Seltún Hot Springs, Geothermal hot springs in Krýsuvík, Iceland
Seltún is a geothermal area with active steam vents, bubbling mud pools, and hot springs where temperatures exceed 100 degrees Celsius in some spots. The ground shimmers with orange, yellow, and green hues created by mineral deposits and chemical reactions from the intense heat.
People extracted sulfur from this area starting in the 13th century, using the rich mineral deposits for production and trade. Mining operations ceased in 1880, after which the site gradually transformed into a popular visitor destination.
The springs embody how geothermal power shapes everyday life in Iceland, providing heat for homes and greenhouses across the region. Visitors experience the constant steam and heat as a reminder of the island's reliance on this natural resource.
Visitors follow well-marked wooden paths with viewing platforms to safely observe geothermal activity up close from designated spots. It is important to stay on the trails since the ground is unstable in many areas and some surfaces can be unexpectedly hot.
A drilling accident in 1999 unexpectedly blasted a new steam vent out of the ground, which has since become one of the area's most striking features. This sudden event demonstrates how little control people have over these powerful natural forces.
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