Hveragerði has long been
one of Iceland’s most popular
tourist destinations.
The reason is geothermal heat: the
town is built above a hot-spring
field, and derives its name from the
Icelandic word for hot spring, hver.
Few communities in the world
can claim to have an active thermal
site in the centre of town: bubbling,
hissing, hot springs that in summer
are the catalysts for oceans of flowers.
Throughout the year white
plumes of steam stretch to the sky,
which in summer is joined by the
colour green. Trees grow all over
Hveragerði––a green revolution
of recent years––and the residents
perennially work on making their
town bloom.
This thermal heat has made
horticulture one of the foundations
of economic life in Hveragerði,
the reason for its being called “The
Blossoming Town,” and the reason
for the annual “Flower Ball.” Tourists
have always visited the town to purchase
flowers, plants, and fresh vegetables
at good prices. In recent years,
however, many come to Hveragerði
to improve their wellness, staying for
short or long periods.
The swimming pool at
Laugaskarð––for many years the
country’s largest pool––is renowned
for its lovely setting as well as
excellent facilities, including hot
pots, whirlpool pot, sunlamps, and
a natural steam bath. Walkways
and footpaths within town limits
are excellent, and work is ongoing
to mark and connect them into a
coordinated whole. Good services
await town visitors, including an
excellent variety of accommodation,
making Hveragerði an ideal
travel destination and conference
venue year-round.
Residents strive to make visitors
feel welcome. There are numerous
leisure activities to choose from,
interesting restaurants and eateries,
and good accommodation including
a new campsite at Fagrahvammur
with modern facilities. The town is
well situated: away from the hustle
and bustle of the capital, yet within
easy driving distance.
Some of South Iceland’s most
notable tourist attractions are not
far from Hveragerði, for instance
Gullfoss Falls, Geysir Hot Springs,
Skálholt, and Þingvellir National
Park. The environment around
Hveragerði is pristine, a true paradise
for outdoor enthusiasts. Somewhat
to the north of town is one of the
country’s largest geothermal areas,
Hengill, where plumes of steam
can be seen for miles. Hiking and
riding trails stretch from the town
throughout Ölfusdalur valley, into
the Hengill volcanic area and all the
way to the Nesjavellir geothermal
area and Þingvellir National Park.
Along the way are warm springs
where bathing is possible.
Near Hveragerði is the State
Horticultural School located at
Reykur in Ölfus, an ancient farmstead
that many famous chieftains
called home, including Gissur Jarl
and Hálfdan the Lawspeaker.
Many nationally known artists
have now made Hveragerði their
home, so in addition to being called
In Bloom, Hveragerði is often spoken
of as an artists’ centre.
It is easy to enjoy life in all its
splendour in Hveragerði. Salmon
and trout swim in the Varmá River,
berries grow wild in fields to the
west of town, and innumerable
walking trails wind through the
beautiful countryside.
Information about hiking
trails and other activities, museums
and exhibitions, culture and
art, accommodation and services,
guided tours and trips around the
town and vicinity is provided at the
South Iceland Information Center,
located in the new Sunnumörk
Shopping Mall.
For more information visit:
www.southiceland.is
