Deildartunguhver Geothermal Area, Iceland

It is hard to miss the plumes of steam as they rise off the scalding hot waters of Deildartunguhver Geothermal pools. This is the most powerful hot springs in all of Europe.

The access road is gravel and I drive slowly not wanting to kick up any lava rocks. “Oh, look at that,” Mary says, “Hot dogs.” I find a spot to park midway between the path to the viewing area and the canteen with the large greenhouse behind it. Unclasping my seatbelt, I turn in my seat to look at the ladies. Monique is stowing the Wi-Fi hot-spot device safety away. I can see Tracy holding her hands up pulling her mittens on when I say, “Shall we go see the pools first then take our time eating lunch?” I put the idea out for debate. I get a “Sounds good,” an “OK,” and a “Sure” in reply. Now that our game plan is set, we get out of the car and walk the short distant to the viewing area.

Each of us splinters off in different direction seeking our own experience. I stand in the warmth of the steam mesmerized by the reactive waters. A yellow and black sign shaped like a thermometer cautions visitors about the boiling waters that gurgle spurt and burst unpredictably just behind the guardrail. After breaking my gaze away I walk the length of the stream. There is a walkway up to an industrial looking building, that seems to be a power generating station. I read there is a place here to soak like we did at The Blue Lagoon but nothing indicates it is at this location. I turn back to look for the others. I find Mary staring up at the steam and Monique sauntering about with her hands in her coat pockets. Tracy doesn’t see us yet, she is busy trying to capture a video. When she does see us grouped together she walks towards us. “Everyone got their fill?” I pause for answers then I hear, “Let’s eat.”

“I can’t wait to try these famous Iceland hot dogs,” Tracy says and Mary agrees. We walk towards the canteen, onto a wooden deck. There are two very unique styled chairs created from bits and bobs of twisted tree parts. We each take turns sitting in them taking selfies. One by one we get our orders and head inside the greenhouse out of the cold.

“Oh my goodness, this is amazing,” I say aloud, stepping into the huge warm greenhouse. I place my grilled cheese sandwich down, then prop my camera on the picnic table beside ours. With a five second timer counting down I plunk down beside the girls for the photo. “This is such fun,” I say, and Tracy agrees. “Isn’t it great?” She has this happy grin on her face, She takes pictures of her hot dog. “OK, time to eat while the meal is hot.” We gab about our experiences so far. while we dine. “Iceland is so impressive,” I add, looking around, trying to take it all in. Towards the back of the greenhouse are tomato plants, herbs and other garden vegetables and a few potted plants All I can think of is, I wish greenhouses like this were in more widespread use in Canada. What a pleasant experience eating in here all warm and comfortable out of the cold.

We relax for about thirty minutes. “Are we ready to go?” Everyone nods. “I just want to order a coffee to go.” We still have one more stop today. Please join me and the girls as we hike up to Geometric basalt columns at the Natural Heritage site of The Geruberg Cliffs.

Happy travels from Maritime Mac.

No money was received for this post it is my own experience.

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26 thoughts on “Deildartunguhver Geothermal Area, Iceland

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  1. I was in Iceland in September, we were supposed to go to the bridge between two continents the light house etc. but our flight was leaving early we couldn’t do any touring that day.thank’s for sharing

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  2. Such a cool place, I would love to see the hot bubbling water and steam in my face! Well, not to get scalded! A grilled cheese sandwich sounds good, I’m gonna go make one for breakfast, Kelly!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Hi John, I’m always so happy to get your thoughts.
      I don’t eat meat and normal no dairy but it was a hard place to get vegan food. I figure if I’m going to compromise my principles, at least I’m I’m having excellent cheese. Enjoy your grilled cheese.

      Liked by 2 people

    2. I see, I wouldn’t expect much that far north but I have never been there. The farthest north I’ve ever been is at Sault Saint Marie on the American side!

      Liked by 1 person

    3. True North, I love that. I have been in Canada several times over the years for short visits other than the full year I lived several miles south of Windsor in a little town called Amherstburg. Lovely, friendly people!

      Liked by 1 person

  3. Having lived in Alaska during the winter, Kelly. I concur. But if you go in spring, you still have the snow covered landscape and enough daylight to enjoy it. We used it to do ski treks into Denali National Park. A bit cold at night, at 30 below, but one heck of an experience. –Curt. BTW, I tried to comment on your last blog, but WP wouldn’t let me onto your site. Strange.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. I grew up listening to Johnny Horton sing spring time in Alaska it’s 40 below…lol
      I was in Alaska in December cold and dark but I liked it.
      Thanks always for your comments, not sure what is going on with WP but there is a lag time between hit the keys and it showing up on the post, when I’m writing posts and it’s very annoying. It not my computer nor my internet speed. Happy 2023 Curt.

      Liked by 1 person

    2. They did have lit cross-country ski tracks in Anchorage when I lived there. So at least we could get out an exercise, Kelly. And then there was option #2. Fly to Hawaii. I find my challenges are only on selected blogs. It’s frustrating… Happy 2023 to you as well, Kelly.

      Liked by 2 people

    1. We had fantastic weather, it was sunny ever day except the big of rain we had our first afternoon in Reykjavik. It was 19 when we were climbing the glacier and in the national park we liked in tshirts it was 24.

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