Skip to content

Or try searching by Category and/or Location

South Iceland is one of the most geothermally active regions in the country. Geothermal energy has shaped everyday life here for centuries and continues to do so today. It is used for home heating, greenhouses, food production, public swimming pools, natural hot springs, and innovative energy infrastructure. From baking traditional rye bread in the ground at Laugarvatn to year‑round tomato cultivation at Friðheimar, geothermal heat is deeply embedded in local culture, cuisine and community life.

Key examples include:

  • Natural hot springs and geothermal bathing areas such as Reykjadalur
  • Greenhouse farming powered by geothermal heat (e.g. Friðheimar and Farmers Bistro)
  • Traditional geothermal rye bread baking at Laugarvatn and Geysir
  • Public swimming pools heated by geothermal energy
  • Geothermal lagoons such as Laugarás Lagoon and Laugarvatn Fontana
  • Educational exhibitions and power plants such as Hellisheiði Geothermal power plant

Storytelling angle

In South Iceland, geothermal heat is not hidden underground, it is part of daily life. Visitors can quite literally follow the steam. Begin with a walk among bubbling hot springs and rising steam in geothermal areas such as Hengill, Reykjadalur or Hveragerði, where the landscape itself feels alive. Continue to the Geothermal Exhibition at Hellisheiði Power Plant to better understand how this natural force powers homes and communities across the region. From there, step into a greenhouse where tomatoes and other vegetables grow year-round under geothermal warmth, and taste freshly baked rye bread lifted straight from the earth using centuries-old traditions. As the day winds down, settle into one of the region’s geothermally heated lagoons, where warm water and open skies provide a natural place to unwind. This is a destination where energy is not just consumed, but experienced.

  • Enjoying the freshness of Friðheimar in South Iceland

    Taste the Power of Nature: Food Production in South Iceland

    In South Iceland, nature is more than a backdrop—it’s an active partner in creating some of the country’s freshest and most distinctive foods. This region is shaped by powerful geothermal forces and fertile volcanic landscapes, making it an exceptional place where innovation and tradition work hand in hand.
  • Credit: Midgard Adventure

    Dive into the Local Life of Icelanders

    One of the most unique and cherished aspects of Icelandic daily life is its bathing culture. From the smallest towns to the largest cities, geothermal pools and hot tubs are everywhere. And they are much more than just places to swim. For Icelanders, the swimming pool is a social hub, a wellness center, and in many ways, a part of the national identity.
  • Natural Hot Spring in Kerlingarfjöll Highland Base

    Iceland's Geothermal Hot Springs: Nature’s Perfect Escape

    Iceland, with its dramatic landscapes and untamed beauty, is known for its extremes. It’s a land where glaciers meet volcanic activity, and where icy rivers flow just a short distance from bubbling hot springs. One of Iceland’s most unique features is its abundance of geothermal water, which provides the island with natural hot springs that offer both locals and visitors a chance to experience nature in a very intimate, soothing way.