Seltun Geothermal Area at Krysuvik

The Seltun Geothermal Area often takes visitors by surprise. Steam slowly rises from the ground, and mud pools bubble at the surface. The hillsides change color from yellow to red to deep orange, due to minerals brought up from below. The whole scene feels otherworldly. It's about a 40-minute drive from Keflavík Airport.

Seltún is in the Krýsuvík volcanic zone on the Reykjanes Peninsula, right on top of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Geothermal energy breaks through the surface here, covering the land with colorful minerals and sending steam into the air. It’s one of Iceland’s most striking natural spots, and it’s free to visit.

What You'll See at Seltun Geothermal Area

The moment you step out of the car, you know you're somewhere different. A maintained boardwalk winds through the field, keeping you above the fragile and dangerously hot ground. Two viewing platforms sit at different elevations, each giving you a different angle on the terrain below.

What you're looking at is a living geothermal field in constant motion:

• Mud pots that bubble and hiss like something's boiling beneath the surface, because something is

• Steam vents releasing jets of hot gas from deep underground cracks.

• Hot springs with temperatures reaching 80–100°C (176–212°F)

• Hillsides painted in mineral colors, yellow for sulfur, white for silica, blue for pyrite, red for iron oxide

The colors aren't just pretty. Each one tells you something about what's happening underground. The hissing steam you hear? That's hydrogen sulfide escaping through fumaroles and oxidizing in the open air.

Seltún’s History

Seltún has been geologically active for thousands of years. The last volcanic eruption was in the 13th century, but the area has remained lively ever since. People mined sulfur here until the 1880s. In 1999, drilling nearby led to an explosion that formed a large crater vent. More explosions in 2010 and 2019 sent hot mud, water, and steam into the air.

This is not just ancient history. The changes are still happening today. Scientists keep a close watch on the site, and the ground sometimes surprises visitors. That is part of what makes Seltún stand out from other nature spots. The landscape is always changing.

Getting There From Keflavík Airport

Seltún sits along Road 42, about 35 to 40 minutes from Keflavík Airport. On the way, you’ll pass Kleifarvatn Lake, the deepest lake on the Reykjanes Peninsula. The geothermal field will appear on your left, and you’ll probably notice it before you spot the sign.

If you’re planning to explore the Reykjanes Peninsula, staying nearby can make the trip much easier. Konvin Hotel is just minutes from the airport, making it a convenient base before or after your visit to Seltún. Since public transport doesn’t reach this area, many travelers choose to rent a car with Konvin, allowing for a smooth and flexible drive to the geothermal field and nearby stops.

You’ll find a free parking lot right at the site. The boardwalk begins there and winds through the whole geothermal field, leading up to two viewing platforms. Along the way, signs explain what you’re seeing.

A few things to know before you go:

• Entry and parking are free.

• Open year-round, 24 hours.

• No on-site café or restrooms, so plan accordingly.

• The full boardwalk loop takes 20–40 minutes.

• Wear sturdy shoes because some sections are uneven and can get muddy after rain.

The drive is an experience in itself. The road follows the edge of Kleifarvatn Lake, winds past old lava fields, and really shows you how wild and open this part of Iceland can be.

Safety Rules at Seltún

Do not take risks here. The geothermal fields here are genuinely dangerous. Boiling water and steam can burst from the ground without warning, and the soil between vents is weak and can collapse.

• Always walk only on the marked and maintained boardwalk.

• Do not touch the mud pools or hot springs at any time.

• Check safetravel.is and vedur.is before visiting, especially during periods of seismic activity

• If a section of the path is closed, respect it; there's always a reason.

Nearby Stops to Pair With Seltún

Once you're in the Krýsuvík area, a few other stops are within easy reach:

• Kleifarvatn Lake - Moody, dark, and 97 meters deep. Worth a slow drive along the shoreline

• Grænavatn - A vivid green explosion crater lake, a few minutes south of Seltún

• Krýsuvíkurbjarg Cliffs - Sea cliffs with thousands of nesting seabirds; good for birdwatchers

• Gunnuhver - Another active geothermal area near the Reykjanes Lighthouse, about 30 minutes away

See Seltún for Yourself, Curiosity Pays Off

You really can’t imagine the Seltún Geothermal Area until you’re there. The colors, the rising heat, and the bubbling mud pots and steam vents create a scene most travelers have never experienced. It’s free, close to Keflavík Airport, and takes less than an hour to visit. If you’re on the Reykjanes Peninsula, you shouldn’t miss it.

FAQs

How far is Seltún Geothermal Area from Keflavík Airport?

Seltún is about a 35–40 minute drive from Keflavík Airport, depending on weather and road conditions.

Where is the Seltún Geothermal Area parking lot?

The parking lot is right beside the geothermal field on Road 42, next to the boardwalk entrance.

How long does it take to walk the Seltún boardwalk?

Most people spend 20–40 minutes on the boardwalk loop, including time at both viewing platforms.

Are there restrooms or food at Seltún?

No. There are no public restrooms or café on-site, so plan ahead.

Is Seltún safe to visit with kids?

Yes, if everyone stays on the boardwalk and follows the signs. The ground off-trail can be dangerously hot.

What causes the colors at Seltún in Krýsuvík?

The colors come from minerals brought up by geothermal activity, including sulfur and iron compounds.

Can you bathe at Seltún Geothermal Area?

No. Seltún is a geothermal field for viewing only, not a hot spring for bathing.