Hverir - Iceland

Hverir (Hot Springs), also known as the Namafjall Geothermal area, is an impressive geothermal valley not far from Krafla and Lake Myvatn. It's one of Iceland's most impressive geothermal areas (I liked it better than Geysir), and it's also very accessible. Be careful, there are very few safety rails or guidelines (really, none!). We were able to wander at will. My best advice is to walk on well-worn paths. Remember, as in many places on the island, Iceland can be dangerous, and you always want to be aware of your surroundings. 

This was our first run-in with Myvatn's famous midges (they tiny flying insects that don't seem to have a purpose except for being irritating), and we realized what a pain they are. In warmer months, protective gear and/or bug spray really will be helpful. They thrive in warm weather, and they obviously like these warm geothermal features.

Be prepared because the geothermal features here are amazing. It's going to be stinky -- all those great hydrogen sulfide fumes, but it's worth it. The bubbling pools and mud pots alongside beautiful colors make for an otherworldly landscape. 

Parking is free, but there are no WCs. All these videos are from June 2023.

Dettifoss - Iceland

Dettifoss (DEH-tih-foss) is a waterfall reputed to be the second most powerful waterfall in Europe. Dettifoss is situated on the Jökulsá á Fjöllum river, which flows from the Vatnajökull glacier. The sediment-rich runoff colors the water a greyish white.

The falls are 330 feet wide and have a drop of 144 feet down to the canyon. It is the second largest waterfall in Iceland in terms of volume. 130,000 gallons of water per minute rush over the falls. The falls are best seen from above. 

The spray coming off the falls was unbelievable! I didn't want to get my big camera wet, so I only ventured so far, but my family went closer. It was also crazy to see the rocky landscape as we were walking to the falls (about 15 minutes from the parking lot). Hardly a plant in sight! I loved the landscape, but I am a fan of rocks (and basalt columns!)

You'll find Dettifoss in the Myvatn region in northeastern Iceland. Parking is free and there are portable toilets. 

Thoughts on the route...Depending on your itinerary, you can visit Detifoss as you are leaving the Myvatn area if you're driving east. It's positioned as such that it's to the east of Myvatn. We actually visited Detifoss as we came into this region because it was in the same general area as our lodgings (24 miles east of Lake Myvatn! Yikes! -- book early) Also, the day we left, we knew that continuing to drive east, the drive is long and services are scarce as we were heading next towards Egilsstaðir.