Please note that road 435 between Reykjavik and Nesjavellir is closed during winter from 1 October to 1 May. When driving to ION Hotel during winter please use road 36 from Mosfellsbaer and turn right towards Nesjavellir on road 360. Click here for more detailed info

Birdlife is widely diversified within lakes and streams around the Hengill area. Known are about 50 species of breeding birds in the Thingvellir area and 20 species are seen regularly during the winter. Several changes in birds have occurred, ducks have decreased and water rails are gone. Greylag Geese have increased and are usually in a large group by the agricultural land.

The Great Northern Diver is common at the Úlfljóts-lake and Villinga-Water. Fulmar nests in the cliffs of Nesjaey, by Hestvík and by Steingrímsstöð. He retrieves food about 50 km towards the sea and the Thingvellir area is his nesting site. Mallard and Skúfönd are common at the lake and Villinga-Water. Kria is familiar with farms Reykjavik, Ölfusvatnvík and Villinga-Water. Merlin nests in the cliffs around the lake. Haförn has nested in the area from the beginning of the century and can be seen as a wanderer.

Folklore mentions a so called “hot spring bird”. They were said small, dark-colored and numbered swim in boiling hot springs. It is said that it made no difference boiling them ubt ig they were put in cold water they would taste as they were boiled.

Fox, Mink and Wood Mouse are the only mammalian species that stay continuously in the region.

In the lake there are three kinds of fish, Arctic Char , Brown Trout and Sticklebacks.

It is the only lake in the world that has four varieties of Arctic Char. The Arctic charr has evolved and adapted to their surroundings, this has taken around 10,000 years from the original species.The Piscivorous Charr and the Planktivous Charr inhabit the main body of Þingvellir lake. The Piscivorous Charr (Sílableikja) can grow up to 40 cm in length, they feed on the Planktivorous (Murta) which are usually about 20 cm. Living in the main body of water gives them little advantage from hiding from larger predators. The Snail-Eating Charr (Kuðungableikja) and the Dwarf Charr (Dvergbleikja) inhabit the bottom of the lake. There, they can find enough food and have plenty of places to hide from predators. The Snail-Eating Charr can grow up to 50cm in length and the Dwarf Charr usually only grows to be about 12 cm in length. The Brown Trout is a famous fish throughout the world, the main reason due to its size and numbers.There are many populations all over the lake, the habitat has proved well for them; strong current, river gravel for laying eggs and black flies to eat. The Brown Trout has attracted many fisherman because itsnot uncommon to catch a 20-30 pound trout.

The ION Hotel is situated on Mount Hengill, southwest of Iceland, only a 15 minute drive from Þingvellir. Mount Hengill is an active volcano covering an area of 100km2. Although the mountain is active, its last eruption was around 2000 years ago and is not likely to erupt for another 2000. This area offers great hiking trails which can help you find natural hot springs. The Hengill area is an important geothermal energy source which is captured by the Nesjavellir power station. Most towns in Iceland are heated with geothermal power from The Reykjavík Energy stations. The geothermal water is around 320° – 360°C so it is not led directly to the houses but is used to warm up cold water which is then used for heated, bathing or other necessaries. The pipeline to Reykjavík is 27 km long and takes around 7 hours to reach which brings hot water to 2700 people at the same time.  99% of housing is heated with hot water, The Reykjavík Energy company provides the hot water as well as, electricity and cold water for consumption and fire fighting. The company also supports the optimum utilisation of natural resources, bettering our land and environment. There are 3 stages which The Orkuveita Reykjavíkur (Reykjavík Energy) collects the water and electricity from the ground. The first stage is collection and processing of steam and water from boreholes, the second stage is procurement and heating of cold water and the final stage is the production of electricity. The steam and water are run through separate pipes, both around 190°C. The steam preheats the water and later makes electricity. The hot water heats the cold water fully after the preheat. Once this is done, the water is set to 85°- 90°C. The small quantity of steam containing acid gases is mixed with the water to eliminate dissolved oxygen and to lower pH in the water to preventing precipitation. The hydrogen sulphide (H2S) dissolves the water causing the “good smell” near the power stations and sometimes in the water system.

Nesjavallavirkjun or the Nesjavellir Geothermal Power Station is the second largest geothermal power station in Iceland and located on Mount Hengill. This power station delivers around 1100 liters of hot water to Reykjavík and neighboring towns servicing space and water heating. The station produces about 120 MW of electrical power, 73.8% of this electricity is hydro power. During the winter, pavements near Reykjavík and Akureyri are heated up to help our transportation system.

Exploration and planning for utilization started as early as 1947 and was continued for two years. A few experimental boreholes were drilled for the evaluation of the exploitable power and the chemical composition of the steam.  Following a time of intermission, exploration and research continued with some regularity from 1965 to 1986. The construction of the geothermal power station was started in 1987 and completed in 1990.

Like the rest of the Hengill area, Nesjavellir is popular for recreational activities. Reykjavik Energy has organised the outdoors areas of its land there, marking hiking and riding trails. Archaeological finds and other historical cultural artifacts have been registered, a total of 375 sites at Nesjavellir and Ölfusvatn. Two hikers’ shelters, open to everyone, have been built in the Hengill area.

How does the geothermal power station produce electricity? Click here

Inspired by the environmental surroundings, Ion Luxury Adventure Hotel incorporates innovative materials, sustainable practices, and the natural features of Iceland into its design and practices. Ion is surrounded by hot springs, which provide geothermal hot water and energy to the hotel´s natural hot pool. The prefabricated, panelized building system exceeds environmentally safe building standards that merge with the lava and moss covered ground. Lava, and reused wood, Icelandic wool and other natural materials are used extensively in furniture throughout the hotel. The organic room amenities are made from Icelandic herbs. Everything from bed linen to the restaurant´s food is organic and fair trade purchase. Tables and chairs are built from recycled materials. Lights made of lava and found-wood. Hand sinks are made from recycled tires and hand made Icelandic wool sweaters are sold in the hotel´s gift store. The abandoned building was acquired in 2011 and — with the assistance of Santa Monica-based design studio Minarc — renovated, with a new wing also added. The new elements of the structure were built using a prefabricated panelized building system, which exceeds environmentally safe building standards. Natural light is taken advantage of through floor-to-ceiling windows, which also offer panoramic views augmented by the hotel’s position atop a series of pillars that dramatically jut out of the slopes of Mount Hengill. The concrete and black lava exterior successfully merges with the volcanic landscape, creating a mood of integration, not interruption. Innovative materials, sustainable practices and natural features: these are the hallmarks of design at ION. Bolstering the hotel’s mood of a secluded retreat are driftwood and other natural materials, found in the surrounding area and seamlessly incorporated into the interiors. Fairtrade organic linens and wooden flooring are found in all accommodations, where the sustainable ethos of the hotel is also realized via water-saving shower systems, and beds and chairs made from recycled materials. Throughout the hotel, including public spaces, natural components are used extensively in furniture; for example, lighting constructed using lava and found wood. Each ION private room boasts fair-trade organic linens, and incredible views. Each private bath is environmentally responsible with water saving shower systems. The beds are king-size, hypo allergenic and supremely comfortable. Guests will notice a modern; natural and warm aesthetic that immediately makes them feel at-home with luxury attention to detail. Icelandic wool throws, Icelandic art, and flower vases, hand-blown by local artisans, guests will enjoy a new take on rural hospitality.