Top-down drone view of a steaming geothermal pool surrounded by yellow sulphur deposits and snow at the Seltún geothermal area in Krýsuvík, Iceland.

    Aerial view of a geothermal pool at the Seltún geothermal area in Krýsuvík, Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland.

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    Seltún Geothermal Area

    Landmark

    Seltún is a geothermal field located within the Krýsuvík fissure zone on the Reykjanes Peninsula in southwest Iceland. The area consists of steaming vents, bubbling mud pools, and mineral-stained slopes formed by high-temperature geothermal activity. The composition resolves through rising steam columns, layered hillside color bands, and foreground geothermal textures.

    63.89546, -22.05164

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    Gallery

    Wooden walkways crossing steaming hot springs and colourful sulphur hills at the Seltún geothermal area in Krýsuvík, Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland.

    Boardwalks through the Seltún geothermal area at Krýsuvík on the Reykjanes Penin…

    Snow-covered geothermal valley with steaming hot pools at the Seltún geothermal area in Krýsuvík on the Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland.

    Steam rising from hot springs at the Seltún geothermal area in Krýsuvík, Reykjan…

    Top-down drone view of a steaming geothermal pool surrounded by yellow sulphur deposits and snow at the Seltún geothermal area in Krýsuvík, Iceland.

    Aerial view of a geothermal pool at the Seltún geothermal area in Krýsuvík, Reyk…

    Colourful geothermal valley with steaming vents and blue hot pools at Seltún in Krýsuvík on the Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland.

    Overview of the Seltún geothermal area at Krýsuvík on the Reykjanes Peninsula, I…

    Top-down drone view of steaming vents and colourful mineral deposits at Seltún geothermal area in Krýsuvík, Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland.

    Aerial view of the Seltún geothermal area at Krýsuvík on the Reykjanes Peninsula…

    Quick Facts

    Access

    Roadside / Step-out

    0–5 min

    Best Light

    Overcast

    Light works best when overcast conditions preserve mineral color separation because diffused light prevents harsh shadows across the geothermal slopes.

    Why This Light

    Softens Contrast

    Season

    Year-Round Stable

    The site is accessible throughout the year via paved road and maintained boardwalks. Weather conditions influence steam visibility but rarely restrict access.

    Crowds

    Busy Midday

    Restrictions

    Fee Common
    Drone Often Restricted

    Photography Notes

    Position slightly above the main mud pools to layer steam vents against mineral-stained slopes. Shooting from too low flattens the color bands and reduces separation between vents. Lateral movement changes how steam plumes overlap and affects visual density. Direct sunlight can create high contrast between bright mineral areas and darker ground. Diffused light preserves tonal variation and improves color clarity across the hillside.
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