Must-sees and hidden gems: what to see and do in Hveragerði?
Nestled on an active geothermal field less than an hour’s drive from Reykjavik, Hveragerði is one of the most surprising towns in southern Iceland. Here, the ground steams, greenhouses glow with geothermal heat, and trails lead to hidden hot springs tucked into hills of green moss. This small town is much more than a quick stop on the Golden Circle route: it’s Iceland in miniature, where living nature and local traditions meet. Discover the experiences you won’t want to miss in Hveragerði.
1. Soak in the warm river at Reykjadalur
This is Hveragerði’s standout moment: hiking through a steaming valley before slipping into a naturally warm river. The trail begins just outside town and climbs gently along hills dotted with fumaroles. After about an hour of hiking, you’ll reach your reward: a steaming stream in a picture-perfect setting. Ease into the water, let your muscles relax, and watch sheep grazing in the distance. A truly wild spa experience.
2. Explore greenhouses heated by geothermal energy
Hveragerði has its name, meaning “hot spring gardens,” for a reason: lush greenhouses thrive here year-round thanks to the natural heat beneath the ground. Take a look at the different greenhouses, especially the flower growers. With a bit of luck, you may get a glimpse of local farming in the middle of winter at one of the town’s vegetable farms.
3. Walk through Hverasvæðið geothermal park
Located right in the center of town, this paid geothermal park (about $4) offers one of the best open-air looks at the Earth’s energy in action. Bubbling mud pools, steam vents, sulfur-scented fumaroles: it’s all here. Safe walkways let you get close without taking risks. You can even cook an egg in one of the natural pools, just as Icelanders have done for generations. It’s a playful, sensory introduction to the raw power hidden beneath Iceland.
4. Discover art at Listasafn Árnesinga
If you love contemporary art, step inside this hilltop art center. Far from a traditional museum, this gallery showcases Icelandic and international artists with an experimental, thoughtful approach. Photography, installations, videos, and sculptures fill a bright space of raw concrete, with large picture windows opening onto nature. The museum changes its exhibitions every three months, but it always offers a powerful artistic experience rooted in the surrounding landscape.
5. Hike Hellisheiði and listen to the Earth breathe
Lace up your hiking shoes and set out across this spectacular volcanic plateau, just a short distance from Hveragerði. Well-marked trails, including Vífilsfell, wind between lichen-covered hills, ancient craters, and steaming cracks in the ground. Along the way, you might pass Icelandic horses, hear the low rumble of a boiling spring, or catch the mineral scent of sulfur in the air. This hike takes you deep into Iceland’s wild side, where the Earth’s crust feels only barely sealed.
6. Visit Ölverk brewery for a one-of-a-kind smoky beer
Yes, even the beer here is shaped by volcanism. At Ölverk, the brewing process runs on geothermal energy, and you can taste the team’s passion for hops in every sip. Try the Steam Lager or the Pale Ale infused with local herbs. The owners enjoy sharing their methods and their sustainable philosophy. The menu also features excellent wood-fired pizzas, perfect alongside a tasting with steaming hills in the distance.
7. Have coffee beside a tectonic rift
Where else in the world can you sip an espresso where tectonic plates are pulling apart? At Hver Restaurant, the terrace sits quite literally above a rift. The setting is elegant, the pastries are delicious, and the view of the mountains to the east is striking. It’s the perfect stop after a hike or a stroll through town. And if you’d like to dig deeper, ask the staff to show you the geological maps displayed inside.
8. Try a volcanic mud bath
At the geothermal park, you can discover small hidden natural pools rich in minerals, ideal for smoothing on warm clay before rinsing off in a hot stream. It's raw, fun, sometimes muddy, very muddy, but incredibly refreshing. A playful, healthy way to reconnect with the elements.
Hveragerði is still a quiet gem, a place where nature lives beneath your feet and everyday life carries the scent of sulfur and tropical flowers. Travelers who take the time to stay here discover another side of Iceland, shaped by warmth, tradition, and ever-changing landscapes.
Stop in Hveragerði on a tailor-made trip to Iceland
Traveling with Evaneos means working with a local, English-speaking expert based in Iceland who knows the country inside and out. Thanks to this direct connection, you’ll get thoughtful advice, off-the-beaten-path ideas, and a carefully designed itinerary that reflects the way you want to travel.
Want to include Hveragerði, its hot springs, and its geothermal trails? No problem. Your local agent will help you create a balanced, authentic tailor-made trip full of unexpected discoveries.
