If you’re looking for a truly out of this world experience in Iceland, head to Namaskard Geothermal Area in Mývatn.
Namaskard means mine crack, and aptly so because the area was mined for its rich source of sulphur deposits to produce gunpowder.
The first thing you’ll notice as you step out of your car is the smell, caused by the hydrogen sulfide. It is pungent, but the bizarre landscape is worth the mild discomfort.
The second thing you will notice is the distinct lack of vegetation. Due to the poisonous fumes and acidic soil, it is completely barren.
That does not mean the area is boring, not by a long shot – a rainbow of elements cover the land rising to the surface due to the steam.
Rudimentary paths are set to tour the park, it is flat and easy to create a circuit at the base of the mountain and see all of the highlights. As you walk around admire the hverarönd, or line of hot springs, the most intense we witnessed anywhere in the country.
Mud pot bubble fiercely displaying their mesmerizing pattern of scalding waters.
Fumaroles shoot powerful columns of relentless steam into the air, watch where you stand as the wind changes.
If you are looking for more of a challenging visit, the hike up Námafjall, Mine Mountain, which stands in the background of your photographs is well worth the effort.
This trek is approximately 1.5 mile roundtrip loop and it is recommended to begin on the far side of the road, because this section of the path is comprised of loose gravel which is easier to hike up than down. Upon summiting you will walk into an ethereal scenario, much more intimate than the crowded space below…most visitors do not climb up.
From up here you can see the deep crack that gives this area its name.
You can also spy the tiny parking lot in the distance and across the road to the barrier where vegetation begins to grow again.
The path is well defined and leads back towards the Ring Road eventually curving into the parking lot, but not before giving an excellent new perspective on the scenery.
Good to know:
+Watch where you walk and stay on the path, you can burn your feet, ruin your shoes, and worst of all trample the delicate environment
+Do not touch any of the water, it is scalding
+If you are sensitive to the smell, bring a bandana to cover your nose and mouth
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