Deildartunguhver

Deildartunguhver is the most powerful hot spring in Europe. It covers the central heating for the nearby towns and villages. Right next to it you can find a greenhouse where its powers are harvested to grow vegetables and fruits. Visit the luxurious Krauma geothermal bath located on-site.

Deildartunguhver in Iceland is one of the country’s must-see attractions and marks the first stop on the Silver Circle driving route. Its rising steam pillars can be spotted miles away, but once you are close, you are greeted with the most amazing bubbling hot pool.

There is a fence around the hot spring to make sure visitors don’t get too close to the power source. 

Deildartunguhver provides 180 liters of 100°c  (212 F) water per second, most of which is used for central heating in the nearby towns and villages.

The hot spring covers the hot water supply for every single settlement within a 65-kilometer (40,3 mi) radius, which includes both Akranes and Borgarnes. The water reaches its final destination at a temperature of about  80°C or 179°F.

• Krauma Geothermal Baths takes its water straight from the Deildartunguhver but is cooled down before guests bathe in it.
• A special type of fern often called the ‘hard fern’ or the ‘deer fern’ grows at Deildartunguhver which is the only place in Iceland where it has been found.
• Deildartunguhver is the highest-flow hot spring in Europe.
• Finding the hot spring is easy. You follow Route 1 and then Route 50, and you are there.
• If you have stayed somewhere in a 65-kilometer radius of Deildartunguhver, chances are, you showered in its water.

Deildartunguhver is located in Reykholtsdalur (Smokey Hill Valley). Reykholtsdalur belongs to the beautiful and fertile Borgarfjörður, located only about an hour away from Reykjavík.

GPS coordinates of Deildartunguhver: 64.6636° N, 21.4106° W

Deildartunguhver is best visited on self-drive tours where you will have a knowledgeable guide to tell you all about it. Finding the hot spring shouldn’t be too difficult as it is situated right off road 50 which takes you around the beautiful Borgarfjörður area.

Driving from Reykjavík to Deildartunguhver will take you north, out from Reykjavík, past the towering Mt. Esja and through the under-sea tunnel of Hvalfjörður. As you are about to pass the bridge to Borgarnes you make a right turn into the valley of Borgarfjörður.

Stay on Road 50 until you see the sign for Deildartunguhver and Krauma. The trip as a whole should take about 1,5 hours, but the trail is 104 kilometers (64.6 miles) long.

• Visit the hot spring! – read about the hot spring on the signs on site or simply let your guide tell you all about this captivating sight. This is one of the best places to really experience the true natural forces that lair in Iceland’s grounds.
• Buy some fruits and vegetables at the geothermally grown greenhouse! – there is something truly unique about tasting some organic geothermally grown greens!
• Bathe in Krauma Geothermal baths – a memorable way to try out the hot spring bathing style.
• Take in the history at Reykholt – Reykholt was home to one of Iceland’s most remarkable historians, Snorri Sturluson. You can visit his home and learn all about him.
• Visit the nearby waterfalls Hraunfossar and Barnafoss – time and again these brotherfalls are named some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland. You simply can’t miss out!

1. Krauma Geothermal Baths Restaurant –  serves Icelandic cuisine from the freshest local farm-produced ingredients from the area. Has some excellent healthy options!
2. Hverinn Restaurant – friendly staff and a great menu with good variety. The burgers are exceptionally tasty!
3. Baulan – comfort food par excellence!
4. Munaðarnes – offers so many delicious dishes; pasta, fish, cakes, sandwiches, great coffee. A fun play area for kids and a cozy outdoor seating option. Very family friendly!

Hotels

• Hotel Húsafell
• Fosshotel Reykholt
• Hotel Varmaland
• Fosstún Country Hotel

Guesthouses, B&Bs, Apartments and Farmstays

• Hverinn – Sælureitur í sveitinni
• Nes Guesthouse
• Kópareykir Holiday Homes
• Geirshlíð Guesthouse
• Guesthouse Steindórsstaðir
• Varmaland Villa
• Fosstún Guesthouse

Hverir, Kleppjarnsreykjum is the closest camping site to Deildartunguhver. The location is both relaxed and fertile and the camping ground itself surrounded by small shrubs.

The facilities include running hot and cold water, jacuzzis, washing machines (500 ISK), tumble dryers (500 ISK), showers, toilets, electricity (1000 ISK), a swimming pool, hiking trails, a restaurant, and a playground.

• The price per adult per night is 1500 ISK.
• Open from the 30th of March until the 30th of September.

Deildartunguhver is a fantastic sight to visit in any season. In winter there is often frost and snow on the ground.

The smoke from the hot spring creates the most incredible contrast of hot and cold. The road is very rarely closed due to weather but just to be sure to check the road conditions.

• Krauma Geothermal Baths
• Kleppjárnsreykir village
• Húsafell
• Meet-on-location site for Into the Glacier Langjökull Ice Cave Experience
• Hraunfossar waterfalls
• Barnafoss waterfall
• Reykholt Hot Springs
• Snorrastofa
• Surtshellir Cave
• Víðgelmir Cave
• Háafell Goat Farm
• Steðji Brewery
• Hvanneyri
• Borgarnes
• Harmarsvöllur Golf Course
• Gerðuberg Basalt Columns