Iceland names newest hot springs

Iceland's newest hot-springs, which emerged after the recent May earthquake in Southwest Iceland, have just been christened ‘Leirgerdur’ following a naming competition held by the Agricultural University of Iceland.

The dramatic new geothermal springs and boiling mud pots, surrounded by billowing steam vents, can be found in the "Gufudalur" hills behind the market town of Hveragerdi, located 35km from Reykjavik.

“Gerdur” is a common Icelandic female name and “leir” means clay or mud. Naming hot springs is traditional in Iceland. The name of the country’s most famous hot spring, Geysir, has now become the international term for erupting hot springs , geyser.

Although scientists conducting a geological survey of the site have roped off the immediate area surrounding the springs for safety reasons, the site can be easily viewed and makes for a worthwhile detour on the Golden Circle route.

For more information, log on to Visiticeland.com.