Gunnuhver is one of the most powerful and active
geothermal areas in Iceland. It is located on the
Reykjanes Peninsula, close to
Reykjanes Lighthouse.
The area is known for its roaring steam vents, boiling mud pools, and strong
sulfur scent that clearly reflects the immense geothermal energy beneath the surface.
Gunnuhver takes its name from the Icelandic folklore ghost Gunna, who according
to legend was trapped within the hot spring. Today, the site is one of the best
examples of a high-temperature geothermal field where steam and volcanic gases
rise directly from deep geothermal reservoirs.
The steam mixes with surface water and volcanic gases, creating highly acidic
conditions. As a result, lava and volcanic rock are transformed into clay,
forming wide mud pools and mineral deposits. Gunnuhver is home to Iceland’s
largest mud pot, measuring more than 20 meters in diameter and producing a
constant, thunderous steam plume.
The geothermal area has changed significantly over time, especially following
earthquake activity that characterizes the Reykjanes Peninsula. A fissure system
stretching from Valbjargagjá through Gunnuhver has repeatedly shifted, temporarily
increasing geothermal activity. Nearby are remains of older geysers and extinct
vents, including Kísilhóll and a mud pot last active around 1970.
Access to Gunnuhver has been greatly improved in recent years. Elevated walkways,
viewing platforms, and bridges allow visitors to safely explore the area while
protecting the fragile terrain. It is essential to stay on marked paths, as ground
temperatures can be extremely high and unstable.
Several popular attractions are located nearby, including
Brimketill,
Karlinn,
Kirkjuvogskirkja,
Hvalneskirkja,
Húsatóftavöllur,
Sandgerði, and
Keflavík.
Gunnuhver is one of the most dramatic natural sites on the Reykjanes Peninsula,
offering visitors a rare opportunity to witness Iceland’s volcanic forces up
close — where fire, steam, and earth continuously reshape the landscape.
Source:
ÍSOR – Gunnuhver Geothermal Area