Hveragerði Greenhouses

Hveragerði, often referred to as Iceland's 'garden town,' is the epicenter of the nation's horticultural industry, powered by the region's intense geothermal activity. By tapping into natural hot springs, hundreds of greenhouses are heated to grow vegetables, flowers, and even tropical plants in a subarctic environment. The town is home to the horticultural department of the Agricultural University of Iceland, which conducts vital research on maximizing crop yields using artificial lighting and geothermal steam. A notable historical feature is the greenhouse banana plantation, established for research in the 1940s. Beyond its economic contribution to food security, the greenhouse sector is a major tourist draw, with many facilities offering educational tours and direct sales to visitors. Geothermal heat is so accessible here that residents even use the hot ground for traditional baking and cooking. Despite the periodic threat of seismic activity, such as the major 2008 earthquake, greenhouse farming remains the bedrock of the local economy. These operations significantly reduce Iceland's reliance on imported produce and promote national sustainability goals.

Nearby cities

Reykjavík

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

Kópavogur

Kópavogur is Iceland's second largest city, located directly south of Reykjavík.

Hafnarfjörður

A charming port town just outside Reykjavík, known as the 'town in the lava' and famous for its Viking heritage and elf folklore.

Hafnarfjörður

Hafnarfjörður is a port city south of Reykjavík, built on an ancient lava field.

Keflavík

Keflavík is a town on the Reykjanes Peninsula, part of the Reykjanesbær municipality.

Mosfellsbær

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

Garðabær

Garðabær is a growing town in the Greater Reykjavík area.

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.

Seltjarnarnes

Seltjarnarnes is a small municipality on a peninsula just west of Reykjavík.

Vestmannaeyjar

Vestmannaeyjar is a town on Heimaey island in the archipelago of the same name off Iceland's south coast.

Blue Lagoon (Grindavík)

Iceland's most famous geothermal spa, known for its milky-blue, mineral-rich waters.

Grindavík

Grindavík is a fishing town on the south coast of the Reykjanes Peninsula.

Hveragerði

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

Hveragerði

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

History & landmarks

Reykjavík City Hall

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

Hvolsvöllur

A historic town in South Iceland, famous as the heart of the Njál's Saga and a gateway to glaciers.

More places

Selfoss Dairy Plant

The dairy plant in Selfoss is the largest milk processing center in Iceland.

Hellisheiði Geothermal Power Station

The Hellisheiði Geothermal Power Station is one of the largest geothermal plants in the world.

Nesjavellir Power Station

The Nesjavellir Power Station is the second largest geothermal plant in Iceland.

Eyrarbakki

Eyrarbakki was the main trading port in Southern Iceland for centuries.