Best Spas and Hot Springs in Iceland

If there is anything that Iceland is known for, it’s hot springs. Found all over the country, visiting a hot spring is a relaxing way to escape the cold, whilst enjoying the beautiful scenery Iceland has to offer. Whether it’s for a romantic getaway or a family holiday, there are Icelandic spas and hot springs for all occasions. 

Why are there so many hot springs in Iceland?

Hot springs appear in Iceland due to the volcanic activity underneath the country’s surface. As you may well know, Iceland lies over the boundary between two tectonic plates, meaning that throughout its history it has been plagued by volcanic eruption after volcanic eruption. While some effects of its geology have been deadly, geothermal energy is rife in Iceland. Hot springs are a result of natural springs being heated below the Earth’s crust by magma. Often, hot water will mix with melted glacial water, creating dreamy temperatures for a balmy soak.

As well as those occurring naturally, Iceland has also taken advantage of its geothermal power to create larger, man-made geothermal spas to cater to the masses. The Blue Lagoon is one such place, but there are a number of popular examples around the country. 

Whether you prefer a more off-the-beaten-track hot spring experience or are keen to try out all the facilities on offer, there is sure to be a hot spring or a geothermal spa experience for you in Iceland. 

Best hot springs in Iceland

With so many to choose from, we have collated some of the best to make your decision as easy and relaxing as the experience itself.

Krauma Natural Pools

Reykholt | Up to 3.800 ISK

Distance from Reykjavik: 104 km 

Approximate travel time: 1h 28min

Featuring 6 baths (5 warm, 1 cold), a relaxation room, and 2 steam baths, Krauma thermal spa has got a bit of everything.  Open all year round, it uses water from the hot springs of Deildartunguhver, which has the highest flow rate of hot springs in Europe, including at their geothermal nature baths. Based in Reykholt, this spa’s TripAdvisor rating speaks for itself, with 83% of the reviews labeling it excellent.

Furthermore, when you have finished relaxing, you can enjoy an evening meal at their restaurant and try out some Icelandic cuisine. Priced between 1.900ISK to 3.800ISK, with group yearly passes available and free entry to children under 12, this is the relaxing day out your family needs.

For more info see: http://www.krauma.is/#/frontpage

The Blue Lagoon

Grindavík | From 4.800 ISK

Distance from Reykjavik: 49.5 km 

Approximate travel time: 50min

How could we write an article about Iceland’s spas and hot springs without mentioning the Blue Lagoon? One of Iceland’s most famous landmarks, this retreat spa includes a range of treatments and relaxing spaces to choose from, including in-water treatments, the lagoon itself, beauty treatments, and massages, as well as the intriguing blue lagoon ritual. The area also sports two hotels, The Retreat and Silica, and a restaurant where you can enjoy local cuisine whilst taking in the stunning views. This really is the ultimate way to enjoy such a famous attraction.

For more info visit: https://www.bluelagoon.com/

The Secret Lagoon

Flúðir | From 4.200 ISK

Distance from Reykjavik: 102 km

Travel Time: 1h 20min

If you’re looking for a more charming, rugged experience than the Blue Lagoon or want to escape the crowds a little, The Secret Lagoon might just be the optimal choice. One of the oldest hot springs in Iceland, the Secret Lagoon may be a little further away from the capital, but it is well worth the journey. Complete with wooden changing huts and an on-site cafe, you can take in the steaming geyser while soaking in dreamy waters. Booking online in advance is recommended, and you can either bring your own swimming gear or plan to rent on-site.

Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Baths

Golden Circle | Up to 3.800 ISK

Distance from Reykjavik: 77.8 km 

Approximate travel time: 1h 12min

Situated in the Golden Circle, there are very few attractions that have garnered the level of raving reviews as the Fontana Baths. With 90% of the over 1000 reviews on TripAdvisor rating it as excellent or very good, Fontana geothermal baths are a must-visit if you decide to travel to this stunning part of the country. As well as offering steam baths, relaxing pools, and a Finnish-style sauna, you are able to enjoy some of Iceland’s local culinary delights at the local kitchen and bakery – geothermal baked bread, anyone? Furthermore, there is the local lake to dip into in between treatments when you want to cool off a little, with the many benefits of bathing in cool water only acting as an encouragement to put this place on your trip’s agenda.

For more information visit: https://www.fontana.is/

Viti

Askja | Free

Distance from Reykjavik: 485 km 

Approximate travel time: 6h 28min

Anyone who speaks any Icelandic will know that Viti means ‘hell’. But there is little that is hellish about this place. Viti is a natural Iceland hot spring in a sparse area of the island, so for those wanting to experience bathing in naturally warm water without the price tag, this is the place to do it. Whilst there are tours available, you can travel to it by yourself – either way, make sure you are prepared for a small hike to get there.

This remote, uninhabited part of the Icelandic highlands has been called a moonscape, with NASA using the area to train astronauts for the Apollo missions. Whilst you will have to deal with the initial hit of sulfur (which offers health benefits for those with some respiratory problems) that the water emits, you do get used to it quite quickly, and it is a small price to pay to enjoy the natural wonder and experience that this spot provides.

For more information, see: https://guidetoiceland.is/best-of-iceland/the-5-best-hot-springs-in-iceland#Reykjadalur

Mývatn Nature Baths

Skútustaðahreppur, Nordurland Eystra | Up to 5.000 ISK

Distance from Reykjavik: 474 km 

Approximate travel time: 6h 4min

Our final Iceland spa comes highly recommended by Lonely Planet. Mývatn Nature Baths offers two natural steam baths and an alkali bathing lagoon. The stunning surroundings are enough to sell the attraction to you if nothing else. Surrounded by open plains, diverse bird life, and mountains in the distance, relaxing in the water as you take it all in lets your worries float away. Finish your day by eating in the restaurant before you move on to your next destination. Worried that it’s too far out from where you’re based? There are day tours available in the area.

For more information, see here: https://myvatnnaturebaths.is/

Reykjadalur Hot Spring River

Hveragerði | Free

Distance from Reykjavik: 50 km

Approximate Travel Time: 45 - 50mins

While not as built-up as some of the other hot springs in Iceland, Reykjadalur Hot Spring offers a soak like no other. There are no spa pools, changing rooms, or showers here, simply a river offering a natural, idyllic place to enjoy the wonders of Iceland’s geothermal power. From the car park, there is a 3-kilometer hike between you and the river, allowing you a sight of Djúpagilsfoss waterfall before finding the wooden boardwalk to change and leave your belongings.

Off-The-Beaten-Track Hot Spring Locations

While the above are some of the more famous and well-equipped hot springs in Iceland, there are countless more to discover if you are eager to dig a little deeper. For those more adventurous and looking for fewer facilities around them to unwind, we’ve got a few suggestions!

• Hellulaug, Westfjords: Set just above the shoreline, Hellulaug is a small but stunning hot spring that overlooks the North Atlantic. There are no changing facilities or entry fees, but you’ll find nature at its purest. 
• Krossneslaug, Westfjords: This geothermal swimming pool is only reachable by 4x4, requiring covering some rough terrain, and is located right on the edge of the sea. This remote spot will cost you around 1.000 ISK to swim in, but it’s well-maintained and offers an idyllic swim.
• Laugavallalaug, East Iceland: Another hot spring requiring a 4x4, Laugavallalaug is a more remote soaking spot in the Highlands of Iceland. Free to visit, here is one of the only opportunities in Iceland to bathe in a warm waterfall!
• Grettislaug & Jarlslaug, North Iceland: Set amongst steaming vents and lava fields on a Highland road, this is yet another truly wild hot spring experience. Hveravellir’s natural pool is free to enter, but toilets and parking on site may charge a small fee for visitors.

Top Tips for Visiting Iceland’s Hot Springs

We understand that you just want to get stuck in when visiting Iceland’s hot springs, whichever you choose to go for. However, as in any country, it’s important to remember and abide by local customs. These are often unspoken but sometimes written rules and tips to remember when checking out geothermal swimming pools in Iceland.

1. Shower before you enter: Where showers are provided, spas and swimming pools will require you to shower without swimwear before entering the pool to ensure pools remain as clean as possible.
2. Dress for the weather outside: It can be easy to forget the outside when you’re submerged in 40-degree waters. However, don’t forget to wrap up warm before and after your dip for a comfortable experience. 
3. Leave no trace: If you’re bathing in a natural hot spring, abide by Iceland’s Leave No Trace policy. Leave the area in the same condition it was when you arrived, meaning leaving no litter, not damaging the environment, and sticking to marked paths.
4. Pack the essentials: Some natural hot springs will have limited facilities, meaning you’ll need to bring everything you need with you, including swimwear, towels, flip flops, a plastic bag for wet clothing, water and snacks, and dry clothes for afterwards.

Can I Swim in All the Hot Springs in Iceland?

Put simply, no. Not all hot springs in Iceland are safe, or legal, to swim in. All the options listed above are safe, offering ideal temperatures for swimming. However, some hot springs are closed to prevent further damage to the area or are simply too hot to be safe for visitors to swim in. Some unsafe or closed hot spring areas include Gunnuhver, Námaskarð, and Hverir.

Tip: If an unmarked hot spring is steaming, bubbling, or smells strongly of sulfur, it’s advised not to get in. Stick to named hot springs to be safe.

Whatever the occasion, we hope you now have an Iceland spa or hot spring in mind to visit during your trip. Concerned that these destinations are a little far from where you’re staying? Worry not – you can hire a car from us to make your day even more relaxing.

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