Þeistareykir – Steam, Silence and Surreal Beauty in North Iceland

July 2025

Photo credit: Business Iceland

Out in the lava wilderness of North Iceland, far from crowds and paved walkways, you'll find a place that feels like it's still being formed. Steam hisses from the earth. The ground shifts from ochre to red to sulfur yellow. The air smells of minerals, and the silence is alive with the energy of the land. This is Þeistareykir – one of Iceland's most powerful geothermal areas yet one of its most peaceful.

Often overlooked by those speeding between Lake Mývatn and Húsavík, Þeistareykir is a place where time slows down and the landscape tells its own story — one shaped by fire, water, and centuries of geothermal force.

A Geothermal Wonderland

Þeistareykir is part of the Krafla volcanic system, and its geothermal activity is both visible and deeply felt. As you walk the marked paths through the area, you'll pass bubbling mud pools, steaming fumaroles, and colorful earth cracked and twisted by heat. This isn't just scenery — it's Iceland's inner workings exposed on the surface.

And yet, there's a gentleness to Þeistareykir. Unlike the more famous geothermal zones, it's not crowded, fenced, or curated. The experience here feels personal — just you, the earth, and the low whisper of steam curling into the wind.

Photo credit: Business Iceland

Hiking Through the Elements

A visit to Þeistareykir can be as short or as long as you like. You can walk the loop trail around the geothermal area, or continue farther into the highlands if you're up for a hike. One rewarding option is to follow the trail towards Leirhnjúkur or connect with the Húsavík–Ásbyrgi–Mývatn region, depending on your route and fitness.

The views are stark and otherworldly—black lava, green moss, and pastel geothermal hues unfolding under vast northern skies. On clear days, you can see the distant peaks near Mývatn.

Renewable Power in a Living Landscape

Photo credit: Business Iceland

Þeistareykir is also home to a geothermal power station — a modern facility that harnesses the earth's energy to power homes across North Iceland. For those interested in sustainability, it's a powerful reminder of how Iceland works with nature rather than against it. The plant is carefully designed to minimize its footprint, and most visitors agree: it's the steam and stillness that linger in memory, not the machinery.

Why Visit Þeistareykir?

It's uncrowded and authentic – a true off-the-beaten-path geothermal gem
The colors and textures of the landscape are uniquely photogenic
You get to experience raw geothermal energy up close – no ropes, no queues
It's easily combined with trips to Mývatn, Húsavík, or Ásbyrgi
It offers a quiet moment in nature that feels untouched and utterly Icelandic

A Note on Visiting Responsibly

The land around Þeistareykir is delicate. Stay on the marked paths, don't touch the geothermal features, and respect the silence. This is a living, breathing part of Iceland that gives much but asks for care in return.

Key to Iceland Tip: Pack good walking shoes, dress in layers, and bring water and snacks — there are no services on-site, and you'll want to linger longer than you think.

Þeistareykir may not be the most famous stop on your itinerary, but it might just be the one that stays with you longest. Here, surrounded by steam and solitude, you're reminded that Iceland isn't just a destination — it's an ongoing conversation between earth, fire, and those willing to listen.