Going clockwise around the country, beginning in the capital area and ending in the Reykjanes Peninsula, we will check out the best hot springs in Iceland.
Initially, we were just going to choose a few of the best natural hot springs you can bathe in Iceland. There are just so many, and despite some being similar, they are all different! Some are luxurious, like the Blue Lagoon, Sky Lagoon and Vök Baths. In contrast, others are very natural, with no changing rooms but exceptional views.
When there are no changing rooms, you either must change in your car or outside by the pool. Many of the natural pools are free of charge, but some ask you to leave a donation for volunteers to keep the area clean.
We also ask you never to leave anything behind, and if you see trash from others, pick it up and throw it away. We’re all in this together.
We will not mention swimming pools in this blog post, you can check out this post on swimming pools as well as info on Reykjavik swimming pools here.
The Best Hot Springs in Southwest Iceland and the Capital Area
The Best Hot Springs in West Iceland
The Best Hot Springs in the Westfjords
The Best Hot Springs in North Iceland
The Best Hot Springs in East Iceland
The Best Hot Springs in South Iceland
The Best Hot Springs in the Highlands
The Best Hot Springs in Reykjanes Peninsula
The Best Hot Springs in Southwest Iceland and the Capital Area
Kvika Hot Pool/Foot Bath
The footbath is in the Grótta peninsula, a great spot to watch the Northern Lights from within the city and the midnight sun. The small pool might fit one to two people, but it is thought to be a foot bath. The pool is designed by artist Ólöf Nordal and offers spectacular views of Mt Esja and Snæfellsjökull Glacier.
- Price: Free
- Opening hours: Always
- Changing rooms: No
- Size: 25-30 cm deep – 80-90 cm wide
- Temperature: around 102°F / 39°C
- GPS: 64.1624440697644, -22.008213057069735
Sky Lagoon
Sky Lagoon in Kópavogur opened in 2021 and is an oceanside geothermal lagoon. The lagoon is about 4.3 miles (7 km) south of downtown Reykjavik.
The lagoon is heated with geothermal energy, which keeps the water temperature at approximately 100°-104°F (38°-40°C). The lagoon has hot and cold pools, saunas and steam rooms. There is also a restaurant and bar on the premises.
- Price: from $47 – $101
- Opening hours: September 1 – May 31: Monday – Thursday: 12 PM – 10 PM, Friday: 12 PM – 11 PM, Saturday: 10 AM – 11 PM, Sunday: 11 AM – 10 PM. June 1 – June 16: Every day, 11 AM – 11 PM. June 17 – August 14: Every day, 8 AM – 11 PM. August 15 – August 31: Every day11 AM – 11 PM
- Changing rooms: Yes
- Temperature: 100°-104°F (38°-40°C)
The Best Hot Springs in West Iceland
Guðlaug Pool
Guðlaug is on Langisandur, Akranes. It opened in 2018 and is on three levels. The top-level is an observation platform. The second level has a geothermal pool and showers, and the first level has a shallow wading pool.
- Price: 18 years and older 500ISK, 15-17 200ISK, disabled people and senior citizens 200ISK
- Opening hours: May 1 – August 31: every day between 12:00-20:00, September 1 – April 30: Wednesday to Friday 16:00 – 20:00, weekends 10:00-18:00.
- Changing rooms: Yes
- GPS: N64° 19′ 4.174″ W22° 3′ 53.276″
Krosslaug
The Krosslaug in West Iceland is an ancient natural pool. Near the pool is a sign that says that West Iceland men were baptised there in the year 1000. It is small, and only about 2-3 people fit in it. The historical pool is protected.
- Price: Free
- Opening hours: Always
- Changing rooms: No
- Temperatures: 40-42°C
- GPS: 64.50531155654313, -21.20495772299303
Deildartunguhver – Krauma Spa
Deildartunguhver is Europe’s highest-flow hot spring; the water is at about 212°F (100°C) when it emerges, obviously far too hot for humans. Next to the hot spring is a newly opened spa called Krauma (simmer). The spa has six baths, five warm and one cold. There are no extra chemicals used to keep the pools clean as the water is constantly being replaced due to the rapid natural flow rate of the hot spring. There is also a steam bath, an infrared cell and relaxation rooms.
Krauma is located near Deildartunguhver, 320 Reykholt, on road 50, about 97 kilometers (60 miles) from Reykjavík. Krauma has a restaurant which seats 70 guests inside and 70 outside.
- Price: $35
- Opening hours: Every day 11:00 – 21:00 (December 24 11:00-16:00, closed on December 25, December 31 11:00 – 16:00, closed on January 1).
- Changing rooms: Yes
- GPS: 64.6644782 -21.41228
Landbrotalaug
Landbrotalaug hot spring only fits two or three people at a time. Drive Road no. 1 (Ring Road) from Reykjavík north to Borgarnes. Just north of the town, you take a left turn at the only roundabout in the city (towards Snæfellsnes) onto road no. 54. After about 25 miles (40 km), take a left turn onto road nr. 5644. By the road is a sign which says “Stóra Hraun”. Drive down that road for about 0.8 miles (1.3 km) until you see another small road on your left.
Turn onto that and drive for about 0.2 miles (300 m). From there, you need to walk to the thermal pools. There are two of them, one which fits approximately 1-2 people and the other fits more people.
- Price: Free
- Opening hours: Always
- Changing rooms: No
- Temperature: 97°-104°F (36°-40°C)
- GPS: N64 49.923 W22 19.130
Sturlungalaug (also called Guðmundarlaug)
From Reykjavik, drive the same way to Snæfellsnes as you would if you’re visiting Landbrotalaug. Instead of turning left off Route 54, you turn right onto Route 55. Look for a sign which says “Syðri-Rauðimelur”. After driving about 6 kilometres, you need to open a gate (if it is closed), and then enter through a second gate to the right. Drive towards the crate to reach the parking lot for the geothermal pool.
- Price: Free
- Opening hours: Always
- Changing rooms: No
- Temperature: Around 35°-40°C.
- Size: 3×7 metres, fits 8-10 people.
- GPS: N64°52’10.6 W22°17’01.6
Guðrúnarlaug
Guðrúnarlaug is a thermal bath laid with cut rocks in Dalabyggð, about 20 km away from Búðardalur. It is a modern reconstruction of a pool in Sælingsdalur, the oldest pool known in Iceland. That pool disappeared under a landslide in the 19th century, but it was believed to be a wholesome pool and used a lot. It was named in both the Laxdæla saga and Sturlunga. The name of the bath refers to Guðrún Ósvífursdóttir of Laxdæla.
The new Guðrúnarlaug is made like people believe the other one was made, but with the addition of a small hut that people can use as a changing room.
- Price: Free
- Opening hours: Always
- Changing room: Yes.
- GPS: 65°14’42.5″N 21°48’09.8″W
The Best Hot Springs in The Westfjords
Hellulaug
Hellulaug is only a short distance from the main road in Vatnsfjörður, just before you arrive at Flókalundur. It’s about 60cm deep and has excellent views. The pool is not visible from the road but has parking next to it. The water comes from a borehole above the pool. There is no fee to enter the pool, but there is a donation box that we recommend using. The pool is emptied regularly and cleaned which the donation funds.
- Price: Free
- Opening hours: Always
- Changing rooms: No
- Temperature: around 38°c
- GPS: N65° 34′ 37.761″ W23° 9′ 34.925″
Krosslaug (Cross Pool)
Krosslaug in the Westfjords should not be confused with Krosslaug in West Iceland. This one is close to the Birkimelur settlement in the southern part of the Westfjords. The pool is a concrete swimming pool built in 1948 by a local youth association and then used for swimming lessons for the people who lived in the area. Nearby, at the shore, is a natural hot spring pool. If you want a more natural experience, we recommend this one.
- Price: Free
- Opening hours: Always open
- Changing rooms: No
- Temperature: 100°F / 37°C
- GPS: 65.51961, -23.40533
Reykjafjarðarlaug
Like Krosslaug, there is one concrete swimming pool built in 1975 by volunteers and a natural hot spring slightly further away. The hot spring is in Reykjafjörður, which is a small fjord within Arnarfjörður. Coming from Bíldudalur, you drive north towards Þingeyri and Ísafjörður on Route 63. At the end of Reykjafjörður, you will find the pool. Please note that the road is only open during the summer months, and it is a dirt road. You will not need a 4WD car to drive it, but it might be more comfortable.
- Price: Free
- Opening hours: Always open – however, the road is closed during winter.
- Changing rooms: Yes, by the concrete pool
- Temperature: Around 40°C
- GPS: 65.62313331830642, -23.469119887259158
Pollurinn
You will find Pollurinn geothermal pool just outside Tálknafjörður. Pollurinn has three blue-painted concrete pools, two shallow and one deeper. The temperature can reach up to 46°C. If it gets too hot, it is possible to lower the temperature by adding cold water from a nearby hose. The area was newly renovated.
There are changing rooms by the pool, and please be mindful of the area.
- Price: Free
- Opening hours: Always open
- Changing rooms: Yes
- Temperature: Can reach 46°C. Use a hose with cold water to lower the temperature.
- GPS: 65.64914741186402, -23.894861101182123
Hörgshlíðarlaug
Like many other pools in the Westfjords, this one is also made of concrete. It is 2x6m in length and about 0.8m deep. Situated on private land in Mjóifjörður, Ísafjarðardjúp, you have to ask permission to use the pool. According to the owner, it is “pretty hot”, so be careful. The views from the pool are spectacular.
- Price: Free
- Opening hours: Always open
- Changing rooms: Yes
- Temperature: around 40°C
- GPS: 65.84528, -22.61212
Nauteyrarlaug
Nauteyrarlaug geothermal pool is also situated in Ísafjarðardjúp. The hot spring is located by the end of Route 635, near the farm Bær. It is fed by a nearby borehole drilled by a fishing company decades ago.
- Price: free
- Opening hours: Always open
- Changing rooms: Yes
- Temperature: Around 40-42°C
- GPS: 65.91711, -22.34193
Krossneslaug
The views from this concrete pool are spectacular, and you might even see whales, dolphins and seals. The pool is situated in the smallest town in Iceland, Árneshreppur. Only about 42 people live there, with a population density of 0.06km2.
- Price: Adults 450ISK, children 200ISK
- Opening hours: May-August. Better to check beforehand by checking their Facebook page or call +354-888-5077
- Changing rooms: Yes
- GPS: 66.05625, -21.50852
Drangsnes Hot Tubs
In the small fishing village of Drangsnes, you will find three hot tubs by the sea. The town is situated about 30km north of Hólmavík, and the hot tubs are easily found when you’re in the village.
- Price: Free
- Opening hours: Always open
- Changing rooms: Yes
- GPS: 65.6882, -21.44825
The Best Hot Springs in North Iceland
Grettislaug
Grettislaug is named after one of Iceland’s famed sagas, the Grettis saga (which we recommended here). The pool is a little bit off the beaten track but easily accessed, about half an hour’s drive north of Sauðárkrókur in Skagafjörður. It t has fabulous views of Drangey Island. The original Grettislaug was next to another pool used for washing called Reykjalaug. However, both pools got lost in a storm. Grettislaug was then rebuilt in 1992.
Price: 1000ISK
Opening hours: 14:00 – 20:00 (better to check by calling ahead +354-434-7738)
Changing rooms: Yes
Temperatures: Around 39°C
GPS: N65º52.934 W19º44.171
Fosslaug
This hot spring sits next to Reykjafoss waterfall and its river, just 7km away from Varmahlíð on Route 1 (the Ring Road). When you reach a sign which says Vindheimar, turn left. Park your car when you reach the fence; the hot spring is about a five-minute walk.
Price: Free
Opening hours: Always open
Changing rooms: Yes
Temperatures: Around 40°C
GPS: 65.49439884419301, -19.383585946320085
Skógarböð / Forest Lagoon
Skógarböð is the newest lagoon in Iceland, opening in April 2022. It is situated in Vaðlaskógur forest near Akureyri, which can be easily reached by car or plane. The lagoon has two big leisure pools with hot water from Vaðlaheiði mountain. Guests can enjoy fantastic views over Eyjafjörður over to Akureyri while soaking.
Price: From $45 (5800ISK)
Opening hours: TBA
Changing rooms: Yes
Temperatures: TBA
GPS: 65.7532487706069, -18.037924450620917
Mývatn Nature Baths
The Mývatn Nature Baths opened in 2004 about 4 kilometres away from Reykjahlíð by Mývatn Lake. The area has been used for bathing since the settlement era. The water used in the nature baths is drawn from 2500 metres. It comes from a nearby lagoon owned by the National Power Company’s borehole in Bjarnarflag. The water has a temperature of 130°c when it arrives at a vast basin of water near the lagoon, forming a man-made hot spring.
Apart from the lagoon, there are also steam baths and a hot tub.
Price: Adults 5900ISK, 13-15 years old 2900ISK, students, seniors and disabled people 3900ISK
Opening hours: June 1 – August 31: every day 10:00 – 23:00, September 1 – May 31: 12:00 – 22:00.
Changing rooms: Yes
Temperatures: Lagoon: 36°-40°C, hot tub: 42°C
GPS: 65.63095946025608, -16.847499343681427
The Geothermal Goldfish Pond / Kaldbakur Pond
This pond is situated about 2km south of Húsavík in North Iceland. The pond is not easily visible from the road. Why is it called the Goldfish Pond, you might wonder? Well, at some point, people set goldfish loose in the pond, and due to its temperature, it doesn’t freeze during winter, so they live a pretty good life there. If you want a pet, you can fish one from the pond. Just know, there are four ponds, and only one is warm.
Price: Free
Opening hours: Always open
Changing rooms: No
Temperatures: 20-30°C
GPS: 66.01543857122596, -17.356853478635138
GeoSea
In the mid-20th century, the people of Húsavík decided to drill for hot water, which they knew was in the area. However, what came up was hot seawater, which was too rich in minerals to be suitable for heating houses. Instead of letting it go to waste, an old cheese barrel was installed at Húsavíkurhöfði. The residents of Húsavík could enjoy the health benefits of bathing in the hot seawater. The new spa was opened a few years ago and has an infinity pool and a hot tub, a restaurant and a bar.
Price: Adults 4900ISK, children (6-16 years old) 2200ISK, senior citizens, disabled and students 3100ISK
Opening hours: September 1 – December 31 12:00 – 22:00, January 1 – March 31 Monday-Thursday 17:00-22:00, Friday-Sunday 12:00-22:00, April 1 – May 31 12:00-22:00, June 1 – August 31 11:00-23:00.
Changing rooms: Yes
Temperature: 38°-39°C
GPS: 66.05225355274838, -17.360522101336795
The Best Hot Springs in East Iceland
Laugavallalaug
The hot spring falls about 2m off a small cliff into this beautiful natural hot spring pool and another colder pool. This hot spring is off the beaten track, and you will need a 4×4 car to access it. It is recommended to check the pool’s temperature before entering because it could be too hot.
To reach it, you need to drive to Kárahnjúkar from Egilsstaðir. From Kárahnjúkar, it is about 7km to the hot spring, which is only accessible by 4×4 car.
Price: Free
Opening hours: Always open
Changing rooms: No
Temperature: Around 40°C
GSP: 65.0066, -15.76243
Vök baths
Vök baths are one of the newest baths in Iceland and the only floating pools. Geothermal water is scarce in the East Fjords, but it had been known that there was geothermal water in Urriðavatn (where Vök baths are) centuries ago since a portion of the lake never froze during winter.
The baths have a restaurant, a bar, and a few different pools.
Price: between 5990ISK and 9990ISK
Opening hours: March 25 – June 30 from 12-22, July 1 – August 15 from 10-22, August 16 – August 31 from 12-22, September 1 – October 15 from 12-22, October 16 – April 30 weekdays from 16-22, weekends from 12-22.
Changing rooms: Yes
Temperature: 38° – 41°C (100,4° – 105,8°F)
GPS: 65.30393127219808, -14.447051672544502
Djúpavogskörin
In the southern East Fjords by Djúpavogur, you will find the Djúpavogskör. Locals set up the pool to enjoy time in thermal baths with their friends and families. There is a small deck near the pool to enjoy the view if you don’t want to enter the pool.
Price: Free
Opening hours: Always open
Changing rooms: No
GPS: 64.65354, -14.34191
The Best Hot Springs in South Iceland
Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool
Seljavallalaug is one of the oldest swimming pools in Iceland, built in 1923. This outdoor pool is not far away from Seljalandsfoss Waterfall. The pool is free of charge, and there are changing rooms, but guests are asked to be mindful of how they treat the place do not leave anything behind.
The pool is about 20-35°C and is cleaned only once every summer by volunteers, so it might have pond scum when you go there. The pond scum is very slippery, so be careful.
During the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruption, the pool was filled with ash but was cleaned a few months after it ended.
Price: Free
Opening hours: Always open
Changing rooms: Yes
Temperature: 20-35°C
GPS: 63.56660226145347, -19.607116970437417
Reykjadalur Hot Spring
Reykjadalur hot spring is about 45-hike away from Hveragerði, a small town in South Iceland known for its geothermal heat and greenhouses.
During the hike, there are many pools of water that you should not try to bathe in. Read the signs on the way and be careful.
Also note there are no changing rooms. So you will need to either change in the open or have swimwear on underneath the clothes. The hot spring is available all year round and costs nothing.
Price: Free
Opening hours: Always open
Changing rooms: No
Temperature: 34°-45°C
GPS: 64.04856509929144, -21.22252885907326
Marteinslaug also called Kúalaug
You can find Marteinslaug near the beautiful Haukadalsskógur, close to Geysir. This hot spring could be a great addition to the Golden Circle. It isn’t big and, like with so many other natural pools in Iceland, there are no changing facilities. Fits around 3-5 people.
It must not be confused with the Marteinshver hot spring – it is 80-100°C and is not suitable for bathing.
Price: Free
Opening hours: Always open
Changing rooms: No
Temperature: around 39-43°C
GPS: 64.32681970573651, -20.282087787898863
Hrunalaug
Hrunalaug is small and cozy. The hot spring is an old concrete pool close to Flúðir in South Iceland. The pool is on private property. The small shelter next to the pool is not a changing area, but it is possible to use it.
Price: Free
Opening hours: Always open
Changing rooms: No
Temperature: Around 40°C/104°F
GPS: 64.13300355813702, -20.306382273286175
The Secret Lagoon
The Secret Lagoon is a man-made pool fed by water from nearby natural hot springs. People in the area have been bathing there for centuries. It is the oldest pool in Iceland and one of the most popular. Situated near Flúðir in South Iceland, the Secret Lagoon (along with Hrunalaug and Kúalaug) could be added to the Golden Circle tour.
You might find the Secret Lagoon named Gamla Laugin (the Old Pool), as the locals call it.
Recently it was changed to accommodate much more people than it was able to. The facilities were updated at the same time.
Price: 15 years and older 3000ISK, under 15 free of charge, seniors 2200ISK
Opening hours: October 1 – May 31 every day between 10:00 and 19:00, June 1 – September 30 every day between 12:00 – 20:00
Changing rooms. Yes
Temperature: Around 100°F (40°C)
GPS: 64.13792638358841, -20.309389097741615
Laugavatn Fontana
Laugarvatn Fontana is a reasonably new spa in South Iceland but built on old hot springs, which Icelanders have been using for centuries. There are a few hot tubs, a sauna, a steam bath, a restaurant and a bar. You can take a dip in Laugarvatn Lake if you feel adventurous! If you book your entrance at a certain time of the day, you can join the staff members to dig up bread they baked in the hot sand and try it.
Price: Adults (17-66) 3950ISK, 13-16 years old 2000ISK, children 0-12 (max two children per adult) free, senior citizens (67+) 2000ISK
Opening hours: Sunday – Wednesday 11:30-19:00, Thursday – Saturday 11:30 – 21:00
Changing rooms: Yes
GPS: 64.21480195785391, -20.7302149167648
The Best Hot Springs in the Highlands
Please note that accessing the Icelandic highlands is difficult. You can only drive there in a 4×4 jeep, and the roads are often not open until late June until the middle of September. The highlands are inaccessible during the winter months unless you have a specially equipped car, and then it is best to have someone who knows the area well to drive for you.
Strútslaug
Many of Iceland’s most impressive geothermal hot springs are in the highlands.
Strútslaug means Ostrich Pool. The name is a complete mystery because ostriches have never lived in Iceland. The pool is one of the most remote and hard-to-access geothermal pools in Iceland. It is located deep in the highlands southeast of Landmannalaugar.
To enter the area called Fjallabak Syðri, you can take one of six Highland roads. All are difficult roads with rivers to cross or steep mountains to climb. One of the most accessible routes is from the Ring Road east of Vík, where you turn north on Hrífunesvegur Nr. 209. Just a few kilometres up the road, you turn west on Öldufellsleið F232 mountain road. Near Brytalækir, a sign leads west to Mælifell mountain on Mælifellssandur. You drive past the mountain Mælifell over the river Brennivínskvísl and take a turn north on the dirt road to Strútur. The whole trip is about 50 kilometres on a rough dirt road that requires a good and well-equipped 4X4 vehicle.
Price: Free
Opening hours: Always open (inaccessible during winters)
Changing rooms: No
GPS: 63.8769977500666, -18.946879054755147
Landmannalaugar
Situated in Fjallabak Nature Reserves in the highland of Iceland. It is on the northern end of the popular Laugavegur hiking trail from Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk.
It is possible to drive a 4×4 jeep to Landmannalaugar over the summer months along roads Fjallabaksleið nyrðri (F208) or Dómadalsleið (F225). On average, the roads are open between June 25 and September 15. In the winter months, it is impossible o drive to Landmannalaugar on a regular 4×4.
Price: Free (facilities, such as toilet and changing rooms, cost 500ISK ($3.9)
Opening hours: Always, but mostly not accessible during winter and early summer.
Changing rooms: Yes
Temperature: 36°-40°C (97°-104°F)
GPS: 63.98333817157424, -19.06708585006147
Hveravellir
Hveravellir is in the central highlands. It is possible to drive there in any car, but we recommend a 4WD vehicle. The hot springs in Hveravellir are both suitable for bathing and not. The area is worth spending some time in so we recommend booking accommodation available there. There are many beautiful hiking paths in the area.
To reach Hveravellir, you can drive road F35 from Gullfoss or Blöndudalur in the north.
Price: Free
Opening hours: Always open but inaccessible during winter
Changing rooms: No
Temperature: 65-103°F (18.3-39.4°C)
GPS: 64.8673442532128, -19.550036487902304
The Best Hot Springs in Reykjanes Peninsula
The Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon hardly needs an introduction, but it officially opened in 1992. About a decade earlier, locals had started bathing in the warm blue reservoir formed in the shadows of the Svartsengi geothermal power plant. It soon became apparent that the silica and other minerals of the water very very beneficial for those with psoriasis. Since 1992 the company has grown and operates everything from a sanatorium, restaurant, a luxury hotel to a research and development centre, apart from the lagoon itself.
A highly recommended lagoon to visit on your trip to Iceland.
Price: From $65
Opening Hours: January – May 09:00-21:00, June 08:00-22:00, July – August 08:00-23:00, September 08:00-22:00, October – December 08:00-21:00
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