You’ll probably find Blue Lagoon recommended as a “must go” as you plan your Iceland trip itinerary. Gorgeous blue waters, mineral-rich water and mud, and serene natural beauty await every visit. Blue Lagoon is a beautiful spot, but there are plenty of other hot springs to experience across Iceland.
Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa
Blue Lagoon is not really a hot spring if you want to get technical. It is a man-made lagoon made with water from the nearby Svartsengi geothermal power plant. They pump up the water and use steam to generate electricity. When they’re done using the water, it gets pumped out again, forming the Blue Lagoon.
Still, it is beautiful. The lagoon’s designers created the different pool areas, including a waterfall and a swim-up bar! And the waters and mud used for spa treatments are all-natural. Many claims benefit from the mud masks and just soaking in the waters. It has actually been scientifically proven to at least alleviate the symptoms of psoriasis. There is a special Silica Hotel, where psoriasis patients get to soak in the lagoon water, supervised by a nurse and dermatologists.
To make visiting there even more attractive, Blue Lagoon is located between the airport and Reykjavik, so it’s an ideal beginning or ending to your Iceland trip. However, it can get crowded because of its popularity, and the cost can add up after the entry fee.
If you’d like to consider some other options, Your Friend in Reykjavik has a few equally divine destinations where you can enjoy hot springs and geothermal spas.
Five options instead of the Blue Lagoon
From natural hot springs to man-made geothermal spas, you can find the soak and steam spot to suit you on your Iceland trip. And what’s even better, most of these are almost half the price of Blue Lagoon, if not free! Please check our blog on the best hot springs in Iceland if you want more options.
Reykjadalur
Just 45 km from Reykjavik is Steam Valley or Reykjadalur. It can be a bit of a hike to get to the warm waters running through the valley, but what a perfect way to relax after a walk than soaking your feet or body, in naturally heated flowing waters! Because this is truly “all-natural”, you’ll want to check the temperature before plunging in. There aren’t really any facilities for changing in by the waters and mud pools, so you should pack a bag. But it is free, so that’s a bonus!
Secret Lagoon
The name may be misleading as it has become much more popular lately, especially since it’s a great stop for planning a Golden Circle trip. Still, Secret Lagoon usually isn’t as busy as Blue Lagoon, and there are paths to walk around the hot springs that heat the lagoon. Built in 1891, it is Iceland’s oldest swimming pool, so you get to relax as you absorb part of the island’s history! And keep a lookout for the geyser that adds a little extra magic to the ethereal surroundings.
Myvatn Nature Baths
If you’re planning to travel through northeastern Iceland, you should take a moment or more at the Myvatn Nature Baths. The mineral content creates similar milky blue waters as you would find at Blue Lagoon. There are different pools, steam baths, and a restaurant to complete your visit. During the fall and winter (except for December), you can enjoy an evening soak and perhaps catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights!
Perfect spot for a foot bath! Source: Vegahandbókin
Krauma
More of a spa experience than other locations, Krauma is a perfect plunge pool experience. There are five heated tubs and one cold tub to get your blood pumping for that “shock and awe” experience. The waters are a mixture of heated waters from Deildartunguhver hot springs, coming in at a boiling 212F, and glacial waters from the OK glacier, making it all, well, okay! There are also steam baths and relaxation areas as well as a restaurant.
Kvika Hot Pool/Foot Bath in Grótta
It’s the tiniest of springs but probably the easiest to get to while in Reykjavik since it’s only 4km from the Old Harbor area. It is more of a foot bath than a place for a full soak, but it is free and has some fantastic views of the lighthouse and the surrounding sea and cityscapes. There’s not a lot of room, but the scenery is pretty spectacular.
There are pools of hot springs in Iceland
These are just a few suggestions. And as we mentioned before, you can find a delightfully warm community swimming pool/spa experience in almost every town in Iceland. We welcome visitors to discover a genuinely local experience while relaxing in the soothing warm waters. A perfect way to end the day after a walking adventure discovering the delights of our Iceland!
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