Welcome to the enchanting Krýsuvík and the Seltún Hot Springs, where you can explore Iceland’s fascinating geothermal landscape! Many travelers begin their trip in the southwest of Iceland, so Krýsuvík (also known as Seltún) will likely be one of your first stops as well. This entire region in the southwest is known for its intense geothermal activity. Make sure to add Krýsuvík to your list — I’ll show you why!
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Your visit to Krýsuvík in a few key points
What to see and do:
- Admire the boiling mud pools and the stunning colors of the geothermal springs.
- Walk along the wooden boardwalks and enjoy the steaming fumaroles.
- There is no entrance fee, parking is free, and there’s a toilet facility on site.
Good to know:
- Plan about half an hour for your visit.
- Krýsuvík is located about a 40-minute drive south of Reykjavik.
- There are no long trails; the best sights are right next to the parking area.
Krýsuvík and its geothermal wonders
Boiling mud pools
One of the most striking features of Krýsuvík is the presence of boiling mud pools. These pools, bubbling with hot mud, are fascinating to watch. You may be used to a bit of mud, but not when steam rises from it!
Vivid colors in the geothermal pools
When visiting Krýsuvík, you’ll quickly notice the many beautiful colors in the pools. They range from vibrant shades of blue and green to deep red and bright yellow. These colors are caused by minerals and algae in the geothermal water and mud. The combination of hues gives Krýsuvík a truly magical appearance.
Pictures don’t quite capture it — this is something you need to see in person. In some spots, there were strong red tones contrasting with cracked white surfaces, with a hint of blue to complete the scene.
Geothermal hot springs
Krýsuvík is full of geothermal hot springs. You can actually see the water running as you walk through the area. It probably won’t surprise you, but don’t touch the water — it’s way too hot. You’ll see plenty of warning signs around.
Walking through Krýsuvík and the Seltún Hot Springs
From the moment you enter the parking area, a path of wooden boardwalks and gravel leads you straight through the enchanting hot springs and mud pools of Krýsuvík. Thanks to these boardwalks, the area is even accessible for visitors with limited mobility.
You can enjoy a walk along the boardwalks between the steam plumes, but for adventurous travelers, there’s also the option to leave the wooden path and hike a bit uphill. The climb takes some effort, but once at the top you’re rewarded with a breathtaking view over the entire area. From there, you can see all the beautiful hot springs and mud pools! The climb is quite short, though — Krýsuvík is a popular quick stop but not really known for long hikes.
Walking the boardwalks is actually the most enjoyable part. You’ll quickly spot the visible steam — technically water vapor, since steam isn’t visible — but it doesn’t really matter.
On the way down, you’ll pass several lookout points and wooden paths leading through smaller geothermal areas with bubbling water, giving you a close-up view. Shortly after, you’re back at the starting point with the still cheerfully bubbling mud pools.
Beware of the heat — don’t play the hero
As the warning signs say when you enter Krýsuvík and the Seltún Hot Springs — the steam is extremely hot. Unlike what you’d see in the Netherlands, there aren’t many fences here. As is common in Iceland, visitors are simply asked to respect nature and stay on the paths. Trust me, this stuff is really hot — be careful!
Further walking near Krýsuvík
If you follow the boardwalks at Krýsuvík, you’ll eventually reach a fork where you can continue walking or head back to the parking lot. You can choose to go a bit further and hike up the hill nearby. There’s no geothermal activity up there, but you’ll be rewarded with scenic views across the region.
We skipped this hike since we still had plenty more beautiful places to visit in Iceland — but the option is there!
Useful tips for your visit to Krýsuvík and the Seltún Hot Springs
Think of Krýsuvík as a fun half-hour stop. There are short hikes around, but the best sights are right by the parking lot.
- How far is Krýsuvík from Reykjavik?
It’s about a 40-minute drive south of Reykjavik. - Is there an entrance fee for the Krýsuvík area?
No, visiting Krýsuvík is free for all travelers. - Can I easily park my car here?
Yes, as is common in Iceland, the parking area is right next to the main road. Navigate to Krýsuvík on Google Maps and park for free. This is also where the Seltún Hot Springs are located. The parking lot is relatively small, but as usual in Iceland, it’s rarely crowded. - Are there toilets available?
Yes, there’s a public toilet building on site. - Be careful with your shoes
A useful tip for your visit: the geothermal surface can make your shoes quite dirty. Clean them while the mud is still wet — once it dries, it turns into a kind of sticky cement. - Do tour buses stop here?
Unfortunately, yes. If you’re unlucky (as we were, with a group of Chinese tourists), it can get quite busy on the boardwalks.
