Iceland’s Westfjords region feels like stepping into another world entirely. This remote peninsula, carved by glaciers and shaped by centuries of volcanic activity, remains one of the country’s most untouched landscapes.
Though tourists flock to the Blue Lagoon and other famous geothermal spots, the Westfjords keep their treasures hidden from the crowds. The region’s dramatic coastline and rugged terrain have created perfect conditions for natural hot springs to flourish in secret corners.
Here is a list of 11 hidden geothermal gems scattered throughout Iceland’s most remote peninsula.
Reykjafjarðarlaug
This natural pool sits tucked away in a valley where few visitors venture. The spring maintains a perfect temperature year-round — usually hovering around 100°F — making it ideal for soaking even during harsh winter months. Local farmers have used this spot for decades, creating a small stone wall around the pool to help retain heat.
The surrounding landscape offers complete privacy, with only sheep and the occasional arctic fox for company.
Krossneslaug
Perched on a cliff overlooking the Denmark Strait, this geothermal pool offers one of the most spectacular views in all of Iceland. The concrete structure was built in 1954 to contain the natural hot spring, yet the location feels completely wild and untamed. On clear days, you can see Greenland’s mountains across the water while soaking in the 102°F waters.
The pool measures about 10 by 16 feet — providing just enough space for a small group to enjoy the experience together.
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Drangsnes Hot Pots
Three small concrete pools sit right next to the village of Drangsnes, each fed by natural hot springs that bubble up from deep underground. The temperatures vary between each pool, ranging from a mild 98°F to a toasty 104°F, letting visitors choose their preferred heat level.
These pools were built by locals who wanted to share their secret spot with visitors, though they remain largely unknown to tour groups. The setting feels like a neighborhood swimming pool — except your neighbors are mountains and the ocean.
Vatnsfjörður
Hidden in a remote fjord, this collection of natural pools requires a bit of hiking to reach. The springs emerge from the ground at various temperatures, creating a natural spa experience where you can move between different pools depending on your comfort level.
The area sits completely undeveloped, meaning you’ll need to bring everything you need and pack out all your trash. Wildlife thrives here undisturbed — seals often visible in the nearby waters and birds nesting in the surrounding cliffs.
Hellulaug
This spring flows directly into a small bay, creating a unique experience where fresh geothermal water mixes with cold seawater. The result is a natural pool that changes temperature with the tides. Sometimes pleasantly warm, other times requiring you to find the sweet spot where hot spring water concentrates.
Local legend claims this pool has healing properties — though the real magic comes from soaking while watching the midnight sun reflect off the water during summer months. The rocky shoreline provides natural seating areas carved by centuries of waves.
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Pollurinn
This natural pool sits in a valley that feels completely cut off from the modern world. The spring feeds into a rock formation that creates a perfect bathing spot — with temperatures staying around 101°F throughout the year.
Unlike many developed hot springs, this one has no changing facilities or walkways, maintaining its completely wild character. The surrounding area bursts with wildflowers during summer months, creating a colorful carpet that stretches toward distant mountains.
Gvendarlaug
Located near the abandoned village of Djúpavík, this hot spring carries an air of mystery and history. The pool sits among ruins of old buildings — creating an almost haunting atmosphere that adds to the soaking experience.
Water temperature stays consistently warm at around 100°F, while the spring produces enough flow to keep the pool clean and refreshing. The nearby herring factory ruins remind visitors of the area’s industrial past, though the hot spring represents the timeless natural forces that shaped this landscape.
Gamla Laugin
Hidden behind a hill near Flateyri, this unnamed old pool has warmed locals for generations. The spring emerges from underground at a steady 103°F — creating a natural spa experience that requires no electricity or maintenance.
Stone walls built by previous users help contain the water and create comfortable seating areas around the pool’s edge. The location offers protection from wind, making it comfortable even during Iceland’s notorious weather changes.
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Reykhólar
This geothermal area contains several small pools scattered across a geologically active zone. Each pool has its own character and temperature, ranging from pleasantly warm to almost too hot to enter.
The ground around the springs shows clear signs of geothermal activity, with colorful mineral deposits and small vents releasing steam. Local geologists consider this area particularly interesting because the springs show different mineral compositions, creating unique soaking experiences in each pool.
Bjarnarfjörður
Multiple small pools dot this remote fjord, each with its own unique characteristics and temperature profile. Some pools sit right at the water’s edge, where high tide occasionally adds cold seawater to the mix, while others nestle inland among rocks and vegetation.
The area remains completely undeveloped, requiring visitors to navigate by foot across uneven terrain to find the best pools. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with seals, whales, and various seabirds frequently spotted from the pools.
Westfjords Highland Springs
This collection of springs sits in the interior highlands, accessible only during summer months when snow melts enough to allow passage. The pools vary dramatically in size and temperature, from small intimate spaces perfect for couples to larger areas that can accommodate small groups.
Each spring has developed its own ecosystem of heat-loving bacteria and minerals, creating unique colors and textures in the water. The complete isolation means you’ll likely encounter no other humans during your visit, just the raw wilderness of Iceland’s most remote region.
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Timeless Waters in an Ancient Land
These hidden gems represent more than just warm water in a cold landscape. Each spring tells the story of Iceland’s geological history, from the tectonic forces that created the Westfjords to the ongoing volcanic activity that keeps these waters flowing. While Iceland’s famous attractions draw millions of visitors annually, these secret pools maintain their connection to the land’s ancient rhythms.
The Westfjords’ hot springs offer something increasingly rare in our connected world: true solitude and direct contact with natural forces that have shaped this landscape for millennia. Finding these hidden pools requires effort and respect, yet they reward visitors with experiences that feel as timeless as the volcanic forces that created them.
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