The Top 10 Geothermal Spas in Iceland

Bathing in this geothermal water is a unique and rejuvenating experience, and there are many ways you can do it. While heading out into nature to find natural springs is great fun, it is the geothermal spas that boast the highest forms of luxury.

These places take the heat from the earth and use it to create facilities where you can feel like royalty and have your physical, mental, and spiritual health nourished. Saunas, man-made waterfalls, steam rooms, and hot tubs define many such spas across Iceland, and all are found in the most beautiful parts of the country. The surrounding landscapes are best appreciated when revitalizing yourself in the warm waters, and in winter, they also provide the most sublime locations to marvel over the northern lights.

What makes them particularly special in Iceland is how much the country’s nature is utilized in the facilities. The warm water that bubbles up through springs is filtered through volcanic lava rocks and is cooled with fresh groundwater. As a result, it is pregnant with healing minerals such as silica. No extra chemicals are needed to keep the pools clean, as the natural flow of the hot springs that feed them means the water is constantly being replaced.

Visiting a geothermal spa on your trip to Iceland is thus a great way to experience the island's magnificent nature in a state of complete and utter relaxation. This article, therefore, will provide a guide to the best of these deluxe locations in no particular order.

If you are seeking information on the other bathing opportunities in Iceland, check out these features on the country’s best swimming pools.

The Blue Lagoon

The pools of the Blue Lagoon are surrounded by magnificent lava landscapes, with endless fields of jagged black rock covered in a creeping grey moss, with barren volcanoes in the distance. When seeing this from behind a veil of steam, in contrast with the vivid color of the water, the site gains a fantastical sense of mysticism.

The pools in winter are also an excellent place to search for the northern lights in comfort, and in summer, they provide a serene location to admire the effects of the midnight sun.

Another major part of the Blue Lagoon’s appeal comes from its location on the Reykjanes peninsula, the stretch of land that connects Keflavik International Airport and Reykjavik. Because of this convenient position, many bus transfers ferrying guests between the two locations stop at the lagoon, as it is a fantastic place to unwind and rejuvenate after or in preparation for a long flight.

If you wish to visit the spa whilst on your holiday, then you can either rent a car in Iceland and drive yourself or book this Blue Lagoon shuttle from the capital. Trips to the Blue Lagoon are also included alongside many other tours, such as this Golden Circle and Blue Lagoon tour or this private jeep tour exploring caves on Reykjanes peninsula.

Photo by Balazs Busznyak

There are two restaurants on the main Blue Lagoon site. LAVA is built into the surrounding lava field, and has views over the pool, serving lunch and dinner using the freshest Icelandic ingredients. Moss restaurant, meanwhile, is open in the evenings only, and was recommended by the Michelin Guide in 2022. It is slightly more upmarket, includes an extensive vegan menu, and has the option to sit at the chef’s table for an added cost. If you want to make the most of your time in this famous geothermal spa, you can also book a hotel near the Blue Lagoon so you don't have to travel far.

There is also a shop with a range of Blue Lagoon treatment products that utilize Icelandic natural ingredients, allowing you to take some of the magic of the spa back home with you.

The Blue Lagoon even has two hotels on-site for those who want to make the very most of the spa. The Silica Hotel is well established, with beautiful rooms and views, and has its own private lagoon. The newer Retreat Hotel, meanwhile, is a luxurious five-star hotel, with its very own geothermal spa.

• See also: Complete Guide to the Blue Lagoon

The Retreat Spa

Photo from Relaxing 3 Day Reykjavik Iceland Stopover Holiday with the Blue Lagoon

A spa within a spa, the Retreat Spa is perhaps Iceland’s most exclusive location altogether. The Retreat Lagoon is far less busy than the Blue Lagoon itself, sheltered by spectacular walls of lava rock and visited by some of the world’s most famous celebrities, including Kim Kardashian and Beyoncé.

It also boasts some magnificent subterranean features, such as an underground steam cave, the Lava Spring, where one can find serenity with water cascading from the ceiling, and a meditation room with a burning fire at its centre. Above ground is a rest area where you can recline in suspended hammocks in a room with floor-to-ceiling windows. You can even book your very own spa and pool area in a space called the Lava Cove, with an on-call masseuse, chef, and yoga instructor.

Like at the Blue Lagoon, there are a wealth of treatments and massages on offer within a set of sanctuary spaces called the Ritual. It also has its own restaurant with a breakfast and all-day menu, renowned for its delicacies.

The Sky Lagoon

Compared to the longstanding Blue Lagoon (opened in 1987), Sky Lagoon is a recent addition to Iceland's attractions, quickly gaining popularity among both visitors and locals.

Established in 2021, this geothermal spa is located on the tip of the peninsula in Kopavogur, a town within the greater Reykjavik area. Its convenient location makes it easily accessible for those staying in Reykjavik, as it is just a 15-minute drive from the city center.

Sky Lagoon's most notable feature is its stunning infinity pool, which offers breathtaking views of Skerjafjordur bay and mountains in the distance. This allows patrons to enjoy the beautiful sights of the midnight sun during summer and the northern lights throughout winter, with an uninterrupted view of the sky (hence the name of the lagoon).

The bathing area is closed off by towering basalt cliffs adorned with moss-covered lava rocks, the lagoon provides an authentic and enchanting bathing experience, allowing guests to immerse themselves in a serene natural environment far from the bustling city life.

Pure Pass and Sky Pass guests traveling to the Sky Lagoon are welcome to partake in the spa’s unique seven-part ritual for revitalization, which utilizes all of the facilities available. The steps are as follows:

1. Bathe in the geothermal waters of the Sky Lagoon’s outdoor pools.

2. Take a dip in the cold-water glacial pool.

3. Spend time in the Finnish-style sauna overlooking the sea.

4. Step into a cold fog mist room.

5. Rub down a body wash using the Sky Lagoon’s own scrub.

6. Get warm in the steam room.

7. Shower off, and return to the lagoon.

Additionally, an in-pool bar is available, serving both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages for visitors.

After a few hours of basking in the soothing geothermal waters, you may be feeling hungry. The Sky Café, located on-site, offers light fare in a casual setting, while Smakk Bar presents a selection of distinctive Icelandic culinary and beverage experiences through its taste plates.

Hvammsvik Hot Springs

Just a short distance from Reykjavik, in the neighboring bay of Hvalfjordur, lies Hvammsvik Hot Springs, Iceland's latest hot spring bathing retreat. Opened in 2022, the concept behind the spa is to combine the flow of the tidal currents with the warm geothermal water that Iceland is famous for.

The facility features eight natural hot spring pools of different sizes and temperatures while being located at varying distances from the shoreline. That means that during high tide, the sea flows over the geothermal pools closest to the coast, blending the cold salty water of the ocean, with the natural hot spring water.

Despite its serene seclusion, it is just a brief drive from Reykjavik, making it easily accessible for those staying in the capital. The facility, a repurposed barracks from the allied occupation of Iceland during World War II, provide showers and changing areas. For those seeking a truly immersive 'bathing in nature' experience, outdoor changing rooms are also available, allowing guests to shower underneath the open sky.

If you want a little more action than just relaxing in the geothermal waters, Hvammsvik offers a variety of activities to partake in. Guests can use paddle boards for stand-up paddling in the fjord, join regular yoga sessions, or take a refreshing dip in the ocean plunge pool. In winter, the minimal light pollution and open skies make Hvammsvik an ideal location to witness the northern lights while soaking in the warm waters.

Within the facility, the Stormur Bistro and Bar provides food and beverages for guests to enjoy. Additionally, a swim-up bar in the pool allows you to enjoy drinks while admiring the stunning view of the fjord. To ensure access to the property, pre-booking is necessary, so reserve your spot at Hvammsvik in advance!

The Secret Lagoon

Photo from Admission to the Relaxing Secret Lagoon Spa

The Secret Lagoon has become less of a secret as its popularity has risen, but it is still a wonderful place to visit. It is much more affordable than the Blue Lagoon, but it should be noted that it has none of the extra amenities such as saunas, steam baths or treatment therapies.

While not quite a geothermal spa like the others on this list (more of a swimming pool), it warrants a place due to its unmatched location, sitting right beside a bubbling geothermal area complete with its very own geyser, as well as its air of fantasy, with steam rising before abandoned buildings and colorful hot springs. The water is also rich in minerals, providing the healing properties that the other spas boast.

Photo from Admission to the Relaxing Secret Lagoon Spa

Its history is also of note as it is the oldest man-made pool in Iceland, constructed in 1891. It fell into disrepair for many decades but found new life as it was extensively renovated and was filled with geothermal water to bathe it, rather than the lukewarm chlorinized water used for swimming.

Booking admission to the Secret Lagoon in advance is recommended, particularly in summer when it is at its most popular. As with the Blue Lagoon, visits to it are often included on other tours, such as this Golden circle sightseeing tour with a visit to the Secret Lagoon.

The lagoon is located in the beautiful village of Fludir, which is located very close to the Golden Circle, Iceland’s most popular sightseeing trail. This route covers Thingvellir, a National Park between two tectonic plates with over a millennium of history, the famous Gullfoss waterfall, and the Geysir Geothermal Area, a place renowned for its erupting hot springs.

As it only takes half a day to cover these sites, visiting the Secret Lagoon is highly recommended as a way to relax after your adventure.

• See also: Iceland’s Golden Circle | Ultimate Guide and Top 9 Detours

The Fontana Spa

Photo from Guided 9-Hour Tour of the Golden Circle with Fontana Spa Bathing and Transfer from Reykjavik

Another geothermal spa that is perfect for enjoying as part of a Golden Circle trip is the Fontana Spa in the tiny hamlet of Laugarvatn. It is, in fact, directly on the road between Thingvellir and the Geysir Geothermal Area, making it a great stop if you are driving yourself.

The Fontana Spa sits right on the shore of the lake the village is named after, which is renowned for its geothermal activity. If you wade into the lake a little, you can often feel tongues of hot water rising from the bed (although the rest of it is rather cold). Its two pools, filled with minerals, are rather small, but a lovely temperature for bathing and a wealth of other facilities make the site worth visiting.

There is a luxurious Finnish sauna with a large window overlooking the lake and temperatures that exceed a sweltering 176 degrees Fahrenheit (80°C). There is also an incredibly humid steam room built directly over a natural hot spring, with only grids on the floor separating you, and a hot tub with panoramic views of the mountainous surroundings.

The Forest Lagoon

Opened in 2022, Forest Lagoon is a new and exciting destination to enjoy Iceland's geothermal waters. Located in North Iceland, not far from Akureyri, this hot spring lagoon is nestled within the Vadlaskogur forest, enveloped by trees and greenery.

Complementing the natural setting, wooden elements are seamlessly integrated throughout the spa. The architecture firm responsible for Forest Lagoon also designed the renowned Blue Lagoon, ensuring a similar level of meticulousness and attention to detail as found in Iceland's most famous geothermal spa.

The spa features two infinity pools overlooking Eyjafjordur fjord, offering stunning views of Akureyri and the surrounding landscape. Additionally, the spa provides two in-water bars, a sauna, a quiet room, a cold tub, and an on-site restaurant for guests to enjoy a meal after indulging in the warm geothermal waters.

Forest Lagoon boasts extended operating hours, opening at 10 AM and remaining accessible until midnight. As a result, visitors can spend a full day hiking or skiing in the surrounding area and still have ample time to unwind at the lagoon after an active day.

The Myvatn Nature Baths

Photo from Serene Geothermal Bathing at the Myvatn Nature Baths

The Myvatn Nature Baths is a beautiful geothermal spa in the north of Iceland, located just an hour east of Akureyri. The spacious pools boast similar azure waters to the Blue Lagoon, and are also rich in healing minerals. There are also two steam baths, set over natural hot pools like at the Fontana Spa, and an on-site restaurant, Café Kvika, where you can get a range of soups and sandwiches.

Located in a lava field by the spectacular Lake Myvatn, this geothermal spa is a wonderful spot to admire the magnificent surrounding landscapes and potentially see the northern lights in winter. It also makes a fantastic stop on a trip around the country's northern region, which has a range of diverse features.

You can find some great accommodations in Myvatn, so you can stay conveniently close to the Myvatn Nature Baths and other attractions. The area makes for a great base to see the amazing locations of the Diamond Circle sightseeing route.

This trail visits the second-most powerful waterfall in Europe, Dettifoss, a vast, horseshoe-shaped canyon called Asbyrgi, the historically significant Godafoss, the barren geothermal area of Namaskard Pass and one of the world’s best locations for whale-watching, Husavik.

• See also: The Ultimate Guide to the Diamond Circle

Additionally, it explores the lake area itself, which is renowned for its thriving flora and fauna. The Myvatn region is also famous for its beautiful and bizarre geological features, with towers of rocks jutting from the waters, dozens of craters lining the shores, and ‘the lava fortress,’ Dimmuborgir (not to be confused with the Norwegian black metal band of the same name).

The sites of the Diamond Circle and the Nature Baths can all be visited easily by those renting a car or by those taking tours from Myvatn or tours from Akureyri. After a day of sightseeing, there is no better way to unwind and reminisce over what you witnessed than in the warm waters of the nature baths.

Again it is recommended to book admission to the Myvatn Nature Baths in advance. If taking a self-drive tour or vacation package that reaches north Iceland, you can get a ticket while booking.

Krauma Spa

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

The Krauma Spa is a luxurious geothermal spa in west Iceland, fueled by the waters of the highest-flowing hot spring in Europe, Deildartunguhver. Though much smaller than the others, accommodating a maximum of 140 guests at a time, its wealth of facilities and chic design give it an air of peace and exclusivity.

Rather than any larger pools, the Krauma Spa has five hot tubs and one cold pool. These tubs look directly over bubbling geothermal areas in the beautiful landscapes that surround you. Furthermore, there are two steam baths and a relaxation room with a crackling fireplace.

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

Krauma Spa is close to many major attractions in west Iceland, easily fitting into a day tour in the region. Alongside booking admission to Krauma Spa, you can visit the beautiful waterfalls of Hraunfossar and Barnafoss, which are located nearby. You can also explore the medieval village of Reykholt or take a stroll to the seething hot springs that led to the creation of the spa. If you are not driving yourself, all of these sites are visited on this 9-hour minibus tour of West Iceland, which includes admission to Krauma Spa.

The Krauma Spa is also close enough to the magnificent Snaefellsnes Peninsula, which boasts an array of incredible landscapes and features to be visited alongside a trip there. This excellent two-day tour of Snaefellsnes peninsula will introduce you to the region nicknamed ‘Iceland in Miniature,' which has a lava-caving component and will grant you entry to the spa.

The GeoSea Baths

Husavik has already been noted as one of the world’s best places for whale watching, with the waters of Skjalfandi bay alive with humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, and an array of other creatures that occasionally include species such as blue whales and orcas. The town is increasingly becoming known, however, for its new geothermal spa, the GeoSea Baths.

The GeoSea Baths are unique on this list as they are composed of geothermally heated saltwater, rather than freshwater. Two nearby boreholes dig up this water before being pumped into the pools. Though somewhat more unusual to bathe in, it is as naturally-occurring and renowned for its healing minerals as in other spas.

Another part of the unique appeal of the Sea Baths is that they boast unbelievable, uninterrupted views over a mountainous fjord and sparkling ocean. Though there are no saunas or steam rooms to relax in, the Geosea Restaurant serves light refreshments and has a small outdoor terrace, open in good weather, and you can also enjoy a drink while you bathe.

Though this spa faces some competition from the nearby Myvatn Nature Baths and Forest Lagoon, each one offers a different experience in terms of ambiance and what is offered. Admission to the Geosea Sea Baths is also notably more affordable.

The Vok Baths

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

The Vok Baths is East Iceland’s answer to the many geothermal spas located around the country. This beautiful, remote region of incredible fjords and jagged mountains has little geothermal activity compared to much of the rest of Iceland, making a dip here essential for any seeking luxury on their travels.

What makes this spa unique is that it's located on the spectacular Lake Urridavatn, which never fully freezes due to the hot springs on its bed. From the soothing waters of the Vok Baths, you will have fantastic views of this feature and the surrounding nature. If traveling in winter, they also provide a great location to look out for the Northern Lights in utmost comfort.

Urriðavatn is conveniently close to the largest town of the region, Egilsstaðir, making it easily accessible for those staying in the area.

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

The Vok Baths boast two pools, a sauna, and a refreshing cold tunnel in the lake. The water is different from that in other spas on this list as it is not full of minerals such as silica and sulfur. As such, it has no smell and is, in fact, so clean that it is drinkable. This is because it has been filtered through the nearby springs, and there is a constant flow throughout the pools.

Admission to the Vok Baths comes with a serving of tisane tea, brewed with herbs found in the area and water from the spring. This can be found at the infusion bar; there is also a cafe on site where you can enjoy hot dishes, soups and sandwiches.

• See also: Top 10 Places to Visit in East Iceland

Special Mention: The Bjorbodin Beer Spa

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

Bjorbodin Beer Spa gets an honorable mention on this list, as though not a spa that utilizes Iceland’s healing geothermal waters to give you hours of luxury, it still is a spa of sorts. Instead of using minerals like silica to heal your skin, it uses the yeast in young beer, which is also said to have rejuvenating effects.

As you bathe in hot tubs filled with warm beer, you can have a cold one from the barrels provided after this (so long as, of course, you are at least twenty years of age). You are given time in a relaxation room to let the yeast take effect. The beer tubs only fit two at a time, although there is a larger hot tub outdoors for groups who would rather stay together. When this is finished, you are free to enjoy the outdoor drinking area, which boasts beautiful coastal views, and the beer-themed restaurant.

This spa is located in the small town of Arkogssandur in northern Iceland. We recommend booking admission to the Beer Spa to experience this unique hidden gem in Iceland.

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

Have you enjoyed the geothermal spas in Iceland? Which was your favorite?  If you haven't been, which one of these would you most like to visit? Let us know in the comments below.