10+ Best Hot Springs In Iceland That Is Worth A Visit

Have you chosen a destination for the next holiday? Well, there are so many options to think about. How about skipping the usual skiing or shopping routine and trying something new and cosy, like hot springs? And Iceland has several enchanting hot springs thanks to its geothermal wonderland. This article will help you discover the best hot springs in Iceland with all the information you need to plan your visit to these destinations. Don’t leave until you have read it all. 1. The Blue Lagoon Nearly a million visitors come here annually. Photo by surangaw on stock.adobe.com A geothermal spa nestled amid black lava fields, Iceland’s famed Blue Lagoon soothes weary travellers. Only 20 minutes from Keflavík International Airport, its milky-blue tones create a surreal backdrop for relaxation. Remember to bring your own towels and sandals to enjoy it to the fullest. Heated naturally by the planet’s core, soothing waters emanate from a nearby power plant at a perfect 37°C - 40°C (98°F - 104°F). Minerals like silica leave skin smooth, while algae give waters that trademark Robin’s egg hue. Visitors may be fortunate enough to witness the Northern Lights during the winter months, as the Blue Lagoon's remote location offers a dark, clear sky away from city lights. 2. Mývatn Nature Baths Mývatn Nature Baths rightfully earn a spot among best hot springs in Iceland. Photo by on dudlajzov stock.adobe.com In northeast Iceland, the Mývatn Nature Baths await discovery as “the Blue Lagoon of the North.” Soak in nutrient-rich waters heated up to 2,500 metres (8,200 feet) below the Earth's surface. At the moment, they are conducting a renovation, which is expected to be completed in 2025. Compared to the Blue Lagoon, the Mývatn Nature Baths is a more affordable and less crowded Iceland hot spring. There’s even a bar accessible from the water. There’s nothing like enjoying the pool and amazing sunset view with a glass of beer or wine in your hands. 3. Hvammsvik Hvammsvik includes hot springs that glide into the ocean. Photo by An Instant of Time - stock.adobe.com Similar to Mývatn Nature Baths, Hvammsvik offers a variety of pools with a range of temperatures (8 of them, to be exact). This allows you to find the perfect spot to unwind, whether you prefer a toasty soak or a cooler dip in the ocean. For just around £40, you can enjoy the hot springs for as long as you like. When hunger strikes, there's a cosy bistro right on the premises. Their fish and vegan soup are particularly tasty and can rejuvenate your senses. The only downside? You have to get fully dressed to munch on the food. 4. The Secret Lagoon Don’t forget to bring a waterproof camera for stunning pictures. Photo by Simon on stock.adobe.com The Secret Lagoon, or Gamla Laugin, is a renowned geothermal pool in Iceland created in 1891. Set amidst mossy lava fields, it exudes a magical atmosphere with steam rising from fissures in the ground. The main pool is surrounded by various natural hot springs and features its own mini geyser that erupts every 5 minutes. There's a path that allows you to explore the mossy lava fields and other geothermal features. The Secret Lagoon is ideally located for inclusion in a Golden Circle tour. So it's a waste not to combine one of Iceland's oldest pools with nearby attractions like Þingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall, and the Geysir geothermal area. 5. Sky Lagoon It is just like your dream come true. Photo by oldmn - stock.adobe.com Do you want to enjoy an infinity pool and a hot spring all in one? Sky Lagoon is a popular geothermal spa that opened near Reykjavik. Set along the coastline, the spa offers scenic views of the North Atlantic ocean and surrounding lava rock landscapes. The main attraction is the large, infinity-edge hot pool with a constant warm temperature thanks to geothermal heating. Guests can also take a bracing dip in the small cold plunge pool or relax in the sauna and steam rooms. Sky Lagoon is especially known for its Seven Step Ritual experience: soak in the warm pool, plunge in the cold pool, relax in the sauna, stand in the cooling mist, exfoliate with a mineral body scrub, steam, then rinse off. The mineral-rich water and scrub are said to have detoxifying and skin-soothing properties. In addition to the pools and steam rooms, the spa has an on-site cafe and upscale restaurant. Guests can also purchase Sky Lagoon's signature skincare products to continue benefiting from the minerals after their visit. 6. Seljavallalaug It is a public pool that you can enjoy without an entrance fee. Photo by Aerial Film Studio - stock.adobe.com Seljavallalaug is quite a big pool, about 30 feet wide and 82 feet long. It was built in 1923, making it one of the oldest hot springs in Iceland. The pool is simple and somewhat rugged, which adds to its rustic and authentic charm. Here's the thing, though: when you take a dip in Seljavallalaug, you're on your own. There are no lifeguards or safety measures, so you've got to be careful, especially if you're with kids. And watch out for the green stuff in the pool – that's algae, and it can make things a bit slippery. Also, they only clean it once a year. On the bright side, it won't cost you a dime to use the Seljavallalaug Pool. 7. Hrunalaug Hrunalaug offers a wild hot spring experience to expect. Photo by Pavel Kašák on stock.adobe.com Hrunalaug is a natural hot spring in Iceland that tourists love. People come here to soak in the warm water and admire the beautiful Icelandic views. But there aren't any fancy facilities or buildings around. What's really nice about Hrunalaug is that it's all-natural. There are rocks all around, and you get to see the pretty Icelandic countryside while you relax in the warm water. It's a peaceful and simple place to take a bath. Compared to other hot springs, Hrunalaug is quite small. There is a small concrete pool that can comfortably accommodate less than five bathers. A slightly larger pool beside it has room for about seven people. The quaint scale and au naturel setting give Hrunalaug a peaceful, rustic charm unique among Iceland's hot springs. 8. Reykjadalur Steam Valley Nothing is better than soaking in warm water in a green scenery. Photo by Kristina Blokhin on stock.adobe.com Reykjadalur Valley, nicknamed "Steam Valley," is a popular natural hot spring area located about 45 minutes drive North of the town of Hveragerði. To reach the geothermal river and hot springs, visitors must hike on a marked trail through the scenic valley for around 45-70 minutes depending on fitness level. Along the way you'll see bubbling mud pots and fumaroles billowing steam up from the volcanic earth. The hike ends at a warm geothermal river, with temperatures ranging from 36°C - 40°C (96°F - 104°F), perfect for soaking after the walk. The hotter pools are located farther upstream. There are basic wooden changing "rooms" along the riverbank; otherwise, there are no facilities, so come prepared with swimwear and towels. Be respectful of the beautiful natural landscape by sticking to marked paths and carrying out any trash. While busy in summer, Reykjadalur offers a picturesque winter visit, too, when surrounded by snow. Just be careful if you plan on hiking through icy terrain. 9. Landmannalaugar If you're seeking relaxation and stunning landscapes, Landmannalaugar is a place to be. Photo by lkoimages on stock.adobe.com Nothing quite compares to soaking your weary bones in the warming waters of Landmannalaugar's natural hot springs. The standout spot is Stórihver, where temperatures can reach a perfect 40°C (104°F). The mineral-rich waters work their therapeutic magic, easing tired muscles and allowing your mind to unwind. This special place offers endless paths to discovery. Trails wind their way past rhyolite mountains, volcanic craters, black lava fields and rushing streams - a reminder of Iceland's natural forces. You don' want to miss the multi-day Laugavegur hike, taking in breathtaking scenery as you traverse this diverse landscape. 10. Laugarvatn Fontana If you're travelling along the Golden Circle route, iLaugarvatn Fontana is a convenient and enjoyable stop. They have various pools with different temperatures, mostly from a toasty 40°C (104°F) to a soothing 50°C (122°F), so you can choose the one that suits you best. Additionally, there are traditional Finnish saunas and a steam room, offering different levels of heat to suit your preference. VISKA, a hot tub, is also a good choice. It sits a bit higher and provides a panoramic view of Lake Laugarvatn and the surrounding countryside. 11. Hveravellir This place provides an extraordinary atmosphere. Photo by Revive Photo Media on stock.adobe.com Created in 1950 after a damp, Hveravellir is another hot spring that attracts many hikers. Here, you can explore the captivating lava fields and remnants of volcanic activity along the Green Trail, Red Trail, and Orange Trail. Opting for the Green Trail is advisable, as it's the shortest, taking about 40 minutes to complete. The hot spring is conveniently located near the parking area. Its water is pleasantly warm, with temperatures ranging from approximately 18°C (65°F) to 39°C (102°F). However, exercise caution around the intake pipe, as the water directly from the source can be extremely hot. 12. Forest Lagoon Just opened in 2022, Forest Lagoon is one of the best hot springs in Iceland. It's perched overlooking Eyjafjörður, a super-long fjord. The pool is massive, about 530 square metres, and the water is just right at 37°C (98.6°F). Better yet, two swim-up bars mean cocktails on demand. Craving privacy? A cosy secondary pool awaits. And if Instagram-worthy shots are your thing, infinity edges merge perfectly with the breathtaking panorama. Renewal, relaxation and utter tranquillity await among Vaðlaskógur's verdant boughs. This wonderland is sure to become many travellers' new favourite Icelandic escape. 13. Vok Baths Nestled in the tranquil embrace of East Iceland, Vok Baths is a place that feels like nature's own spa. Wander down lush trails to discover an oasis perfectly blending modern comforts with natural serenity. You can take a dip in two serene floating infinity pools or unwind in the indoor pool. The steam room works out every last kink while the complimentary bar alleviates any care. Top it off with tasty fare from their on-site bistro, and you'll float away contented, the outside world's noise long forgotten. 14. Gudrunarlaug Gudrun Harlaug is a really cool place to unwind. Photo by Nick Fox on stock.adobe.com Tucked away in the lush green hills of West Iceland lies a truly magical place - Gudrunarlaug hot springs. As you wander the peaceful landscape, you'll come upon a cosy, rock-lined pool nestled quietly in the terrain. Though the original spring was lost long ago, this 2019 rebuild is just as welcoming. Moreover, it's named after Gudrun Osvifursdottir, a character from the "Laxdæla Saga," a classic Icelandic story. Legend has it that Gudrun found comfort in the hot spring's waters during her challenging life. Final Thoughts To sum it up, the best hot springs in Iceland runs deep. There are lots of options for visitors, such as remote natural pools to more developed high-end bathing complexes. All of them share stunning natural backdrops that make the soaking experience completely rejuvenating. Be sure to leave time in your itinerary to soak up serenity in these magical geothermal gems. As any local will tell you, there are few better ways to appreciate Iceland's beauty than from the vantage of a soothingly warm pool. Finally, don't be shy to comment your thoughts below and share this article along with your fellow travellers if you found it helpful! Ha Ngan