Seltun is a geothermal area in Iceland located close to Reykjavik and the Blue Lagoon. Here are a few things to do in Seltun;
- Mud Pots and Fumaroles
- Krysuvik Geothermal Area
- Seltun Hot Springs
Reykjavik is within an hours driving distance of Seltun but you could also stay at a hotel in nearby Grindavik.
Seltun Iceland – Unknown Icelandic Beauty
The Seltun geothermal area is an incredibly unique and picturesque landscape. As a matter of fact, I’d describe it as a colorful version of Geysir but without the tourists. For this reason, it’s likely you’ll have the whole geothermal area to yourself. Finally, there are very few tours to Seltun, the main tour is a helicopter ride over it. Check out other hidden wonders of Iceland on the Reykjanes Peninsula.
Seltun Geothermal Area
Seltun is short for Seltunshverir and is a geothermal area full of mud pots and fumaroles. The area is extremely colorful due to mineral deposits from geothermal solutions. Seltun is extremely quiet for Icelandic attractions which makes it more enjoyable, having the place to yourself. Personally I enjoyed Seltun more than the famous Geysir, it’s more beautiful with the colors and mountainside views and you see the same bubbling mud pots. In fact, all Geysir has that Seltun doesn’t is the geyser which erupts every 5 minutes.
Krysuvik Geothermal Area
Seltun is also known as Krysuvik geothermal area, however, they’re the same place. You can walk around Seltun Krysuvik in about 30 minutes therefore it’s perfect for a short walk. In addition, there’s a safe boardwalk to follow around the area. Seltún is located on the side of a mountain so the weather can be pretty wild, I experienced, sun, snow, rain and wind in the 30 minutes I visited!
Be sure to allow more time if you wish to stop for active mud pot and fumaroles photography.
Seltun Krysuvik Panoramic
The view from the top of Seltun boardwalk warrants a visit by itself! You’ll see a panoramic of the uniquely colored landscape as well as a river winding through it. If you’re driving to the Blue Lagoon on a day trip from Reykjavik, I highly recommend Seltun as a small detour. On this detour you’ll also pass Kleifarvatn Lake, Eldborg and the town of Grindavik.
Seltun Parking
There is complimentary parking at Seltun adjacent to the start of the boardwalk. Additionally, it’s highly likely there will be lots of spaces as Seltun Iceland is a hidden wonder of Iceland.
Kleifarvatn Lake
As you drive from Reykjavik to Seltun you’ll pass the incredibly beautiful Kleifarvatn Lake. As well as Seltun Iceland, Kleifarvatn Lake is another hidden wonder of Iceland.
How to get from Seltun to the Blue Lagoon
From Seltun I headed south towards Grindavik and the Blue Lagoon. As you head south you’ll pass some incredible scenery. Watch out for any lakes or melted snow at the side of the road as you can use this to make wonderful reflection photography of the surreal landscape. Finally, it’s a short drive to the Blue Lagoon.
I keep on seeing travel deals to Iceland, but I hate the cold. I’m sure the pure natural beauty would make my shivers worth it. Maybe next year…
James, this is bad! This is really really bad!!! The more and more I read about Iceland in your blog posts, the more and more I feel miserable that I missed it when I visited Europe!!! 🙁 🙁 🙁
Good to know that this place is more of a hidden gem than the tourist spots!
Great information. Thanks man!
Wow, the more I read about Iceland, the more I want to go. It’s absolutely beautiful there. I need to find me a deal. Living in Canada doesn’t help, there’s hardly ever any travel deals.
My school is offering an international trip to Iceland next year. It looks amazing. I hope that a number of students will be able to go on this trip.
Iceland looks absolutely beautiful! So funny that you experienced so many different kinds of weather in a matter of minutes!
I’m heading to Iceland in a couple of weeks- could not be more excited!
Iceland looks so other worldly. I have never been here but the more articles I read about Iceland, the more impatient I am to go here. he pictures you posted are tempting me further 🙂
Wow.. The mineral deposits have given such lovely structures and colors to Seltun. It looks like a alienated place as if you landed on some other planet. You have clicked some amazing photographs.
Seltún Krýsuvík looks beautiful. It reminds me of some of the hot pots at home in Yellowstone. And how nice to find a place that’s not crowded. I am really hoping to get to Iceland in September and will have to put this on our list!
Iceland is one of my favorite countries but I didn’t do any road trips while I was there. I did visit the Blue Lagoon, which I really enjoyed, but I’d love to follow your adventure myself. That view from Seltun is amazing – the colors of the landscape are gorgeous!
How long did you stay in Iceland? I think you visited all tourist destinations in Iceland. Seltún Krýsuvík has a different charm. This looks like a photo of Earth many years ago.
Experiencing sun, snow, wind and rain in flat 30 minutes sounds crazy! I have never been to a natural geyser so Iceland is top on my list. I would love to see all the colours you found and the geyser that erupts every 5 minutes!
Seltún looks amazing with the view! I’m coming to Iceland next week and hopefully will be able to arrange the trip there one day! Thanks for sharing 😀
Iceland is on our bucket list and Seltun looks amazing. Would love to see the Geysers you mentioned.
I didnt go to Seltun in Iceland…I guess I missed a beautiful part of the country. But I had such a good time in the Blue Lagoon. Sipping on cold beer while sitting in the warm water was so much fun!