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Welcome to the vicinity of Hengill - stage two of The Volcanic Way

As you reach the vicinity of Hengill, you will start noticing steam rising from hills, mountains, and even within the town of Hveragerði. The faint sulfuric smell goes almost unnoticed by locals who, for centuries, have put Earth’s heat to good use. Visit the Geothermal exhibition at Hellisheiði Geothermal power plant, relax in the warm river of Reykjadalur valley, or enjoy a walk at the Geothermal Park. Going deeper, a cave tour into the Raufarhólshellir lava tunnel will bring you underground and up close to Earth's volcanic veins.

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Popular places

Activities - Hengill

LÁ ART MUSEUM
LÁ Art Museum (Listasafn Árnesinga) welcomes you. It runs ambitious and various shows of contemporary as well as modern art in its four spacious exhibitions rooms. The exhibitions reflect our cultural…
Iceland Activities
“Written by Úlfar, son of the family” When it comes down to choose a travel operator/company or just how to spend your day in Iceland, then there are endless possibilities, allot of good companies and…
Megazipline Iceland
Mega Zipline Iceland is a thrilling ride in stunning nature! Mega Zipline lets visitors fly for a kilometer from a top the Kambar plateau overlooking the town of Hveragerði to the trailhead of the Rey…
Icebike adventures
Exploring Iceland nature on a bike is a unique experience. Our trips are unparalleled, melding the very best Icelandic single tracks and backroads with true Icelandic cultural and backcountry experien…
Eldhestar - Volcano Horses
At Eldhestar we have developed our activities since 1986 to combine pleasure, comfort and adventure in a way respecting nature. Our farm is located in the heart of Iceland’s south-western countryside,…
ON Geothermal Exhibition at Hellisheiðarvirkjun
ON Power operates two geothermal power stations, in Hellisheiði and Nesjavellir, and one hydro power station in Andakíll. Which are the largest and the second-largest geothermal power stations in Icel…
Sólhestar
Sólhestar is a horserental that offers a broad variety of exciting riding tours. Sólhestar is located just 30 minutes (by car) from Reykjavík. The riding tours take place in the beautiful surroundings…
The Lava Tunnel - Raufarhólshellir
Explore the magnificent lava tunnel Raufarhólshellir, one of the longest lava tubes found in Iceland. The tunnel is located just 30 minutes from Reykjavík and is accessible the whole year round.  A jo…
Black Beach Tours
BLACK BEACH TOURS offers perfect tours in South Iceland where the black volcanic beach meets the blue Atlantic Ocean. ATV/QUAD Tours – Available All Year Explore breathtaking volcanic black beach an…
Handverksskúrinn
On June 1, 2010, twelve women from South–Iceland joined together and founded this handcraft- organization. Today the group consists of 8 women and we produce all our products under the name of each wo…
The Bobby Fischer Center
This centre houses memorabilia of the 11th World Chess Champion BOBBY FISCHER and the Selfoss Chess Club. The American Bobby Fischer became the World Chess Champion when he defeated the Soviet grandma…
Kayak Tours Stokkseyri
School groups. ½ hour (paddle) assistant on the lakeside, paddle free on a specific area in Löngudæl. Great for school groups some just want to feel free on the water and splash with each other. 2450 …
Sólvangur Icelandic Horse Center
Sólvangur is an authentic horse breeding farm in South Iceland where people can learn about and meet the Icelandic horse, visit the stable, take riding lessons, drink coffee or enjoy refreshments at t…
Skyrland
Skyrland immerses your senses in the world of skyr, Iceland’s unique superfood. A journey of sights, scents and tastes, you’ll discover a 1000-year story of how a Viking dairy product became a global …
Selfoss Town Tours
Selfoss Town Tours is a new tour company located in the town of Selfoss. We specialize in history- and food tours around our town with an experienced local guide. We stop at interesting locations and …
Gallery Flói
Gallery Flói is an artisan-run studio and store where the local artisan Fanndís works with glass, melts and forms it over a open flame into glass beads and other objects of art.  Fanndís also works wi…

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Accommodation - Hengill

Hotel Örk
Hotel Örk is a four-star hotel located in Hveragerði, the hot spring capital of Iceland. Hotel Örk offers spacious 157 rooms, including 8 junior suites and 2 suites. The Hotel has a large outdoor swi…
Frost og funi boutique hotel
Found by bubbling geothermal springs in Hveragerdi, this hotel offers an outdoor pool and hot tub. All rooms include bathrobes, slippers, and DVD players. Wi-Fi is free. Frost and Fire Hotel’s rooms f…
Reykjadalur Guesthouse
Reykjadalur Guesthouse is a friendly guesthouse with a fantastic location at the heart of Hveragerði which is only within an hour's drive from Reykjavík.Reykjadalur Guesthouse is within a few km of th…
The Greenhouse Hotel
We are Gróðurhúsið - The Greenhouse Hotel, shops and food hall A new destination in the South of Iceland – offering food, drink, shopping, accommodation and entertainment, at affordable prices with …
Hjarðarból Guesthouse
Set in peaceful surroundings, this guesthouse has views of Ingólfsfjall mountain. It offers free Wi-Fi in public areas and free on-site parking. Selfoss town centre is a 10-minute drive away. Many roo…
Guesthouse Selfoss
Bungalows and summerhouses Gesthús Selfossi offers 22 rooms in wooden bungalows, all with private facilities and kitchenette. It´s the perfect choice for people who want simple accommodation with all …
Guesthouse Kvöldstjarnan
The Guesthouse Kvöldstjarnan stands on the rim of the great Þjórsá lava, which the Atlantic Ocean has molded into a shore renowned for its beauty.  It is not far from Iceland’s most visited tourist at…
Hotel South Coast
Hotel South Coast is a newly opened hotel located next to the new downtown area of Selfoss which offers a plethora of restaurants and shops.   Hotel South Coast is only 96 kilometers from Keflavik and…
Þóristún
Hotel Thoristun (Þóristún) apartments are situated in one of Selfoss´s old houses along the riverbank. The house was renovated in 2014 but has kept its old charm and charisma. You can´t miss it, it´s …
Guesthouse Lambastaðir
Guesthouse Lambastadir is located 7 miles east of Selfoss on Highway 1, one hour away from the capital, Reykjavik. There are eleven rooms in the guesthouse, all with private bathrooms. Rooms are avail…
Hotel Vatnsholt
Vatnsholt is a beautiful farmstead that has recently been completely renovated. The view from Vatnsholt is one of the most expansive in all of Iceland, with clear view of landmarks such as the islands…
360° Boutique Hotel
It´s all about service! The 4-star rated 360° Boutique Hotel and Thermal Baths offers 13 spacious rooms (28-55sqm), timeless decoration, the floor to ceiling windows, the dining room, lounge, bar, and…
Skálatjörn guesthouse
Welcome to Skalatjörn Guesthouse Experience the real Icelandic countryside with Skálatjörn, a little family hotel located on a serene and quiet goat farm in Skálatjörn, Iceland. This farm stay offers …

Learn about Geothermal energy

Located in the Hengill area, the Geothermal Exhibition is situated inside the Hellisheiði Geothermal Power Plant – Iceland’s largest geothermal plant. Visitors see first-hand how we harness the power of the Hengill volcanic system to produce electricity and hot water.

Learn about the plant’s production and distribution, geology, and sustainable and renewable energy. We welcome visitors to chat with our knowledgeable staff, explore interactive displays, and enjoy stunning views of mountains and moss-covered lava fields.

Volcanic Wisdom

Did you know that the Hengill volcanic system stretches over 60 km and has erupted nine times during the Holocene? This fascinating area lies at the junction of the West Volcanic Zone and the South Iceland Seismic Zone. The area is characterized by faults formed during a series of eruptions. Hengill is home to Iceland’s second-largest geothermal area.

Geothermal areas display a stunning array of colors as water bubbles, and mud boils against a rhyolite backdrop. Vivid hues are found in high-temperature areas like Fjallabak Nature Reserve, Kerlingarfjöll, and Hveravellir, while lowland spots such as Hveragerði's Geothermal Park and the geothermal fields at Hengill and Geysir are also captivating.

What's that peculiar smell? It's hydrogen sulfide, often compared to rotten eggs, but some people find it quite intriguing!

The Stages of The Volcanic Way

1. Fagradalsfjall
Located in Reykjanes Peninsula, a captivating geological wonderland where the raw power of nature is on full display.
2. Hengill
As you reach the vicinity of Hengill, you will start noticing steam rising from hills, mountains, and even within the town of Hveragerði.
3. Hekla
Hekla has been dubbed the Queen of Iceland’s volcanoes. The one that has erupted most frequently in recent years;
4. Eyjafjallajökull
Eyjafjallajökull is an ice-capped volcano that famously erupted in 2010, its ash cloud affecting air traffic widely in Europe.
5. Eldfell
One fateful night in 1973, the people of Westman islands woke up to a volcanic eruption at the edge of the town.
6. Katla
The vicinity of Katla is recognized by its vast black sands. While the volcano itself is hiding under thick layers of ice, its surrounding glacier, Mýrdalsjökull, is a majestic sight.
7. Laki
The vast lava fields of the Laki region can seem otherworldly. Two significant volcanic eruptions produced these mystical landscapes:
8. Öræfajökull
Vatnajökull glacier is everpresent as you explore the easternmost part of The Volcanic Way. Its highest peak is Öræfajökull, a stratovolcano at Vatnajökull's southern edge
Frequently asked questions
Questions and answers for anyone traveling The Volcanic Way