Hvolsvöllur caters to a range of travel interests: at the LAVA Centre, discover volcanoes and earthquakes; on the trails, go for a walk or train; and at the swimming pool, enjoy the pools, hot tubs and sauna. Frisbee golf and the Meat Soup Festival add to the options. For planning, the trail distances and times, along with the festival’s seasonal date, are particularly helpful.
Volcanoes, earthquakes and Iceland’s formation
The LAVA Centre is located in Hvolsvöllur on Iceland’s south coast. Its interactive, high-tech exhibition explores Iceland’s volcanoes and earthquakes. The exhibition covers volcanic activity, earthquakes and Iceland’s formation over millions of years. Visitors can also observe the geophysical monitoring of active volcanic systems, earthquake activity and movements at the Earth’s surface. Two timescales are presented side by side: the island’s long-term formation and processes being monitored in active volcanic systems. For travellers interested in natural forces, this is a clear thematic focus; unlike the trails, the emphasis here is on explaining geological processes rather than distance or physical activity.
A walking trail or a training trail
The Hvolsfjall Trail is a 2-kilometre walking trail with 127 metres of elevation gain; the stated walking time is one hour. It follows a well-maintained footpath, with steps and a section through a forest. The walking time helps you plan your day, while the elevation gain, steps and forest are other specific features of the walk. If you are looking for workout stations rather than a walking trail, consider the Hvolsvöllur Training Trail: it is 4.2 kilometres long and has 15 stations, each equipped with different exercise equipment. Exercises for different fitness levels are also available. The trails are quite different: for the Hvolsfjall Trail, the walking time and elevation gain are specified; the Training Trail stands out for its longer route, equipment stations and variety of exercises.
Swimming pool and frisbee golf
Hvolsvöllur’s swimming pool has a 25-metre outdoor pool, two hot tubs and a sauna. Unlike the trails, the focus here is on swimming and the pool’s additional facilities. Check the opening details before your visit so you can plan your time at the pool accordingly. Hvolsvöllur’s sports grounds also have a nine-hole frisbee golf course. Frisbees can be rented at the sports centre; check their availability before your trip. The activities offer different ways to spend your time: walking, training, swimming or a round of frisbee golf.
Meat Soup Festival in the last week of August
The Meat Soup Festival takes place in Hvolsvöllur in the last week of August; the specific event dates vary from year to year. During the Soup Stroll (Súpurölt), visitors follow a route through town as local residents serve them homemade meat soup. Live music and colourful neighbourhood decorations are also part of the festival; the programme varies from year to year. The Soup Stroll combines meat soup with a walk through Hvolsvöllur, while music and decorated neighbourhoods add other elements to the celebration. If you would like to plan your trip around the festival, check the specific event dates for that year.
Discover more destinations: Þykkvibær, Skálholt, Laugarvatn, Stóri Núpur, Úlfljótsvatn, Hella, Blaskogabyggd, Búðarhólshverfi
For the wider travel overview: Sudurland.
