Temperature
80–100°C+
Surface temperatures at active vents and mud pots
Hverir (Námaskarð): Iceland's Sulfur Fields at Mývatn
A barren sulfur field of boiling mud pots, hissing fumaroles, and steaming vents on the eastern shore of Lake Mývatn.
Location
Lake Mývatn
North Iceland • Route 1
Quick Answer
Hverir (Námaskarð) is a high-temperature geothermal field of boiling mud pots and fumaroles beside Lake Mývatn. Use the marked paths from the parking area off Route 1.
Hverir, also known as Námaskarð, is one of Iceland's largest high-temperature geothermal areas. It sits at the foot of the Námafjall ridge on the eastern side of Lake Mývatn: bubbling mud cauldrons, roaring steam vents, and mineral deposits in shades of yellow, orange, and red. The area lies on the Krafla volcanic system, where magma just a few kilometers down superheats groundwater and drives the activity visible at the surface. Right along the Ring Road, it is one of the most accessible high-temperature areas in Iceland.
Sources and page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
Follow designated paths and barriers. Boiling mud, hot ground and steam vents are hazardous.
For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy.
Official sources to check
Visitor route
Marked paths
Stay on the designated route; check parking signs on arrival
Region
North Iceland
Mývatn area, 490 km from Reykjavík via Route 1
What to Expect
Boiling Mud Pots (100°C+)
Large cauldrons of thick, bubbling gray mud that pop and splatter, some several meters across. Surface temperatures exceed 100°C. Never approach or touch
Roaring Steam Vents
Superheated steam jets shoot from fissures with tremendous force. Underground temperatures in the Krafla system reach 200-300°C just 1-2 km below the surface
Sulfur Crystal Deposits
Bright yellow sulfur crystals (elemental sulfur, S8) encrust the ground around fumaroles and stand out against the red iron oxide clay
Námafjall Ridge Hike
A short but steep 20-minute climb up the ridge gives 360-degree views of the geothermal field, Lake Mývatn, and the surrounding volcanic landscape
Follow the Marked Route
Visit North Iceland requires visitors to remain on designated paths. Do not follow footprints toward a fumarole or across fragile ground
What to Bring
Sturdy closed-toe shoes (the ground is rough and hot near vents), windproof jacket, and a camera. Follow site warnings about gases; being outdoors is not a guarantee of a harmless concentration
Getting There
Hverir is located directly on Route 1 (the Ring Road) on the eastern side of Lake Mývatn, about 490 km from Reykjavík (5.5 hours). From Akureyri, it is approximately 100 km east along Route 1 (1 hour). The parking area is right beside the road; you can see the steam from the car window. The nearest town is Reykjahlíð (10 km). No special vehicle is required, as Route 1 is paved to the turn-off. The site is accessible year-round, though the unpaved parking area can be icy in winter. Combine with Earth Lagoon Mývatn (5 km), Dimmuborgir (8 km), Krafla caldera (10 km), and Víti crater.
Best Time to Visit
Year-round. June through August: most pleasant weather (8-15°C) and up to 21 hours of daylight. Easy to combine with a full day of Mývatn-area attractions. Arrive before 10 AM or after 5 PM to avoid peak tour bus traffic. September through October: fewer visitors, and the steam is more visible in cooler air. November through February: steam rises against dark skies and snow-dusted surroundings, but the parking area can be icy. March through May: returning light and moderate visitor numbers. The appearance of individual vents can vary; check local access conditions before your visit.
Footprints are not a visitor route
Visit North Iceland’s Námafjall guidance specifies designated paths throughout the geothermal field. This matters on ground that can look like ordinary bare clay: keep to the signed route instead of following other visitors closer to a mud pot. Hverir is a viewing stop, not a place to test water for bathing.
Hydrogen sulfide is one of the gases discussed in the Meteorological Office’s guidance. Its effect depends on concentration and exposure; follow site warnings rather than judging safety by smell.
Planning help
Hverir FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
Is there an entrance fee at Hverir?
Check the displayed parking and payment instructions on arrival. We have not verified a current operator tariff and do not quote an amount. The geothermal field is reached from Route 1 near Námafjall; use the designated visitor paths once parked.
Is Hverir dangerous?
Yes. Stay on designated paths, as Visit North Iceland requires: footprints or worn ground beyond a marked route are not permission to approach a vent. Keep children close and do not touch the mud or water. Hot ground, boiling water and gas require care even in an easily reached roadside area.
How long does a visit to Hverir take?
Most visitors spend 30 to 60 minutes walking around the geothermal field. The area is compact and flat, so it is easy to get around. You can combine it with nearby attractions like the Krafla caldera, Víti crater, and the Earth Lagoon Mývatn for a full day in the area.
Why does Hverir smell so strongly of sulfur?
Hydrogen sulfide released around geothermal areas contributes the rotten-egg smell. The Meteorological Office says it can irritate the lungs and eyes and can be harmful at sufficient concentration and exposure. The smell does not establish a safe concentration. Follow current site warnings and stay on the designated route.
For a countrywide view of Iceland’s volcanic systems, explore our Iceland statistics.