Nesjavellir Power Station

The Nesjavellir Power Station is the second largest geothermal power plant in Iceland, located at the northern end of the Hengill geothermal area near Lake Þingvallavatn. Operational since 1990, the plant has been fundamental in providing the capital city of Reykjavík with sustainable hot water and electricity. It utilizes high-temperature geothermal steam and brine, with its heat exchange system specifically designed to heat cold groundwater for the city's district heating network. A notable engineering feat of the station is the 27-kilometer insulated pipeline that transports hot water to Reykjavík with a temperature loss of only about 2°C. The station is operated by ON Power and serves as a model for co-generation plants that produce both thermal and electrical energy simultaneously. Set against a backdrop of dramatic volcanic landscapes and steaming vents, the area around the plant is also popular for outdoor activities and geological study. Nesjavellir remains a cornerstone of Iceland's green energy infrastructure and technological innovation.

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

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

Hafnarfjörður

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

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

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.

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.

Nature

Þingvallavatn

Þingvallavatn is the largest natural lake in Iceland.

More places

Hengill

A large volcanic massif east of Reykjavík.

Hellisheiði Geothermal Power Station

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

Hveragerði Greenhouses

Hveragerði is known for its geothermally heated greenhouses.