See the power of the earth
On a fissure zone created by separation of the mid-Atlantic ridge running across Iceland lies the large geothermal area of Krýsuvík.
Within the same area is the stunning Seltún geothermal field, where volcanic fumeroles, mud pots and hot springs have formed over millennia. The result of the geothermal activity is a landscape seemingly painted bright yellow, red and green; a result of sulfur interacting with the other minerals in the soil.
The volcanic and geothermal activity in Krýsuvík has also resulted in several maars – craters formed when overheated groundwater causes an explosion – throughout the area.
The stunning Grænavatn lake has formed in one such maars. However, the largest lake in the Krýsuvík area is Kleifarvatn, with a depth of 97 metres. Interestingly, the surface area of Kleifarvatn shrunk by 20% following a large earthquake nearby in 2000, but the cracks formed by the quake have since filled and the lake is regaining its size.
Marked paths and viewing platforms have been created around these sites. Due to the high geothermal activity, please stay in the marked areas if you choose to visit.
View Reykjanes peninsula
