Back to grid

Best geothermal destinations in Europe

Back to grid
Iceland
Land of fire and ice
9.7
Strokkur geyser erupts every 8 to 10 minutes. Nearby Geysir gave English the word geyser. Iceland lies on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge where the Eurasian and North American plates move apart. About 30 active volcanic systems exist. Geothermal and hydropower supply effectively all of its electricity.
Highlights:
  • 🚗 Drive the full Ring Road and explore Iceland’s natural wonders
  • 💦 Soak in the milky-blue waters of the Blue Lagoon
  • 🌌 Marvel at the dancing Northern Lights in winter
Furnas
A Geothermal Wonderland
7.9
Pool water at Terra Nostra Park runs 100 to 108°F, warmer than normal body temperature. Poça da Dona Beija holds water at about 102°F. Iron-rich water can stain pale swimwear, so wear dark colours. A pot of cozido cooks for about six hours in hot ground beside Lagoa das Furnas.
Highlights:
  • 🥾 Hike the flat trail around Lagoa das Furnas for scenic views
  • 🌋 Walk safely among steaming fumaroles and bubbling mud pots
  • ♨️ Soak in the thermal waters at Terra Nostra Park's hot pool
Landmannalaugar
Colorful mountains and natural pools
8.6
In Iceland's Highlands within Fjallabak Nature Reserve, the camp lies at the edge of the Laugahraun lava field. An eruption around 1477 formed it. Visitors bathe in the hot springs. It marks the northern end of the Laugavegur trail. Since 2024 a daily parking reservation is required in summer.
Highlights:
  • 🌋 Photograph the striking lava fields and steaming vents
  • ♨️ Soak in the natural geothermal hot springs after a trek
  • 🥾 Hike the colorful rhyolite mountains on the Laugavegur Trail
Azores
Volcanic Isles of Atlantic Wonders
8.5
The Capelinhos volcano on Faial erupted from 1957 to 1958. Nine volcanic islands lie about 870 miles west of mainland Portugal. They meet at the junction of the North American, Eurasian and Nubian plates. Active fumaroles and hot springs exist on the islands. Mount Pico reaches 7,713 feet, Portugal's highest point.
Highlights:
  • 🍵 Visit Europe’s oldest tea plantation at Gorreana
  • ♨️ Relax in the thermal waters of Caldeira Velha
  • 🥾 Hike through the volcanic landscapes of Sete Cidades
Vatnajökull National Park
Glaciers, Volcanoes and Ice Caves
8.3
Fire and ice share this park, which UNESCO inscribed in 2019 for its dynamic nature of fire and ice. Grímsvötn is the most active volcano under the ice and Bárðarbunga is the largest. Askja and Kverkfjöll rise in the northern highlands. The park covers about 5,779 square miles, roughly 14 percent of Iceland.
Highlights:
  • ❄️ Explore blue ice caves sculpted within the glacier
  • 🥾 Join a guided glacier walk on Vatnajökull ice cap
  • 🌊 Hike to the stunning Svartifoss waterfall framed by basalt columns
Reykjavík
Vibrant city amidst stunning nature
7.9
Geothermal water heats every building in the city. Thermal capacity of about 830 megawatts exceeds the average heating demand of 473 megawatts. Public pools and hot tubs use the same water. Nauthólsvík is a geothermally heated beach. At 64 degrees north the city is the world's northernmost sovereign capital.
Highlights:
  • 🐋 Take a whale-watching tour from the city harbor
  • 💦 Relax in the Blue Lagoon’s steaming geothermal waters
  • 🌌 Watch the Northern Lights dance over Reykjavík’s night sky
Grjótagjá
Iceland’s Mystical Lava Cave
Inside this lava cave near Lake Mývatn, bathing is now prohibited. Water temperatures rose above 122°F during volcanic activity between 1975 and 1984, when the Krafla system erupted nine times. The water has cooled since but can heat quickly again. The cave appears in Game of Thrones. Wear sturdy footwear.
Highlights:
  • 🌋 Explore nearby lava formations and rugged Icelandic landscape
  • 📸 Capture stunning photos of the blue-tinged cave interior
  • ♨️ Soak in the geothermal hot spring water inside the cave
Hellisheiði Power Plant
Steam and geothermal wonder in Iceland’s heart
Geothermal power here ranks eighth largest in the world and largest in Iceland. The plant produces 303 megawatts of electricity and 200 megawatts thermal of hot water. Electricity began in 2006. Hot water supplies Reykjavík's district heating. A Climeworks pilot injects captured carbon dioxide underground. Educational tours and presentations are offered.
Highlights:
  • 🍺 Taste local Icelandic craft beer brewed on site
  • 📸 Photograph the iconic black basalt chimney at sunset
  • ⚡ Tour the geothermal powerhouse and witness steam vents
Feedback