HVERAGERÐI
- Village in bloom
Hveragerði has long been a famous destination for tourists with a wide variety of hotels and restaurants. Both summer and winter Icelanders and foreigners alike have enjoyed visiting the town for decades. With a population of about 3.000 and located only 45 km from Reykjavik, Hveragerði is a town not to be missed. It may be viewed from the vantage point of the Kambar mountain slope, as it spreads out across a 5000-year-old lava field. Throughout the year, pillars of steam may be seen rising up from the town – and in summer it is truly a green community, abounding in trees. A green revolution is taking place as areas of woodland in and around Hveragerði expand, with the locals working together in order to further develop their blossoming town.
Certainly, the most precious gem of the town of Hveragerði is its geothermal area – indeed, there are not many communities in the world with hot springs literally in their backyard. The geothermal area is securely fenced off for safety reasons but can be visited during opening hours listed on the park's Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/Geothermalpark or by emailing tourinfo@hveragerdi.is for more information and group bookings.
A new hot spring area emerged from the ground in the earthquake that shook Iceland´s southern part on 29th May 2008. It is situated on the hillside rising above the town.
Several very active hot springs throw colorful mud and clear water up into the air and are a spectacular sight.
Besides the hot springs, Hveragerði has much to offer. Trout and salmon swim in the Varmá river, berries are for picking on the heath to the west of the town, and the area abounds with excellent walking routes, the most famous one being the hike to Reykjadalur valley where one can bathe in a hot river. The swimming pool is a gem in town with its hot baths, whirlpools, a natural sauna, and a fitness center. Also, the NLFÍ Health and Rehabilitation Clinic offers opportunities to seek health and happiness.
LÁ Art Museum is situated in Hveragerdi. It is an art museum that preserves a small collection of modern and contemporary art mainly from Icelandic artists but also some work by international artists. Every year the museum puts up a variation of exhibitions that have repeatedly been awarded.
