Sitting at the heart of the Reykjanes Peninsula in southwestern Iceland, the Setlún Geothermal Area/Krýsuvík is an area of high geothermal activity. Steam rising from both streams and pools of mud in this area where lava sits close to the surface.

Located just north of Grindavik, which has seen repeated volcanic eruptions since 2021 and was even threatened by lava in 2024 and 2025, Setlún offers a very different view. While Grindavik is coastal and flat, Setlún lies in the hills and valleys of the internal part of the peninsula.

Setlún offers fumaroles, mud pots, and steam vents amongst a colourful landscape, which is due to the stones and rocks mixing with old lava flows; these flows provide a dramatic black backdrop for the reds, oranges, greens, violets and other colours found in the stone.

Krýsuvík – the name of a specific spring – offers a small, boardwalk hike of 1.1 km 0.7 miles through and around the spring. You can definitely feel the temperature difference right next to the spring versus the surrounding area; it is several degrees warmer!

Getting to the Setlún Geothermal Area/Krýsuvík is simple. It is located on Route 42 known as Krýsuvíkvegur. From the airport you can drive along Route 41 and then turn south at Hafnarfjörður. Alternatively you can drive along the coastal road – Route 44 – and then turn north before Eldborg.

While Krýsuvík is free to visit, parking is 750 kr (current conversion: $6.15 USD, £4.53 GBP, €5.24) and allows you to park and use the facilities (primarily a toilet) for the entire day. This fee covers the cost of the vehicle and everyone in it. You can pay by card (contactless) or via a parking app.

Here are some videos of two of the bubbling mud pots:

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