Blöndustöð Hydropower Plant

The Blöndustöð Hydropower Plant in northern Iceland was commissioned in 1991 and stands as one of the region's most significant energy projects. The facility harnesses the power of the glacial river Blanda and its tributary Svartá, which are dammed in the highlands to form the 25-square-kilometer Blöndulón reservoir. A technical highlight of the plant is its underground construction: the powerhouse is located approximately 200 meters below the surface and is reached via an 800-meter-long access tunnel. With an installed capacity of 150 megawatts provided by three Francis turbines, the station meets a substantial portion of the electricity demand in the north and west of the country. Water drops from an impressive height of 287 meters through vertical pressure shafts carved into the rock before driving the turbines. While the project's construction was initially met with environmental concerns, the reservoir has since provided new nesting grounds for various bird species. Today, Blöndustöð is an integral part of the national power grid, ensuring supply stability for remote rural communities.

Nearby cities

Reykjavík

Reykjavík is the capital and largest city of Iceland, serving as the nation's cultural, economic, and governmental hub.

Akureyri

Akureyri is the largest urban area outside the Reykjavík region, often called the 'Capital of the North'.

Mosfellsbær

Mosfellsbær is located northeast of Reykjavík, known for its hilly landscape and thermal springs.

Selfoss

Selfoss is the largest service center in southern Iceland, situated on the banks of the Ölfusá River.

Akranes

Akranes is a port town on Iceland's west coast, known for its long fishing tradition and two distinctive lighthouses.

Húsavík

Húsavík is a town on the shores of Skjálfandi bay in North Iceland.

Ísafjörður

The largest town in the Westfjords, known for its dramatic mountain setting and fishing heritage.

Hveragerði

Known as the 'Greenhouse Town', it sits on an active geothermal field and is famous for its hot springs and banana cultivation.

Hveragerði

Hveragerði is famous for its high geothermal activity, located about 45 km east of Reykjavík.

Sauðárkrókur

Sauðárkrókur is the largest town in Northwest Iceland, located on the Skagafjörður fjord.

Sauðárkrókur

The largest town in Northwest Iceland, located in Skagafjörður, known for its horses and fishing industry.

Borgarnes

Borgarnes is located on a peninsula in Borgarfjörður and serves as a key service hub for West Iceland.

Dalvík

Dalvík is a picturesque fishing town on the Eyjafjörður fjord in North Iceland.

Stykkishólmur

Stykkishólmur is a charming town on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, known for its well-preserved old houses and views over the island-dotted B…

Siglufjörður

Siglufjörður is a historic town in North Iceland, once known as the 'Herring Capital of the World'.

History & landmarks

Reykjavík City Hall

Reykjavík City Hall is situated on the banks of Lake Tjörnin.

Breiðabólstaður

Breiðabólstaður was the site of the first printing press in Iceland, established in the 1530s.

Nature

Hunafjordur Seal Habitat

This region in North Iceland is one of the premier locations to observe seals in their natural habitat.

More places

Víðimýrarkirkja

This is one of the few remaining turf churches in Iceland.

Glaumbær

Glaumbær is an excellently preserved turf farm that now serves as an open-air museum.

Glaumbær Farm Museum

Glaumbær is a historic turf farm museum showcasing rural life in Iceland during the 18th and 19th centuries.

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Víðivellir Ruins

Remains of an old farmstead from the settlement era.

Öksnadalsheiði

A major mountain pass in North Iceland connecting the Skagafjörður and Eyjafjörður regions.

Hólar í Hjaltadal

Founded in 1106, this location served as the bishopric for Northern Iceland.

Hólar Cathedral

Hólar was the episcopal seat for Northern Iceland for centuries and a major cultural center.

Þingeyrar

Þingeyrar was the site of the first monastery in Iceland, founded in 1133.