Hellisheiði Power Station, geothermal power station in Iceland
Hellisheiði Power Station is a large geothermal facility in Árnessýsla that uses underground heat from the Earth to produce electricity. The site features giant turbines and pipes with visible white steam rising constantly, showing that the plant produces no air pollution.
Research and drilling for the plant began in 2001, with construction starting after a decision made in 2002. The first phase finished in 2006, and additional turbines and systems were added over following years to increase power output.
The station represents an old Icelandic practice of using hot springs for heating and bathing that continues today in modern form. Visitors can see how this tradition has grown into large-scale energy production and how people here take pride in this clean way of powering their lives.
The facility is about 25 minutes east of Reykjavik via Route 49 and has free parking available. The exhibition is open year-round except for Christmas and New Year and features elevators and ramps for wheelchair users so all visitors can explore the displays and outdoor areas.
The visible steam rising constantly from the site is nearly pure water vapor, not smoke or pollution, showing just how clean this energy source truly is. This is one of the reasons Icelanders prefer this method and why the country maintains one of the cleanest air qualities in the world.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
