When an active geothermal zone meets immaculate white snow, the result is an astonishing sight: Hverir in winter.
Here are some useful tips to help you prepare for your visit and have a wonderful time!
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
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Is Hverir worth a visit in winter? Our opinion:
Hverir is well worth a visit in winter. The geothermal zone remains accessible and offers a unique, otherworldly landscape, even in cold weather. You’ll be amazed by the contrast between the bubbling mud pools, steam vents and sulfur deposits and the perfect white of the snow.
This is one of the must-see places around Lake Myvatn.
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How to get to Hverir in winter: access and map
Where is Hverir in Iceland?
- Northern Iceland, around Lake Myvatn
- Driving time from Akureyri: 1h25
- Driving time from Reykjahlid: 10min
- Driving time from Egilsstadir: 1h50
- Here is a map to help you find your way:
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On Route 1, no 4WD required, off Route 1, it depends on your plans.
How to get there? Winter access road
In winter, Route 1 to Lake Myvatn is usually quickly cleared. But there are fewer cars than in the south, so the ground layer melts less.
Normally, the roads are cleared quickly enough for access. But during snowstorms, roads may be closed at the last minute – always check the status of roads on Umferdin.
East of Myvatn, the road to Dimmuborgir is a short detour from the main road. The access road to the parking lot is normally clear.
Parking
The parking lot is quite large and clear in winter.
We advise you to always park in the direction of departure, as you don’t know how the cars arriving after you will manage to park on the snow.
The parking lot costs 1200ISK (per day, even if you stay less than an hour)… Payment possible via Easy Park App.
WHERE TO STAY IN Iceland
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
- Where to stay in Iceland (coming soon)
- Where to sleep in Reykjavik (coming soon)
- Best 5-star hotels (coming soon)
- Where to sleep on the South Coast (coming soon)
- Where to sleep on the Golden Circle (coming soon)
- Where to sleep on the Snaefellsnes peninsula
Useful tips: duration, schedules, difficulties…
Best time to visit, opening hours and prices
The cost of parking is the entry fee. Accessible at any time of day.
There’s really no better time to visit.
Length of visit and main difficulties
Allow at least 30min to circumnavigate the part of the site open in winter (marked paths to avoid burning your feet).
But if you’re like me and fascinated by mud bubbles, you can plan ahead.
You’ll move from snow-covered areas to areas where the snow is melting.
Above all, stay well between the ropes, on the identified paths. It’s dangerous to walk in other places.
Beware, too, of the sulfur smell, which resembles rotten eggs.
This is due to geothermal activity. Note that, although I suffer from allergies and all the rest, I had no particular difficulty visiting Hverir.
Catering, Toilets and Facilities
There are no facilities: no restaurant, no toilets.
But the Myvatn Baths with their facilities are just a 5-minute drive away.
UNFORGETTABLE ACTIVITIES IN winter
- Visit an ice cave
- Glacier hiking
- Whale watching (from Reykjavik, Husavik or Akureyri)
Snow-covered observation platform for the Hverir geothermal zone
From the parking lot, the tour simply begins with the observation platform.
You can’t miss it with its barrier.
It offers a complete view of the whole area, with the various geothermal structures (which we’ll introduce in the following sections), and the Namafjall mountain in the background.
Below the platform, you’ll find large bubbling pools and hot springs.
But this is not a spa, and you can’t bathe in it. LOL.
Cracks
Whether in summer or winter, we’re always fascinated by the cracks in this place. We love the north of Iceland, for all its post-apocalyptic landscapes. If it weren’t for the people in the photo above, you’d think we were in a different world!
What’s more, it’s ideal for photography, to make the eye travel.
Bubbling mud
In this geothermal zone, you’ll mainly find mudpots. These are acid hot springs with limited water. The formation of mud pools occurs in high-temperature geothermal zones where water is scarce.
The process begins when a small amount of water rises to the surface in an area rich in volcanic ash and clay.
Acid and micro-organisms break down the surrounding rock into clay and mud.
Boiling mud often spurts over the edges of the pool, building a mini-volcano-like structure that can reach heights of 1 to 1.5 metres.
The shape of the bubbles that explode at the surface is different every time. So it’s quite fascinating to watch. Once, in summer, we even saw the shape of a heart!
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Fumerolles
On this site, you’ll also find whistling fumaroles. These steam chimneys remain active in winter, creating an even more “end-of-the-world” atmosphere.
Fumaroles are vents (openings in the Earth’s surface) that emit gases and vapors. They are manifestations of the hydrothermal system that lies beneath the earth.
Fumaroles emit a variety of gases, mainly water vapor, but also sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide, hydrogen chloride and hydrogen sulfide.
Minerals may form around fumaroles due to the interaction of gases with surrounding rocks. This creates chimneys.
Colored sulfur deposits
Colored sulfur deposits are a feature of many geothermal zones, such as Hverir.
They are formed by the oxidation of hydrogen sulfide (H2S), which is generally present in volcanic and geothermal emissions as they rise to the surface and cool.
Pure sulfur is generally yellow, but deposits can have a wide range of colors: red, orange, brown, depending on the presence of other elements.
Sulfur deposits contribute to the acidity of geothermal zones, which can inhibit plant growth and create unique ecosystems.
Snow-covered Namafjall Mountain
And in the background of the entire Hverir geothermal zone is the Namafjall mountain.
It rises to 482m above sea level.
In summer, you’ll be able to see its distinctive coloring, as it’s a rhyolite mountain. But with white snow, it’s much less noticeable.
Namafjall is part of the Krafla volcanic system, which includes the Krafla volcano and the Stóra-Víti explosion crater, a little further north, on the other side of Route 1.
Other nearby attractions
You can combine your visit to Lake Myvatn with these nearby attractions:
- Skutustadir, with its pseudo-craters (25 min drive)
- Dimmuborgir, an impressive lava field (15 min drive)
- Myvatn Nature Baths (5 min drive) – article to come
Frequently asked questions
Can I see the Northern Lights in Hverir?
Although not guaranteed, it is possible to see the Northern Lights at Hverir on clear winter nights with high auroral activity. It’s a great place for observation, as light pollution is minimal.
However, the foreground is not ideal for photography, as the fumaroles make the area less contrasted.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO iceland IN WINTER
- Best of
Iceland’s winter landscapes
Best things to do in Iceland in winter
The most beautiful waterfalls
Ice caves
Best excursions from Reykjavik
- Practical advice
Getting around (coming soon)
How to rent a car in Iceland
Winter driving tips
Where to stay in Iceland in winter
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 1 week – 10 days (to come)
- The must-dos
Reykjavik in winter
Golden Circle in winter
South coast in winter
Snaefellsnes in winter
Silver Circle in winter (coming soon)
Lake Myvatn in winter
Eastern Fjords in winter
Seljalandsfoss in winter
Jokulsarlon in winter
