Námafjall (Hverir)

Mars on Earth - Active Geothermal Wonderland

200°C Temperature at Depth
432m Elevation
24/7 Activity

About Námafjall Geothermal Area

Námafjall, also known as Hverir or Hverarönd, is one of Iceland's most spectacular high-temperature geothermal areas. Located on the eastern shore of Lake Mývatn, this alien landscape features boiling mud pools, hissing steam vents, and colorful sulfur deposits that make it look like another planet.

🌡️ Geothermal Activity

  • High-temperature geothermal field
  • Temperatures reach 200°C at depth
  • Part of the Krafla volcanic system
  • Continuous activity for thousands of years
  • Multiple fumaroles and mud pots

📍 Location & Access

  • Near Lake Mývatn, North Iceland
  • At the foot of Námafjall mountain
  • 5 km from Reykjahlíð village
  • Directly on Route 1 (Ring Road)
  • Free access, no entrance fee

🎨 Unique Features

  • Boiling mud pools (solfataras)
  • Steam vents (fumaroles)
  • Bright yellow sulfur deposits
  • Orange and red iron oxide staining
  • Barren, Mars-like landscape

Geothermal Features

The Námafjall geothermal area showcases various types of geothermal activity, each creating unique and dramatic features.

💨 Fumaroles (Steam Vents)

  • Superheated steam escaping from ground
  • Temperatures up to 200°C
  • Continuous hissing and roaring sounds
  • Strong sulfur smell (hydrogen sulfide)
  • Some vents have been active for decades

🫧 Mud Pools (Solfataras)

  • Boiling mud created by acidic water
  • Bubbling and plopping sounds
  • Gray clay consistency
  • Highly acidic (pH 2-3)
  • Constantly changing patterns

🟡 Sulfur Deposits

  • Bright yellow crystalline sulfur
  • Forms around steam vents
  • Historically mined for sulfur
  • Creates vivid color contrasts
  • Delicate crystal formations

🌈 Mineral Colors

  • Red/orange iron oxide staining
  • White silica deposits
  • Green algae in cooler areas
  • Black volcanic soil contrast
  • Creates otherworldly palette

Geological Setting

Námafjall sits on the active rift zone that runs through Iceland, directly connected to the Krafla volcanic system's geothermal activity.

🌋 Volcanic Connection

  • Part of Krafla volcanic system
  • Located on Mid-Atlantic Ridge
  • Active rifting zone
  • Magma chamber provides heat source
  • Same system as Krafla Fires (1975-1984)

💧 Hydrothermal System

  • Groundwater heated by magma
  • Water reaches 200°C+ underground
  • Acidic fluids alter rock minerals
  • Steam separates from hot water
  • Gases rise through fractured rock

📜 Historical Activity

  • Sulfur mining in 18th-19th centuries
  • Námafjall means "Mine Mountain"
  • Active for thousands of years
  • Activity varies with Krafla system
  • Increased after 1975-1984 eruptions

Visiting Námafjall

⚠️ Safety Warning

Stay on marked paths at all times. The ground can be extremely hot and unstable. Steam and gases can cause burns or breathing difficulties. Keep children close and never touch the mud or steam vents.

📍 Getting There

  • Located on Ring Road (Route 1)
  • 5 km south of Reykjahlíð
  • Large parking area available
  • Accessible year-round
  • No entrance fee

🕐 Best Time to Visit

  • Year-round destination
  • Early morning: fewer crowds, dramatic steam
  • Winter: Steam more visible in cold air
  • Sunset: Beautiful light on colors
  • 15-30 minutes typical visit

🥾 What to Expect

  • Marked walking trails through area
  • Strong sulfur smell throughout
  • Loud hissing from fumaroles
  • Boardwalks over sensitive areas
  • Extremely photogenic landscape

⚠️ Important Safety Rules

  • Never leave marked paths
  • Ground can collapse without warning
  • Steam can cause severe burns
  • Watch for wind direction (gases)
  • Keep children under close supervision

📸 Photography Tips

Námafjall is incredibly photogenic with its vivid colors and dramatic steam. Wide-angle lenses capture the landscape, while telephoto lenses can isolate mud pool patterns. Morning and evening light enhance the yellow and orange tones. Protect your camera from steam and sulfurous gases.

🗺️ Nearby Attractions

  • Krafla: 15 minutes - Víti crater and Leirhnjúkur lava fields
  • Mývatn Nature Baths: 5 minutes - Geothermal spa
  • Grjótagjá Cave: 5 minutes - Hot spring cave
  • Dimmuborgir: 10 minutes - Lava formations
  • Lake Mývatn: 5-10 minutes - Pseudocraters and birdwatching