Iceland is blessed with hot springs that range from completely natural geothermal pools to high-end spa resorts. Here is our pick of the best hot springs in Iceland.
By: Paul Healy | Last Updated: | Jump to Comments
After several trips to Iceland, we’ve made it our mission to seek out the country’s best hot springs. Some are sleek, high-end establishments where you can get pampered, but most of the ones we really loved are completely natural pools in very remote locations.
For this guide, we’ve picked out 16 of the best hot lagoons and steaming rivers that capture what we think Iceland is all about: wild, natural, and utterly beautiful.
Several are completely formed by nature, free to use, and slightly challenging to reach. But we’ve also included luxury hot springs with all the facilities for a comfortable soak.
We’ve included all the visitor information you need, plus tips on how to get there and the facilities available at each location.
MAP: ICELAND HOT SPRINGS
To make this guide more useful, we’ve organised the hot springs into 3 categories:
- Geothermal Pools & Spas – Hot springs with facilities including restaurants and bars for a more luxurious soak.
- Free Hot Springs – Natural hot springs with no facilities in an untouched environment which are free to enter.
- Highland Springs – Geothermal bathing areas in the remote areas of the Iceland highlands.
As you can see from the map below, they are dotted around the country. A good way to see many of them is on our Ring Road itinerary.
USING OUR MAPS. Click on the top right corner to open in the Google Maps app. Click on the star to save to your Google account.
GEOTHERMAL POOLS & SPAS IN ICELAND
Below are the top hot springs in Iceland with good facilities for a more comfortable and relaxing soak.
1. BLUE LAGOON
There are few hot springs in Iceland more famous than the Blue Lagoon. The Blue Lagoon is near Keflavik Airport, so it’s a great start or end to your trip.
Although artificially pooled, the water in the Blue Lagoon is naturally heated from the nearby Svartsengi geothermal power station.
The milky blue appearance is due to the high content of silica, which you can rub on your face to rejuvenate the skin.
We’ve been 3 times now, and although it’s both expensive and busy, it’s one of those things you just have to do.
BLUE LAGOON DETAILS
How to get there: The Blue Lagoon is accessible from the main road between Reykjavik and Keflavik Airport (20 minutes from the airport, 50 minutes from Reykjavik). Parking is free. Many Golden Circle tours include the Blue Lagoon.
Facilities: The Blue Lagoon has all the facilities you need, including restaurants, a 5-star hotel, a treatment spa and a gift shop.
Cost & Booking: The Blue Lagoon is not cheap —around $77 US— but prices can change, so check the details and book on the official Blue Lagoon website.
TOUR FROM REYKJAVÍK // This very well-rated group tour includes pick up from Reykjavik with stops at Thingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss, Kerid Crater and the Blue Lagoon. It’s a great way to see some of the best sights in the area without your own car.
2. LAUGARVATN FONTANA
Laugarvatn Fontana is a stylish spa complex set on the edge of Lake Laugarvatn near the Golden Circle Route. With a focus on the healing properties of the area’s natural hot springs, Laugarvatn Fontana offers several ways to relax.
Steam from the hot spring rises through the cabin floors, providing a completely natural steam room with a temperature that varies with the spring.
Several interconnected relaxation pools vary in size, depth, and temperature. There are great views from a raised hot tub of the surrounding landscape.
After warming up, refresh with a bout of ice therapy by jumping in the lake.
We really liked Fontana, it’s probably our favourite of the hot springs with facilities.
FONTANA DETAILS
How to get there: Laugarvatn is 77 kilometres from Reykjavik on road 37, with parking available onsite. It’s located between Geysir and Thingvellir on the Golden Circle.
Facilities: All the facilities you need are on site including changing rooms, towel hire and a gift shop. The café serves geothermal bread, which is baked underground for 24 hours.
Cost & Booking: Adults 5890 ISK | Youth (13-16) 37500 ISK | Children 0-12 free | 65+ 4790 ISK. Book online at fontana.is.
3. SKY LAGOON
Just outside Reykjavík, the Sky Lagoon occupies a magical location on the cliffs overlooking the ocean. There are panoramic views from several of its hot spring experiences.
Combining traditional Icelandic therapeutic practices with modern hospitality, Sky Lagoon has a 7-step ritual which involves soaking in the hot lagoon, an icy plunge pool, sauna, a fog-mist, an exfoliating body scrub, steam, and a shower.
If you’re lucky, you might even spot the Northern Lights over the ocean while you relax in the spa.
SKY LAGOON DETAILS
How to get there: Sky Lagoon is at Kárnes Harbour, 15 minutes’ drive from the centre of Reykjavïk. There is free parking available.
Facilities: There are private or communal changing rooms on site, plus a bar where you can enjoy a drink in the lagoon. Snacks are available at the Sky Cafe, or try a unique Icelandic platter from the Smakk Bar.
Costs & Booking: – Various passes are available starting from ISK 14,000 (around $115 US). Advanced bookings are advised. Book online – skylagoon.com
4. SECRET LAGOON
The Secret Lagoon (also called Gamla Laugin) is a large outdoor pool, naturally heated by the nearby hot spring. It’s one of our favourite experiences in Iceland and we go every time we’re in the country.
The spring flows continuously into the pool, completing a full cycle in 24 hours. This leaves the water rich in nutrients and around 38-40°C (100-104°F) year-round.
It’s the oldest natural pool in Iceland, and it retains its relaxed natural experience with just enough facilities to make it enjoyable.
SECRET LAGOON DETAILS
How to get there: Secret Lagoon is located in the town of Flúðir which is 1 hour 40 minutes’ drive from Reykjavík. If you don’t have a car, you can take a day trip from Reykjavík.
Facilities: There are changing rooms, toilets, and a small café that sells a few snacks. Beer or wine can be purchsed to take into the pool.
Price: Adults cost 4200 ISK. You can book in advanced although we’ve always turned up without a booking. They are open from 10 AM to 6 PM each day.
5. VÖK BATHS
Vök Baths is a unique experience in Iceland with a series of connected baths floating on the beautiful Lake Urriðavatn.
The name comes from the patches of lakes that fail to freeze over winter (Vök means ice-free), alerting locals to the geothermal activity in the lake.
The facility includes Iceland’s only floating infinity pools, onshore hot pots, and a sauna.
Hot Springs are less common in the east of the country, and Vök Baths is a great stop on our Ring Road itinerary.
VÖK BATHS DETAILS
How to get there: Vök Baths is just outside the town of Egilsstaðir in east Iceland, 262 kilometres from Höfn.
Facilities: There is a restaurant which serves light dishes made from local produce. Vök is unique for having the only drinkable geothermal waters in Iceland. Try it in a tea or in their Vökvi and Vaka craft beers.
Prices: Standard price is 7,490 ISK for adults with towels and bathrobes available for hire. All the details are on the Vök Baths website.
6. MÝVATN NATURE BATHS
The Mývatn Nature Baths are heated by a nearby hot spring. Although it’s a man-made pool, the lagoon is set overlooking a barren landscape, with the facilities blending nicely into the surroundings.
It has a relaxed, natural appeal with great views from the lagoon.
The temperature changes slightly as you move around the pool, but, on average, it’s a delightfully pleasant 96°F – 104°F (36°C – 40°C).
For more of what to do in the area, read our Mŷvatn guide.
MÝVATN NATURE BATHS DETAILS
How to get there: Mývatn Nature Baths are around 2 kilometres east of the village of Reykjahlíð. If you don’t have our car, this tour includes the hot springs and Godafoss waterfall.
Facilities: There are 2 steam baths, a hot tub, a separate pool for kids, a café and a swim-up bar where you can order alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
Prices & Booking: Prices start from 7,400 for adults, going up to 7,900 ISK in 2026. This gives you 1 drink plus a towel. Advanced booking is recommended as it can get pretty busy.
7. GEOSEA HÚSAVÍK
Geosea is a geothermal spa in the north of Iceland that uses naturally heated seawater in a dramatic location overlooking the ocean.
A steady stream of water flows from the nearby drillholes, through the various pools and over the edge into the sea. This provides the spa with mineral-rich seawater at a constant 38°-39°C (10° – 102°F).
The complex is sympathetically built into the landscape with the pools overlooking the ocean.
It’s also one of the best places in Iceland to see the Northern Lights.
GEOSEA HÚSAVÍK DETAILS
How to get there: Geosea is located on the outskirts of Húsavík, the largest town in northeast Iceland. Visit on our Ring Road itinerary.
Facilities: Light snacks can be purchased from the café overlooking the baths and drinks are available from the pool bar.
Prices & Booking: The price is currently 6,990 ISK for adults, towels and bathrobes can be hired for an extra cost. Book online via their website.
FREE & NATURAL HOT SPRINGS IN ICELAND
All of these hots springs are free to use and natural, generally with only a walled section to contain the water. Some have a few basic facilities but most are completely wild.
8. REYKJADALUR THERMAL RIVER
The Reykjadalur Thermal River is one of Iceland’s most scenic hot springs. High up in the Reykjadalur valley, the river contains a series of pools with temperatures ranging from 36°C – 40°C (96°F – 104°F).
Surrounded by mountains and steaming vents, geothermal activity has allowed tiny succulents, reeds and mosses to survive, creating a wave of green against a red and black volcanic hill.
Apart from the hot soak, it’s a beautiful place to visit. You can read more on our Reykjadalur thermal river guide.
REYKJADALUR DETAILS
How to get there: Reykjadalur is a 45-minute drive from Reykjavík. From the parking lot, it’s a 1-hour hike (each way) to the geothermal section of the river.
Facilities: There is a cafe in the parking lot, which is a cool spot to relax after your soak. Free toilets are located beside the cafe.
9. HELLULAUG HOT SPRING
Hellulaug is a small hot spring tucked into a rocky alcove on the coast in the Westfjords.
Although it’s small at just 60 centimetres deep and around 4 metres wide, its relative obscurity means there’s seldom anyone else there.
The bathing pool is encased by rocks but otherwise, it’s left in a fairly natural state. The water is replaced and cleaned regularly to maintain hygiene standards.
Soaking in the hot springs directly on the rocky beach and watching the waves lap at the ocean is one of the highlights of a visit to the Westfjords.
HELLULAUG DETAILS
How to get there: Hellaulaugh is located near the beach in Vatnsfjörður in the Westfjords. It’s a short walk from the parking lot down a trail that curves under the small cliff facing the sea.
Facilities: There are no facilities at Hellulaug.
Cost: It’s free to enter, however, there’s a collection box in the parking lot to leave a donation towards the upkeep of the pool.
10. SELJAVALLALAUG
Seljavallalaug is a historic swimming pool located between two of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls, Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss.
The 82-foot-long pool is built into the hillside with a verdant valley wall forming the 4th side of the pool.
Geothermal water trickles into the pool from a nearby ground spring which keeps the temperature above freezing. However, it’s not as hot as the other hot springs and in winter, the surface will still freeze over in places.
Nonetheless, if you’re here in summer, it’s a great one to visit.
SELJAVALLALAUG DETAILS
How to get there: Seljavallalaug is 6 miles east of Ásólfsskáli in southern Iceland on route 242. It takes around 20 minutes to walk to the pool from the parking lot over a grassy lava field.
Facilities: There are minimal facilities except for a small changing room where you can store your stuff. Seljavallalaug is only cleaned once a year so it’s not uncommon to find algae on the surface.
11. GUÐRÚNARLAUG HOT SPRING
Guðrúnarlaug is a historic geothermal pool that was rebuilt in 2009 after it was destroyed in a landslide in 1869.
The pool is heated from a nearby hot spring and the temperature is a toasty 100°F (37°C).
The small circular stone pool is a wild and remote spot to stop and relax while soaking in the surrounding hilly scenery.
We stopped here on our way to the Westfjords and it’s a great way to break up the drive. But, we also added this one to the list becuase it’s delightfully untamed.
GUÐRÚNARLAUG DETAILS
How to get there: Guðrúnarlaug is located in northwest Iceland around 100 miles (160 kilometres) north of Reykjavík. The hot spring is located behind Hotel Laugar Saelingsdal but it has no association with the pool.
Facilities: There are 2 small changing rooms in a nearby turf-covered hut, but there are no showers or toilets.
HOT SPRINGS IN THE ICELAND HIGHLANDS
The hot springs in the Iceland are wonderfully remote and therefore, a little more difficult to get to. Read our guide on driving the F-roads if you are thinking of visiting any of these. It has practical information for how to visit the Highlands.
12. LAUGAVALLAUG HOT SPRING
Laugavallalaug (sometimes referred to as Laugavellir) is a hot spring in the Laugavalladalur Valley and a beautiful oasis in the middle of nowhere.
A naturally heated waterfall drops into a small pool that has been dammed by stones providing an idyllic bathing spot. The views over the highlands remind you that you’re in the middle of nowhere.
The waterfall plunges at a temperature of around 70°C (158°F) but cools to around 40°C (104°F) as it mixes with the cold water in the pool.
It was one of our favourite things to do in Iceland and – in our opinion – this is the best geothermal pool in Iceland.
LAUGAVALLAUG DETAILS
How to get there: Laugavallalaug is down a rugged but scenic track off the west side of the F910. The track is pretty easy to drive but the F910 can be quite bumpy. There is a medium size river crossing just before the hot springs, but there’s a car park and a footbridge if you don’t want to drive across it. The pool is a 5-minute walk from the footbridge.
Facilities: There are no facilities, but there is a small wooden partition to change behind.
13. LANDMANNALUAGAR HOT SPRING
Tucked into a scenic corner under the edge of a lava field and surrounded by green banks, the natural hot spring at Landmannalaugar is a beautiful spot for a relaxing soak after a long day in the highlands.
The temperatures range from 36°C to 40°C (97°F to 104°F) and you’ll most likely find people huddled near the warmest section towards the far edge of the pool, where steaming water trickles down a rocky edge.
With warm water temperatures and brilliant mountain panoramas, this is the perfect way to relax after a long day hiking in Landmannalaugar.
We’ve writen a few guides about the area, the best place to start is our guide to Landmannalaugar which has important information about getting there.
LANDMANNALUAGAR DETAILS
How to get there: Landmannalaugar is in the highlands in southern Iceland. All the details are in our guide about how to get to Landmannalaugar.
Facilities: There’s a wooden platform to change and a partition to hang up some clothes and a towel, but otherwise, there are no facilities at the Landmannalaugar thermal springs. The nearby camp as toilets and a small shop for some basic supplies.
14. KERLINGARFJOLL HOT SPRING
Kerlingarfjöll is a small but stunning mountain range in the centre of Iceland.
Snow-capped summits are wedged between two mighty glaciers with a geothermal area of bubbling mud pots and steaming vents shrouding the valley in mystery.
Tucked into one corner is a small hot spring heating a tiny pool. At only around 34 °C its cooler than many other hot springs in Iceland, but on a warm day it’s a great way to relax after hiking in the mountains
KERLINGARFJOLL DETAILS
How to get there: The hot spring is 1 mile (25-minute walk) from the parking lot at Kerlingafjöll Moutain Resort on a well-marked trail.
Facilities: There’s a small wooden boardwalk to enter, but otherwise, there are no facilities.
Cost: The Kerlingarfhöll hot spring is free to enter, however, the ranger may ask for a small donation to help with the upkeep.
15. HVERAVELLIR HOT SPRING
A series of paths through steaming lava fields and bubbling mud pots deliver you to the geothermal area of Hveravellir, one of the most remote natural springs in Iceland.
A dam has been built in the flow of the stream creating a small pool that fluctuates between 20 and 40°C (68-140°F).
It’s a lovely, natural thermal pool with nothing else around other than miles of mountain scenery. Find the right temperature spot, then soak while staring out at the magnificent vistas.
HVERAVELLIR DETAILS
How to get there: The geothermal area of Hveravellir (hot springs fields) is 1 hour north of Kerlingarfjöll. The details are on our guide to visiting Kerlingarfjöll.
Facilities: There are no changing facilities at the hot springs except for a wooden bench and some hooks to store your gear. Alternatively, there are toilets a couple of hundred meters away.
MORE ICELAND PLANNING GUIDES
- Working out what to see? Here are our top places to visit in Iceland.
- All you need to know to plan your next Iceland trip.
- We have 6 epic Iceland itineraries to help you plan your trip.
- Looking for accommodation? Here’s where to stay in Iceland.
- All you need to know about driving in Iceland.
- Explore the stunning Iceland highlands and get off the tourist trail.
- Want to increase your excitement? Consider driving the F-roads.
- If you only visit the highlands once, use this guide to Landmannalaugar.
- Or follow this guide to Thórsmörk and hike the Valley of the Gods.
READER-SUPPORTED
When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.
Thanks for your support.
Paul & Mark.
Hrunalaug is not free. You have to pay 1000 ISK.
Yes, that’s what we said.