Picture Iceland and you probably think of giant mountains covered in snow, icy-cold waterfalls plunging into freezing lakes, and magical glaciers in every shade of blue conceivable. It sounds like a place where you’d take every precaution to keep yourself dry while you’re outside. But just one glance at Iceland’s hot springs and you’ll be anxious to dive straight in.
The natural hot springs in Iceland are heated by geothermal energy created by the volcanoes which are scattered throughout the island. The water can reach highs of 36-44°C (96-111°F), which can be a big shock if you’re not prepared for it! Take your time, allow yourself to get used to the temperature slowly, and you’ll be submerged in paradise in no time.
Bathing in the geothermal pools in Iceland is something you’ve absolutely got to tick off your travel bucket list. There’s nothing like being surrounded by an icy, snowy landscape while soaking in warm, therapeutic waters heated by nature.
Whether you want to visit one of the famous hot springs you’ve seen on Instagram or you want to check out a secret one that’s off-the-beaten-track, this post will help you find your perfect place to soak.
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The 9 Best Hot Springs in Iceland
1. Blue Lagoon
One of the most popular thermal baths in Iceland, the Blue Lagoon is an absolute must-visit during your trip. The bath is absolutely huge, so it never feels too crowded, no matter how busy it is, and the water is the most dazzling shade of ethereal blue. When you’re there, make sure you explore because there’s plenty to see, including an in-water drinks bar, mask bar, waterfall, and steam cave.
There are male and female changing rooms, each of which has shared and private spaces for getting changed and showering. To make sure everyone feels comfortable, there are also individual special needs facilities that anyone can use upon request.
The Blue Lagoon is conveniently found just off the highway between Reykjavik and the International Airport at Keflavík. Its handy location makes it a great place to stop off before your flight home. Make sure to book your date and time slot well in advance!
2. Hrunalaug
If you’ve ever wanted to know what it feels like to be a hobbit in “The Lord of the Rings,” spend some time at Hrunalaug. One of the most magical geothermal pools in Iceland, Hrunalaug is hidden away from the loud cities on a privately owned farm.
When you visit, you’ll be surrounded by nothing but the beautiful Icelandic countryside, and because of its remote location, there’s a great chance you’ll have the place all to yourself.
Here you’ll find a collection of three different pools – one of which dates back to the 1890s! My favorite is the “Sheep” pool, which was created in 1935. It was originally made to wash sheep but has since been transformed into a tiny, intimate pool that can just about fit two people.
3. Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach
Nauthólsvík is a little different from the other thermal baths in Iceland because it’s not actually a hot spring – it’s a beach. Just a 10-minute drive from downtown Reykjavik, this gorgeous stretch of golden sand features a manmade lagoon that’s heated with steamy geothermally-warmed water. As well as the lagoon, the beach also has two hot tubs, which are heated to a toasty 39°C (102°F).
My favorite thing about Nauthólsvík is that going here can feel like a spa day. I love spending some time in the heated lagoon, taking a short dip in the brisk sea, and hopping back into the lagoon again as quickly as I can. The change in temperature is said to be good for the immune and nervous systems – give it a shot!
4. Hveravellir
One of the most beautiful hot springs in Iceland, Hveravellir is the stuff that dreams are made of. Nestled in between two magical glaciers, this thermal pool is surrounded by rugged wilderness, untouched lava fields, and spectacular views.
Despite its remote location, Hveravellir is incredibly well-equipped. There are accommodation options on-site, as well as a restaurant, bar, and internet cafe. Waking up in the pristine countryside and exploring one of the remarkable hiking trails before relaxing your tired muscles in the therapeutic thermal waters is a wonderful way to spend your vacation.
It’s important to know that there are no changing facilities on-site, so wear your bathing suit underneath your clothes. There is a restroom, but it’s a long walk from there to the hot spring – especially when you’re not dressed for the weather!
5. Laugarvatn Fontana
In my opinion, Laugarvatn Fontana is one of the best hot springs in Iceland because there’s just so much going on here.
This sprawling geothermal pool complex is made up of natural steam baths where steam rises up through the floor, a Finnish sauna, a refreshingly cool lake, and three interconnected mineral pools of different depths, sizes, and temperatures. Viska is my favorite pool because it enjoys the highest location and rewards you with stunning views that stretch across the lake.
I definitely suggest signing up for the geothermal bakery tour. You’ll get to watch as local Icelanders bake bread using natural geothermal energy! The bread is served while it’s still warm and smothered in Icelandic butter – the flavor and texture will be like nothing you’ve ever experienced before.
6. Secret Lagoon
The oldest of all the natural hot springs in Iceland, the Secret Lagoon isn’t much of a secret anymore – but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth visiting. Also known as Gamla Laugin, this healing hotspot dates back to 1891 and is heated entirely by the geothermal activity from surrounding geysers. If you get yourself in the right position, you can actually watch the Litli Geysir spout every few minutes from the pool!
Unlike other popular pools like the Blue Lagoon, the Secret Lagoon keeps things super simple. There’s a small set of steps leading into the water and that’s it – nothing more. But the simplicity of the area is one of my favorite things about it. There’s nothing else to do except relax and enjoy your stunning surroundings.
7. Reykjadalur Steam Valley
Iceland is an expensive place and entrance to some of the hot lagoons comes with a high price tag. Reykjadalur Steam Valley is the exception. One of the best geothermal pools in Iceland if you’re looking for a natural, unspoiled experience, this lesser-known attraction is on public land and is completely free to visit!
This staggeringly beautiful area is made up of several hot springs and mud pits that flow down the side of a hill. My favorite thing about this spot is that there are hot and cold water sources throughout. So if you’re not happy with the temperature in one place, you can move closer to the hot or cold source until the temperature is just right.
There’s no place to get changed here, so make sure you wear your swimsuit under your clothes and avoid the embarrassment of trying to change in public!
8. Lake Mývatn Nature Bath
A great alternative to the Blue Lagoon, Lake Mývatn Nature Bath has all the excellent facilities and services of the popular hot spring without the crowds. It’s one of the most comprehensive thermal baths in Iceland and features a huge milky-blue pool, a swim-up bar that serves great wine, and steam baths with windows so you can enjoy the views while you pamper yourself.
I suggest arriving here a little before sunset. When you’re in the water, you’ll be in the perfect position to witness the sky turn different shades of fiery red as the sun dips below the horizon. There’s also a cafe on-site that serves small snacks. The bread cooked from the heat of a geyser is my favorite and definitely worth trying.
9. Sky Lagoon
One of the newest hot springs in Iceland, Sky Lagoon opened in 2021 and has already made a huge impact on the local thermal spa scene. The lagoon’s unique setting is what gets people excited. It’s perched on the side of a cliff and boasts an infinity style, so you can swim right up to the edge and feel like you’re at the end of the world!
I suggest splashing out on the complete “Sky” package. It gives you access to every part of the geothermal complex, including the lagoon, the cold plunge pool, the sauna, the cold misty showers, an almond body scrub, the steam room, and the rejuvenating final shower.
Sky Lagoon’s restaurants are also worth visiting. Here you’ll find all kinds of delicious Icelandic delicacies that taste even better than they look. The sharing platters at Smakk Bar are my favorite. There’s even a vegan option that comes with plant-based feta cheese and an amazing chocolate peanut cake!
