Geothermal
area
Geothermal energy is Hveragerði’s lifeblood, and
it would be difficult to find such a natural wonder in the
middle of a populated area anywhere else in the world. The
geothermal area is fenced off to prevent accidents, and
special permission is required to explore the area.
Varmá river flows southeast past Hveragerði.
Along its path are two lovely waterfalls: Baulufoss, opposite
the Grýla geyser, and Reykjafoss at the landscape
garden at Fossflöt.
The swimming pool at Laugaskarð was at one time the
largest in Iceland. There are also hot pots, massage pots,
a natural steam bath and a fitness facility.
Hveragerði is located just 45 km from Reykjavík,
and a great number of vehicles drive by or into Hveragerði
every year. From the rim of Kambabrún towering above
the town, one can view how Hveragerði spreads out over
the 5000-year-old lava field sheltered by a mountain range.
Throughout the year plumes of white steam stretch into the
sky, which during the summer are joined with the green color
of lush vegetation. Trees have thrived over the years in
Hveragerði as the green revolution continues to underscore
the town’s status as a blossoming oasis.
Grýla is the area’s best-known geyser, located
north of Hamar on the left just after entering Ölfusdalur
valley. Grýla erupts infrequently these days, but
in its heyday eruptions reached a height of 15 meters (49
feet).
Leppalúði is a shallow borehole at the bridge
on the way to Gufudalur valley (the road to the golf course).
It erupts virtually non-stop, reaching a height of 10-12
meters (33-40 feet).
Sandhólshver is a hot spring with water close to
the boiling point, situated north of the church at the intersection
of Hverahlíð and Þverhlíð. The
hot spring was formed during the violent South Iceland earthquake
of 1896. The borehole’s water level has now dropped,
but in years past it had been utilized for space heating.
Hveragerði is a town where it’s easy to enjoy
life in all its splendor. Salmon and trout swim upstream
in Varmá river, and lovely berry fields and innumerable
hiking trails characterize the countryside to the west of
town. Then there is the thermal swimming pool with fitness
facilities, and nearby is the NLFÍ Health and Rehabilitation
Center for people needing to strengthen their wellness.
Also nearby is the Ás Residence Home that provides
a healthy and carefree atmosphere for senior citizens. As
one poet said, “Hveragerði is the world’s
best place.”
