A highly active geothermal area near Keflavík Airport and Reykjanesviti. Famous for its ghost legend and aggressive steam vents.
Story & Legend
This hot spring is named after Gunna, a woman who caused havoc as a ghost after starving to death. A priest set a trap for her, causing her to fall into the boiling mud pit, where she is said to be trapped to this day. Locals say the noise of the vent is Gunna screaming. Located just minutes from the airport and the 'Bridge Between Continents', this is often the perfect first or last stop on an Iceland trip.
Geology & Science
Gunnuhver is the heart of the Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark. It is unique because the groundwater here is 100% seawater, unlike other geothermal areas. The main vent is constantly changing and once grew to 20 meters wide, swallowing the old viewing platform.
Safety
The steam is over 300°C (570°F) deep underground and emerges at boiling point. The wind can shift suddenly, engulfing you in scalding steam. Stay on the wooden ramps. The clay around the ramps is unstable.
Photo Tip
The steam here is massive and aggressive. On a windy day, it moves fast, creating dynamic shapes. It's a great place for 'moody' portraits where the subject disappears into the white mist. The rust-orange ground contrasts well with the white steam.
Insider Tip
Keep an eye out for the remains of the old wooden viewing platforms that were completely destroyed and swallowed by the expanding, violently boiling mud pool just a few years ago.
Best Time to Visit
A moody, overcast day makes the roaring steam vents look incredibly cinematic and intimidating.
What to Bring
A windbreaker that you don't mind smelling like sulfur. The Reykjanes peninsula is extremely windy, and the steam will blow directly onto the paths.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gunnuhver safe to visit?
Yes, as long as you stay strictly on the elevated wooden boardwalks. The ground outside the designated paths is unstable and the mud beneath is boiling at over 300°C (570°F) underground.
Who is Gunnuhver named after?
It is named after Guðrún (Gunna), a female ghost from Icelandic folklore who supposedly terrorized the peninsula until a priest trapped her spirit inside the boiling hot spring.
