Elevation
~650 m
Highland desert between Langjökull and Hofsjökull glaciers
Hveravellir: Geothermal Oasis in Iceland's Highlands
A geothermal oasis in the barren interior Highlands: hot springs, silica terraces, and a warm bathing pool between two glaciers.
Location
Kjölur Route
Highlands • Route 35 • 4WD recommended
Quick Answer
Hveravellir is a geothermal area on the Kjölur route between Langjökull and Hofsjökull, with hot springs, silica terraces, and a warm bathing pool. 4WD recommended.
Hveravellir is a protected geothermal area in Iceland's uninhabited interior, midway along the Kjölur Highland road (Route 35) between Langjökull and Hofsjökull glaciers. This oasis in the highland desert holds a cluster of hot springs, fumaroles, and delicate silica terraces formed over centuries by mineral-rich water. A small, warm bathing pool sits among the steaming vents, with nothing but barren highland in every direction. Hveravellir has been a waystation for highland travelers since the saga age, and the ruins of the 18th-century outlaw Fjalla-Eyvindur's shelter can still be seen among the hot springs. Accommodation includes dormitories, private rooms and a campsite, with a service centre in the New Hut.
Sources and page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
Highland location; 4WD recommended. Route 35 typically open mid-June to September. Stay on marked paths around hot springs. Silica formations are extremely fragile.
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Season
Mid-Jun–Sep
Summer road access; winter visits require specialist arrangements
Distance
~200 km
From Reykjavík via Gullfoss and Route 35 (4–5 hours)
What to Expect
Bathing Pool (36-40°C)
A small constructed pool fed by natural geothermal water at 36-40°C. Day visitors pay for pool and facility use. Soak among the steam vents at 650 m elevation
Silica Terraces & Bláhver
Delicate white and blue silica formations built up over centuries. The blue spring Bláhver is the best known. These fragile formations are strictly protected; never touch them
What to Bring
Swimsuit, towel, warm layers, waterproof jacket, food and water for the journey, and bedding suited to your accommodation. The service centre has a restaurant and a small selection of essentials
Fjalla-Eyvindur's Outlaw Ruins
Ruins of an 18th-century outlaw shelter visible among the hot springs. Fjalla-Eyvindur reportedly survived decades in the highlands using geothermal heat to cook food
Mountain Hut & Campsite
Choose Old Hut dormitories with shared cooking facilities, New Hut private rooms or camping with toilets and showers. Confirm availability and rates with the lodge
Highland Desert Panorama
Vast treeless landscape stretching to Langjökull glacier to the west and Hofsjökull to the east. One of Iceland's most remote inhabited summer locations
Getting There
Follow road 35, the Kjölur route, from Gullfoss toward Hveravellir. The lodge gives the distance from Gullfoss as about 90 km and advises filling up before entering the Highlands. Summer road access depends on conditions and your vehicle agreement; the operator discourages the smallest cars. Its transport page, checked September 10, 2026, says there is currently no scheduled bus service along Kjölur. Do not build an itinerary around an old summer bus timetable.
Best Time to Visit
Summer is the usual season for driving Kjölur, with opening and closing dates determined by conditions. Check the road status before setting out and confirm accommodation and services with the lodge. Winter visits require separately arranged specialist transport; the operator describes guided super-jeep access, which is different from an ordinary self-drive trip. A summer road itinerary does not establish winter access.
Planning help
Hveravellir FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
How do I get to Hveravellir?
Hveravellir is on the Kjölur route, road 35, about 90 km north of Gullfoss. Check current road conditions and your rental agreement before driving. As checked on September 10, 2026, the lodge says there is no scheduled bus service on Kjölur; arrange transport separately if you are not driving.
Can I stay overnight at Hveravellir?
Hveravellir Mountain Lodge offers dormitories in the Old Hut, which has shared cooking facilities, and private rooms with made-up beds in the New Hut. There is also a campsite with shared toilets and showers. Book the accommodation type and dates directly with the lodge.
Is the hot pot at Hveravellir natural?
The bathing pool uses geothermal water. Day visitors pay to use the pool and facilities; ask reception in the New Hut for the current charge. The surrounding hot springs are separate from the bathing pool and can be dangerously hot. Bring a towel and follow the posted bathing rules.
What is the history of Hveravellir?
Hveravellir has been a stopping point for travelers crossing the Highlands since saga times. The 18th-century outlaw Fjalla-Eyvindur reportedly hid here for years, using the hot springs to cook food. His shelter ruins can still be seen near the geothermal area. The site has been a waystation on the Kjölur route for centuries.
For a countrywide view of Iceland’s volcanic systems, explore our Iceland statistics.