Krafla Geothermal Station
Krafla Visitor Center - Information about geo
thermal energy
At the Krafla Visitor Center you will find information on geothermal energy and the station's electricity production. Landsvirkjun and Iceland's renewable energy production is introduced and visitors can view a film about the Krafla eruptions 1974-1984.
Reality Check
Krafla Geothermal Station also features the exhibition Reality Check. Photographs by Spessi are shown on the powerhouse and the cooling tower. Reality Check is a cooperative project between Landsvirkjun and Reykjavik Arts Festival.
The Krafla Visitor Center is open from June - August from 1- 5 p.m. on weekdays and 1-6 p.m. on weekends until August 29 2010.
Further information on the Krafla Geothermal Station >>
How do I get there?
To reach Krafla Station, turn north off Ring Road 1 onto road 863, which lies just east of the Námafjall ridge by Mývatn lake.
Krafla has always been in the public eye in Iceland, since the heated political controversy surrounding its construction. For a while it was uncertain whether the station would ever enter into operation, due to major volcanic eruptions starting only 2 kilometers away from the station and posing a serious threat to its existence. However, building continued and the station started operation early in 1977. Landsvirkjun purchased the station from the Icelandic State in 1986 and continues operation to present day.
Outdoor recreation and tourism
Just above and north of the station, popular walking trails lead through the vicinity of Leirhnjúkur and the explosion crater Víti. Víti means hell in English because volcanoes were believed to be the entrance to hell centuries ago. A wide range of tourist services are available around Lake Mývatn and are recommended to travellers.