Island's Scorching Hot Valley Reigns Supreme
Hiking and Artistic Vibes in Geothermal Hveragerði, Iceland
Step foot in the otherworldly town of Hveragerði, commonly known as the 'Hot Springs Town.' This untouched gem offers an unparalleled experience for foreigners, with its hot river baths, geothermal-powered cafes, and artistic vibe.
As you approach from afar, you can spot the steam ascending from Reykjadalur valley, around a 40-minute drive east of Reykjavík. The geothermal energy in Hveragerði is remarkable, stemming from its connection to the central volcano, Hengill. The sight is both captivating and mystical. In town, you'll find restaurants like Ölverk, serving great pizza and beer brewed with geothermal energy. Have you ever tasted pizza like this before?
Hveragerði also houses a geothermal park with bubbling hot pools and greenhouses where you can find fresh strawberries, flowers, and even bananas, all heated by geothermal energy!
Artists flock to this tiny town, with a walking route called "The Walk of the Artists" and the LÁ Art Museum. The art museum is a must-visit, offering contemporary exhibitions and a lovely café with a sun terrace.
Don't forget to admire the beautiful little waterfall, Reykjafoss, located en route to the popular hike starting point. You'll find a charming café with panoramic views and delightful pastries.
The hike to the hot springs within Ölfus Municipality stretches around 3.5 kilometers, taking about an hour. As the route's popularity has grown, it has become well-developed and clearly marked. The trail winds through awe-inspiring landscapes complete with rushing waterfalls, steaming hot springs, and breathtaking views of vibrant mountain ranges. Remember, the path may start steep, so be prepared for a slight challenge before settling into a relaxing swim in the warm river.
Relaxing in the river amidst the lush green surroundings is a highlight of the tour, with temperatures pleasantly warm and the sensation of floating past rolling hills reminiscent of Lord of the Rings's Shire. However, after the soothing bath, you'll need to make your way back – wet hair and all – so don't forget your hat for the journey back!
While other locations worldwide tap into geothermal energy for heating and power, Hveragerði stands out for its unique use of geothermal energy in restaurants, like Ölverk. Locales such as Yellowstone National Park (USA), Rotorua (New Zealand), Larderello (Italy), and Kusatsu (Japan) offer geothermal attractions, but their restaurants typically do not use geothermal energy for cooking like Hveragerði does.
Embark on an adventure-travel journey to Hveragerði, a town known for its geothermal-powered lifestyle and artistic vibes. After hiking in the Reykjadalur valley next to the central volcano, Hengill, you can unwind in the warm river, reminiscent of the Shire in Lord of the Rings. Though other locations globally utilize geothermal energy in unique ways, Hveragerði distinguishes itself by cooking pizza and brewing beer at restaurants like Ölverk using this sustainable energy source.
