Volcanic System
Krysuvik
Seltun sits within the Krysuvik-Trlladin volcanic system, one of several active geothermal systems on the Reykjanes peninsula.
Seltun Geothermal Area at Krysuvik
A vivid geothermal landscape of bubbling mud pots, hissing steam vents, and sulfur-painted earth on the Reykjanes peninsula.
Location
Reykjanes Peninsula
Krysuvik, Southwest Iceland
Quick Answer
Seltun at Krysuvik on the Reykjanes peninsula has bubbling mud pots, steam vents, and sulfur-stained slopes on a 30-minute boardwalk loop, 40 minutes from Reykjavik.
Seltun is a geothermal area within the Krysuvik volcanic system on Iceland's Reykjanes peninsula. Just 40 minutes from Reykjavik, the site shows Iceland's underground forces up close: bubbling gray mud pots, hissing steam vents, and ground stained yellow, orange, red, and green by sulfur and mineral deposits. Elevated wooden boardwalks wind through the most active areas, so visitors can safely take in the sights, sounds, and unmistakable sulfur smell of an active geothermal field. Seltun is a good, quieter alternative to the more crowded Haukadalur area.
Sources and page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
Stay strictly on the boardwalks and marked paths at Seltun. The ground is extremely hot and can be fragile. A steam explosion in 1999 created a new mud pot; the area can change without warning.
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Official sources to check
Distance from Reykjavik
~40 Minutes
Located just off Route 42 on the Reykjanes peninsula, one of the closest geothermal areas to the capital.
Admission Cost
Free
Seltun is completely free to visit with no entrance fee. Free parking is available at the trailhead.
What to Expect
Bubbling Mud Pots (100°C+)
Thick gray geothermal mud boils and splatters in natural clay-lined pools at surface temperatures exceeding 100°C. A new mud pot formed during a 1999 steam explosion.
Vivid Mineral Colors
Sulfur (yellow), iron oxide (red/orange), silica (white), and clay minerals (green) paint the ground. Colors are most intense after rain when the wet surface amplifies hues.
Free Admission & Boardwalk
Completely free year-round. Well-maintained wooden boardwalks with information signs take 20-30 minutes to walk. Free parking with restroom facilities.
What to Bring
Sturdy footwear with good grip (boardwalk is slippery when wet or icy), windproof jacket (Reykjanes is windy), and a camera for the colors.
Grænavatn Green Crater Lake
A green crater lake sits just east of Seltún. Its color comes from algae, sulfur, and dissolved minerals. A worthwhile photo stop on Route 42.
Less Crowded Alternative
Only 40 minutes from Reykjavík, Seltún is far quieter than the crowded Haukadalur area on the Golden Circle, especially off-peak.
Getting There
Seltún is located along Route 42 on the Reykjanes peninsula, approximately 40 km (40 minutes) from central Reykjavík. From Reykjavík, head south on Route 41 toward Hafnarfjörður, then continue onto Route 42 through the Krýsuvík area. A free parking area with restroom facilities is directly adjacent to the boardwalk entrance. No 4WD required; the route is paved or well-maintained gravel. The nearest town is Hafnarfjörður (30 km). The drive passes Kleifarvatn lake and the green crater lake Grænavatn. Combine with Gunnuhver hot springs (30 minutes west), the Blue Lagoon (25 minutes), and the Bridge Between Continents for a full Reykjanes day trip.
Best Time to Visit
Year-round. June through August: longest daylight, mildest conditions, and the most vivid mineral colors in bright sunshine. Summer afternoons see the most visitors, but Seltún is always less crowded than Haukadalur. September through October: autumn brings moody skies, fewer people, and colors intensified by frequent rain. November through February: steam rises against dark skies and snow-covered surroundings. The boardwalks can be icy, so wear footwear with good grip. On clear winter nights, the Reykjanes peninsula is excellent for northern lights viewing. March through May: spring light returns with moderate visitor numbers. Early mornings are quietest in any season.
Seltún is one stop within Krýsuvík
The names do not describe two separate trips. Visit Reykjanes lists Seltún among several geothermal areas within Krýsuvík. For the familiar boardwalk among mud pots and fumaroles, use the Seltún parking location on Route 42.
A longer Krýsuvík walk is a separate route-planning decision. Do not follow steam across unmarked ground to connect the geothermal areas. Seltún lies within Reykjanes nature reserve, and the boardwalk provides the intended way to examine its mineral deposits.
Planning help
Seltun FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
Is Seltun free to visit?
Yes, Seltun is completely free to visit. There is no entrance fee or parking charge. The boardwalks and viewing platforms are open to the public year-round.
How long does it take to walk through Seltun?
The main boardwalk loop through Seltun takes approximately 20-30 minutes at a leisurely pace. If you extend your walk to the surrounding trails at Krysuvik, you could spend 1-2 hours exploring the broader area.
Is Seltun safe to visit?
Seltun is safe as long as you stay on the marked boardwalks and paths. The ground around geothermal features is extremely hot and can be thin and unstable. In 1999, a small steam explosion created a new mud pot, which shows the area remains geologically active.
Can I combine Seltun with other Reykjanes attractions?
Yes. Seltun is located on the Reykjanes peninsula, which also has the Bridge Between Continents, Gunnuhver hot springs, Reykjanesviti lighthouse, and the Blue Lagoon. All can be visited in a single day trip from Reykjavik.
Country reference: Iceland statistics.