Visiting Hellulaug Hot Spring in Iceland promises to be the ultimate immersive experience. Not only do you get to immerse yourself in the warm waters of our infamous natural hot springs here on the island, but you also get to immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Icelandic nature.
This article will tell you everything you need to know about this hidden gem in Iceland, and why it can’t be left off your trip itinerary. We also give you all the information you’ll need to properly plan your visit. So, without further ado, let’s dive into Hellulaug!
Hellulaug: A Quick Breakdown
Hellulaug is one of the hot springs in Iceland that is still in its original form and setting. The perks of this hot spring are numerous. The most noteworthy are the incredible views the site has to offer as well as its size, which makes it much more intimate and offers a certain amount of privacy that’s often lacking at some of our other famous hot spring hot spots such as Reykjadlur.
When we said that the hot spring’s size makes for an intimate experience, we weren’t kidding. Clocking in at just 3 to 4 meters wide and 60 centimeters deep, this won’t fly as a group tour destination. This natural hot spring is keeping it real, though, and in true au natural fashion, you won’t find any additional facilities or amenities such as changing rooms, bathrooms, restaurants, etc. here.
But we’re happy to tick off all these boxes before heading out to Hellulaug, if it means we get to lounge in the water staying at a consistent 38 degrees Celsius, with incredible views over the Icelandic landscape and the Vatnasfjördur Fjord.
Where is Hellulaug in Iceland?
The reason why Hellulaug can offer visitors a certain amount of privacy is not just due to its size, but also due to its location. You see, Hellulaug sits in the southern part of the Westfjords, one of our most remote regions in Iceland. Although many add Hellulaug to their Ring Road road trip, don’t expect to find it next to the road. Even from the Ring Road, Hellulaug is a 2.5-hour detour away.
Getting to Hellulaug in Iceland
As such a remote destination, you won’t find Hellulaug as a standard destination on any of the popular tour packages. If you really wanted to, you could request a customized private tour from one of the local tour operators or guides who are sure to be happy to assist. But we’ll always advocate for driving around the island yourself and being the captain of your own Iceland adventure.
Getting to Hellulaug with your own transport is easy. If you’re coming from the direction of Reykjavik, you’ll need to drive about 112 kilometers north on the Ring Road before turning onto Road 60 just north of Bifröst. Continue for another 214 kilometers and park in the small gravel parking lot from where it’s just a short walk to the hot spring.
How Much is a Ticket to Hellulaug Hot Spring?
There is no ticket required to visit Hellulaug, and you won’t need to pay an entrance fee either. Visiting Hellulaug Hot Spring is completely free. But keep in mind that this natural hot spring is free because there are no facilities or amenities that need to be taken care of or staff that need to be paid. So, you must respect the environment and clean up after yourself.
When to Visit Hellulaug
Even though Hellulaug Hot Spring is open all year round, it is an outdoor venue located in the Westfjords which means that it is heavily impacted by seasons and the weather. Here’s what to consider:
If you’re planning on doing a proper exploration of the Westfjords region, it’s worth noting that many of the roads there are what we call F-roads in Iceland. These are unpaved roads that can be rocky with all sorts of obstacles and river crossings, making them tricky to navigate. According to law, you are also required to drive these roads with a 4x4 vehicle.
The F-roads close during the colder months of the year, making traveling through the Westfjords difficult, especially when driving off the beaten track, such as with Hellulaug.
In general, most with attractions and activities in the Westfjords on their trip itinerary opt to visit during the summer in Iceland since this means good weather and plenty of daylight hours to fill their days with all sorts of adventures. Just keep in mind that summer is our peak season here on the island, and there will be peak-season crowds and prices to contend with.
Other Things to See and Do Around Hellulaug in Iceland
If you would like to add a few other interesting things to see and do in the area to your itinerary, you can consider the following:
- Raudisandur Red Sand Beach
- Flatey Island (lies just off the coast and the ferry departs from the Westfjords)
- Krosslaug Hot Spring (one can never have too many hot springs, right?)
- Dynjandi Waterfall (help settle the debate on whether it looks like a veil or a tiered wedding cake)
- Latrabjarg Cliffs (a favorite among birders, and a go-to spot between May and September to do some Puffin spotting)
Places to Stay Near Hellulaug
Feeling a little too relaxed to hop back into the car after your soak? Or do you want to make more of an effort to explore the surrounding area in-depth? Then why not stay over? You can choose any of the following (remember, it’s a remote region, so accommodation options will be limited and you’ll need to book in advance):
Combine Relaxation and Exploration with Hellalaug and a Motorhome
For the utmost convenience and affordability, the best way to explore the island is via motorhome. For those feeling uncertain about how a motorhome will tackle the F-roads in Iceland when cruising the Westfjords; you will find plenty of 4x4 motorhome options that will have you exploring the region safely.
So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip, book that flight, rent a camper in Iceland, and start your journey with Hellulaug Hot Spring being a delightful chapter in your travel adventures!
