Although Iceland is known for it’s cooler climate, the pool culture in the country is strong. With access to geothermal waters from the earth’s depths, it’s no wonder you’ll find hot springs in Iceland just about everywhere you go. From Iceland thermal springs created with tourists in mind to more remote hot pots dotting the countryside, here are some of the best Iceland hot springs you should add to your bucket list.
Why Are There So Many and What Are the Benefits?
Iceland is located along the mid-Atlantic Ridge between the North American and European tectonic plates. This location means significant volcanic activity closer to the earth’s surface, heating waters underground. These Iceland thermal springs become the hot springs visitors and locals alike enjoy.
Bathing in geothermal waters offers many benefits. Many people choose one or several hot springs in Iceland for relaxation and rejuvenation. However, some of these hot springs can help with various skin conditions, including eczema and psoriasis. Geothermal water also relieves musculoskeletal pain and improves circulation.
The Best Hot Springs in Iceland
Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is perhaps the most well-known of the Iceland hot springs. Located in the Reykjanes Peninsula, it’s an easy stop before or after a flight. With its milky-blue, mineral-rich waters, it offers numerous health benefits, particularly for skin conditions. Blue Lagoon was founded in 1992 and has grown to feature restaurants, hotels, and a line of skin care products.
The Blue Lagoon offers numerous options for visitors, from a day visit that includes access to the pool, a face mask, and a drink to the retreat spa that offers a five-hour spa experience beyond the main pool. Add-ons are also available, such as in-water massages and float therapy.
Sky Lagoon
Sky Lagoon is one of the newest additions to the Iceland hot springs you can enjoy. This man-made pool features an infinity edge overlooking the ocean, allowing for fantastic views of the sunset and northern lights. The spa also features a seven-step ritual where visitors can get a complete spa experience not far from the Reykjavík city centre.
The seven-step ritual is one of the biggest draws to this hot spring spa experience. Visitors start with a cold plunge, followed by time in the sauna, featuring Iceland’s largest plate glass window. Visitors follow with a cold mist room, mineral scrub, steam room, shower, and back into the lagoon.
Hvammsvík
Another newcomer to the world of Iceland hot springs is Hvammsvík, located about 45 minutes north of Reykjavik along Hvalfjörður. This hot spring experience features several natural hot pools of varying temperatures leading down to the ocean. Guests can relax in any of the hot pots or take a plunge in the ocean.
The hot pools at Hvammsvík are surrounded by rocks, blending in with the surroundings and giving visitors a natural experience. The experience changes with the tides as ocean water flows in and out of the hot springs. This hot spring is available for visitors aged 10 years and older.
Reykjadalur
If you’re looking for a more natural experience, hiking Reykjadalur will bring you to an Iceland natural hot spring. This geothermal river is the perfect place to relax, allowing you to choose the area with the perfect temperature. The further upriver you go, the warmer the waters become.
It’s important to note that this hot spring requires a 3 km hike in each direction with plenty of fantastic views to enjoy. There are no changing facilities in the area, so visitors should come prepared.
Hveravellir
If you’re ready to venture into the highlands, Hveravellir is a top Iceland hot spring to consider. The area is a nature reserve with plenty of breathtaking views to enjoy as you soak in the geothermal waters. You’ll be surrounded by bubbling natural hot springs and fumaroles that will take your breath away.
Visitors to Hveravellir should consider spending the night in the area to truly enjoy the experience. Accommodations are available at the hot springs, or visitors can travel further down the road to Kerlingarfjöll with various accommodations available, including a campground. There’s a hot spring at Kerlingarfjöll as well, so you can enjoy both.
Landmannalaugar
If you’ll be visiting Landmannalaugur, perhaps best known for the colorful mountains in the Fjallabak Natura Reserve, a visit to the Iceland hot springs in the area is a must. Visitors can enjoy hiking numerous trails and then relax in the hot springs to rejuvenate tired muscles and soak in the views.
The pools at Landmannalaugur are available at no charge, but a small fee is required to use the changing rooms. Keep in mind reservations are required for parking at Landmannalaugur for a small fee if you will be arriving between 8 am and 3 pm. Tours to the area are also available if you don’t have a 4×4 to drive yourself.
Vök Baths
Visitors to the northeast corner of the country can enjoy a unique experience at Vök Baths with Iceland’s only floating infinity pools. The warm geothermal Iceland hot spring pools jut out into Urriðavatn lake, giving guests a one-of-a-kind experience with a mix of hot pools and the cold lake.
In addition to the floating infinity pools, visitors to Vök Baths can enjoy two on-short hot pools, an in-water pool bar, a tea bar, a sauna, a cold water spray tunnel, and an on-site restaurant to make a full day of the experience.
Hrunalaug
For a smaller, more natural experience, guests can find one of the best Iceland hot springs for a quieter experience. This hot spring is located near Flúðir and is close to the Golden Circle for those looking to expand their adventure. There is a sheep shed for changing privacy but no official changing rooms.
One of the most important things to remember about visiting Hrunalaug is that it is on privately owned property. Guests should be respectful and leave the hot spring as they found it. A small fee is requested for use of the hot spring, making it one of the more affordable options for visitors.
Gamla Laugin
Gamla Laugin, also known as Secret Lagoon, is one of the oldest of Iceland’s hot spring pools. This pool is located near the Golden Circle and offers a fantastic opportunity to relax after a long day of traveling. One of the standout features of this hot spring is the geyser that regularly erupts next to the hot spring, giving guests a spectacle to remember.
Gamla Laugin should be reserved ahead of time to ensure a spot. Visitors of all ages are welcome, and pool noodles are available for use. It’s a great family spot for visitors who want to expand on the traditional Golden Circle journey.
Mývatn Nature Baths
You don’t have to visit the Blue Lagoon to enjoy the milky blue silica waters. Mývatn Nature Baths is an excellent alternative in the north, offering a similar experience at a lower price. You’ll also find the pool less crowded while enjoying great features like steam baths, a swim-up bar, and a separate hot tub.
Mývatn Nature Baths boasts fantastic views of the surrounding volcanic landscape. The spa features similar water to the Blue Lagoon, giving visitors all the same benefits in a different area of the country. It’s a great stop for visitors in the north, whether they opt to also visit Blue Lagoon or skip the experience.
Laugarvatn Fontana
Laugarvatn Fontana is an Iceland hot spring that isn’t as crowded as other options. This geothermal area is on the beach of Laugarvatn near the Golden Circle, making it an excellent stop during the circuit. In addition to relaxing in the geothermal water, visitors can cook rye bread in the ground as part of their tour.
This geothermal spa was the place where chieftains were baptized after the conversion to Christianity because they didn’t want to use the cold water in Þingvallavatn. Instead, they preferred the warmer geothermal waters.
Drangsnes Hot Pots
While visiting Hólmavík in the Westfjords, visitors can enjoy a unique experience with Iceland hot springs in the form of several small heated hot pots overlooking the water. The naturally heated tubs are available at no charge and are ideal for winding down after a long day of traveling while taking in the sunset or the northern lights.
The fishing village is known for its geothermal activity, making it a natural location for these hot pots nestled among the rocks. Changing facilities and bathrooms are located just across the street for easy access.
Húsafell Canyon Baths
Húsafell Canyon Baths is one of the more remote Iceland hot springs on the list. It requires a short hike into the highlands and features two geothermal pools with varying temperatures and a cold pool. You can expect beautiful surroundings with fantastic views of the surrounding mountains, the canyon, and nearby glaciers.
Visitors to Húsafell Canyon Baths will enjoy a more authentic hot spring experience. The hot pools are spring-fed, and all construction is made from natural materials found in the surrounding area. If you’re looking for a more secluded yet developed hot spring experience, this is the place for you. Keep in mind that this hot spring requires a tour.
Krauma Spa
Krauma Spa is about an hour and a half from Reykjavik and uses the area’s natural geothermal waters from Europe’s most powerful hot spring, Deildartunguhver. The water contains numerous minerals, including magnesium, sulfur, aluminum, iron, and calcium. This spa features five hot baths and a cold plunge for varying preferences and benefits.
Krauma Spa features a unique pool design using wood and volcanic stone. Visitors can enjoy soaking in the tubs or spending time in the steam room. An on-site restaurant and relaxation spa and saunas allow visitors to customize their experience.
Heydalur Hot Springs
Heydalur Hot Springs is found in Mjóifjörður in the Westfjords near the Heydalur Hotel. The area features three hot spring pools, two outdoors and one inside a greenhouse. This hot spring is thought to have been blessed by Pope Guðmundur góði, or Guðmundur the Good, in the 12th century.
One outdoor pool is constructed of stones with water pumped from the ground. The smaller outdoor pool is completely natural but much smaller at around two by four meters. The smaller hot spring is the original one thought to have been blessed. You can change in the nearby shed.
Understanding Hot Spring Etiquette
Before visiting any Iceland hot spring or even a local swimming pool, it’s vital to be aware of the etiquette rules and be willing to follow them. Visitors are required to shower naked prior to entering any hot spring to protect the integrity of the water. They use little to no chemicals and wish to keep it that way.
Visitors to the hot springs should remain soft-spoken and respectful to ensure every guest can enjoy the experience. Splashing and other disruptive behavior should be avoided. Don’t litter and use the facilities that are available.
If you’re ready to embark on your Iceland hot spring journey, discover why renting the best campervan is the ideal way to see the country and check off your bucket list of hot springs.