You’ve probably heard that the Land of Fire and Ice is famous for our hundreds of natural hot springs offering both locals and visitors alike a relaxing soak. But what many do not know is that there are hot springs that are too hot, not easily accessible, etc. that you simply can’t take a dip in. One of these is Deildartunguhver.
But if you think this hot spring is therefore useless to the island, you are gravely mistaken. In fact, Deildartunguhver is one of the most important hot springs we’ve got. If you’d like to know how remarkable Deildartunguhver is and the important role it plays in Iceland, read on.
The Lowdown On Deildartunguhver
The saying “there must be something in the water” seems to ring true for our watery attractions starting with ”D”. Dettifoss Waterfall holds the official title of second-most powerful waterfall in Europe, and Deildartunguhver holds the title of the most powerful hot spring in Europe. This hot spring releases up to 200 liters of boiling hot water every second! And when we say the water is super hot, we weren’t joking – it’s roughly 97 degrees Celsius (207 degrees Fahrenheit).
Where is Deildartunguhver in Iceland?
Deildartunguhver can be found near Kleppjarnsreykir Village in the Reykholtsdalur district in West Iceland. It’s about 100 kilometers to drive there from the capital city of Reykjavik, so it’s possible as a day outing during the warmer months of the year that has plenty of daylight hours. But most prefer to make it a stop along their road trip around the island.
What Makes Deildartunguhver So Important to Iceland?
Deildartunguuhver actually has quite a few important roles it plays here in Iceland:
As Conservation Area
Deildartunguhver is the only place in Iceland where you can find Deer Fern (also called Hard Fern). This makes it very important for conservationists who research and protect local flora and fauna.
As Tourist Attraction
As the most powerful hot spring in Europe, it certainly makes for an impressive sight. You can stop by Deildartunguhver any time you want. Simply park in the designated parking lot and walk along the marked pathways. Just ensure that you keep behind the safety railings since a misstep here will not end well for you.
As Thermal Heating
Deildartunguhver is credited for heating up numerous homes and businesses within a massive 65-kilometer radius around it. This is done via a 64-kilometer pipeline which serves various towns, including Akranes and Borgarnes.
As a Producer
No, not the movie kind. Deildartunguhver’s geothermal heat is used in local greenhouses producing delicious organic tomatoes. You can also try out these tomatoes yourself by buying them at the stand right next to Deildartunguhver Hot Spring.
As Geothermal Pool
Just to make it very clear; you cannot swim in the Deildartunguhver Hot Spring. But lounging in Deildartunguhver water is still possible off-site at Krauma. Krauma is one of our most famous geothermal venues here in Iceland that doesn’t just use Deildartunguhver’s waters in their pools but also offers visitors a wide array of other amenities and facilities.
How Much Does it Cost to Visit the Deildartunguhver Thermal Springs?
Visiting Deildartunguhver Thermal Springs won’t cost you a cent, making it the perfect outing for those traveling Iceland on a tight budget.
When is the Best Time to Visit Deildartunguhver Hot Spring?
Although the hot spring is open to the public all year round, it is still an outdoor outing, so the seasons and the weather will have an impact. The safest time to visit weather-wise would be between late April and September. But because of Iceland’s fickle weather (irrespective of the time of year), we’d always recommend that you keep a close eye on the Iceland weather forecast.
Make Deildartunguhver an Impressive Stop Along Your Iceland Road Trip
The best way to properly explore the island is by going on a road trip. By renting a motorhome in Iceland, you’ll make your road trip a lot more convenient and comfortable. And if you make use of our beautiful campsites along with our Camping Card, it’s probably also the most affordable way to travel around the country.
We suggest really trying to put Deildartunguhver’s importance into perspective and making an effort to not only visit the Hot Spring but also make stops at Borganes or Akranes and visit Krauma as well. Either way, you definitely need to “heat up” your Iceland adventure by including Deildartunguhver in your trip itinerary.
