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Reykjanes Geo Park – Seltún – Kleifarvatn
Large parts of the Reykjanes peninsula roughly within the triangle Reykjavik – Þorlákshöfn – Grindavik has been turned into a UNESCO geopark.
The Reykjanes Peninsula is a young section of Iceland. It is a land-born, highly volcanic counterpart of the Mid-Atlantic Spreading Ridge where two tectonic plates part at an average rate of 2.0-2.5 cm/yr. Four volcanic systems and fissure swarms line the peninsula from SW to NE. They contain open fissures, normal faults, high-temperature geothermal fields and volcanic fissures. These are lined with monogenetic craters (source: http://www.reykjanesgeopark.is/en/ ).
It is no surprise that the amount of volcanic activity in the area has created a strange yet fascinating landscape with volcanic hills, vast lava fields, a few lakes and several geothermal areas.
Seltún is the easiest accessible of these geothermal areas as it is situated right beside the road 42 running from south to north through the park. The main mudpots and fumaroles lay just a few meters away from the parking and can be closer explored via a wooden boardwalk crossing the ponds with the bubbling mud. Just prepare for a smelly experience courtesy of the fumaroles and do not stick a finger into the bubbling mud or waters. They have temperatures of 70-degree Fahrenheit and more.
The whole area is very colorful due to the sedimented minerals deposited from geothermal solutions. Footpaths lead along the most interesting parts down here and give you a good impression together with some information panels. It is nevertheless worth following the – soon steep and often slippery – path up the hill. There are more bizarre fuming mineral covered areas up there and from top of the hill one has a great overview across the plain to the ocean and inland to the Kleifarvatn lake. The smaller lakes at the base of the hill are man-made – Sulphur was mined here until recently – and have an eerie turquoise color. Further east of the road there are more geothermal areas visible which can be reached by longer walks.
The Kleifarvatn further inland is a particularly mysterious lake surrounded by bizarre lava sculptures. Quite a few sagas exist talking about monsters and magic beings but as far as we know the lake is just full of trout. But then this lake of about 100 meters depth regularly changes its water level and no one knows why….
From the ring road and the 42 sometimes dirt or gravel roads part and lead through moss covered lava fields and desert-like areas into the central mountains. It is worth riding a mountain bike – normal bikes wouldn´t work on the rough and sometimes sandy ground – into these otherworldly landscapes but be careful as it is easy to get lost – there are no detailed maps – and avoid cycling alone as chances are good that nobody will find you in case something goes wrong.
For further visual impressions check these galleries:
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