Iceland has hundreds of natural hot springs all across the country. These hot springs are created by the volcanic activity on the island that heats up our underground water supply. While some hot springs are still used in their original form, others are used in our geothermal pools. Whichever you choose to visit, taking a dip in a hot spring is a unique experience usually accompanied by breathtaking views. But if there’s one hot spring so fairy-tale like that it won’t surprise you if an elf walks up to you, it’s Guðrúnarlaug.
So, if you’re thinking of visiting, or are just curious to learn more, read on. This article will tell you everything you need to know about this magical place and how to prep and plan for your trip.
Guðrúnarlaug: A Hot Spring Revived
The Guðrúnarlaug Hot Spring you see today is one that has been resurrected. A disastrous mudslide hit and completely covered the hot spring and surrounding area. After that, the hot spring was kept closed for 140 years till it was rebuilt. That is why the newly paved cobblestone edges and pathways leading to the changing facilities may have fooled some into thinking this is 100% man-made.
But this is merely the revamped version of the natural hot spring, so people can enjoy it once again. This being said, the rebuilt still wanted to stay true to the authentic site, so unlike many of our geothermal pools that are almost resort-like, facilities and amenities are kept very primitive. There are no bathrooms, no showers, no restaurants or cafes.
There’s only a changing room that resembles a cute little Viking longhouse. This places the focus where it should be: relaxing in the 36 to 38 degree Celsius water and staring awe-struck at the incredible views of the surrounding landscape.
Where is Guðrúnarlaug in Iceland?
Guðrúnarlaug Natural Hot Spring is located in the Sælingsdalur Valley of Dalabyggd in Western Iceland. It’s not a densely populated area, adding to the natural and intimate feel of the hot spring.
How to Get to Get to Guðrúnarlaug
Since it’s such a remote and intimate location, Guðrúnarlaug is not really on many of the tour operator’s radars. Still, you’ll be able to arrange for a customized private tour if you really want.
The best way to reach Guðrúnarlaug is simply by driving yourself. Guðrúnarlaug is just 167 kilometers or about a 2.5-hour drive away from the capital city of Reykjavik, making it possible as a day outing during the summer months with plenty of daylight hours. But many opt to have Guðrúnarlaug as a welcome break along their Ring Road road trip.
The drive is easy. Just get onto the Ring Road, and turn onto Road 60 toward Burdadalur Village. Continue for about another 16 kilometers in the direction of Holmavik before turning onto Road 589. After roughly 3 kilometers you will reach Hotel Edda. Guðrúnarlaug sits just up the hill and is a mere 2-minute walk from the parking lot.
How Much is a Ticket at Guðrúnarlaug?
You’ll be happy to learn that no tickets are required at Guðrúnarlaug, and no entry fees either. The public is free to use the hot spring whenever they want.
When is the Best Time to Visit Guðrúnarlaug?
While Guðrúnarlaug Hot Spring is open all year round, there are a few things that might influence when to visit. The table below will help you make a few quick calls:
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For the best weather |
Summer (June to August) |
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For the most daylight hours |
Summer (June to August) |
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To avoid peak season prices |
One of the shoulder months (April/May or September/October) |
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To avoid peak season crowds |
One of the shoulder months (April/May or September/October) |
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For an exhilarating, yet contrasting experience between hot and cold |
The colder months of the year (late October till early April) |
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To avoid tricky road conditions with ice, snow, and extreme winds |
May to September |
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To experience a Midnight Sun |
The second half of June with it peaking between 20 and 22 June |
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To spot the Northern Lights |
Winter (December to March) is recommended, but you can also try October, November, and April. |
Guðrúnarlaug’s Connection to the Icelandic Sagas
Our Icelandic Sagas are a strange mix of historical fact, myth, and legend. But who wants to get in the way of a good story right? For this reason, we will take the story surrounding Guðrúnarlaug as truth, if not just for the sole reason that the Saga version is more entertaining.
Guðrúnarlaug can be found in the Laxdæla Saga, where a Viking called Gudrin Osvifursdottir was said to live near Guðrúnarlaug. In fact, she often went for a relaxing soak, which is where the name comes from: Guðrúnarlaug roughly translates to “Gudrun’s Pool”. Unfortunately for Gudrun, her relaxing soaks in the hot spring were as good as life was to get for her.
She was a sort of interpreter of dreams, and, based on the dream of a man named Gestur Oddleifsson, Gudrun would be married 4 times, but all her husbands would die. The prediction became a reality, and after the death of her fourth husband, Gudrun became a nun and remained at Helgafell Church till the day she died. Her grave stone can still be visited today stating the year she died as 1008.
Other Things to See and Do Around Guðrúnarlaug
You can also add the following to your trip itinerary while in the area of Guðrúnarlaug:
- The Fimmvorduhals Hiking Trail (just keep in mind that this is a multi-day trek that covers a lot of ground)
- Eirksstadir’s Viking Longhouse
- Snowmobiling Langjökull Glacier
Places to Stay Near Guðrúnarlaug
If you would like to have the luxury of using Guðrúnarlaug whenever you’d like without being concerned about driving back to your accommodation, we recommend booking at Hotel Edda. If that doesn’t work out, the following are also great options nearby:
Guðrúnarlaug: Soothing Body and Soul on Your Road Trip Around Iceland
Hot springs make the perfect pitstops along a road trip. Not only does it soothe all sorts of aches and pains from driving, but it relaxes and rejuvenates you for the next leg of your trip. The fact that Guðrúnarlaug is so conveniently situated along the Ring Road, makes it the perfect stop for a Ring Road road trip.
When it comes to road tripping there is no better way to explore the island than via motorhome. So, pack your bags, rent a campervan in Iceland upon arrival, hit the road, and let the wonders of Iceland, including Guðrúnarlaug, capture your heart in ways only a road trip with a motorhome can.
