mist. It's a place where the raw power of nature is palpable, where every step on the ancient lava fields feels like a journey through geological time, leaving an indelible mark on your soul.
About Hengill Geothermal Area
The Hengill area covers a broad volcanic and geothermal landscape between Þingvellir, Nesjavellir and Hellisheiði. The system includes geothermal surface activity and a network of hiking routes. Conditions and road access vary across the area, and visitors should use marked trails and current local information rather than treating a single map point as a geothermal bathing site.
History
Hengill is an active volcanic system, making it a significant geological landmark in Iceland. Its formation is tied to the movement of tectonic plates, lying on the rift zone where the North American and Eurasian plates diverge. This constant geological activity has shaped Hengill into the prominent volcanic table mountain it is today, characterized by intense geothermal phenomena. Evidence of this activity, such as the steaming vents and hot springs, has been present for millennia, shaping both the landscape and local understanding of the earth's power. The area's history is predominantly geological, reflecting ongoing volcanic processes rather than human habitation or historical events.
Did You Know?
- Active volcanic system
- Intense geothermal activity
- Hiking trails to summit (803m)
- Near Hellisheiði power plant
- Colorful rhyolite mountains
- Summer hiking season
Did You Know?
The name 'Hengill' may derive from an old Icelandic word meaning 'hanging' or 'suspended,' possibly referring to the mountain's appearance.