Deildartunguhver Thermal Spring

The basics

Deildartunguhver is just off Route 50 and you’ll likely see the plumes of steam emanating from the thermal spring before you arrive. The hot spring’s water emerges out of a rocky outcrop at a constant 207°F (97°C), making it far too dangerous to get close. There are, however, wooden walkways and observation points that lead you around the springs at a safe distance. Adjacent to Deildartunguhver is a small stand where you can purchase organic tomatoes grown in local greenhouses using the hot spring’s geothermal heat.

Deildartunguhver Thermal Spring is a typical stop on day tours around Iceland’s Silver Circle route.

Things to know before you go

• There is no admission fee to visit Deildartunguhver.

• Parking at the hot spring is free.

• The water is scalding hot so keep an eye on children and stay on the walkways.

• The surrounding area is home to a specific type of fern, “deer fern,” which is not found anywhere else in Iceland.

How to get there

From Reykjavik, it’s a 65-mile (104-kilometer) drive north to Deildartunghver, which lies just off Route 50, near the village of Kleppjarnsreykir village, west of Reykholt. The drive from Reykjavik should take around 1.5 hours. Visiting as part of a Silver Circle tour is the best way to avoid the hassle of driving.

When to get there

Deildartunguhver keeps no opening hours so you can visit any time you want. Viewing the hot spring only takes around 10 minutes, however, so it makes more sense to visit while traveling elsewhere around West Iceland rather than making a dedicated trip. Krauma’s geothermal baths and restaurant are open seven days a week, from late morning through late evening.

Krauma

You can safely experience the piping hot water of Deildartunghver by packing a swimsuit and making a stop at the adjacent natural geothermal baths of Krauma, which has six pools (five warm and one cold) and two steam baths. Open year-round, Krauma is a less-crowded and cheaper alternative to the famed Blue Lagoon. The baths’ restaurant offers local produce and views of Deildartunguhver.