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
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. Today, a staffed mountain hut and campsite serve summer visitors.
Sources and last reviewed
Last reviewed: 2026-03-03
Highland location; 4WD recommended. Route 35 typically open mid-June to September. Stay on marked paths around hot springs. Silica formations are extremely fragile.
Pages are reviewed for practical usefulness, source quality, and volatile claims before publication.
Season
Mid-Jun–Sep
Route 35 and facilities open during summer months only
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. Free for hut guests and campers. 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 (no shop on site), sleeping bag if staying overnight. Bring all supplies from lowland towns
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
FI operates a staffed summer hut with sleeping bag bunks (~8,000 ISK/night) and a campsite (~2,000 ISK). Kitchen available. Book huts in advance for weekends
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
From Reykjavík, drive to Gullfoss via Route 35 (the Golden Circle route), then continue north on Route 35 (the Kjölur road) into the Highlands. Hveravellir is approximately 100 km north of Gullfoss on this unpaved but usually manageable road. The total drive from Reykjavík is approximately 200 km (4-5 hours). A 4WD vehicle is strongly recommended due to river crossings and rough stretches, though Route 35 is technically not an F-road. The nearest fuel and services are at Gullfoss (100 km south) or Blönduós (130 km north). Highland buses on the Kjölur route (SBA-Norðurleið) stop at Hveravellir in summer, making it accessible without a car. A gravel parking area is available at the site. Always check road.is for current conditions before departure.
Best Time to Visit
Summer only, typically mid-June through early September. Late June: Route 35 may just be opening, so check road.is daily. River crossings may be high from snowmelt. July is the most reliable month, with the warmest highland weather (5-15°C) and a fully staffed hut. In clear weather you can see both glaciers from the site. August: conditions hold. The bathing pool is at its best on cool, clear evenings, when the steam is thickest. Book mountain hut bunks well ahead for July weekends. September: the road may close early depending on weather. The facility closes for winter when Route 35 becomes impassable, typically by mid-September.
Planning help
Hveravellir FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.