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
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 last reviewed
Last reviewed: 2026-03-03
No boardwalks or fences. Boiling mud and steam vents are extremely hot. Stay on worn paths and keep a safe distance from active vents.
Pages are reviewed for practical usefulness, source quality, and volatile claims before publication.
Official sources to check
Entrance Fee
Free
Open access year-round, parking available at the site
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
Free, Open Access
No entrance fee, no boardwalks, no fences. Open year-round 24 hours. Walk freely but exercise extreme caution near all active vents and mud pots
What to Bring
Sturdy closed-toe shoes (the ground is rough and hot near vents), windproof jacket, and a camera. The strong hydrogen sulfide smell is normal and harmless in outdoor concentrations
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 free gravel 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 Mývatn Nature Baths (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 geothermal activity is constant regardless of season; the mud pots and fumaroles never stop.
Planning help
Hverir FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.