Hot Springs in Iceland 

Iceland is the land of ice, fire and water, water, WATER! The country is situated on a 'hot spot' on the earth, resulting in a lot of geothermal activity, but there are also glaciers dotted all over the country. This mixture of geothermal activity, ice and fire, means that there are numerous hot springs, waterfalls and geysers all over the country, and they can be enjoyed all year round, no matter what the weather is like!

• Find the cheapest rental cars in Iceland to reach them.

Photo from Eastern Landscapes | Super Jeep and Hot Spring Tour

Some of Iceland's hot springs are boiling hot fumaroles, bubbling mud pits or spouting geysers, but other ones have the perfect temperature to bathe in. Often the incredible amount of natural hot springs have been harnessed into popular bathing spots with the perfect temperature.

And in fact, all warm water in Iceland is geothermal as it comes boiling hot from the ground into people's homes! Rather than needing to warm up the water, in Iceland it needs to be cooled down in order to enjoy it.

This results in dozens of swimming pools being dotted all over the country and in Reykjavík - a total of 17 in the greater Reykjavík area!

All of these provide you with soothing, warm waters that are perfect to relax in.

• Read more about the Best Swimming Pools in Reykjavík.
• Read more about the Best Swimming Pools in Iceland.

In some places there is natural hot water coming from the ground but no suitable area to bathe in, so locals have built a pool to contain the water. Or the water is too hot to bathe in, but by mixing it with cold water it becomes just the right warmth.

So in Iceland you can find hot springs of all sizes and shapes, fully natural ones or natural ones that have had a little help. In fact, the term 'hot spring' is a little problematic. People sometimes have different opinions on what can be considered as a hot spring in Iceland, as some could rather be distinguished as warm pools, hot tubs, spas, geothermal lakes, swimming pools or even geysers!

Bathing in Iceland's warm waters is however equally popular with travellers and locals alike, and the versatility is so great that they should cater to all types of travellers. So here you are presented with a few options. Note that the best way to reach most hot springs in Iceland, especially the natural ones that are off the beaten path, is to rent a car and drive there yourself.

• See Also: 15 Day Summer Hot Spring Hunt Self Drive | Iceland in Depth.

Top 5 Spa Hot Springs in Iceland 

Iceland boasts some natural hot springs that are free to enter but they lack any type of facilities such as changing rooms, showers or bathrooms.

Therefore a number of other hot springs and pools that charge entry, but in return have great guest facilities, have become the most popular hot springs in Iceland. These would by many people be classified as spas, although they all have a hot spring element.

Here you can read about Iceland's most popular spa-like bathing spots, and find out what makes them unique.

1. The Blue Lagoon 

The Blue Lagoon is by far the most known and popular hot spring in Iceland. The light blue, milky waters are the perfect 38-39°C in temperature, and this attraction has been named 'The Top 25 Wonders of the World' by the National Geographic. 

Although the water itself is fully natural, and full of rich minerals, silica and algae, the lagoon didn't form naturally. It appeared by accident in 1976, caused by a man-made construction. It wasn't until 1981 that the first person went bathing in it, but ever since then it's soothing qualities and healing waters have increased in popularity.

Today the lagoon is world famous and by far the most impressive spa resort in Iceland, featuring several restaurants, cafés, in-water bar, hotel, gift shop as well as private facilities, relaxing area and massage facilities. The lagoon is ever-expanding in size and entry to the lagoon is limited, so even though it's sold out it never becomes jam-packed. However you will need to book your entry well in advance - and it comes with the highest price tag of all the bathing options in Iceland.

The Blue Lagoon is on the Reykjanes peninsula, close to Reykjavík and only a 20-minute drive from Keflavík International airport and 30-minute drive from Reykjavík, making it a popular first or last stop for arriving and departing guests. If you have a short stop in Iceland, then you shouldn't miss out on this great bathing spot.

• Find all Blue Lagoon Tours here.
• See also The Ultimate Guide to the Blue Lagoon.

2. Myvatn Nature Baths 

Another lagoon that's similar in texture and has the same blue colour as the Blue Lagoon is the Mývatn Nature Baths. This is the North of Iceland's answer to the South, and just as, if not even more so appealing.

This is a cheaper alternative that has become the preferred option for some that still crave that milky blue water, but feel that the Blue Lagoon may have become a little too popular. Probably the only thing preventing some people from going there is how far it is from Reykjavík, about a 6-hour drive one way, so only suits those that are on a longer journey and visiting the North part of Iceland.

On site, you'll of course find great shower and changing facilities, as well as a sauna and a café where you can grab some refreshments before or after your soak. And as a plus, the surrounding nature is stunning, making a trip to Lake Mývatn well worth the journey any time of year.

• Find Mývatn Tours here.

3. Secret Lagoon 

The Secret Lagoon near Flúðir is one of Iceland's oldest swimming pools, dating back to 1891. For years it was abandoned, but renovated and reopened in 2014 with brand new shower and changing facilities.

Right next to it is a bubbling hot spring, or a small geyser that erupts every few minutes. The pool itself is a comfortable 38-40°C, so just like a very large hot tub.

This lagoon is found by the town of Flúðir, not far from the popular Golden Circle sightseeing route.

• See Also: The Secret Lagoon | Transfer & Entrance.
• See Also: Discount Tour Combo | Snaefellsnes, Golden Circle, Secret Lagoon & Jokulsarlon.

4. Krauma Bath Resort 

Picture from Krauma.is

Krauma Bath Resort is the newest member on this list, as it was only opened in late 2017. This modern spa is located right next to Europe's most powerful hot spring, Deildartunguhver, where it gets all its water from.

You can relax in beautiful black marble hot tubs, with a view towards Deildartunguhver or enjoy the soothing saunas on the premises. There are several hot tubs to choose from, 5 warm ones with varying temperatures and 1 cold one that's 5-8°C to boost your blood circulation.

There are also great shower and changing facilities as well as a modern restaurant on site. And as the place is brand new, it's still a bit of a secret amongst travellers, so there may not be many other visitors about.

• See Also: Admission to Krauma Geothermal Baths.

5. Fontana Geothermal Baths 

Photo from The Golden Circle & Fontana Geothermal Baths | Sightseeing & Hot Springs

Fontana Geothermal Baths are located right next to Laugarvatn Lake, only an hour and a half drive from Reykjavík, and situated on the Golden Circle.

One of the saunas here is built over a steaming hot spring, and if it gets too hot inside then guests simply need to open the door to cool it down.

Laugarvatn Lake is full of geothermal activity, and guests can wander down to the lake itself to cool off, or perhaps find a warm spot on a nice day. The boiling water is found right by the shoreline, and makes the wet sand ideal for cooking traditional rye bread! You can taste freshly baked bread from the ground at the café located at the entrance to Fontana Spa.

• See Also: Golden Circle Day Tour with Fontana Spa.
• See Also: An Evening of Northern Lights at Laugarvatn Fontana.

Top 5 Geothermal Hot Spring Pools in Iceland 

Hofsós swimming pool in Iceland. Picture credit: Mike Kelley

Besides all the man-made, concrete swimming pools with showers and bathroom facilities you can find dotted around Iceland's countryside, some of which are truly spectacular such as the infinity pool at Hofsós, there are also several pools that are a cross between a man-made pool and a hot spring.

Perhaps the water is all natural, but someone needed to pile up some rocks or make a concrete structure around it in order for people to enjoy it as a bathing location.

These are often in rural locations, only looked after by volunteers, a little hard to get to and may, or may not offer some changing facilities but it's unlikely you'll come across showers, bathrooms or trash cans. So remember not to leave anything behind when visiting!

1. Seljavallalaug 

Seljavallalaug is in the south of Iceland. Although this is a man-made 25-metre long and 10-metre wide construction from 1923, its surroundings makes you feel like you're in the middle of nowhere. 

The hot water that trickles into it is completely natural and the pool is constructed into a mountainside that acts as the fourth wall of the pool, in a narrow valley with breathtaking natural surroundings.

The water mixes with cold water, and isn't very hot. In wintertime, it's only lukewarm, but on nice summer days it's just perfect.

Seljavallalaug has two small rooms for people to leave their clothes in, please leave these as tidy as you can as they are only attended to by volunteers very infrequently. The water in the pool is only cleaned once every summer so it may look a bit dirty but it's worth it for the tranquility and beauty around.

In 2010 Seljavallalaug got completely covered with ash from the big eruption in Eyjafjallajökull, and a large group of volunteers spent days cleaning it to be used again.

The pool is a couple of hours drive from Reykjavík. To get there you just need to head south on the main Ring Road, past Selfoss and Hvolsvöllur. Slow down just before you reach Skógafoss and turn left to go towards 'Seljavellir' on a dirt road. Then it's about a 10-15 minute walk along a gravel track to the pool itself.

If you want to go with a tour, this South Coast Tour is currently the only one that goes there. In this 14-hour outdoor tour, you will also get to see the deserted DC3 Plane Wreck. 

• See all South Coast Tours here.

2. Grettislaug 

Photo by Vegahandbókin

In North Iceland, on the west side of Skagafjörður fjord, you can find two pools right by each other, Grettislaug and Jarlslaug. They are both circular with piled rocks surrounding them, and with fantastic views to the mountains and the sea, where the island Drangey stands tall.

Grettislaug is named after Grettir the Strong, a famous Viking from the Icelandic Sagas. Here you have access to an outdoor shower and changing facilities. These pools are on a private property, so there is a small entrance fee.

3. Krossneslaug 

Photo from Siggi Mus at Flickr

At the end of the road number 643 on the eastern coast of the Westfjords you'll find the stunning Krossneslaug pool. The pool is fed with warm water from hot springs in the nearby mountains, and there is also a slightly warmer hot tub to the side of it. 

There are simple changing and showering facilities here, and an honesty bucket to pay 500 ISK for entry and to keep the facilities clean.

This pool is loved by its visitors, despite the long and slow drive on a gravel road to reach it, because of its fantastic views and the isolated feeling of being at the edge of the world.

• Find Westfjords Tours here.

4. Gudrunarlaug 

Photo from local blog Guðrúnarlaug Hot Tub | The Saga Hot Tub in West Iceland

This is a reconstructed historical hot pool, named after Guðrún Ósvífursdóttir, one of the most well-known women from the Icelandic Sagas. These thermal baths have existed in this location for more than a thousand years, but for 140 years they were blocked due to a landslide. The reconstruction opened in 2009, to much delight of visitors.

It's situated in West Iceland, on the way to the Westfjords. To reach it you have to rent your own car as there are no scheduled buses or tours going here. Head north from Reykjavík on Ring Road 1, turn into road 60 towards the Westfjords and turn left onto road 589 until you reach Hotel Edda, that's located right by the hot spring. Entry is free and there is a small changing room on site.

• See Also: Guðrúnarlaug Hot Tub | The Saga Hot Tub in West Iceland.

5. Kvika Foot Bath 

Photo from Vegahandbókin

Found within Reykjavík, with one of the best views in town, is the little foot bath Kvika. This is a man-made hot spring, designed by Ólöf Nordal that's carved a small bathing pool into a large rock. The water comes from a nearby borehole, and is cooled down to around 39°C.

There's a constant trickle of warm water coming into this pool, that's possibly Iceland's smallest pool, about 80-90cm wide and 25-30cm deep. From it, you'll have a gorgeous view towards Esjan and Snæfellsjökull glacier, and it's a popular location for locals to watch the sunset, perhaps with a beer in one hand. No changing facilities are in the area and entry is free.

• See Also: Top 10 Things to Do in Reykjavik.

Top 5 Hot Tubs in Iceland 

One of many hot tubs in Laugardalslaug swimming pool. Photo from Reykjavik.is

You've read about the geothermal pools, but there are also hundreds of scenic hot tubs to be found within Iceland as well. Each public swimming pool in Iceland boasts at least one hot tub, in some cases up to 6 or 7 of them, and hot tubs are also not uncommon in private residencies and at hotels.

If you'd like your own private hot tub, then you could look into renting a private summer cabin, but a large percentage of Icelandic summer cabins come with a hot tub.

Following is a list of man-made tubs, but ones that are in spectacular settings, often with views towards the impressive mountains or the enchanting sea.

1. Drangsnes Hot Tubs 

Picture from 15 Day Summer Hot Spring Hunt Self Drive | Iceland in Depth

Right by the seaside in the centre of the small town of Drangsnes on the Westfjords, you'll find three hot tubs. These hot tubs have free entry, and you can go in there at any time of the day or night.

The temperature varies from one hot tub to the next, but they are somewhere between 38-42°C. Across the road is a small changing facility, and you'll be sure to meet some friendly locals once you get into the tubs. When you get too hot, then you can cool off in the sea right next to it. Just be careful on the rocks.

2. Hoffell Hot Tubs 

Photo from Hoffell Accommodation

There aren't many hot springs to be found in East Iceland, but the Hoffell hot tubs make up for it. There are four different hot tubs located right next to each other, and public entry to the hot tubs although those not staying at the nearby accommodation at Glacier World need to pay a small fee.

The hot tubs are all neatly submerged into a bed of rocks, and the views are spectacular. They are situated 20 km west from the town of Höfn in East Iceland. Turn from the Ring Road onto road 984 towards Glacier World Guesthouse to reach them.

3. Ostakarid 

Photo by Bergljót Snorra

Popular with the locals in Húsavík, this free-entry tub that sits around 20 people may often be filled with Icelanders having a good chat about the weather, some local gossip or politics. It is situated just a little way out of town and any local can point you the right way to get there.

The tub is made from iron and is nearly 7 metres long, nearly 1,5 metres wide and 60 cm deep. The warm water comes from a well nearby and the healing waters are good for people with psoriasis.

There are changing facilities on site, but no showers or bathrooms. Entry is free.

4. Bjorbodin Beer Spa 

The Kaldi brewery nearby made it the perfect excuse to create beer baths in Árskógssandur in North Iceland. Here you can enjoy the views of Eyjafjörður fjord, with views to Hrísey island, with a cold beer in your hand and soaking in hoppy and warm beer!

You can book a tub to yourself, or for two people. The warm beer is said to do wonders for your skin, and after a good soak you're tucked in at a relaxation area.

You can book your entry and find out more here: Bjorbodin Beer Spa in North Iceland.

5. Nauthólsvík 

Besides the numerous swimming pools with all their hot tubs found within the larger Reykjavík area, there's also the city's own geothermal heated beach Nauthólsvík. Here you'll both find a hot tub at the edge of the seawater, as well as a larger but shallower warm pool by the changing facilities. Besides the changing facilities, there are also bathrooms, showers, a sauna and a small café on site.

The water in the hot tub by the sea varies in temperature, from 30-39°C, but the shallower pool is a constant 38°C. Even the sea right by the beach here is heated during the summer months and is about 15-19°C within the rock fence.

Entry is free throughout the summer months (from 15th of May until 15th of August). In winter the opening times are shorter, and a small fee applies to use the changing facilities.

• See Also: 9 Best Cheap Things to Do in Reykjavik.

Top 5 Natural Hot Springs in Iceland 

What about the natural hot springs out in the nature, where there's no entry fee? There are a few dozens of them (some of which locals still want to keep secret so they don't get ruined!) But the question remains: Which ones to pick?

To get an idea of their differences read about these top 5 natural hot springs in Iceland, but keep in mind that there are several others to choose from, some with harder accessibility than others.

You can reach these hot springs by joining a hot spring tour or by renting a car and driving there yourself.

1. Reykjadalur 

Reykjadalur (literal translation: 'Steam Valley') is one of the easiest hot spring areas to reach from Reykjavík. A short drive (45 minutes) brings you to the town Hveragerði and from there you can hike up to the warm river that flows down Reykjadalur valley.

Photo from Reykjadalur hot spring tour

The hike is not very demanding, although it is mostly uphill. It's not recommended for people that are afraid of heights since at one point you'll be hiking along the top of a deep gorge. 

If you are in good shape and don't make many stops along the way you should reach the river after about 45-60 minutes. However, the hike could take up to 90 minutes one way. This obviously depends on how fast you walk and how often you stop to take pictures of the waterfall in the gorge and all the pretty bubbling muddy hot springs on the way. There are no facilities for changing your clothes when you get up there.

You can reach the Reykjadalur river on this best value hot spring tour.

• Find out more about Reykjadalur hot spring river.

2. Hellulaug 

Photo from Visit Westfjords

Hellulaug can be found in the Westfjords, just about 500 metres east of Hotel Flókalundur. If you are crossing Breiðafjörður fjord with the ferry Baldur, perhaps making a stop at Flatey island, then this hot pool is only a 5 minute drive from Brjánslækur where the ferry docks.

The pool is not seen from the road, but is right by it. The water is a comfortable 38°C, and the pool is about 60cm deep and if you get too hot you can always cool down in the sea that isn't far off! No changing facilities, bathrooms or showers are in the area.

• See Also: A Local's Guide to the Secluded Flatey Island.

3. Landmannalaugar 

Picture from Landmannalaugar Super Jeep Tour

Landmannalaugar (Land-man-pools) is an area that's known for its extremely beautiful multi-coloured landscape and is a very popular hiking destination. Everywhere you look you'll see sandy mountains in red, blue, green, yellow, purple and black - and the best thing to do after an exhausting day of hiking is to relax in the geothermal hot natural pools that are waiting for you next to the campsite.

The pools stay consistently warm throughout the summer, and have a constant stream of hikers relaxing in them. The perfect highland oasis.

• See Also: The Highlands of Iceland | The Ultimate Guide.

Take note that some parasites that bite guests have been found in these pools, but they are considered harmless. If you are allergic to mosquito bites then you may want to abstain from entering the pools.

Landmannalaugar is only accessible during summertime, and only accessible with a 4WD car. To get there you'll need to cross some rivers, so if you're not used to driving in the highlands you may want to take a bus (special highland bus) or go on a super jeep tour to get there.

If you do drive yourself, then drive carefully and make sure you cross rivers where they are at their widest (as they are deeper and run faster where they are narrow). Ask other drivers you meet where is best to cross, as the rivers are constantly changing.

• Find a self-drive to Landmannalaugar here.
• Find a day tour to Landmannalaugar here.

4. Laugavallalaug 

Picture from East.is

Not just a natural hot spring to bathe in, but a natural hot waterfall as well! Situated high into the eastern highlands, this natural pool is harder to reach than others. You'll need a 4WD car to get near it, (there's a 7km F road that's only passable for 4WD cars to reach it) and then there's a short 200-metre walk to reach it.

Alternatively, you can drive a 2WD car to Kárahnjúkar dam, then hike alongside Hafrahvammagljúfur canyon to the warm waterfall. The hike takes around 7 hours (with time for bathing included).

• See Also: The Canyons of East Iceland | Hiking Day Tour.

There are also two very nice natural pools, with a circular stone wall at the highland cabin Laugarfell that isn't too far away (and easier to reach). The perfect place to spend the night when exploring the area. Super Jeep tours and hiking tours operate from here or from the nearby town of Egilsstaðir.

• See Also: Egilsstaðir Tours.

5. Víti in Askja 

Also in the east part of Iceland, and relatively not so far from Laugavallalaug is Víti in Askja, not to be confused with Víti in Krafla. The literal meaning of Víti is Hell.

• Find a Daytour to Víti from Akureyri here.
• See all tours from Akureyri here.

Picture from Askja hiking and hot springs

The temperature of the water varies from 20°C to 60°C and the bottom is muddy. The volcanic crater is dangerous because in some places the mud is scolding hot (east part of the crater) and there is also a lot of sulfur in the water, sulphuric steam may cause people to faint.

But the place has been described as one of the most awesome and magnificent places in Iceland and whoever stands on the edge of this crater will never forget the experience! You might say that Víti lives up to its name!

Top 5 'No Bathing' Hot Springs & Pools in Iceland 

If you are not familiar with hot springs, then it may be hard to tell the difference between the ones that are safe to enter, and the ones that are not. Especially if there are no warning signs, or if the pool or spring in question looks perfectly safe to enter.

There are plenty of hot springs, pools, hot tubs and geysers, both natural ones and not natural ones that should not be bathed in when in Iceland. There are many, and various reasons why. Most of the time it's because it's simply too dangerous, either because the water is too hot, too unstable or too cold.

It should go without saying that any hot spring that has large boiling bubbles in it is too hot to enter. In the most popular geothermal areas, these hot springs are fenced off and will have a warning sign telling you to take care. That may not be the case with all hot springs in Iceland however. 

Any lake with icebergs floating in it is too cold to enter (and the icebergs can tip over at any given time and trap you in the water).

Other hot springs are on private property and the landowners do not care for masses of people going through their backyard, while some may be protected or of historical importance.

Some of those look very appealing however, and you might be tempted to have a dip. So it's always good to read up on the hot spring or pool you'd like to enter before jumping straight in. Here are a few ones that may look deceiving.

1. Geysir 

Although it has almost entirely stopped spouting water into the air, the geyser Geysir still contains extremely hot water, that is way too hot to enter. 

The geothermal area surrounding Geysir has a variety of smaller, mini-geysers, including the famous Strokkur that erupts frequently, or every few minutes. There are also several steaming smaller pools or springs that look alluring, especially on a cold winter's day.

As this is one of the most frequently visited area in Iceland, these hot springs are all fenced off, and warning signs can be found detailing that they are indeed up to 100°C hot.

However, in the year 2000 Geysir had an unexpected big eruption, and a large gathering of people that had been standing too closely had to run for their lives, with a couple of them burning their feet or legs in the scolding water. The earth surrounding the geysers can also be extremely hot, which is why people are asked to keep to the paths as to not sink their feet into the burning mud.

So it's always wise to take care at any geothermal area you may visit in Iceland.

• Find Golden Circle Tours here.

2. Grjotagja 

Made famous around the world in a steamy scene between the characters of Jon Snow and Ygritte from Game of Thrones, Grjótagjá may look like the ideal place to take a warm bath. However, that's not the case.

The temperature of the water in Grjótagjá varies and became too hot to bathe in in the late 1970's (about 50°C). It's been cooling down since but may still be too hot to bathe in, depending on days and the earthquake activity.

Because of the varying heat of the water, loose rocks in the cave and extremely slow water flow it is now forbidden to bathe in the water. Just seeing it because of its spectacular beauty is well worth it though, and you can always go around the corner and bathe in Mývatn Nature Baths! 

Grjótagjá (Rocky Cleft) is not close to Reykjavík. If you happen to be travelling in the North of Iceland, staying in Akureyri and want to explore the stunning nature around Lake Mývatn, then you're not far away from Grjótagjá.

To get there: Drive east from the village Reykjahlíð (that's on the Ring Road), for a couple of kilometres, then turn right just before you reach the road to Mývatn Nature Baths.

• Find Lake Mývatn Tours here

3. Snorralaug 

The famous Icelandic historian Snorri Sturluson used to bathe in this pool. Temperature is said to vary and can become extremely hot, and bathing is forbidden in the pool.

It's, however, more likely that the bathing is forbidden since this is a historically important location, that has been listed as an archaeological remain since 1817.

The pool is very small, only around 4 metres in diametre and 0,7-1 metre deep. It would therefore not handle swarms of bathers and would quickly become dirty and unappealing for visitors. 

4. Blahver 

With that beautiful blue colour, Bláhver looks like the ideal spring to bathe in, showing almost no activity. Your mind might instantly think of how great of a picture you could get of yourself relaxing right in its middle, but this hot spring is perfectly hiding its deadly hazards.

Not only is it scolding hot and any bathing attempt would result in serious burns, but its edges are fragile and could break if trodden on, making it hard to escape if one would enter.

This hot spring, along with several others nearby in the geothermal area of Hveravellir, is luckily fenced off so guests can only enjoy its beauty (and smell) from afar.

However, there is the perfect bathing area right next to the local hut, using natural hot water from the area that can be cooled down with a cold water hose.

5. Brimketill 

This natural feature looks ideal for bathing, and some daredevils have entered its waters, such as can be seen in the video above. The clip is however shot years ago (on a very calm, nice and sunny day), before a ban was put up due to the incredibly dangerous surroundings of this natural pool.

Brimketill is not a hot spring, and its waters are far from being anything on the warm side. What you will get here is the ice cold Atlantic Sea, cold enough to give people hypothermia if they stay in for too long. On top of that, the slippery rocks are constantly being sprayed with seawater and these rocks are not a place you want to slip and fall.

On a beautiful, sunny day the water may look appealing, but the majority of the time this area has strong winds blowing through, with towering waves crashing on the rocks. Nice and sunny days in Iceland are also far and few between.

The name Brimketill means 'Whitewater Cauldron', due to the constant white horse of the breaking waves on the surrounding rocks. The sight is impressive to see, from a safe distance.

You can reach Brimketill by driving along Reykjanes peninsula, or joining a tour of the Reykjanes peninsula.

• See Also: Brimketill on the Reykjanes Peninsula.

What is your favourite hot spring? Do you have a favourite bathing spot in Iceland that was left out? Let us know in the comments below!