In a country called the Land of Fire and Ice, it’s no surprise that you can land yourself in some hot water (literally). But this is the kind of hot water you want to land in: our natural hot springs. Relaxing in Iceland’s hot springs is a time-old tradition that is now also enjoyed by visitors to the island.
But how are Iceland’s hot springs formed? Did you know that the island offers different types of hot spring experiences? And which are considered the hot spring hot spots around the island? We reveal all this and more in this guide to Iceland’s hot springs.
How are the Hot Springs in Iceland Created?
The hot springs in Iceland exist because of all the volcanic activity here on the island. For those who do not know, Iceland sits on top of what is called the Mid-Atlantic Rift. If you hover over the island and have some sort of geological X-ray vision, you would see that the rift runs straight through Iceland, almost halving it with the rift’s strange boomerang-like shape.
The Mid-Atlantic Rift is essentially where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates push apart. This separation (as with most) is quite contentious and the continuous friction between these two tectonic plates is what “irritates” the geological landscape and causes so much volcanic activity. What many don’t know is that a volcano is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg (ironically).
What can be seen with the eye on the earth’s surface is connected to an entire volcanic world underneath. For example, in Iceland, you will find that many of our volcanoes are connected to the same volcanic system underneath. These volcanic systems with their volcanoes are very similar to ant nests underneath the ground, connected to a few entrances or mounds found on top of the ground.
It is these underground volcanic systems that heat our underground water supply, creating the hot springs. How this works is that meltwater, rainwater, etc. seeps into the ground. When it gets deep enough to where magma chambers and warm rocks from the volcanic heat sit, it also gets warmed up, with much of it essentially getting turned into steam. The steam and hot water then makes its way back up to the surface.
What Types of Hot Springs Do You Find in Iceland?
You will essentially get the chance to experience Iceland’s hot springs in two forms here on the island: in their natural and original form or as part of our geothermal pools. We have a few natural hot springs that come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, offering breathtaking views in their original Icelandic surroundings, making for quite the experience if you’re looking for that OG Icelandic hot spring session.
But some of these natural hot springs are simply too hot for humans to enjoy without turning themselves into something on a cannibal’s wishlist. Other natural hot springs are also unusable due to their location (you’re not going to crawl your way to a relaxing experience 30+ meters underground, after all). In cases where the hot spring is difficult to reach or too hot to enjoy as is, they are used in our geothermal pools.
Here, the water can be pumped from the depths directly into the pools, making it accessible for all to enjoy. Or the extremely hot water is mixed with external cold water sources in the pool to make the hot spring water usable. These geothermal pools are often found in a resort-style setting with all sorts of other amenities and facilities such as restaurants, bars, and spas. Needless to say, with added amenities and facilities, upkeep, and other overheads, visitors need to pay entrance fees at most of these geothermal pools where many natural hot springs can still be enjoyed free of charge.
The Best Hot Springs in Iceland
Below, we have compiled an extensive list of all the natural hot springs and geothermal pools that are considered must-visit spots here in Iceland:
The Best Natural Hot Springs in Iceland
Add the following natural hot springs to your Icelandic trip itinerary:
Gudrunarlaug
Although the site had to be repaired and rebuilt after a mudslide, Gudrunarlaug is still the same natural hot spring mentioned in the famous Laxdæla Saga of Gudrin Osvifursdottir. Gudrunarlaug is about a 2.5-hour drive from the capital city and has a fairy-tale-like quality to it with its primitive changing room one expects an elf to appear from. To make the most of your hot spring experience, you can overnight at the hotel on-site.
Hellulaug
Hellulaug is a small hot spring of just 3 to 4 meters in diameter that lies in one of Iceland’s most remote and untouched regions, the Westfjords. The hot spring offers a relaxing soak in its 38-degree Celsius waters as well as incredible views over the Vatnasfjördur Fjord.
Being a much smaller hot spring along with its location gives visitors the perk of some additional privacy and many often have the entire hot spring to themselves (but please don’t purposefully hog the space). In the same remote and untouched spirit, there are absolutely no other facilities and amenities at the spot, so you’ll need to come prepared.
Hrunalaug
Hrunalaug is another hot spring that will make you feel like you’re on location of a movie like The Hobbit or a series like The Witcher. Hrunalaug is still very much in its natural form, the hot spring has merely been walled off with stones to create three separate pools. Except for its magical surroundings, you can also look forward to lounging in its water of 32 to 40 degrees Celsius, and rest assured that the site boasts brand new toilets and changing rooms.
Reykjadalur River
Imagine swimming in a heated river where temperatures vary and you can choose the perfect temperature for you by just walking up or downstream. Well, that’s exactly what you’ll get at this once-in-a-lifetime spot a mere 35-minute drive away from Reykjavik, making it one of the best hot springs to visit near Reykjavik. Getting there will require a 3-kilometer hike though, so wear your hiking boots.
Seljavallalaug
Seljavallalaug is essentially Iceland’s oldest geothermal pool. This pool was built in 1936 and is a massive 25-meter-long due to its purpose being the place locals learned how to swim. Temperatures range between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius, and the water is kept as natural as possible (hence why it’s got a greenish hue due to the algae in the water).
However, this algae doesn’t mean that the pool is dirty, so you can swim with peace of mind. Seljavallalaug is found in the Highlands of Iceland, and has absolutely jaw-dropping views of the mountains and Icelandic landscapes, making one wonder how those first-time swimmers ever managed to focus on their swimming and not their stunning surroundings.
Laugavallalaug
Laugavallalaug is a real treat in the remote regions of the Highlands in Iceland. This hot spring offers temperatures of around 40 degrees Celsius, incredible views over the Icelandic landscape, and its very own water feature.
That’s right. Laugavallalaug has a waterfall of hot water tumbling into its warm pool! Laugavallalaug is considered a bit of a hidden gem here as one of the best hot spring experiences in Iceland and is definitely a hot spring not to be missed.
Landmannalaugar
Most will envision colorful lava fields at the mention of Landmannalaugar, but it also boasts natural hot springs you can enjoy. After arriving at Landmannalaugar, simply follow the boardwalk from the information hut, and it will take you straight to where you can lounge in waters of up to 40 degrees Celsius while overlooking some of the most beautiful and unique surroundings you’ll find here in Iceland.
Hvammsvik
Hvammsvik is a very interesting hot spring since it boasts the modern amenities of a geothermal pool “resort”, but the hot springs and the cold pool is as natural as can be. Hvammsvik opened its doors in 2023, making it one of the newest hot spring hot spots in Iceland.
It offers visitors the chance to relax in 3 hot “pools” in rocky outcrops along the Atlantic Ocean (the latter being Hvammsvik’s cold pool). So even though Hvammsvik put a little modern twist on our natural hot springs, it’s still sticking to the authenticity of the site as it was used by the Vikings 1000 years ago.
The Best Geothermal Pools in Iceland
Add the following geothermal pool to your Icelandic trip itinerary:
Nautholsvik Beach
Nautholsvik is a beach-lovers paradise found in the capital city of Reykjavik. With its golden sand, you can either decide to lie on the beach or take a dip in its warm waters. Although Nautholsvik Beach doesn’t really have a warm ocean, it provides the illusion.
The Nautholsvik “sea” is essentially a lagoon cut off from the rest of the sea by a rock wall. But it looks so natural that it easily blends in as just rocky outcrops coming out of the ocean. This lagoon is where hot geothermal waters are mixed with the cold ocean water, allowing visitors to swim in a warm “ocean” at Nautholsvik Beach.
Vök Baths
The Vök Baths is famous for its unique aesthetics and is considered some of the best thermal pools in Iceland. The baths located near Egilsstadir (the so-called capital of East Iceland) opened their doors in 2019 giving visitors the chance to lounge in 4 geothermal pools, all varying in temperatures, and some of which have been designed in hexagonal shapes, level to the lake (giving it the appearance that they are floating on top of the lake) where your hot spring experience can be varied off with a cold plunge. This is definitely a modern-must-visit.
Forest Lagoon
The Forest Lagoon can be found just a couple of minutes’ drive from Akureyri (the city referred to as the capital of the north). Its name is incredibly descriptive as it sits in Vadlaskogur Forest (one of the few in Iceland), nestled along the banks of a fjord, offering amazing views. Here, you will have both hot pools as well as a cold pool to choose from and, of course, a myriad of other modern amenities and facilities such as a sauna and a bistro.
Laugarvatn Fontana
Laugarvatn Fontana is another geothermal “resort” that offers visitors a combo experience between its warm pools and a cold lake. But it’s the bakery, baking what is often referred to as “lava bread” and served at the restaurant, that makes this a once-in-a-lifetime geothermal experience. Laugarvatn isn’t even an hour’s drive from Reykjavik, so it’s a very convenient stop for those with limited time on the island.
Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is probably the most famous hot spring in Iceland and has even graced the big screen in movies such as Hostel and The Fifth Estate. The Blue Lagoon also has a very descriptive name as the bright blue water of the pool is part of its reputation. The other is the mud and silica-rich waters that inspired an entire skincare range and other products that can be found at the Blue Lagoon spa, called Retreat Spa.
The Blue Lagoon also offers every other extra you can possibly think of, including bars, restaurants, as well as on-site accommodation. Located almost halfway between Keflavik Airport and Reykjavik, most visitors stop here shortly after their arrival on the island or on their way back home.
Sky Lagoon
Sky Lagoon is very similar to the Blue Lagoon when it comes to amenities, except that it doesn’t require on-site accommodation – Sky Lagoon is just a short walk away from Reykjavik mid-city, making it one of the best thermal pools in Reykjavik. In fact, lounging in the infinity pool at Sky Lagoon gives you a birdseye view over the city and its coastline.
Sky Lagoon also offers a unique spa experience in the form of The Ritual (not as ominous as it sounds). Visiting Sky Lagoon is a magical experience and not to be missed if you’re ever in the capital.
Geosea
Geosea is one of the latest additions to the geothermal family here in Iceland, where you can lounge in a gigantic geothermal pool of seawater between 38 and 39 degrees Celsius while staring out across the breathtaking views of the bay. Another of its claims to fame is that it doesn’t make use of any chemical cleaning agents or processes – nature takes care of it.
Geosea opened its doors in 2018 near Husavik, offering visitors a soak in the large geothermal pool, or a stint in the steam room, as well as the basic amenities such as changing rooms, showers, and toilets.
Kvika Footbath
Kvika Footbath can really fool you into thinking that it’s a hot spring still in its natural form. This art installation by Olöf Nordal in 2005 was made from hollowed dolomite rock, making it fit perfectly in its surroundings along the rocky coastline of the capital city.
Kvika Footbath is exactly what it sounds like; a small geothermal pool, just big enough for a few people to soak their feet in. Due to its convenient location (you can literally walk from mid-city Reykjavik), it’s become quite a popular spot and is considered one of the best thermal baths in Iceland if you’re looking for an intimate setting with great views.
Make Iceland’s Hot Springs Relaxing Pitstops on Your Road Trip Around the Island
With Iceland’s hot springs scattered all across the country, they make for the perfect pitstops to relax and reenergize for the next leg of your road trip. If you rent a campervan in Iceland, you’ll not only take care of your transport as well as your accommodation for the duration of your road trip, but you’ll also be able to take advantage of some of our campgrounds, making for a much more affordable trip and many of these campgrounds are also located near the hot springs on our list (and who doesn’t want to transition from a hot spring straight to a bed?).
So, remember to sprinkle the above-mentioned hot springs into your trip itinerary so you can look forward to welcoming “time-outs” to fully embrace your Icelandic adventure well-rested and relaxed.
