Hverir’s Mud Pools, Steam and Sulfur Smell

What the reviews show

Hverir is one of the most distinctive stops near Reykjahlíð, Iceland. Public Google reviews give the attraction a 4.6 rating from 10,228 reviews, with visitors consistently praising its unusual colours, bubbling mud pools and steaming fumaroles. The landscape feels stark and otherworldly. Cracked earth, bright mineral tones and clouds of vapour make the site visually memorable even during a short visit.

The sulfur smell is the defining practical detail. Nearly every sample review warns that it is powerful, and some visitors describe it as overwhelming. That is not a minor footnote. People sensitive to strong odours may want to keep their distance from the most active geothermal areas and avoid arriving immediately after eating.

Walking around Hverir

Reviewers describe several geothermal features and walking routes across the site. The main appeal is the chance to move among mud pools, fumaroles and colourful ground rather than simply view them from a roadside pull-in. The terrain itself is part of the experience, with steam rising from vents and the earth appearing cracked and vividly marked by minerals.

Some visitors climb to a higher viewpoint. One recurring piece of advice recommends starting on the left and continuing to the right for a loop. The alternative direction can make the descent particularly steep, especially when the ground is wet. The summit view is repeatedly described as worthwhile, but this is not a casual hill for every visitor. Careful footing matters.

Crowds and timing

Hverir can become crowded, particularly in the afternoon during the busy summer season. The reviews are not entirely consistent on this point: one visitor found the site very crowded in mid-August, while another reported a quieter experience on an afternoon visit. That suggests arrival time can shape the visit, although the available reviews do not establish a reliably quiet hour.

The attraction suits travellers already exploring the Lake Mývatn area, and one reviewer specifically valued being able to visit while staying overnight near the lake. Hverir works well as a focused stop, with extra time useful for the trails and higher viewpoint.

Practical verdict

Hverir is best for travellers who want unusual natural scenery and do not mind a strong sulfur odour. The visual payoff is clear in the reviews: colourful ground, active geothermal features and a memorable elevated view. The experience is less comfortable for anyone affected by smells, crowds or uneven, steep terrain.

The public feedback supports a visit, with the 4.6 rating from 10,228 reviews reflecting broad enthusiasm. Visitors should stay attentive around geothermal features, follow the established paths and treat wet slopes with caution. Hverir is not polished or gentle. That raw quality is exactly why it stands out.

Plan the rest of the trip

• More attractions in Iceland
• What else is worth booking in Reykjahlíð, Iceland
• All Iceland travel reviews
• Browse every destination we cover