Gunnuhver Geothermal Trail

An easy sub-1 km boardwalk walk through Gunnuhver's active mud pools and steam vents, with viewing platforms over the geothermal field.

At a Glance

Visit time

20–40 minutes.

Best season

Daylight and moderate wind provide the best visibility of the steam and mud pools.

Access

Use the designated parking and boardwalks only; never step onto geothermal ground.

GPS

63.8195, -22.6887

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About

About Gunnuhver Geothermal Trail

An easy sub-1 km boardwalk walk through Gunnuhver's active mud pools and steam vents, with viewing platforms over the geothermal field.

Experience powerful geothermal activity from an easy boardwalk while discovering one of Reykjanes' best-known ghost legends.

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Background

History & Background

Gunnuhver has long been known as an active geothermal area near Reykjanesviti. The present surface field changed substantially in 2006 when increased activity damaged road and viewing infrastructure. New walking and viewing platforms were brought into use in 2010.

The Gunnuhver Geothermal Trail is a short walking experience through the high-temperature geothermal field east of Reykjanesviti. Reykjanes Geopark lists the route as less than one kilometre and easy, making it one of the most accessible places on the peninsula to see boiling mud, steam vents and altered geothermal ground at close range. The geothermal field is not static. Surface activity can shift as underground pressure and water pathways change. In 2006 the area became much more active, damaging a road and older viewing structures. New boardwalks and viewing platforms were introduced in 2010, allowing visitors to observe the geothermal features from safer positions. Gunnuhver also carries one of Reykjanes' best-known ghost stories. The spring is named after Guðrún, usually called Gunna, a troublesome ghost said to have terrorised the area until Eiríkur Magnússon, the priest at Vogsósar, devised a way to lead her into the hot spring. Visitors must remain on the boardwalks and platforms. Ground beside geothermal features can be thin, unstable and extremely hot, while steam can reduce visibility. The trail combines well with Reykjanesviti and Valahnúkamöl, which are only a short drive away.

Folklore

Story & Folklore

The steam and mud at Gunnuhver have changed repeatedly, sometimes with enough force to damage nearby infrastructure. In 2006 the geothermal field expanded dramatically, and later viewing structures had to be rebuilt. Long before modern monitoring, people explained the restless place through the story of Gunna. According to the tradition, Guðrún became a dangerous ghost after her death and caused trouble across the district. Eiríkur Magnússon, priest at Vogsósar, was asked for help. Through a trick, the ghost was led to the geothermal spring and disappeared into it. The name Gunnuhver — Gunna's hot spring — keeps that story attached to the landscape.

💡 Did You Know?

A major increase in geothermal activity in 2006 damaged road and viewing structures; new platforms were in use by 2010.

Local Legend

Gunna and the Boiling Spring

Gunnuhver takes its name from Guðrún, known as Gunna, who according to local tradition returned as a troublesome ghost. She was said to torment people in the district until Eiríkur Magnússon, the priest at Vogsósar, devised a way to draw her toward the geothermal spring. Gunna followed the trap and vanished into the boiling ground, leaving her name attached to the hot spring ever since.

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