Overview
A true highlands soak between two glaciers
Hveravellir is a geothermal field and natural bathing pool on Iceland’s central highlands route, set between Langjökull and Hofsjökull. This is not a quick detour from Reykjavík. It’s a remote stop on a long gravel-road crossing, and that’s exactly why it feels special. You soak outdoors with steam vents, lava, and big weather all around you.
The pool and facilities
The Hveravellir lodge describes the bathing pool as naturally warm, with published pool temperature around 38–40°C (100–104°F). There’s a service center on site, and their current pricelist notes a short-stop service fee that includes toilets, pool access, and showers. This is still a natural setting, but you’re not completely on your own.
What makes the day work
Your comfort depends on road conditions, fuel planning, and how you handle wind and cold air when you get out. If you plan the logistics like a highlands day, the soak feels like a reward instead of a scramble.
Location & Access
Where it is
Hveravellir Nature Reserve is on the Kjölur route, Road 35 (formerly F35), roughly halfway between Reykjavík and Akureyri, in the central highlands.
Getting there by car
The lodge notes that during summer months the road is passable by most types of cars, but they strongly recommend avoiding the smallest cars. It’s a gravel highlands route, so expect washboard sections and slower travel. On the geothermal pool page, the lodge also notes summer access is often best with a 4x4 (June to September). In winter, they note access requires a super jeep or a guided tour.
Distance and fuel planning
From the south, the lodge notes it is about 90 km from Gullfoss to Hveravellir. They also note the closest petrol station is about 100 km away, so fuel up before you head into the highlands.
Public transport
The lodge notes there is currently no scheduled bus service on the Kjölur route.
What to bring
Swimsuit, towel, traction sandals, and a warm layer for wind. Add drinking water and food as if you might be delayed. A simple emergency kit is smart in the highlands, even on good-weather days.
Suitability & Accessibility
This is best for confident travelers who want a real highlands soak and are comfortable with remote gravel-road travel. It rewards people who enjoy “getting there” as part of the experience.
Families
It can work for families with older kids who travel well, but the highlands add complexity. The lodge specifically notes monitoring young children because nearby hot springs can be dangerously hot. Keep kids close on boardwalks and do not let them wander around steaming vents.
Couples and solo travelers
Great for couples who want a memorable highlands stop and for solo travelers who are prepared and conservative with driving. Solo visitors do best by arriving with plenty of daylight and not pushing a long crossing late in the day.
Mobility realities
No formal hike is required to reach the pool from the service area, but terrain is uneven, surfaces can be wet, and weather can be rough. If you have balance concerns, plan a slower pace and use footwear with good grip.
Wheelchair expectations
I’m not marking this as wheelchair accessible. The setting is remote and the pool is natural. If step-free access is essential, contact the lodge and ask specifically what routes and entries are realistically workable.
Expectations vs reality
This is not a polished spa. It’s a natural pool with a small service hub in a big landscape. Plan for wind, grit, and changing conditions, and you’ll have a better time.
Safety & Etiquette
Remote driving is the main safety factor
On Road 35, slow is normal. Give yourself daylight and buffer time, and fuel up before entering the highlands. If weather turns, it’s kinder to your trip to turn back early than to “prove you can do it.”
Geothermal hazards are real, but manageable
Hveravellir is a fragile geothermal area with very hot vents and pools near the bathing pool. Stick to marked paths and boardwalks, and keep children within arm’s reach in active areas. The safest habit is simple, look where you step and do not shortcut over steaming ground.
Heat pacing
The bathing pool is comfortable, but wind and cold air can trick you into staying in too long. Do shorter rounds, then dry off and warm up in layers. If you feel dizzy, get out and reset.
Shared-space etiquette
It goes best when everyone shares space and keeps things moving. Leave room at entry points, keep your towel and shoes tidy, and keep voices low, many people come here for quiet.
Keep the pool clean
The lodge asks visitors to shower before entering when possible, and not to use soap or shampoo in the pool. Treat it like a natural resource, not a bathtub.
FAQs
When is the best time to visit Hveravellir?
The lodge notes summer (June–September) as the easiest season for roads and hiking. Winter can be spectacular, but they note access may require a super jeep or guided tour due to snow and weather.
Do you need a 4x4 to reach Hveravellir?
The lodge notes the road is passable by most car types in summer but recommends avoiding the smallest cars, and their pool page notes 4x4 is often best during the summer months. Check current road conditions before you commit.
Is there an entry fee?
The lodge pricelist lists a short-stop service fee of 500 ISK per person, including toilets, pool, and showers. Confirm current pricing on the official site before you travel.
How hot is the pool?
The lodge publishes the bathing pool temperature as approximately 38–40°C (100–104°F), which is a comfortable soaking range.
Is it safe for kids?
It can be, with close supervision. The lodge specifically notes keeping a close eye on young children because nearby geothermal features can be dangerously hot.