Nesjavellir, Iceland

Iceland is richer in hot springs and high-temperature activity than any other country in the world. High-temperature activity is limited to certain fields, characterized by steam vents, mud pools, and sulfur. The largest geothermal power plant in Iceland is at Nesjavellir, which provides hot water for space heating and electricity in the capital, Reykjavik.

The Nesjavellir high-temperature area is connected to the Hengil volcano system, the biggest in south Iceland. The system includes a number of fissure swarms and mountains, of which the tallest is Mt. Hengil at 803 meters (2634 feet) above sea level. The area has erupted several times in post-glacial times, and earthquakes occasionally occur. The area around Nesjavellir is great for hiking: there are120 km (75 miles) of marked hiking trails meandering spectacularly through awesome landscapes that in addition to volcanic features include hot springs, lush vegetation, rivers and lakes.

Þingvellir National Park is located only a few minutes drive from Nesjavellir. As the original assembly site of Iceland's Althingi (Parliament), it is one of the countrys most historic sites. It was in 930 AD that a code of constitutional law was accepted and the Althingi established; one can almost sense the Viking spirit in the atmosphere.

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