Ten minutes south of Lake Kleifarvatn is Krýsuvík. As these two areas are closely connected, geothermal heat with its bubbling mud pots and hot springs is even more characteristic of Krýsuvík than Lake Kleifarvatn.
When driving the main road, you’ll notice the steam soaring from the hills immediately as the distinct and somewhat unwelcoming smell of sulphur from hot-springs seeps into your car. A few metres from the marked out parking lot, the colourful area appears.
Surrounded by lava and peculiar flora, this area is especially beautiful during winter, when the contrast between the snow and the green, white and beige setting, shaped by the bubbling pits and hot-springs provide for a unique photo-opportunity.
As this is a popular tourist destination, platforms have been put up around the area for a better view of the sights. Just be careful not to walk too close to the hot-springs, as the surface can easily give way with dangerous consequences. Follow the signs and you should be safe.
The most active volcanic area is named Seltún, located in Hveradalur valley. Mud pots, fumaroles and boiling hot springs can be spotted in every direction and a warm rivulet floats down the valley. Here, the evidence of geothermal heat is visible every day of the year. For an even more amazing experience, if you hike up to the mountain Sveifluháls, you’ll get a magnificent panoramic view over the whole area.
Only minutes away south from Krýsuvík is the Krýsuvíkurberg cliff, where thousands of seabirds nest with a view over the Atlantic Ocean.
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