Flow
180 L/sec
Highest flow rate of any hot spring in Europe
Deildartunguhver: Europe's Most Powerful Hot Spring
Europe's most powerful hot spring, producing 180 liters per second of near-boiling water in West Iceland.
Location
Reykholt area
West Iceland • Near Krauma spa
Quick Answer
Deildartunguhver pumps out 180 liters of 97°C water per second, the highest flow of any hot spring in Europe. Free viewing path off Route 50, next to Krauma spa.
Deildartunguhver is Europe's most powerful hot spring, producing 180 liters of 97°C water every second. Located in the Borgarfjörður area of West Iceland near the historic village of Reykholt, the spring heats homes in Borgarnes and Akranes through one of the longest hot water pipelines in Iceland. The spring area features a walkway for safe viewing of the billowing steam and surging water. The adjacent Krauma spa uses this same water, cooled to bathing temperature, for its geothermal pools.
Sources and page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
DO NOT touch the water; it is near boiling at 97°C. Stay on marked paths and behind barriers at all times.
For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy.
Official sources to check
Temperature
97°C
Near-boiling. DO NOT touch the water
Rank
Europe's most powerful
Highest flow rate of any European hot spring
What to Expect
Geothermal Power
Watch 180 liters per second of 97°C water surge from the earth, the highest flow rate of any hot spring in Europe
Billowing Steam
Clouds of steam rise from the spring, especially on cold winter days when the temperature contrast is greatest
Safe Viewing Walkway
A boardwalk with barriers and interpretive signs allows close but safe observation. Bring a camera and waterproof jacket for steam spray
Krauma Spa Next Door
Bathe in water from this spring at the adjacent Krauma spa (from ~4,900 ISK). Six pools range from 5°C to 40°C, plus two steam rooms
Rare Fern Habitat
The geothermal warmth creates a microclimate where rare ferns thrive year-round, including species not found elsewhere in Iceland
Reykholt Heritage
5-minute drive to the village of Reykholt, home of saga writer Snorri Sturluson. Visit the medieval hot pool Snorralaug nearby
Getting There
Deildartunguhver is located along Route 50 in the Borgarfjörður valley, about 100 km (1.5 hours) north of Reykjavík. From Reykjavík, take Route 1 north through the Hvalfjörður tunnel, continue through Borgarnes, then turn east onto Route 50 toward Reykholt. The spring is well-signposted with a free parking area that accommodates approximately 30 cars. No 4WD is needed; the entire route is paved and well-maintained year-round. The nearest town is Reykholt (2 km). The site pairs well with visits to Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls (10 km), Krauma spa (adjacent), and Víðgelmir lava cave (25 km).
Best Time to Visit
Year-round. The spring is equally impressive in all seasons and there is no admission fee. October through March: cold air produces the thickest steam columns, with northern lights potential from nearby Krauma spa. April through May: fewer crowds with spring light on the Borgarfjörður landscape. June through August: longest daylight if you want to fit in a full West Iceland day trip. September: autumn colors in the birch woods near Reykholt make for excellent photography. The viewing area is open 24 hours with no gates or closures.
The spring also tells a heating story
Krauma’s local history describes a roughly 600-metre wooden conduit that carried steam to the old Deildartunga house for heating, cooking and bathing. This use preceded the modern spa. The same account describes greenhouse cultivation beside the spring, established around 1941.
View the source from the visitor path; it is not a bathing pool. If you want to get into the water, book the separate managed Krauma spa and check its current admission conditions.
Planning help
Deildartunguhver FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
Can I bathe in Deildartunguhver?
Absolutely not. The water temperature is 97°C, near boiling. The spring is for viewing only. If you want to bathe in water sourced from Deildartunguhver, visit Krauma spa, which is located right next door and cools the water to safe bathing temperatures.
What is the connection between Deildartunguhver and Krauma?
Krauma geothermal spa is built adjacent to Deildartunguhver and uses its water, cooling it by mixing with cold glacial water from Rauðsgil. That way visitors can bathe safely in water from the same source.
What is Deildartunguhver's water used for?
The hot water is piped to heat homes and buildings in the nearby towns of Borgarnes (34 km away) and Akranes (64 km away). It is one of the most important geothermal heating sources in West Iceland.
How long should I spend at Deildartunguhver?
A visit to the spring itself takes about 15–30 minutes to walk the viewing path and read the information boards. If you combine it with Krauma spa nearby, plan for 2–3 hours total.
Country reference: Iceland statistics.