Námaskarð

Folklore

Story & Folklore

Námaskarð pass above Lake Mývatn is one of Iceland's most dramatically active geothermal areas — a hillside of boiling mud, steaming fumaroles and mineral deposits in vivid ochre, white and red. The area sits directly on the Krafla volcanic system and the intensity of the geothermal activity here is exceptional: the earth hisses, mud pools boil at 80–100°C, and the smell of sulphur is pervasive. The landscape bears no comparison to anything outside Iceland. A boardwalk threads through the most active areas with viewing platforms over the main mud pools. In stormy winter weather, the steam and hissing create an almost theatrically hellish atmosphere.