The Exhibition Queake 2008 | Hveragerði, South Iceland | Places to Visit in Iceland
Earthquakes in the south of Iceland in may 2008.
A powerful earthquake (6, 3 Richter scale) struck the Southern part of Iceland at 15:45 on the 29th of May in 2008. The epicenter of the quake was about two kilometers southeast of Hveragerði.
The exhibition in Hveragerði presents the causes and the huge impact the earthquake 2008 causes in Hveragerði. The exhibition shows the experience of residents, how it affected the buildings, local environments and other damage. At the exhibition visitors can experience a powerful earthquake (+6 Richter) in an earthquake simulator. An earthquake crack that was encountered at the building site in 2003 is visible in the floor and is illuminated up for visitors.
Access to the exhibition is free but fee is taken for the earthquake simulator.
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Hveragerði
Hveragerði - hot springs capital of the world
Our river, Varmá, is one of the best trout fishing rivers in the country. During summer trouts can often be seen jumping up the magnificent waterfall in their way upstream.
A vast number of people pass through or by Hveragerði in south Iceland each year. Located 45 km from Reykjavik, Hveragerði may be seen from the vantage point of the Kambar mountain slope, as it spreads out across a 5,000 year-old lava field. Troughout the year, pillars of steam from the numerous hot springs in the town may be seen rising up out of the ground. In summer the town is truly a green community, abounding in trees. A green revolution is taking place as areas of woodland in and around Hveragerði expand, with the locals working together in order to further develop their blossoming town.
Geothermal park
Children really enjoy cooking eggs in the hots springs at the Geothermal park.
Without doubt, Hveragerði´s, most precious gem is it´s geothermal park. There can not be many towns in the world with hot springs literally in peoples back yard. The geothermal park is centrally located and is open every day in the summer time. A natural clay foot bath can be enjoyed in the park and afterwards you can soak your feet in one of the hot springs. In a hole in the park the locals bake the famous black bread using the geothermal ground as an oven. You can boil egg in the hotsprings and later enjoy warm with the bread. Guidance is provided on the spot. During off season time please contact the local information office which arranges group tours upon request. Only 50 metres from the Geothermal Park a restaurant uses the geothermal heat for its outdoor kitchen which its visitors find simply fantastic.
The Chinese prime minister visited the geothermal outdoor kitchen on his visit in Hveragerði 2012.
The existence of hot springs led people to settle in Hveragerði. The natural hot water could be used for space heating, for cooking, baking and laundry. But it also led to the development of jobs. The first market garden, Fagrihvammur, was founded by the Varmá river in 1929. A year later the first greenhouse was built, marking the beginning of greenhouse horticulture in this region. Horticulture became a key sector of the local economy. Hveragerði began to grow a community in bloom.
Brand new hot springs on the 29th of May 2008
A new hot spring area broke through the ground in the earthquake that shook Iceland´s southern part on the 29th of May 2008. It is situated in the hillside above the town. Several very active hot springs can be seen that throw colourful mud and clear water in the air. A spectactular sight that should not be missed. All information is given in the tourist information office.
The exhibition Quake 2008
The Quake 2008 exhibiton is a must see.
A powerful earthquake (6,3 Richter scale) struck the South coast of Iceland at 15:45 on the 29th of May in 2008. The epicenter of the quake was about two kilometers southeast of Hveragerði. The area closest to the epicenter of the quake suffered severe damage of houses and contents as this was being thrown around in the earthquake.
This is how a typical kitchen looked like aftre the quake.
The exhibition presents the causes and derivatives the earthquake 2008 in Hveragerði. The exhibition shows the experience of residents, how it affected the buildings, local environments and other damage. Television screen shows the recordings from the camera monitoring, photographs of local people and information from Earthquake Center, University of Iceland. Earthquake simulator that visitors can experience a powerful earthquake that is over 6 per richter. When digging the foundation hole for the shopping centre a large, ancient fissure was revealed. One can see the fissure lit up through a transparent section of the floor in the library and at the tourist information centre.