The 30 Best Hot Springs and Geothermal Pools in Iceland

Almost half of the hot water in the capital region is geothermal water. It comes boiling from the ground and straight into people's homes. Rather than needing to warm it up, it needs to be cooled down to bathe in.

The geothermal water is the reason for the many heated swimming pools across the country - with 18 in the greater Reykjavik area alone! All of these pools will provide you with soothing, warm waters that are perfect for relaxing in. Visiting Reykjavik hot springs is one of the more affordable things to do in the city.

Unlike the swimming pools, Iceland's hot springs occur naturally. Because of this, some are in hard-to-reach areas you need to hike to, while you can reach others easily by car.

Some of Iceland's hot springs are boiling fumaroles, bubbling mud pits, or spouting geysers, but others are calm pools of water that are the perfect temperature to bathe in. 

Many of these have become popular bathing spots. Some places have natural hot water emerging from the ground but are unsuitable for bathing. In those cases, locals build a pool to contain the water. Sometimes the water is too hot for a dip but is at just the right temperature after mixing it with cold water.

You can find hot springs of all sizes and shapes in Iceland, entirely natural ones or those that have had a little help to maintain a balanced temperature.

The term 'hot spring' is sometimes an ill-defined one. People have different opinions on what can be considered a hot spring in Iceland. You could describe some 'hot springs' as simply warm pools, spas, geothermal lakes, swimming pools, or even geysers.

No matter the nomenclature, bathing in Iceland's hot springs is very popular with travelers and locals alike. Their versatility is so great that they should appeal to all types of travelers.

What Are the Benefits of Soaking in a Hot Spring?

You might be wondering why these hot springs in Iceland are so popular. One of the biggest reasons people visit is straightforward - to relax! It's the same reason many people enjoy visiting a jacuzzi or sauna.

Another reason to take advantage of Iceland's geothermal pools is that the minerals found in the water are said to have health benefits. This could be as simple as improving blood circulation, helping with eczema, or relieving achy joints.

Skin conditions like psoriasis or eczema benefit from the silica in the water. This helps soften rough skin and helps with itching. Of course, you should always consult with your doctor if you have any health conditions before dipping into one of Iceland's hot water springs.

It's no secret that heat can help with sore joints and muscle pain. So slipping into one of Iceland's hot pools could be just the ticket. If it doesn't relieve the pain for you, hopefully, you'll have at least been able to enjoy a relaxing soak in a beautiful place under the sky.

Are There Any Hot Spring Resorts in Iceland?

Yes, there are. While there are plenty of opportunities to visit a hot spring spa or dip into a heated pool across the country, some guests may prefer something a little more comfortable. Finding a geothermal spa in Iceland is possible, but full resort situations are a little trickier.

Krauma Geothermal Bath Resort is one example of a resort where you can soak in the soothing hot springs in luxury. Kerlingarfjöll Mountain Resort is another option. You can book an overnight stay here with plenty of activities and an on-site hot tub where you can hopefully catch the northern lights.

What Are Lagoons in Iceland?

You've likely heard of the Blue Lagoon, but you might be wondering, what exactly is a lagoon, and how do you find the best lagoons in Iceland? A lagoon is a body of water separated from a larger body of water by a narrow landform. For example, this could be a reef or a peninsula.

The Reykjanes peninsula has the best lagoon in Iceland - the world-famous Blue Lagoon. There are multiple lagoons across the country, and each one is unique. The Sky Lagoon is just outside Reykjavik and has become a favorite among locals and visitors.

The allure of these areas is that they're smaller and more concentrated, giving you an Iceland hot spring experience to remember.

Many of Iceland's natural hot springs are free to enter, but since they are located under the open sky in the countryside, they lack changing rooms, showers, or bathrooms.

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

Discover Iceland's most popular spa-like bathing spots and discover what makes them unique.

1. The Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is the most well-known and famous hot spring in Iceland by far. It's even been named one of 'The Top 25 Wonders of the World' by National Geographic.

The light blue, milky waters have a perfect temperature of 110-102 F (38-39 C). Although the water is entirely natural and contains rich minerals such as silica and algae, the lagoon didn't form naturally. It was created in 1976 by excess water from a nearby geothermal power plant.

It wasn't until 1981 that the first person tried bathing in it, and ever since then, its soothing qualities and healing waters have only increased in popularity.

Today, the lagoon is world-famous and definitely the most impressive spa resort in Iceland. It features several restaurants, cafes, an in-water bar, a hotel, a gift shop, and a relaxing area with massage facilities.

The lagoon is ever-expanding in size, but entry is limited, so it never becomes jam-packed even when it sells out.

Because of this, 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. If you want to stay close, you can book accommodation near the Blue Lagoon today!

The Blue Lagoon is on the Reykjanes peninsula. It's only 14 miles (23 kilometers) from Keflavik International Airport and 30 miles (49 kilometers) from Reykjavik, making it one of the closest hot springs to Reykjavik and a popular first or last stop for arriving and departing guests. 

If you have a short stop in Iceland, you shouldn't miss out on this excellent bathing spot.

2. Sky Lagoon

In contrast to the Blue Lagoon, which has been a mainstay in Iceland for decades, Sky Lagoon is fresh on the market and has already become very popular among visitors and locals alike. 

The geothermal spa opened in 2021 and is located on the edge of the Karsnes peninsula in Kopavogur, a town on the outskirts of the greater Reykjavik area. Therefore, it's very accessible to those staying in Reykjavik, which is only a 15-minute drive from the city center. It's recommended that you book your Sky Lagoon admission ahead of time, and you can even include a transfer from Reykjavik in your entry ticket.

The most distinct characteristic of the Sky Lagoon is its amazing infinity pool, which overlooks beautiful Skerjafjordur Bay. This provides incredible views of the midnight sun during the summer and the northern lights during winter.

The lagoon itself is surrounded by large moss-covered cliffs of lava rock, which provide a genuine atmosphere of bathing in a fantastical natural setting, far away from the ruckus of the city. 

On the premises, you can find a turf house with a cold-water glacial pool, a sauna overlooking the sea, a cold mist room, and a steam room. There is also an in-pool bar that provides alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks for visitors.

After soaking in the warm geothermal waters for a couple of hours, you might want some hearty nourishment. On-site, you'll find the Sky Café, which provides light meals served café-style, and Smakk Bar, which offers taste plates of unique Icelandic food and drink.

The Sky Lagoon also has its own skincare line, and you can try many of the products during your visit. The Sky Lagoon body scrub is an iconic part of any visit, and purchase these items on-site. If you're a Guide to Iceland customer, you can enjoy a 15% discount with your VIP Club access, so don't forget to use it during your visit!

3. Hvammsvik Hot Springs

Just outside of Reykjavik, in the nearby fjord of Hvalfjordur, you will find Iceland's newest hot spring bathing spa. Hvammsvik Hot Springs was opened in 2022, with the idea of incorporating the ebb and flow of the tides into the experience of bathing in warm geothermal water. The spa consists of eight natural hot spring pools of various sizes and temperatures, some of them being closer to the shoreline than others. Therefore, when the tide is high, the ocean flows into the geothermal pools that are nearest to the shore.

This combination of a spa experience with bathing in nature is what makes Hvammsvik such a special place, and it's only a short drive from Reykjavik, making it quite accessible, despite the quiet remoteness of the location once you get there. The facility is a repurposed barracks used during the allied occupation of Iceland in World War II, and includes showers and changing rooms. If you're going for the full 'bathing in nature' experience, there are also outdoor changing rooms where you can shower under the open sky.

While there, you can engage in various activities if you're so inclined. Hvammsvik provides you with paddle boards so you can go stand up paddling in the fjord, there are regular yoga sessions to be a part of, and you can take a dip in the ocean plunge pool if you're in the mood for a cool refreshment. During the winter, the low light pollution and open skies make Hvammsvik a perfect place to see the northern lights while keeping it cozy in a warm geothermal pool.

Inside the facility, guests can enjoy food and drinks at the Stormur Bistro and Bar. There is also a swim-up bar in the pool, so you can have some drinks while enjoying the incredible view of the fjord. Pre-booking is required to enter the property, so book admission to Hvammsvik to secure your spot!

4. Myvatn Nature Baths

Another lagoon similar in texture and has the same blue color as the Blue Lagoon is the Myvatn Nature Baths. The baths are North Iceland's answer to the South's famous spa, and it's just as appealing.

The Myvatn Nature Baths are a cheaper alternative and have become the preferred option for those who still crave that milky blue water but feel that the Blue Lagoon may have become a little too popular.

The one thing preventing some people from going to Myvatn is how far it's from Reykjavik. Myvatn Baths are 288 miles (465 kilometers) from the capital city, so these Iceland baths only suit those on longer journeys who plan to visit the northern part of Iceland. There are, however, some very nice accommodation options in Myvatn, so those who make the trip will enjoy a wonderful stay among beautiful nature.

On-site, you'll find a good shower and changing facilities, as well as a sauna and a cafe where you can grab some refreshments before or after your soak. 

As a plus, the surrounding nature is stunning, making a trip to Lake Myvatn well worth the journey any time of year.

5. Vok Baths

Photo from Admission to the Serene Vok Baths of East Iceland near Egilsstadir

Vok Baths stand out among spas in Iceland, as the warm pools of geothermal water float on a freshwater lake. Located in East Iceland, Vok Baths beautifully incorporates its environment into the spa's design, making you feel like you're bathing in nature.

Geothermal heat, which is not common in East Iceland, was discovered in Lake Urridavatn when locals noticed that certain parts of the lake did not freeze over during winter. For the longest time, these spots were used for washing clothes when it was difficult to find water during Iceland's coldest period of the year.

However, in 2019, Vok Baths opened with the goal of using the geothermal source for bathing while still keeping that special connection to nature, making the design fit seamlessly into the area.

The spa features two floating infinity pools, an inside pool, a steam room, an in-water bar, and a bistro that serves light courses for adults and kids. Additionally, there is Lake Urridavatn, which guests are free to hop in, while visiting the spa. The lake has exceptionally clean water, and there's no better feeling than going from swimming in the cold lake to soaking in the warm geothermal pools.

The geothermal water in eastern Iceland is unique because it's the only naturally warm drinkable water in Iceland. It runs out of the tap at 165 F (75 C) and is used to brew teas with a selection of organic and locally sourced herbs, which guests can enjoy while visiting the facility. Book your Vok Baths admission now so you don't miss out on the experience!

6. Forest Lagoon

Opened in 2022, the Forest Lagoon is the newest edition to the array of geothermal spas in Iceland. Located in North Iceland, these outdoor baths are located in the forest of Vadlaskogur, with the lagoon surrounded by trees and foliage.

In addition to the surroundings, wooden elements are also incorporated into every area of the spa.  The architecture firm behind the Forest Lagoon is the same as designed the Blue Lagoon, so you can expect the same type of care and attention to detail as in Iceland's most popular geothermal spa.

The two infinity pools at the spa overlook the fjord of Eyjafjordur, giving you great views of Akureyri and the surrounding area. The spa also includes two in-water bars, a sauna, a quiet room, a cold tub, and a restaurant on-site to dine at after a long warm soak in the geothermal waters.

The Forest Lagoon has the benefit of having long opening hours, opening at 10 in the morning and remaining open until midnight. Therefore, visitors can have a long day of hiking or skiing in the area and still have time to relax and decompress at the lagoon after a long day.

7. GeoSea Sea Baths

Photo from Admission to the Relaxing Geosea Geothermal Baths in Husavik

The Geosea Sea Baths are one of the newest attractions in North Iceland, located in the town of Husavik (often regarded as the whale-watching capital of Europe).

As can be gathered from the name, the water here is unique, as it's geothermally heated seawater rather than spring water leading to an exfoliating Iceland salt bath. The water is filled with salt and a host of healing minerals, quite different from those in other pools and hot tubs around the country.

This water is pumped up from two nearby holes in the ground, creating a constant flow through the pools, meaning no chemicals need to be added for hygiene reasons.

The Geosea Sea Baths offer incredible views over the beautiful Skjalfandi Bay, with its glistening ocean and the beautiful mountains that frame it.

There's also a small restaurant on-site with an outdoor terrace, allowing you to enjoy the seascapes with some light refreshments and modern changing facilities.

8. Fontana Geothermal Baths

Photo from Scenic 9-Hour Golden Circle Tour with the Fontana Geothermal Baths and Transfer from Reykjavik

Fontana Geothermal Baths are located next to Laugarvatn Lake, about 48 miles (78 kilometers) from Reykjavik.

It's conveniently located near the Golden Circle, making it a great addition to your trip along the famous route.

The Laugarvatn area sits over a hot zone. People in the namesake village have been using hot water from the ground for heating their houses, cooking, and bathing since 1929. 

One of the saunas at the Fontana Baths is the same one used in the past, although it's since been renovated. The sauna was built over a steaming hot spring, and if it gets too hot inside, guests simply need to open the door to cool it down.

Adventurous guests can also wander down to Laugarvatn lake itself to cool off, even in the wintertime, as the lake is geothermal.

The sand between the baths and the lake is warm due to this activity, and in places, it's warm enough to cook traditional rye bread by burying the dough in the sand. 

You can taste bread that has been freshly baked in the ground at the cafe located at Fontana Spa's entrance.

9. Krauma Spa

Photo from Unique 9-Hour Minibus Tour of West Iceland & Krauma Spa with Transfer from Reykjavik

Krauma Spa opened in late 2017 and quickly became a popular destination in West Iceland. 

This modern location is next to Europe's most powerful hot spring, Deildartunguhver, where the hot water is sourced from. However, as Deildartunguhver is nearly boiling, the water at Krauma must be cooled down using pristine fresh glacial water.

You can relax in six beautiful black marble tubs, with a view towards the seething Deildartunguhver, or enjoy the soothing saunas on the premises. 

Five of these tubs are warm with varying temperatures, while one is cold, 41-46 F (5-8 C), excellent for boosting your blood circulation. There are showers, changing facilities, and a restaurant on-site if you're ready for a great meal after soaking in the warm water.

A visit to Krauma Spa is undoubtedly one of the best ways of unwinding in West Iceland.

10. Bjorbodin Beer Spa

Photo from Unforgettable 1-Hour Bjorbodin Beer Spa Tour in North Iceland

For a spa with a twist, why not try bathing in beer at the Bjorbodin Beer Spa at the Kaldi brewery in Arskogssandur in North Iceland? 

Here you can enjoy the views of Eyjafjordur fjord and the island of Hrisey island with a cold one in your hand, soaking in hoppy, warm beer! The warm beer is said to do wonders for your skin, and after a good soak, you tuck in at a relaxation area.

This spa is the odd one out on the list as it's not a sprawling facility located in a natural environment under the sky. But what it lacks in scale, it makes up for in uniqueness. 

The beer is at its early fermentation stage when you bathe in it, so it has a very low pH level, which is said to tighten and soften your hair follicles and cleanse your skin. Afterward, you will feel very soothed and relaxed, and it's recommended not to shower 3-5 hours after the bath to allow the body to revitalize.

You can book your entry to the Beer Spa and plan for a unique soak you'll not soon forget!

4. Laugavallalaug

Here you'll find not just a natural hot spring to bathe in but a natural hot waterfall as well! Laugavallalaug is situated high in the eastern highlands, so this natural pool is more challenging to reach than others.

You'll need a sturdy car to get near it as you need to drive up a 4.2-mile (7-kilometer) F-road that's only passable for four-wheel-drive vehicles. Then there's a short 600-foot (200-meter) walk to reach the pool.

Alternatively, you can drive a two-wheel-drive car to Karahnjukar dam, then hike alongside Hafrahvammar canyon to the warm waterfall. The hike takes around seven hours (with time for bathing included). 

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 is easier to reach. It's 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 Egilsstadir.

5. Viti in Askja

Photo from Fantastic 12-Hour Super Jeep Tour to Askja Caldera & Holuhraun Lava Field with Transfer from Myvatn

Also, in the eastern part of Iceland and relatively close to Laugavallalaug, visit the Viti crater in Askja, which is not to be confused with Viti in Krafla. The name 'Viti' literally translates to hell. It acquired that name because it was formed after a hellish volcanic eruption in 1875, which devasted the region.

The water temperature in Viti is around 85 F (30 C) but can be scalding hot in the east part of the crater, so visitors need to be careful where they submerge themselves in the water.

Photo from Fantastic 12-Hour Super Jeep Tour to Askja Caldera & Holuhraun Lava Field with Transfer from Myvatn

The bottom of the crater is muddy, and there's also a high amount of sulfur in the water, creating steam that can cause people to faint.

But the place has been described as one of the most magnificent spots in Iceland. Whoever stands on the edge of this crater will never forget the experience!

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

If you are unfamiliar with hot springs, it may be hard to tell the difference between those that are safe to enter and those that are not if there are no warning signs.

There are plenty of hot springs, pools, hot tubs, and geysers in Iceland, both natural and human-made, that you should not attempt to bathe in. 

Most of the time, this is 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 with large boiling bubbles is too hot to enter.

These hot springs are fenced off in the most famous geothermal areas and will have a warning sign telling you to be careful. However, that may not be the case with all hot springs in Iceland. 

1. Geysir

Although it has remained dormant for a few years, Geysir still contains boiling water far too extreme to enter.

Geysir's geothermal area has smaller geysers, including the famous Strokkur, which erupts every few minutes. 

Several steaming pools and springs look incredibly alluring on a cold winter's day.

As Geysir is one of the most frequently visited areas in Iceland, being part of the popular Golden Circle, these hot springs are all fenced off. When visiting there, you'll find warning signs detailing that they're up to 212 F (100 C) hot.

However, in the year 2000, Geysir erupted unexpectedly. A large gathering of people that had been standing nearby had to run for their lives, and the water burned several peoples' feet and legs. 

The land surrounding the geysers can also be extremely hot, so people are asked to keep to the designated path so their feet do not sink into the burning mud.

It's always wise to be careful in any geothermal area you may visit in Iceland.

What is your favorite hot spring? Do you have any favorite bathing spots in Iceland that were left out? What geothermal spa are you most looking forward to soaking in? Let us know in the comments below!