Krýsuvík in Reykjavik 2024

Situated on the Reykjanes peninsula, just 45 minutes from Reykjavik, the Krýsuvík geothermal area lets travelers witness the beauty of Iceland's volcanic nature in all its glory. Spreading over an extensive area of 140 square miles (350 sq km), Krýsuvík boasts a diverse landscape with bubbling mud pots, steaming fumaroles or steam vents, lava fields, and vibrant mineral deposits. The area has several fascinating locations, the most notable being the Krýsuvík-Seltún Geothermal Hot Springs.

Origins of Krýsuvík Volcanic System

The many volcanic phenomena are caused by the tectonic plates, mainly the Mid-Atlantic rift, which passes through the Reykjanes peninsula. The rift also traverses across the country, with the west of Iceland situated on the North American tectonic plate and the east on the Eurasian tectonic plate. Magma rises closer to the surface in between those plates, starts boiling and causes geothermal areas and activity to appear.

Places to See in Krýsuvík

The Krýsuvík geothermal area is both well-preserved and equipped for tourists and visitors, with boardwalk pathways winding over hot springs and bubbling mud pots. You'll witness Seltún Springs by following the signs, smell the sulfur near green, blue, and yellow crater lakes, and be treated to a stunning vista from the Krýsuvíkurberg Cliffs, just 8 miles (13 km) from Krýsuvík. A 3-mile (5 km) hike to Lake Kleifarvatn will take you on a fascinating journey to one of the deepest lakes in the entire country, complete with spectacular views and scenery.

Hours & Admission

Krýsuvík is open all year round and doesn't have set opening and closing hours. Admission to the site is completely free, same as parking. You can find restroom facilities and picnic tables on the grounds. However, some facilities might be closed during winter. Parking is also free of charge at the grounds.

Location & Traveling from Reykjavik

Krýsuvík is located in southwest Iceland, on the Reykjanes peninsula, approximately 23 miles (37 km) from Reykjavik. If you're driving, the journey will take around 45 minutes. However, road conditions might be unpredictable during winter, with severe winds and freezing temperatures, so be prepared to set aside more time if you choose to travel to Krýsuvík during this season. To get to the geothermal area from Reykjavik, drive in the southwest direction from the capital, take Road 41, and once you reach Reykjanes peninsula, turn onto Road 42. Once you see the sign indicating the geothermal area, turn onto the parking lot.

Krýsuvík Folklore & History

This magnificent site boasts extensive folklore origins, also named the Bay of Krýsa. Krýsa is a folklore figure, an old witch, who, according to the legend, was fighting with another witch, called Herdís, about what they wanted to do to their lands. Krýsa wished to make all the fish in the lake hairy, while Herdís had a desire to cast a storm spell, which would bring death to all the fishermen. According to the tale, both of them died without reaching a resolution.

As for the actual historical origins of Krýsuvík, the area was previously known as a farm village, which was sadly destroyed as a result of lavafall in the 11th-12th century. The farms then relocated closer to the sea, closer to the Bæjarfell mountain. While the business was profitable, the farms stopped operating in the 20th century due to its remote location.