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Gunnuhver

Gunnuhver is a highly active geothermal area of mud pools and steam vents on the southwest corner of the Reykjanes peninsula. Gunnuhver is unique as the groundwater there is completely made of sea water, unlike other geothermal areas in the country that are usually fresh water. Iceland’s largest mud pool resides at Gunnuhver and is a 20-meter-wide pool of violently boiling earth. The colorful minerals in the ground provide vibrant hues in the earth, but please note that with temperatures over 300°C/570°F it is very important to be careful while in the area and stick to marked trails.

Gunnuhver is named after a female ghost, Gudrun, who is said to be angry and violent. The folklore tells that Gudrun was trapped in the hot springs by a priest 400 years ago. Her hunting of the area is thought to be the reason of the area’s eerie atmosphere and the strong sulphur steam.