Hverabotn daily hike

- Backpack  

- Hiking boots with good grip 

- Good socks 

- Breathable shirt 

- Warm sweater  

- Waterproof outer layer 

- Warm hat and gloves 

- Insulation layer such as down or PrimaLoft™ 

- Sunglasses 

- Hiking poles (available for rent on site) 

- Water and snacks 

A minimum of three participants is required for the trip to proceed. The trip will only be confirmed once this minimum number of participants is reached. 

Please note that the hike is subject to conditions such as weather, terrain and the group’s fitness level and might be adapted if necessary.  

Hverabotn is a small, enclosed valley east of the mountain Mænir in the Kerlingarfjöll mountain range. Despite its small size, it is especially dense with fast-changing geothermal formations, such as many mighty hot springs, mud pots and fumaroles creating a mesmerizing misty scenery. The most notable marvel in Hverabotn is a 145-150°C hot spring, which is one of the highest temperatures ever recorded in a high-temperature area in Iceland. Deposits of yellow sulfides and white salts and minerals make up the unique colorscape of the area along with various microbiomes that feed off the warmth of the geothermal heat and vibrant geothermal vegetation striking against the otherwise barren landscape. 

The geothermal activity in Hverabotn is a result of underlying volcanic forces at work. The Kerlingarfjöll mountain range is part of the active volcanic system in Iceland, and the valley sits atop a zone of intense geothermal activity. Energy production has disturbed some of these areas, which increases the conservation value of intact geothermal areas like those in Kerlingarfjöll. Kerlingarfjöll was protected as a nature reserve in the summer of 2020. The aim of the protection is to preserve geological formations, landscape, wilderness and the appearance of the area.