Steam power is on display here. At the Hellisheiði ON Geothermal Exhibition in South Iceland, you get a self-paced look at how Iceland turns heat in the ground into electricity, plus some impressive views of the power plant complex around you.

I love how the self-guided audio system turns “reading signs” into a real explanation you can follow at your pace. I also like the hands-on style exhibits—especially the interactive cold-water/hot-water/steam valve setup and the multimedia about carbon sequestration.

One thing to keep in mind: you can’t walk into the actual power plant for safety and security reasons, so your experience is mostly from viewpoints, decks, and turbine-hall windows.

Quick Take: What Makes the Hellisheiði Exhibit Worth Your Time

You’re not signing up for a long bus-tour or a guided lecture. This is a modern exhibition center tied to one of the largest geothermal sites on the planet, and it’s built so you can pause, rewind (kind of), and move at your own speed.

Plan for about 1 to 2 hours. You’ll use an included self-guided audio tour, and you’ll likely spend time watching screens, working your way through the displays, and taking breaks for the outdoor views.

If you’re hoping for an up-close plant walkthrough like some hydro plant tours can offer, temper expectations. You’ll see a lot from designated viewing areas—but not the whole behind-the-scenes operation.

The Self-Guided Audio Tour: WR Code, ON Geothermal Exhibit App, and Headphones

The ticket is entry plus a self-guided audio tour you download and run on your phone or other device. You’ll find a WR code at the front desk to get the audio started, and you can also use the ON Geothermal Exhibit app mentioned at the site.

Here’s the practical part: the experience works best if your device can access the internet to download the audio content. One family ran into trouble because they didn’t bring extra devices for their kids, so I’d treat this as a “bring a plan” moment, not a “wing it” situation.

Headphones matter. Some signage suggests bringing headphones, and at least one review said headsets were available at no extra cost. Even if you don’t bring them, you’ll want audio clarity—especially in quieter corners where the displays can be spaced out.

A simple way to do it

Go with this rhythm:

• Start the audio right away so you know what you’re looking at.
• Stop whenever you hit a display that connects to what the audio is explaining.
• Use the views outside as “checkpoints” to make sense of the process.

That approach keeps the whole thing from feeling like a museum scavenger hunt.

What You’ll Learn About Geothermal Energy (And Why It Clicks)

This exhibition is designed to make geothermal energy feel logical instead of mysterious. You’re learning how steam and hot fluids from the geothermal system get used to produce electricity—and the displays aim to show the steps in plain language, with lots of visuals.

The most praised parts aren’t random facts. They’re the cause-and-effect ideas:

• How hot water and steam relate
• How the steam gets processed and directed
• How the site handles emissions and environmental concerns

One multimedia section you’ll want to catch covers carbon sequestration, and it’s specifically called out as fascinating by visitors. Another interactive station—using cold water, hot water, and a steam valve—helps you understand the full sequence without memorizing technical jargon.

You’ll also see plenty of video-style explanation and multimedia screens. The facility’s tech-forward look can be a little overwhelming at first, but the audio guide helps you choose what to focus on.

Interactive Displays That Make the Process Feel Real

I love exhibitions where you can “touch the idea,” not just read it. Here, you get several displays that explain the system through visuals and interactive elements.

The standout interactive setup uses a steam valve concept alongside hot and cold water elements. It’s the kind of thing that makes you go, oh—that’s what they mean by turning heat into motion.

Another winning feature is the multimedia that breaks down the process with clear narration and on-screen graphics. Visitors also mention the video art and well-explained displays, which suggests the exhibition doesn’t rely on text alone.

And yes, there are viewpoints, too. The exhibits aren’t separate from the plant entirely—you’re learning while you’re looking at the systems connected to the power plant site.

Your Views Inside the Turbine Halls and Out on the Decks

Because of safety and security, you can’t enter the actual plant. That’s not a small note; it’s the main reason some people leave slightly disappointed.

But the tradeoff is that you still get meaningful sightlines:

• You can see into high and low pressure turbine halls from the third floor.
• From outer observation decks, you can view pipe systems, separation tanks, a steam regulator, cooling towers, and a scrubbing tower.

That list matters because it’s basically the “hardware map” of the operation. Even from outside the secured areas, you can connect what the audio explains to what you’re seeing in front of you.

If you’ve toured hydro plants before and expected open access, this will feel different. Geothermal is less about walking the infrastructure and more about reading how the fluids are routed, separated, and managed—often behind locked doors. The exhibition compensates with design: you get the big picture plus the key components.

How Long It Takes, and How to Set Your Pace

Most visits land around an hour, though you can stretch to closer to two hours if you stop for screens, replay audio moments, and take time with the views.

The best part is the flexibility. You’re not stuck on someone else’s schedule. You can speed through what you already know and slow down where you want more clarity.

A few comfort points to plan around:

• The site can feel quiet, which is great for thinking, but it also means audio is your main guide for context.
• It’s not huge compared to some major museums. If you like science exhibits, you’ll probably finish feeling satisfied rather than exhausted.

Kids often do well here because the explanations come through visually and the interactive valve-style display helps younger minds connect the dots. That said, the self-guided setup means you’ll want to manage devices and audio for everyone.

Free Parking and a Smart South Iceland Stop

At $21.69 per person for about 1 to 2 hours, I think this is a strong value if it fits naturally into your South Iceland route. You’re paying for:

• Entry to a modern, science-focused exhibition
• A included audio guide
• A structured way to understand a major power plant site
• Free parking at the exhibit

That last point matters more than you’d think. South Iceland days are often car-heavy, windy, and time-sensitive. Having a stop where you can park easily and spend a focused hour on learning makes the whole day feel less rushed.

Also, booking demand runs ahead—on average it’s booked about 34 days in advance. If you’re traveling in a busy season or building a tightly timed itinerary, it’s smart to lock in your slot early so you don’t have to reshuffle later.

Who Should Book (And Who Might Skip)

This is for you if:

• You like science that explains itself clearly, not science that punishes you with jargon
• You want a self-paced experience in English with an audio guide system you control
• You’re doing a South Iceland round trip and want a meaningful stop that isn’t just scenery

It might not be ideal if:

• You’re expecting a guided walkthrough inside the secured plant areas
• You don’t want to rely on an app/audio setup and would rather have a live guide answering questions throughout

Luckily, there is staff on-site at the front desk to help, answer questions, and support the audio download process. So even though it’s self-guided, you’re not completely on your own.

Should You Book the Geothermal Energy Exhibition at Hellisheiði?

I’d book it if you want a practical, tech-forward lesson on renewable energy that you can fit into a road day. The combination of interactive displays, strong multimedia like carbon sequestration content, and real turbine-hall views makes it more than a quick stop—it’s a “now I get it” kind of visit.

Skip it only if your top priority is access to the working plant floor. The exhibition is built for viewing and learning from the designated areas, and that approach won’t match every expectation.

If you’re curious about how geothermal energy works, and you’re comfortable using your phone/tablet for the audio guide, this is a very solid use of an hour or two in South Iceland.

FAQ

Where is the geothermal exhibition located?

It’s in South Iceland at the Hellisheiði geothermal power plant area.

What’s the price per person?

The ticket price is $21.69 per person.

How long does the visit take?

Plan for about 1 to 2 hours.

Is the audio guide included, and what language is it in?

Yes. The entry includes a self-guided audio tour, and it’s offered in English.

Do I need a smartphone or device for the audio tour?

You’ll download and use the self-guided audio tour on your device. The site uses a WR code at the front desk and also references the ON Geothermal Exhibit app, so having a compatible device is important.

Can I go into the actual power plant?

No. For safety and security reasons, you can’t enter the actual plant. You can, however, see turbine halls and view plant systems from observation decks.

Is there free parking?

Yes. Free parking is available at the exhibit.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are allowed.

Is good weather required?

Yes. The experience requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.

What’s the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience start time, the amount you paid won’t be refunded.