Kárahnjúkar Hydropower Plant

Kárahnjúkar is a hydroelectric facility in eastern Iceland consisting of five dams that channel water through 73 kilometers of underground tunnels toward a single subterranean power station. The entire complex was designed to keep most infrastructure hidden beneath the ground surface.

Construction of the facility took place between 2002 and 2009 and represented a major building project in Icelandic history. The completion marked the peak of hydropower development in Iceland during that era.

The project sparked national debates about balancing industry with nature protection and changed how people view large infrastructure projects. These discussions still shape how Icelanders think about such developments today.

The complex sits in a remote region of eastern Iceland and is not easily visible from outside due to its underground design. Visitors should plan to go with guided tours or local travel operators to properly experience the facility.

The main dam stands 193 meters tall, making it Europe's highest structure of its kind, and shows the scale of engineering required. The decision to build most facilities underground was an unusual choice that benefited the surrounding landscape.

Inception: 2003

GPS coordinates: 65.01172,-15.02536

Latest update: December 7, 2025 09:25