Gunnuhver is a geothermal area of hot springs, mud pools and fumaroles on the southwestern tip of the Reykjanes peninsula, near the Reykjanesviti lighthouse. It is known for Iceland's largest mud pool, about 20 metres wide. Raised wooden walkways cross the area, where the ground can reach over 300 degrees Celsius.
What and where Gunnuhver is
Gunnuhver sits on the southwestern tip of the Reykjanes peninsula, near the Reykjanesviti lighthouse. The area includes hot springs, mud pools and fumaroles.
Iceland's largest mud pool
Gunnuhver holds Iceland's largest mud pool. It is about 20 metres wide, with constantly boiling grey mud.
Fed by the sea
The groundwater at Gunnuhver is entirely seawater. It is drawn in from the surrounding Atlantic and superheated by shallow magma.
The ghost behind the name
According to an Icelandic folktale, the name comes from Gudrun, or Gunna. She was said to have haunted the area until her ghost was lured into a hot spring.
Seeing Gunnuhver on Reykjanes
Raised wooden walkways lead through the geothermal area. The ground here can reach over 300 degrees Celsius, and live conditions can change, so check safetravel.is. To compare options in the area, see Reykjanes tours.
Map the drive
Use the Driving Distance Calculator to see how Gunnuhver: geothermal area on Reykjanes fits with the other places on your route.
