Plizio Visual Lab
Sultartangi Hydropower Plant
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Industrial site
Weather…
Water temperature…
The Sultartangi Hydropower Plant is situated at the junction of the Þjórsá and Tungnaá rivers in the southern highlands of Iceland and began operations in 1999. A standout feature of this facility is the Sultartangi Dam, which at 6.1 kilometers in length is the longest dam in Iceland, creating the expansive Sultartangalón reservoir. The power station was primarily constructed to meet the growing energy demands of Icelandic industry, specifically the aluminum smelter at Grundartangi. The plant houses two Francis turbines with a combined output of 120 megawatts, utilizing a hydraulic head of approximately 45 meters. Construction in the late 1990s was subject to rigorous environmental assessments to minimize the impact on the delicate highland ecosystem. Given its strategic location upstream of several other plants in the Þjórsá river system, the reservoir also serves as a critical regulation basin for the entire hydropower cascade. Sultartangi exemplifies efficient resource management and high-level engineering in the pursuit of sustainable industrial development.
- Location: Iceland
- Top sights: Tungnaá · Sultartangalón
- Nearby: Landmannalaugar (29 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -4 | -4 | -3 | -1 | 3 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 1 | -3 | -4 |
| Rain mm | 223 | 205 | 196 | 154 | 111 | 108 | 130 | 139 | 209 | 190 | 193 | 224 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
The Sultartangi Hydropower Plant is part of the cascade system on the Þjórsá river, contributing significantly to stable power supply in South Iceland. It efficiently harnesses the glacial river's water power.
Visiting
The facility is usually not open to the public, but the dam and surroundings can be seen from the nearby road. Visitors can grasp the structure's size from outside.
Where to view it
The best viewpoint is the bridge over Þjórsá downstream of the station, offering a very good view of the dam wall. The walking path along the river also provides nice perspectives.
Local products
No direct products from the station, but the region produces agricultural goods like dairy and meat. Occasional guided tours to nearby farms are offered.
Active season
The station operates year-round, with peak load in winter when electricity demand is highest. Spring snowmelt increases water availability.
Nearby
Combine the visit with nearby Gullfoss waterfall and Geysir, just an hour away. The Þjórsárdalur valley with its historic sites is also worthwhile.
Geography
Facts
- The power plant was officially commissioned in 1999.
- At 6.1 km, the Sultartangi Dam is the longest dam in Iceland.
- The total installed capacity of the station is 120 megawatts.
- The plant utilizes two high-efficiency Francis turbines.
- The hydraulic head utilized by the turbines is about 45 meters.
- The Sultartangalón reservoir regulates the flow for the entire river cascade.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Sultartangi Hydropower Plant (2)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the purpose of the Sultartangi power plant?
It harnesses the Þjórsá and Tungnaá rivers to generate electricity for Icelandic industry.
Can you visit the power plant?
The interior is usually closed to the public, but the structure is visible from the road.
What is the region known for?
The area is a hub for hydropower utilization in the southern highlands.
When is the best time to pass by?
In summer (June to August), when highland roads are safe and accessible.
Are there attractions nearby?
The Hekla volcano and the historical Þjórsárdalur valley are located nearby.
Sultartangi Hydropower Plant: where is it located?
Sultartangi Hydropower Plant is located in Iceland.
Sultartangi Hydropower Plant: what is there to see?
Highlights include Tungnaá, Sultartangalón.
Sultartangi Hydropower Plant: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Sultartangi Hydropower Plant: why is it worth visiting?
The Sultartangi Hydropower Plant is situated at the junction of the Þjórsá and Tungnaá rivers in the southern highlands of Iceland and began operations in 1999.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Europe
More places in Iceland →
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
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
Nature
More places
Hrauneyjafoss Hydropower Plant
Hrauneyjafoss is one of the most powerful hydropower plants in Iceland.
Steinsholt
Steinsholt is an archaeological site where the remains of a medieval assembly place and a farm from the Settlement Period were discovered.
Stöng
Stöng was a Viking Age farm buried under ash in 1104 by an eruption of the volcano Hekla.
Sigalda Power Station
The Sigalda Power Station is located in the Icelandic highlands on the Tungnaá river.
Búrfell Hydropower Plant
The Búrfell Hydropower Plant was the largest facility in the country when it opened.
Vatnsfell Power Station
The Vatnsfell Power Station optimizes water usage in the highlands by using the Thorisvatn reservoir.
Landmannalaugar
Landmannalaugar is a valley in the Icelandic Highlands known for its colorful rhyolite mountains.
Torfajökull Massif
A large volcanic area in the southern highlands, famous for its colorful rhyolite mountains and intense geothermal activity.