Capital Region · Iceland
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.
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.
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.
Key Facts
- ✔Part of the Krýsuvík geothermal system
- ✔A geothermal explosion in 1999 created a large new vent
- ✔Boardwalk trails allow safe close-up views of boiling features
- ✔Sulfur vents color the soil yellow, orange and red
- ✔Located near Kleifarvatn lake on the Reykjanes Peninsula
