Natural Hot Spring
Nesjavellir Geothermal Area
south-iceland
Nesjavellir is Iceland's second largest geothermal power station, located near Þingvellir in an active volcanic rift zone. The plant provides hot water and electricity to Greater Reykjavík. The surrounding landscape steams dramatically with fumaroles.
Active geothermal landscape with steaming vents and colorful minerals — less touristy than Geysir, equally dramatic.
Story
Nesjavellir sits in the Hengill volcanic area between Þingvellir and Reykjavík. The geothermal power station harnesses underground heat to provide electricity and hot water for the capital region. Around the facility, natural geothermal features steam and bubble: fumaroles, hot springs, boiling mud. Hiking trails lead through this alien landscape. The Road to Reykjadalur starts here. It's less touristy than Geysir or Námaskarð but equally dramatic. Steam rises everywhere. The colors — yellow sulfur, white silica, orange iron — paint the ground. Combine with Þingvellir or Reykjadalur hike.
About Nesjavellir Geothermal Area
Nesjavellir is located in Hengill volcanic area, ~30 km from Reykjavík. Features: - Geothermal power station - Natural steam vents - Hot springs and boiling mud - Colorful mineral deposits - Hiking trails Access: - Route 435 from Þingvellir - Gravel road (passable for 2WD) - Multiple parking areas - Free entry Hiking: - Reykjadalur trail starts here - Various geothermal area trails - Easy-moderate difficulty Nearby: Þingvellir, Reykjadalur hot river, Hveragerði
History
This site in South Iceland is part of Iceland's extensive geothermal landscape. Geothermal areas have been central to Icelandic life since settlement — hot springs were used for bathing, cooking, and washing wool. The Icelandic word "reykja" (to smoke/steam) gives Reykjavík its name, meaning "Smoky Bay" from the geothermal steam the first settlers saw. Modern Iceland has become a world leader in geothermal energy, generating about 25% of its electricity and heating 90% of its buildings from this renewable resource.
Did You Know?
- Active geothermal area
- Power station location
- Steaming vents and mud pools
- Hiking trails
- Near Þingvellir
Did You Know?
Nesjavellir power station provides hot water for Reykjavík — the water is pumped 30 km through insulated pipes.
