There is something simultaneously delightful and soothing about soaking in geothermal pools, in the rugged wilderness, that has to be experienced to be believed. One of the most outstanding features of Iceland’s landscape is its abundance of delightful natural hot springs and geothermal baths. Even though some of the hot springs are bubbling with boiling hot water or sprouting geysers and therefore not meant for bathing in.
Regardless of which corner of the country you find yourself in, there is no shortage of decadent geothermal baths to soak yourself in. From the scenic Geosea in the north to the murky Seljavallalaug in the South. From the new lush Vok baths in the east to the elusive Landbrotalaug hot springs in the west. You really do not have an excuse not to include a geothermal pool experience on your Iceland itinerary. The bonus being that most of them are free. For the spa type of pools mentioned on this post, you would need to book in advance on their respective websites.
As a hot spring and geothermal pool enthusiast, I have indulged in my fair share of nature baths all over Iceland. Here is my list of the top 15 must-experience geothermal pools in Iceland.
Geothermal pools near Reykjavik (West Iceland)
Blue Lagoon Iceland
By far the most famous of Iceland’s geothermal baths, it is no wonder it is visited by more than 2 million people every year. If you want to know whether the Blue Lagoon is worth the visit, read this post on five reasons why Iceland’s Blue Lagoon will blow your mind away.
Guðlaug Natural Pool
Guðlaug, which translates to God’s pool, are fabulously designed geothermal pots located on the beach in Akranes, barely 45 minutes from Reykjavik. There is no better place to soak up some decadent sunsets than from these pots which blend seamlessly into the surrounding landscape. From the pots, you can also see the magnificent Akranes lighthouse which was built in 1918. It is also one of the best spots to see the northern lights.
Landbrotlaug Hot Pots
One of the absolute highlights of visiting the Snaefellsnes Peninsula is finding the Landbrotalaug hot pots. As far as geothermal hot springs go, these are a little less known and certainly less visited. There are two hot springs, one is literally just a hole on the ground with enough room for just one person, the other is just a shallow puddle. The water is not very hot, but it is the perfect spot to partake of the beautiful surrounding mountains while taking in the slow hum of nature. The hot pots are as raw as can be and are located on an abandoned farm. There is no changing room on-site, so prepare accordingly. They can be a little difficult to find, we used these GPS coordinates N64°49.933 W22°19.110 recommended by the follow me away blog and they led us straight to the parking lot of the farm.
Krauma Geothermal Baths
Be prepared to be enamoured with Krauma’s ambience and surrounding rough wilderness. Krauma’s pools perfect temperature is a combination of hot geothermal water from Europe’s most powerful hot spring, Deildartunguhver, and glacial water. Amenities include five warm and one cold bath, steam baths, and a relaxation room. It is located less than 100 km from Reykjavik in Reykholt. Book in advance on Krauma’s official website.
Fontana Geothermal Baths
There is no better way to complete a trip to the famous Golden Circle than by taking a dip in the relaxing Fontana baths. Fontana has everything it needs to be a world-famous tourist hotspot. Amenities include three connected pools and a hot tub, steam baths, a sauna, and it also happens to be located next to Laugarvatn Lake, in case you are in the mood for a cold dip. The views of the Icelandic landscape from the pools makes the experience even more delectable. Fontana is barely an hour and a half’s drive from Reykjavik and is a good location for a fun half-day trip from the capital.
Kvika Foot Bath
Kvika is a tiny natural hot pot located very close to the Grótta lighthouse in Seltjarnarnes, a suburb of Reyjkavik. While it does not meet the description of a fully-fledged hot bath because of its size, it is still worth a mention. Kvika is quite popular, especially among sunset-watching locals or sporty types looking to relax their feet after a run on the beach.
(c) Vegahandbokin
Geothermal pools in the North of Iceland
Myvatn Nature Baths
It is easy to comprehend why Myvatn is dubbed the Blue Lagoon of the north. Like the Blue Lagoon, Myvatn is a man-made geothermal pool, rich in minerals which give it the same brilliant blue colour and is also surrounded by lava fields. Its waters are rich in sulfur which is good for your skin, (but terrible for jewellery as it makes copper or silver jewellery turn black). Surrealism is ubiquitous in Myvatn, making it the perfect location to have a one-on-one with pristine nature, enjoying languid moments of relaxation. It is located on Lake Myvatn, about two kilometres east of the village Reykjahlíð.
(c) Rove.me
Geosea Geothermal Baths
Located at the heart of the whale-watching capital of Iceland, Husavik, Geosea baths consist of carefully designed hot pools that are made for elegant idleness. The pools are emblematic to the city in that they offer epic views of the arctic circle, the Skjalfandi Bay and the Husavik lighthouse. You might even be lucky enough to spot a whale or two. Designed for relaxation and socializing, it is not uncommon to strike up a conversation with total strangers while enjoying a glass of wine in the pools.
Kaldi Beer Spa
While it is not a geothermal pool perse, it is still worth a mention as this new addition to Iceland’s tourism brings new meaning to the phrase ‘reeking of alcohol’. The only one of its kind in Scandinavia, Kaldi’s hot tubs are filled with beer, hops and yeast. Apparently, the high levels of vitamin B and protein from the beer and yeast is perfect for your skin and hair – well clearly this does not apply to hair extensions… A complimentary Keg is provided, so you are not tempted to drink the beer in which you are bathing. Believe it or not, the package includes a nap in a heated room. At an extra charge, you can also soak in an outdoor beer tub and savour the unsullied mountain view over a freshly brewed beer.
Geothermal pools in South Iceland
Seljavallalaug Nature Bath
One of Iceland’s oldest man-made pools built in 1923, it is located between Seljallandfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls and is quite off the radar. The water in this pool is swampy and green from algae; hence it is not recommended for people suffering from bacteria-related issues. The bath is not maintained and is apparently only cleaned once a year, although it looks like it has never been cleaned ever. All of this adds to its charm though. You would be amiss to think that the pool itself is all it has to offer, make sure to walk behind the pool for a fantastic view of the surrounding hills. There is no changing room at the pool but there is an old room beside it which is quite dirty.
It is quite elusive to find, the best way to make sure you do not miss it is to start looking out for a sign that says Raufarfell 242 road just after you pass Þorvaldseyri, (The Iceland Erupts exhibition). Take the left turn at Raufarfell 242 and follow the signs to Seljavellir. From the parking, it is about a 15 minutes’ walk towards the hills. The view alone makes visiting this pool totally worth it.
Geothermal pools in East Iceland
Vok
If you are looking for an exquisite geothermal spa ambience, nowhere is that more evident than at Vok, the latest attraction on East Iceland’s tourist circuit. An architectural eco-feat, Vok consist of a collection of astonishingly beautifully designed pools looking out into Lake Urritjavatn. The surrounding landscape might be typical; the pools are anything but. It is impossible to take a bad photograph in this geothermal spa. Vok baths are located 5 km from Egilsstaðir.
(c) Instagram @achigracie
Geothermal pools in the Westfjords
Heydalur Greenhouse Pool
At the Heydalur guesthouse in the Westfjords, guests have a wide array of activities to choose from, including horse riding, kayaking and yes! soaking in delectable hot pots. If you are an eco-conscious traveller, then this is the perfect spot for you. The guesthouse’s well-functioning ecosystem uses geothermal power to grow fruits and vegetables in a greenhouse powered by natural pumped geothermal water. Guests also get to chill in the relaxing pool, which also happens to be located inside the greenhouse.
(c) Instagram @irisbjorkgu
Pollurinn
Pollurinn which literally means “The Puddle” is a hot spring in Talknafjordur in the Westfjords and a popular meeting point for locals. While the pools themselves are very bland, the view from the pools is indulgent and understated offering idyllic sights of the beautiful surroundings. Regardless of the season, be prepared to be spellbound by the nearby mountains, whether they are draped in the golden summer sun or snow-capped in the winter, the view promises to be captivating. The pools are located just outside of Talknafjordur town on Sveinseyrarhlíð hill.
(c) Instagram @irisbjorkgu
Birkimelur
Birkimelur pool is a hidden jewel of the Westfjords and is often overlooked by most travellers. Located between the Brjanslaekur ferry terminal and Látrabjarg cliffs, the pool offers a quiet place for total relaxation. The natural stone pool has a spectacular view of the surrounding cliffs and waterfalls.
(c) Instagram @irisbjorkgu
Private hot tubs
I would be remiss to write a blog about geothermal pools in Iceland without including private hot tubs commonly found in many Icelanders’ homes and summer houses. Soaking in hot tubs is a national past time for Icelanders. Perhaps because of the perpetually cold weather or just because Icelanders believe in the healing benefits of hot tubs. Either way, expect to find a hot tub in a majority of the Air BnBs you rent in Iceland.
Other Hot Springs and Lagoons Worth Visiting in Iceland
- The Secret Lagoon also located on the Golden Circle
- Grettislaug and Jarlslaug pools located near Skagafjörður fjord, in the north
- Guðrúnarlaug is a reconstructed pool in West Iceland
Geothermal pool etiquette
- What to bring to a hot spring: Bring snacks and refreshments to the pools found in the wild, but no outside food or drink is allowed into the spa type of pools, as these are equipped with bars and restaurants.
- Changing rooms: Some pools have no changing rooms so come prepared.
- Be prepared to share the pool, even the small-sized ones, as most of the pools tend to get quite packed, just because you get there first does not mean you have sole access to the pool.
- You are expected to shower before entering the pools – unless there is no shower on site of course.
- Be quiet and respectful, people come to the pools seeking some peace and quiet.
- Clean up after yourself
I’ve heard of the Blue Lagoon and it definitely looks the most beautiful of the pools, but I love how the others are much quieter, with less people and in some really remote looking areas. I’ve wanted to go to Iceland for some time, it looks amazing and this is a great unique experience
Author
Yea the Blue Lagoon is the most famous one, but I think most of these pools are equaling relaxing and also worth the experience
Iceland is definitely on my bucket list now! These look absolutely amazing! I would love to go to Blue Lagoon.
Oh my – looks so soothing and relaxing! I can’t wait to check some of these locations out.
I’m shivering in my apartment in San Francisco and it’s 6 degrees, so not even that cold. I don’t know if I could handle the run from the pools back inside! They’re so gorgeous though, I should probably be brave.
Author
But that’s the excitement of it all katherine, that’s why geothermal pools are even more delectable during winter than they are in the summer
I’m tentatively planning a trip to Iceland for summer 2021! Thanks for this awesome list, we will definitely be hitting up some of these pools.
Author
I hope you enjoy them as much as I did Erin
Iceland is high on my bucket list! Looks incredible. Did you see Down to Earth with Zac Efron on Netflix? He goes to Iceland in one of the episodes and they bake bread in the hot geothermal sand! So incredible.
Author
Yes, I did. I loved that episode. I wonder where that particular spot is at in Iceland
Ah, I wish I had this guide when I was in Iceland! We did the Blue Lagoon and loved it, but I had no idea Iceland had so many other beautiful springs and pools to check out!
Author
I didn’t either the first time I went to Iceland
This is a great blog, Gloria 🙂 I would love to visit these hot springs and geothermal pools. They look amazing!
Author
Glad you liked it Cristina and I hope you get to experience these springs one day
What a cool blog! How fun to have visited ll these hot springs. I had no idea that Iceland had so many of them. The only one that I have heard of is the Blue Lagoon. They are all so pretty, especially the ones that look out on to the mountains. Thanks for sharing.
Author
Most people mistakenly think the Blue Lagoon is all Iceland has to offer, in terms of geothermal spas but there is much much more
All of these sound fabulous! I’m especially intrigued with that beer spa!
Author
The beer spa is a one-of-a-kind experience
Those hot springs look so relaxing!!!
Author
They absolutely are
Wow! I have heard of the Blue Lagoon but had NO idea just how many different thermal pools there are in Iceland. How hard it must have been for your to research all them.. haha ;). Incredible, great and really detailed post for anyone who’s heading to Iceland. I hope to one day so I’ll be pinning this 🙂
Author
Hahaha, it wasn’t that difficult to research them, they are actually all over the place. This list doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface of it, but glad it was helpful.
Typical, I only made it to the Blue Lagoon. This list is great, I’ll definitely be stopping by some of these on my next trip to Iceland!
Author
I hope you enjoy them as much as I did
All of them sound amazing but the greenhouse one sounds perfect to me! And I can only imagine bathing in beer on purpose! LOL It would be fun to try it out.
Author
Right on Tiffany. Those two are among my favourite ones
Iceland looks like the most beautiful place in the world, I would love to go! I have a friend that runs a horse farm there and am just waiting for the get go before I can finally stay there!
Author
I’m sure you will love it Amy, I did horse farm overnight and it was quite the experience. I completely reccomend it.
Yeeeees! All the hot pots were easily my favourite places in Iceland! We skipped the Blue Lagoon (we were not organized enough to book it in advance) but I love love looove the natural springs we found as well as the private hot tub where we stayed.
I would love t go back and try more of these. 🙂
Author
Completely agree Josy, the hot pots are must do attraction while visiting Iceland
We are so lucky to live on this planet! Looks otherworldly 🙂
Wow, I had no idea that there were so many places where you can experience geothermal pools in Iceland. This is such a helpful article, especially for people who don’t want or can’t afford to spend a fortune at the Blue Lagoon.
Author
True Joanna, there are so many other alternatives
I have not been to Iceland yet but I did know they had geothermal pools. However, I didn’t realize there were so many that people had access to. Thanks for the list.
Author
Glad you liked it Rhonda
What a great list of thermal pools, I have been to the blue lagoon but didn’t realise there were so many more. I love the cute foot spa on the beach.
Author
Yea spoilt for choice as far as thermal pools are concerned, all of them are worth it
Oh wow, these pools look so lush. I will love to visit all of them.
Author
They are indeed lush Bolupe I hope you get to a chance to visit
You simply can’t visit Iceland without a visit to a hot spring, in my opinion. I’d love to try a private, outdoor hot tub on our next trip. The Blue Lagoon is great, but it was SO busy when we visited.
Author
The Blue Lagoon does get really busy, luckily most Air BnB you rent in Iceland do come with a private tub and most have panoramic views as well
The hot springs in Iceland are definitely on my list. Your post has so many to choose from and I would be keen to visit some of the less touristy ones.
Author
Those are my most favourite ones too Tania
Ok I only knew about the Blue Lagoon but all of these look amazing! I’d love to visit Iceland and check all of these out – I love a good hot spring 🙂
Author
Most people only know of the Blue Lagoon but some of these are a much more rewarding experience
Nicely written article. Many of these are in our itinerary for 2022. One bath that was not mentioned was a seaweed bath in reykholar, west fjords. The seaweed is suppose to be good for your skin as well. Have you been to this one?
Author
Hey Kathy, I haven’t been to the seaweed bath in the West Fjords, I’ll be sure to include it on my future West Fjords list, thanks