What is the Hottest Spring in the World?

Hot springs around the world showcase the incredible power of geothermal energy, with some reaching extreme temperatures due to their proximity to volcanic activity and other geological features. Here’s a look at the top 6 hottest hot springs globally, where the intense heat is a key feature.

1. Frying Pan Lake - Waimangu Volcanic Rift Valley, New Zealand

image courtesy of @rotoruanz

Temperature Range:

• 113°F to 131°F (45°C to 55°C)

What Makes It So Hot:

• Located within a volcanic crater, Frying Pan Lake is heated by geothermal vents, making it one of the largest hot springs in the world.

Additional Features:

• The lake is constantly steaming, with a strong smell of sulfur due to volcanic gases.

• The acidic water prevents soaking, but it’s a stunning natural wonder to observe.

Location Highlights:

• Situated in the Waimangu Volcanic Rift Valley, an area rich in geothermal features.

2. Norris Geyser Basin - Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA

image courtesy of @dunytravels

Temperature Range:

• Underground water exceeds 459°F (237°C)

What Makes It So Hot:

• Located above a shallow magma chamber, Norris Geyser Basin is home to the hottest geothermal features in Yellowstone, including Steamboat Geyser, the tallest active geyser in the world.

Additional Features:

• The basin is one of the most acidic and dynamic areas in Yellowstone, with multiple geysers, hot springs, and fumaroles.

Location Highlights:

• Accessible via boardwalks that allow safe viewing of the geothermal features.

3. Dallol Hot Springs - Danakil Depression, Ethiopia

image courtesy of @nicibaar

Temperature Range:

• Surface temperatures reach up to 212°F (100°C)

What Makes It So Hot:

• Dallol is one of the hottest inhabited places on Earth, with geothermal springs that are heated by volcanic activity beneath a salt plain.

Additional Features:

• The springs are known for their vibrant colors, created by mineral deposits, and their acidic, boiling water.

Location Highlights:

• Located in the remote Danakil Depression, a unique and harsh environment that is both beautiful and extreme.

4. Beppu Hot Springs - Oita Prefecture, Japan

image courtesy of @activityjapan

Temperature Range:

• 122°F to 212°F (50°C to 100°C)

What Makes It So Hot:

• Beppu is one of Japan’s most famous hot spring areas, with over 2,000 hot springs fed by geothermal activity from nearby volcanic mountains.

Additional Features:

• Known for its "hells," or jigoku, which are too hot for bathing but are popular tourist attractions due to their unique colors and formations.

Location Highlights:

• Beppu offers a variety of hot spring experiences, including sand baths, mud baths, and steam vents, making it a hot spring capital of Japan.

5. Hot Lake Springs - La Grande, Oregon, USA

image courtesy of @janelleneustel

Temperature Range:

• 208°F (98°C)

What Makes It So Hot:

• Geothermal vents close to the Earth’s surface heat the water to near-boiling temperatures, making it one of the hottest springs in North America.

Additional Features:

• Historically significant as a therapeutic resort destination, Hot Lake Springs is known for its healing properties.

Location Highlights:

• Located near the Wallowa Mountains, the site includes a historic hotel and bathhouse.

6. Deildartunguhver - Reykholtsdalur, Iceland

image courtesy of @dr_spring9

Temperature Range:

• 212°F (100°C)

What Makes It So Hot:

• Deildartunguhver is the highest-flow hot spring in Europe, producing 48 gallons per second of 212°F water, which is used for heating nearby towns.

Additional Features:

• The spring is powerful enough to supply hot water to thousands of homes, and it also supports a thriving greenhouse industry.

Location Highlights:

• Visitors can safely view the spring from a nearby platform, and the geothermal energy is harnessed for both utility and tourism purposes.

These hot springs not only offer some of the most extreme temperatures found on Earth but also showcase the diverse ways in which geothermal activity shapes our planet. Each spring provides a unique combination of natural beauty, intense heat, and cultural significance, making them fascinating destinations for travelers and scientists alike.

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