15 Hot Springs and Geothermal Pools in Iceland

January 19, 2024

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Iceland, affectionately called the land of ice and fire, sits on a hot spot for volcanic activity and has an abundance of glaciers countrywide due to its proximity to the Arctic. This contrast results in many lakes, waterfalls, and hot springs scattered across the country. All around Iceland, you can find natural geothermal hot springs and hot spring resorts that have popped up in active areas. Whether you are looking for luxury pools, natural hot spring rivers, or hidden gems, this list has some of everything!

Looking out across a patch of green grass with small yellow flowers at two hot spring baths "floating" on a lake. Many people are soaking int he baths and walking on the wood walkways around the baths.

Blue Lagoon ★

★ notes a location we visited during our time in Iceland

If you are considering traveling to Iceland, you’ve probably heard of or seen photos of the Blue Lagoon. It’s Iceland’s most famous and popular hot spring, known for its milky blue waters. The lagoon is large and has plenty of space to spread out, so the pools won’t feel overly crowded, even if it’s busy.

The Blue Lagoon has multiple sections with different water temperatures and a few areas to explore around the pools, such as a waterfall and sauna. There is even a section of the lagoon that is a quiet zone where no photos or videos are allowed. One of my favorite features of the Blue Lagoon is that you can enter the hot spring from inside; no need to walk out into the cold in your swimwear!

Woman with brown hair in a low bun and yellow swimsuit standing in milky blue waters at the Blue Lagoon.

Large white concrete sign standing in the ground surrounded by lava rocks. The sign says "BLUE LAGOON"

Located within the lagoon is a drink bar and a face mask hut. The basic package comes with a drink and one face mask. You can either upgrade to a different package for additional masks or purchase them, as well as additional drinks, separately.

The Blue Lagoon is conveniently located near the airport and has a restaurant, spa, and hotel. This hot spring is an excellent spot to stop right after arriving in Iceland or just before leaving due to its location.

The Blue Lagoon has recently gone through periods of temporary closure due to seismic and volcanic activity in the area, so double-check the status of the lagoon before planning a visit!

Sky Lagoon ★

Sky Lagoon is a newer thermal bath located right in Reykjavik. The design of Sky Lagoon is modern and sleek.

The lagoon is an infinity-style lagoon that overlooks the ocean west of Reykjavik. The pools at this particular lagoon are clear rather than milky and blue. This is due to the difference in minerals (no silica) found in the lagoon.

Brown haired woman with a pony tail and pink bikini top standing at the edge of a infinity hot spring pool drinking a pink drink.

modern Nordic bar with metal shelves and wood decor

Sky Lagoon also offers multiple different packages, including two couples packages. Most of the packages include a seven-step wellness ritual, which is the signature feature of this hot spring. The ritual consists of the hot spring, a cold plunge, sauna mist, scrub, steam, and shower. You do not have to participate in all of the seven steps if you do not wish to; for instance, we skipped the cold plunge, as did most other visitors. The lagoon also has a swim up bar and a waterfall.

looking out a large glass window at the ocean while sitting inside a brown wood sauna. The sky outside is cloudy and grey

Sky Lagoon and Blue Lagoon are often compared due to their similar luxury style and proximity. You do not need to visit both; pick the one with the experience that aligns with your preferences. However, if I were to choose based on overall experience, I would pick Sky Lagoon.

During our own experience, we chose one of the couple’s packages, which included a private changing area and a snack. The private changing area was so nice, with easy access to many towels and a spacious shower; it was luxurious. The package was expensive, so consider it a splurge rather than the norm.

Laugarvatn Fontana

Laugarvatn Fontana is located within the golden circle on the shores of Laugarvatn Lake. Access is just off of the main highway, so it’s a very easy location to get to. The lakefront spa is modern and new, with multiple pools, a sauna, bar and cafe. There is also lake access if you’d like to take a cold plunge. The pools are not too large and this location can get quite busy due to it’s easy of access on the Golden Circle route.

One neat experience at this geothermal pool is that you can try see the process of making geothermal bread and even taste some, which is definitely an experience unique to this particular location!

Secret Lagoon

Secret Lagoon is located within the Golden Circle. The style of the Secret Lagoon is more simple and natural. You will not find the rituals, masks, and luxury amenities here that you would find at the Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon.

This lagoon is traditional and historic and is surrounded by nature. It’s hot and deeper than some other lagoons, making it easy to submerse yourself fully. Due to the lack of luxury amenities, visiting this lagoon is significantly cheaper than some of the more well-known locations; it will also be more intimate and quiet.

There is a small cafe on the property if you’d like to purchase food and drinks.

Hrunalaug Hot Spring

Hrunalaug is a hidden gem on the Golden Circle, and very close to the Secret Lagoon. If you want a truly intimate and unique experience, this location is private property owned by a farmer. You may have this location all to yourself. The water is warm, not hot.

Reykjadalur Hot Spring River

The Reykjadalur Hot Spring is found south of the Golden Circle in a natural river that requires a 1-hour hike to reach the hot spring river. The hike is gorgeous, so even though it’s a bit long to visit a hot spring, it will be a great experience.

Once you reach the hot spring there is no enclosed changing space; you will have to change behind a couple of small provided walls. Consider hiking in your swimwear if you aren’t comfortable changing out in the open. Within the river, different spots have different temperatures, so you should be able to find the perfect spot! Make sure you bring your own towel.

Vok Baths ★

Vok Baths is a geothermal bath located on a lake just west of Egilsstaðir on the east coast of Iceland. This hot spring is made of multiple baths of different temperatures that look out over or “float” on the lake. This is a no-frills thermal bath, however the facility is quite nice and modern. You do have to get out of the baths to walk between the different pools, which can be chilly! If you are feeling up for it, you can dive into the lake for a cold swim; there are ladders available to climb back up to the pools!

two separate hot spring pools on the edge of a lake partially surrounded by wood walkway

Woman with brown hair in a bunch and hot pink bikini top standing at the edge of an infinity pool hot spring

Provided with admission is a specialty tea that you can drink after your soak in the baths. While other drinks are not included in the admission price, there is a pool bar in the baths. You can also visit the steam bath and cool mist tunnel near the baths. There is also an on-site bistro with a great view of the baths and the lake. It is a bit expensive, as are most Iceland restaurants, but our food was delicious.

Two bao bun tacos sitting in a shallow grey cylinder-style bowl. The bao have chicken, radishes and greens

Bruschetta - red tomatoes, mozzarella balls and basic on top of some crunchy toast sitting on a beige plate

This location was a mixture of locals and tourists; it was somewhat busy, and the crowd tended to lean a little bit older than some of the other baths we visited.

No towels are provided, so bring your own or rent one!

Myvatn Nature Baths ★

Myvatn Nature Baths are located in the Myvathn Geothermal Area. This Hot Spring is similar to the Blue Lagoon in that it has blue milky water due to the silica in the natural hot water.

The facility is comparable to many other luxury-style thermal baths; there is one large pool with different areas at different temperatures, some places to sit within the bath, and an in-bath drink bar and steam bath. No towels are provided, so make sure you bring your own!

Woman with brown hair pulled back and a crocheted bikini top sits in milk blue hot spring water with large volcanic rocks in the background

Looking towards a grey two story building with lots of windows across milky blue hot spring waters. people are at the edge of the water near the building

This is a pretty popular stop for thermal baths as it’s the most well-known in northern Iceland. However, if you were to choose between Myvatyn Nature Baths and the Blue Lagoon, I would say go with the Blue Lagoon. Myvatyn can have a strong smell of sulfur due to being located within the geothermal area, and depending on the time of year, there can also be a lot of midge flies in the area, and they can end up in the baths.

Looking towards a mountain in the distance across milky blue hot spring waters. people are at the edge of the water

I felt that this location felt a bit run down compared to other similar locations. The one plus is that there was a lovely cafe and snack area right inside that was stocked with all sorts of food and was perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up.

Geosea ★

Geosea is located on a cliff next to the lighthouse in Husavik, the whale-watching capital of Iceland. There are two baths of different temperatures with clear water. There is a ton of bench seating along the edge of the pools, which is great because the views at this thermal bath are amazing! You get a great view of the ocean and the mountain range across the way.

Due to the location, these baths were pretty quiet; we had tons of space to ourselves and could freely walk around the pools. The facility is clean and modern. While this location may not have all the amenities of a larger hot spring, the atmosphere makes up for it. There is a pool bar and cafe; you will have to get out of the bath to go to the bar, but it’s mere feet away. Towels are not provided, so make sure you bring one!

A woman with brown hair pulled back and a vertical pastel stripe bikini top sits in an infinity edge hot spring pool arms crossed looking towards the camera. There are snow capped mountains across an ocean in the background

Geosea was our favorite hot spring stop during our trip, and I suggest visiting to anyone who finds themselves in Husavik. It’s the perfect place to head after a whale-watching tour! It was definitely the most relaxing of all the thermal baths we visited.

Forest Lagoon

Forest Lagoon is located just east of Akureyri. This lagoon is newer and located within the trees on the river bank. The entire facility is clean, modern, and has a very tranquil vibe.

There are two thermal baths with clear waters, one cold pool, and a dry sauna. The main pools can be entered via an indoor entry, and the pools have two separate swim-up bars. Inside the facilities, there is a bistro where you can enjoy some food in a warm, relaxing environment. Make sure you bring your own towel or rent one, as they are not provided.

My sister visited the Forest Lagoon on her recent stop in Akureyri and really enjoyed the whole experience.

Fosslaug Hot Spring

Fosslaug is a true gem in northern Iceland. This natural hot spring is located right next to Reykjafoss, is easy to access, and only requires a short walk once you’ve parked! However, the turn-off is easy to miss (we did miss it initially), so look for your turn at 753; you will have to cross two bridges to get to the parking area. Once you’ve walked to the falls, you get a two-for-one experience here: a gorgeous waterfall that isn’t too crowded with tourists and a warm pool to soak in.

The pool is not too large, but depending on where you sit in the pool can greatly change the temperature of waters so test out the water before fully submerging yourself. If you are looking for a natural, free, hot spring this may be the one for you!

multi-tiered waterfall with turquois waters surrounded by mossy baren landscape with some mountains far off in the background

We, unfortunately, didn’t get to soak in this pool as a group arrived just before us and took up most of the pool; I also don’t have any pictures of the pool itself for the same reason. In the waterfall picture above, the hot spring is just over the crest on the left of the falls; you can see the path and some people.

Guðrúnarlaug Hot Spring

Guðrúnarlaug is a small, quiet, stone hot spring pool a short ways north into the west fjord area of Iceland. Due to the area, you will likely have this location to yourself. The hot spring is free to visit, but donations are encouraged.

There are no restrooms at this hot spring, but there is a small hut that you can change in. The water in the spring can vary in temperature, so test it out before plunging your entire body into the spring!

Krauma

Krauma is a resort-like natural geothermal bath located in west Iceland. The actual location is a bit in the middle of nowhere, so this is a good stop outside of Reykavik if you don’t already have a jam-packed trip.

This geothermal bath has multiple clear, modern, pools of different temperatures (including a cold plunge), two saunas, a steam room, and a relaxation room. Krauma has no in-bath drink bar, but you can order from the staff who are walking around the area. There is also an onsite restaurant where you can enjoy some local farm fresh meals.

Price-wise, this geothermal bath falls on the pricier, luxury end of the spectrum. One downside is that towels are not provided despite the price, so bring your own!

Guðlaug Baths

Guðlaug Baths is less of a tourist location and more of a local spot. It is considered a recreational pool. It features multiple pools that are located right along the beach. The facility has three levels; the top is a viewing area, while the bottom two house the pools. The main pool on the second level is an infinity pool. The lowest level also has access to the beach.

This location is quite close to Reykjavik, which you can see to the south from the pools.

The price is minimal, as it’s a more relaxed local experience. As expected, no towels are provided, so bring your own or rent one!

Hvammsvik Hot Springs

Hvammsvik Hot Spring is a spa resort-like luxury hot spring located right on the ocean, a short distance from Reykjavik. The hot spring has multiple pools of different temperatures that fluctuate depending on the tide. The pools are all separate from each other, so you will have to leave one pool to enter another. Towels are not provided, so bring your own or rent one!

Due to the more secluded area, this hot spring can feel very private. The location also has a bistro, bar, and accommodation options. They offer four houses in the area that you can stay in; check them out if you want a unique experience to pair with your hot spring visit!

Various Pools

All around Iceland, in the small towns, you can find local pools. They may not provide the resort or luxury-type experience that many of the tourist-centric geothermal baths do. Still, they give you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and experience.

One notable location from our trip was Hofsós Sundlaug, which is located next to the basalt columns in Hofsós. We didn’t visit the pool, but it was a popular location for locals.