With your Hvammsvik admission ticket, you get to enjoy a series of naturally warm geothermal pools set right along the shoreline. The pools blend seamlessly into the surrounding landscape, earning Hvammsvik a well-deserved spot among the best hot springs and geothermal spas in Iceland.
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You can join a Hvammsvik hot spring tour with bus transfer for a guided experience, or rent a car in Iceland to reach Hvammsvik and explore the surrounding area at your own pace. Nearby Iceland hotels and accommodations make it easy to enjoy a relaxing overnight escape just outside Reykjavik.
This travel guide covers everything you need to know before visiting Hvammsvik Hot Springs, including what to expect, how to get there, and practical tips for planning your visit.
Visitor Information for Hvammsvik Hot Springs
Hvammsvik Hot Springs is designed to be a relaxing and accessible experience for visitors of all ages. Knowing the practical details ahead of time will help you plan your trip and make the most of your visit.
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Location: Hvalfjordur, about 45 minutes from Reykjavik
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Type: Naturally heated geothermal pools along the fjord shoreline
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Opening Hours: Open daily from 10:30 AM to 8:30 PM, with seasonal variations.
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Age Limit: Guests must be at least 10 years old, and children under 18 years must be accompanied by an adult.
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Admission: Access is included with a Hvammsvik spa admission ticket. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during weekends and holidays.
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Towels & Swimwear: Towels and swimming shoes are available to rent for a small fee.
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Food & Drink: Stormur Bistro offers meals, snacks, and drinks. Outside food and drinks are not permitted.
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Accessibility: The pools and main facilities are wheelchair accessible. Some hiking trails may be more challenging for visitors with limited mobility.
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Parking: Free parking is available near the hot springs for guests arriving by car.
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Best Time to Visit: Year-round, with calm mornings and late afternoons often less crowded
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Ideal For: Relaxing day trips from Reykjavik, nature lovers, and geothermal bathing enthusiasts
How To Get to Hvammsvik Hot Springs
Driving is the easiest and most flexible way to reach Hvammsvik Hot Springs.
From Reykjavik, the journey takes about 45 minutes. Drive north along the Ring Road, or Route 1, until you reach the Hvalfjardagong Tunnel. Instead of driving through it, turn right onto Route 47 and follow it until you see Hvammsvik Hot Springs on the left.
If you are staying in Borgarnes, the largest town in West Iceland, do the exact opposite. Travel south along Route 1, turn left onto Route 47, and the Hvammsik Hot Springs will be on your right.
Parking is available near the pools, and driving allows you to explore the surrounding Hvalfjordur area at your own pace. This option is ideal for travelers seeking a self-guided adventure or looking to combine their visit with other nearby sights.
For a hassle-free experience, you can join a half-day Hvammsvik tour from Reykjavik. If you already have an admission ticket, this Hvammsvik transfer from Reykjavik provides convenient transportation straight to the place, making it easy to enjoy the hot springs without worrying about directions or parking.
Hot Spring Experience at Hvammsvik
The main attraction at Hvammsvik Hot Springs is, of course, the eight naturally heated geothermal pools, each offering a slightly different atmosphere and view. Water temperatures range from 95 to 104 F (35 to 40 C), with cooler pools perfect for long, relaxing soaks and hotter pools ideal for a deeper, more therapeutic experience.
The pools vary in size and are spread along the shoreline, where the warm geothermal water meets the cool Atlantic Ocean. Some pools sit just steps from the water’s edge, making it feel as though you’re bathing directly in nature.
In addition to the pools, there is a steam bath and geothermal sauna where you can fully unwind between soaks. Standard admission includes access to all pools and sauna facilities, and towels, swimwear, and swimming slippers are available to rent on-site for a small additional fee.
More Activities at Hvammsvik Hot Springs
There’s more to Hvammsvik than just soaking in the hot pools. You can swim in the ocean, try paddle-boarding, go hiking, or take part in unique Icelandic experiences, all set against the beautiful fjord and mountain scenery.
Scheduled Activities
There’s a range of activities at Hvammsvik Hot Springs to make your visit even more memorable. Many of these experiences are included free with your admission ticket.
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Ocean swimming: During the summer months, you are welcome to take a dip in the cold ocean waters right next to the pools. It’s a refreshing contrast to the hot springs and a fun way to experience Iceland’s raw coastal nature.
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Paddle-boarding: Paddle-boarding sessions are scheduled regularly throughout the season. This activity allows guests to enjoy the calm fjord waters while getting a light workout, perfect for both beginners and experienced paddlers.
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Fishing: Guests staying at the Hvammsvik accommodation can fish for rainbow trout in the small on-site lake. It’s a relaxing, quiet activity and a great way to connect with Icelandic nature.
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Wim Hof workshops: For those looking to relax and recharge, the retreat offers Wim Hof breathing workshops. These sessions often include cold-water therapy and are excellent for practicing mindfulness, improving focus, and finding inner peace.
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Atlas challenge: Test your limits with the iconic Icelandic lifting challenge, where you lift heavy stones onto your shoulders to measure endurance and power.
Hiking and Walking
Hvammsvik is surrounded by a variety of hiking and walking trails suitable for all levels. For a short nature stroll, the paths along the fjord offer calm walks with views of the shoreline, mountains, and occasional wildlife.
More experienced hikers can tackle longer routes that wind through Hvalfjordur’s dramatic landscapes, including forests, rivers, and hidden waterfalls. Many trails feature photo-worthy viewpoints, making hiking here both a scenic and invigorating experience.
Northern Lights Viewing
If you are considering winter trips and want to see the northern lights in Iceland, Hvammsvik Hot Springs offer a fantastic option. With the pools open until 8:30 PM and very little light pollution in the area, you can enjoy vivid views of the aurora borealis from the comfort of the geothermal waters.
The northern lights can be seen between September and April, although your chances are higher in Iceland in winter when the nights are longer. Of course, a clear sky and a strong aurora forecast are essential for good viewing. You can check the conditions on Iceland’s weather website before booking.
If you are not fortunate enough to see the northern lights at Hvammsvik, there are plenty of northern lights tours in Iceland available for another chance.
If you are traveling to Iceland in summer, you won’t see the aurora borealis. Instead, you can enjoy Hvammsvik Spa in full daylight thanks to the midnight sun.
Golfing Nearby
Golf enthusiasts can visit the Brautarholt Golf Course, located about 17.8 miles (28.6 kilometers) west of Hvammsvik. This 9-hole course is set against Iceland’s rugged landscapes, offering a mix of challenging holes, ocean and mountain views, and peaceful surroundings. It’s perfect for those looking to combine their hot spring retreat with a round of golf in Iceland in a unique setting.
Dining at Hvammsik
Photo from Hvammsvik Hot Springs.
Opening hours: Daily from 11:00 AM to 7:30 PM
Stormur Bistro is the main dining spot at Hvammsvik Hot Springs, located in the main building just as you enter the springs. After a soak, it’s the perfect place to relax with a meal and enjoy views over the lagoon and out toward the fjord.
The bistro serves light Nordic‑inspired dishes made from locally sourced ingredients, with the seafood soup being its most popular and recommended dish. You can also enjoy drinks at the Bistro and the swim-up bar, including local beers, wines, wellness shots, and non‑alcoholic options to round out your dining experience.
Accommodation in Hvammsik
Whether you want to stay right at the springs or nearby, there are excellent options to suit every type of traveler. These accommodations make it easy to enjoy the hot springs and explore the surrounding West Iceland landscapes.
Hvammsvik Nature Resort
If you want to turn your day trip into a true nature getaway, staying at Hvammsvik Nature Resort is one of the best choices near Reykjavik. Here are the accommodation options at Hvammsvik:
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Hilltop House: A stunning property with panoramic 360° views over the fjord and surrounding mountain ridges.
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Lake House: Bright and airy with expansive views over the private lake and Hvalfjordur Fjord.
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Club House: A beautifully renovated farmhouse that sleeps up to seven guests.
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Farm House: The oldest building on the estate, thoughtfully updated with modern amenities and spectacular ocean views.
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Artist Lodges: These one‑bedroom lodges blend modern and rustic design and are dedicated to Icelandic artists, giving each a unique character.
All accommodation options are within walking distance of Hvammsvik Hot Springs.
One of the standout perks of booking accommodation here is exclusive access to a private hot spring on the beach. Guests staying at these accommodations also have access to The Barn, a central social space with a recreation room, gym, and lounge area
Places To Stay Near Hvammsvik Hot Springs
Whether you’re planning a day trip or a longer stay, there are excellent hotels in West Iceland within easy drive of Hvammsvik Spa. These options make great bases not just for soaking in the hot springs, but also for exploring the Golden Circle attractions and the top things to do in Snaefellsnes Peninsula.
Here are some popular places to stay near Hvammsvik Hot Springs:
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Hotel Hamar (about 42 miles / 67 km from Hvammsvik) – A well-reviewed hotel in Borgarnes offering cozy rooms with modern amenities, a restaurant on site, and outdoor hot tubs. It’s a good choice if you want comfort with easy access to The Settlement Centre and Borgarfjordur Museum.
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Kria Cottages (about 42 miles / 67 km from Hvammsvik) – Charming cottage accommodation south of Borgarnes near the Andakilsa River. These spacious, well-equipped cottages are ideal for families or small groups who prefer a self-catered stay in nature.
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Hotel Laugarvatn (about 45 miles / 72 km from Hvammsvik) – Conveniently located near the shores of Lake Laugarvatn, this hotel makes a nice overnight stop if you’re combining a visit to Hvammsvik with the Golden Circle or other geothermal spas in Iceland.
Alternatively, Reykjavik accommodations are also a practical option, especially if you prefer staying in the capital and visiting Hvammsvik Hot Springs as an easy day trip. Check out the top 10 hotels in Reykjavik, which give you the convenience of dining, shopping, and sightseeing.
Attractions Near Hvammsvik Hot Springs
A visit to Hvammsvik Hot Springs can easily be included on a day trip to several nearby attractions, especially for self-drive adventures in Iceland. The area offers a mix of natural wonders and cultural sites, all within a short drive:
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Glymur Waterfall (about 10.9 miles / 17.6 km) – Iceland’s second-tallest waterfall, accessible via a moderate hiking trail that rewards you with breathtaking canyon and river views.
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Thingvellir National Park (about 25.2 miles / 40.5 km) – Part of the Golden Circle, this UNESCO World Heritage site is where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet.
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Geysir Geothermal Area (about 50 miles / 80 km from Hvammsvik) – Famous for its erupting hot springs, including the active Strokkur geyser that shoots boiling water up high.
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Gullfoss Waterfall (about 52 miles / 83 km) – A powerful two-tiered waterfall along the Golden Circle, perfect for photography and soaking in Iceland’s raw natural beauty.
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The Settlement Centre (about 32 miles / 51 km) – A museum dedicated to Iceland’s Viking history, featuring interactive exhibits and historical displays about the settlement of the region.
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Deildartunguhver Hot Spring (about 44 miles / 71 km) – Europe’s most powerful hot spring, known for its steaming waters and local geothermal energy.
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Reykholt Historic Site (about 45 miles / 72 km) – Home to the famous Icelandic scholar Snorri Sturluson, featuring historic buildings and a nearby natural hot spring pool.
Here are some recommended tours that include Hvammsvik Hot Springs, perfect for combining geothermal relaxation with Iceland’s iconic sights:
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Golden Circle and Hvammsvik Hot Springs Tour from Reykjavik – Explore the classic Golden Circle sights, including Thingvellir National Park, Geysir, and Gullfoss, before unwinding at Hvammsvik Hot Springs.
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Reykjanes Peninsula Volcano & Hvammsvik Hot Springs Tour from Reykjavik – Combine a visit to the volcanic landscapes of the Reykjanes Peninsula with a relaxing soak in Hvammsvik’s geothermal pools.
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Private West Iceland Tour with Fjords, Waterfalls, and Hot Spring Bathing from Reykjavik – A customizable private tour highlighting West Iceland’s fjords, waterfalls, and natural hot springs, with Hvammsvik included as a scenic and relaxing stop.
Plan Your Hvammsvik Hot Springs Experience
At Hvammsvik Hot Springs in Iceland, adventure and relaxation are rolled into one. You can kick back in the hot pools, explore stunning hiking trails, or dive into unique Icelandic activities like the Atlas Challenge.
Enjoy one of the most serene and scenic hot springs in Iceland with a Hvammsvik admission ticket. But if you’re looking to see more, there are plenty of hot spring tours in Iceland that include other popular spots like the Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon.
