Hveravellir is a geothermal area and nature reserve in Iceland's central highlands on the Kjolur route. It lies on the F35, roughly 90 km north of Gullfoss, at roughly 600 metres elevation between Langjokull and Hofsjokull. Access is via a 4x4 mountain road open only in summer, typically from mid-June to September.
What and where Hveravellir is
Hveravellir is a declared natural monument and a highland resting place that has been used since the age of settlement. The site sits in Iceland's central highlands on the Kjolur route, between the glaciers Langjokull and Hofsjokull. Its elevation is roughly 600 metres.
The area is reached on the F35 Kjolur route. This is a highland gravel road of about 200 km linking Gullfoss to the north. Within that route, Hveravellir is roughly 90 km north of Gullfoss along the F35.
The geothermal springs, fumaroles, and mineral colours
The geothermal field at Hveravellir includes smoking fumaroles, boiling mud pools, and vividly coloured hot springs. These are the main visible features across the reserve.
Its silica content is among the highest in Iceland. That silica builds sinter and geyserite domes around the vents, shaping the ground around the hottest openings.
Named springs here include Blahver, the Blue Spring, and Eyvindarhver. Around the active areas, scalding water is part of the geothermal landscape, and marked paths matter in the reserve.
Bathing in the natural geothermal pool
A natural geothermal bathing pool sits near the huts. It was formed by damming a hot stream in 1950.
The pool holds a warm natural temperature suitable for soaking. Because it is part of an active geothermal area, the bathing pool sits alongside hotter ground and water features elsewhere on site.
Fjalla-Eyvindur and the outlaw history
Hveravellir is tied to the 18th-century outlaw Fjalla-Eyvindur, who sheltered here. A spring in the area is named Eyvindarhver after him.
The oldest first-hand description of Hveravellir dates to 1752. It was written by the travellers Eggert Olafsson and Bjarni Palsson.
That written record helps place Hveravellir both in the history of travel across the highlands and in the longer use of the area as a resting place.
Driving the F35 Kjolur route: season, 4x4, and facilities
The F35 is a 4x4 mountain road open only in summer, typically from mid-June to September. For road and travel conditions, check road.is and safetravel.is.
At Hveravellir itself, facilities include a mountain hut and lodge, dormitories, and a campsite. There are also summer highland buses on the Kjolur route, which also serves the rhyolite peaks of Kerlingarfjoll further south.
Within the geothermal reserve, stay on marked paths. The active features include very hot water and ground conditions around vents and pools.
Visiting Hveravellir on a highland tour
If you want to compare options for the highlands, see highland tours.
This is the part of Iceland where access depends on summer highland conditions and the F35 route. Hveravellir also has on-site accommodation and campsite facilities, alongside summer bus access on the Kjolur route.
Confirm the route is suitable
Iceland road conditions is worth checking before you travel to or near Hveravellir: geothermal highlands guide, especially in variable weather.
