Námaskarð

Námaskarð lies about 474 km north of Reykjavik, barely 87 km from Akureyri and is situated towards the northern region of Mývatn. It is a small geothermal pass between the peaks of Námafjall and Dalfjall. 

Námaskarð lies about 474 km north of Reykjavik, barely 87 km from Akureyri and is situated towards the northern region of Mývatn. It is a small geothermal pass between the peaks of Námafjall and Dalfjall.

As one nears the location, a pungent and nauseating smell of sulphuric acid rents the air, as if accidentally coming across rotten eggs. It is rather an unusually amazing sight of hot sulphuric mud springs and fumaroles, with its charcoal-coloured bubbling rivers, in a surreal setting. In fact, the sulphur content in the air and ground, high temperatures, volcanic fumes and steam has ensured that there is hardly any vegetation at Námaskarð, which lies about 400 metres above sea level. Towards the east of Námaskarð is Hverarönd or ‘The Geyser Strip,’ where a unique combination of mud springs and steam springs bring alive a range of colours and hues. Námaskarð has also been a favourite laboratory for volcanologists from all over the world who have been visiting the location for a long time, initiating umpteen tests and researches.

For an enthusiastic visitor there are various interesting places not very far away from Námaskarð including Myvatn, Reykjahlíð, Hverfjall, Grjotagja Cave, Krafla, Fuglasafn Sigurgeirs (bird museum), Vindbelgjarfjall, Lofthellir Lava Cave, Skútustaðagígar Pseudo Craters, Dimmuborgir Lava Park, dalvik, Askja Crater, Viti and the beautiful waterfalls Godafoss and Dettifoss. Námskarð can be visited all year round, though reaching this location during the winter may pose a challenge. The region was also popular for mining sulphur.

LOCATION

 

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