Svartsengi Power Station

The Svartsengi Power Station on the Reykjanes Peninsula is a world-renowned facility pioneering the combined use of geothermal energy. Commissioned in 1976, it was the first plant in the world to simultaneously produce electric power and hot water for district heating. Today, the facility supplies heat and electricity to the entire Reykjanes region, including Keflavík International Airport and surrounding towns. Svartsengi is also famous for its unique byproduct: the mineral-rich discharge water from the plant created the world-famous Blue Lagoon. The technical innovation at Svartsengi involves using heat exchangers to transfer energy from salty geothermal brine to fresh groundwater for domestic use. In recent years, the plant has been at the center of extensive protective efforts due to nearby volcanic eruptions. Massive earthen barriers were constructed to shield the critical infrastructure, successfully diverting lava flows from the facility. Svartsengi continues to be a vital cornerstone of Iceland's energy security and a prime example of engineering excellence in a high-risk geological environment.

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

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.

More places

Grindavík Port

Grindavík Port is one of the most significant fishing harbours on the south coast.

Reykjanes Power Plant

The Reykjanes Power Plant uses high-temperature steam for electricity generation.