Canonical URL: https://www.iceland.org/cities/hveragerdi Content updated: 2026-09-10 This is the Markdown representation of the page. Interactive tools and forms are available on the [HTML page](). Source-check and review dates retain the meanings stated in the article. --- # Hveragerdi: the Greenhouse Town Iceland's greenhouse town, where geothermal heat grows vegetables and the hot river hike begins in the steaming Reykjadalur valley. Updated September 10, 2026 · [Published by Iceland.org]() · [Writing & review]() Population ~2,700 South Iceland • Geothermal town ## Quick Answer Hveragerdi, 45 km from Reykjavik, grows tomatoes and cucumbers in geothermally heated greenhouses. The Reykjadalur trailhead is outside town; reaching it and hiking to the river are separate parts of the trip. Hveragerdi sits in a geothermally active area where steam rises from the ground and greenhouses run year-round. The town is best known for the Reykjadalur hot river hike, one of Iceland's most accessible natural bathing spots. Sources and page update Updated: 2026-09-10 Hveragerdi is easily accessible from Reykjavik and the Golden Circle route. For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy. Official sources to check - [Hveragerdi Municipality]() - [Visit Iceland]() - [Road.is]() - [Icelandic Meteorological Office]() Region South Iceland 45 km from Reykjavik Population ~2,700 Geothermal greenhouse town Known for Hot river hike Reykjadalur natural bathing ## Top Attractions in Hveragerdi ### Reykjadalur Hot River Hot-river hike outside town; allow for the approach and the return walk ### Geothermal Park Hot springs and mud pots in town center ### Greenhouses Geothermal-powered tropical plants ### Earthquake Exhibition 2008 quake and new hot springs ### Swimming Pool Geothermal pool with hot tubs ## The town park and hot-river hike are different outings [Visit Hveragerði]() places the Geothermal Park in the middle of town and says the hot-river trail is about 3 km away. That distance is the approach to the trail, not an out-and-back hiking distance to the bathing spot. Leave separate time for reaching the trailhead, walking and returning. Choose the town’s Geothermal Park when you want a geothermal stop within Hveragerði. Choose Reykjadalur when you have set aside time for a hike and checked the trail conditions. The distinction matters more than trying to combine every geothermal sight into a brief roadside break. ## How to Get to Hveragerdi **From Reykjavik:** 35 minutes via Route 1. First town you reach heading south. ## Best Time to Visit Hveragerdi Hveragerdi works year-round. The hot river can be enjoyed in any weather, and winter brings quieter trails. Planning help ## Hveragerdi FAQs Quick answers with safety notes where it matters. **What is the population of Hveragerdi?** Hveragerdi has approximately 2,700 residents. **Why is Hveragerdi the greenhouse town?** Geothermal heat powers greenhouses growing tomatoes, cucumbers, and flowers year-round, even bananas. The town’s geothermal visitor sites are separate from any commercial greenhouse visit. **What is the hot river hike?** Reykjadalur is the hot-river hike outside Hveragerði. The local visitor site’s 3-km figure describes the distance from town to the trail, not the full walk to the bathing area and back. Plan the hike separately from getting to the trailhead. **How far is Hveragerdi from Reykjavik?** Hveragerdi is about 45 km from Reykjavik, approximately 35 minutes by car via Route 1. **Was there an earthquake in Hveragerdi?** Yes, a 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck in 2008, creating new hot springs in town. The NLFI earthquake exhibition documents this event. **What is the Geothermal Park?** Hveragerdi has a geothermal park in the town center with hot springs, mud pots, and demonstrations of geothermal baking. **Does Hveragerdi have swimming pools?** Yes, Hveragerdi has a geothermal swimming pool with hot tubs, a good warm-up after the hot river hike. **Is Hveragerdi a good base?** Yes, it's close to Reykjavik and the Golden Circle, with affordable accommodation and geothermal sites in and around town. [Back to Cities & Towns]() For national population totals and trends to put local figures in context, see our [Iceland statistics]().