Iceland sits on a geological hotspot where two tectonic plates meet, creating a land of fire and ice that bubbles with geothermal activity. Almost half of the hot water in the capital region is geothermal water.
It comes boiling from the ground and straight into people’s homes. Here’s a list of fifteen remarkable hot springs across the island that transform Iceland’s harsh climate into a warm embrace for weary travelers.
Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is Iceland’s most famous geothermal pool, arguably its most famous attraction. Located just 15 minutes from Keflavík Airport, this milky blue oasis sits in the middle of a black lava field on the Reykjanes Peninsula.
The lagoon’s signature azure hue comes from silica and algae suspended in the mineral-rich water, which maintains a consistent temperature between 98–102°F (37–39°C). And the surrounding spa facilities? Top-tier luxury with in-water massage treatments, restaurants, and even a hotel.
Secret Lagoon
The Secret Lagoon at Flúðir is a magnificent hot spring pool. Its charming Icelandic name is “Gamla laugin”, meaning The Old Pool. Built in 1891, it holds the distinction of being Iceland’s oldest man-made geothermal pool. Despite its name, this place is hardly a secret anymore.
The charm lies in its natural surroundings. Steam rises from the water while a small geyser erupts nearby every five minutes. You’ll love it for the moss-covered, natural surroundings. Not fancy. But atmospheric as hell.
Forest Lagoon
At the head of Eyjafjörður, one of the longest fjords in Iceland, Forest Lagoon is surrounded by nature, even though it’s just a three-kilometer drive from Akureyri, the capital of the north. The newest addition to Iceland’s premium spa scene opened with infinity pools that seem to blend seamlessly with the fjord waters.
Two pools float among the trees, connected by wooden walkways to swim-up bars. The Finnish-style sauna overlooks everything, while a 12°C cold plunge waits for the brave. Pine-scented air drifts across the water. You’ll understand why locals call this their favorite spot.
Mývatn Nature Baths
Lake Mývatn is one of the larger, better-known lakes in Iceland. It is only south of the Arctic Circle by about 65 miles. The nature baths here offer North Iceland’s answer to the Blue Lagoon, minus the tourist buses and inflated prices.
The water is alkaline and enriched with minerals known for their extraordinary healing powers and soothe skin problems. No chlorine or chemicals are added to the water, which is instead filled with silica, algae, and microorganisms that keep it clean. Steam rooms built directly over geothermal vents let you breathe in the earth’s natural warmth.
Sky Lagoon
Located practically in Reykjavík, Sky Lagoon brings luxury spa culture to the capital region. Their 7-step ritual is included in the Pure Pass, and it’s absolutely necessary to experience. The infinity pool stretches toward the North Atlantic, creating the illusion that you’re soaking at the edge of the world.
The seven-step ritual guides visitors through cold plunges, exfoliation scrubs, and relaxation areas. Game of Thrones vibes meet modern Scandinavian design.
Vök Baths
Vök Baths was my favorite organized geothermal spa in Iceland. That was for 2 reasons. 1) The geothermal pools are FLOATING in a cold lake that you can jump in and out of as you please, and 2) It had the most local vibe. These are Iceland’s only floating geothermal pools, built directly on Lake Urriðavatn in East Iceland.
The concept is brilliant in its simplicity. Hot pools connected by wooden walkways to shore facilities. With your ticket entry, you’ll get a herbal tea brewed from the spring water, which is incredibly clean and safe to drink. Jump between hot and cold water at will. Perfect for cold plunge enthusiasts.
Geosea
Geosea baths are one of our favorite hot springs in Iceland! They offer one-of-a-kind scenery to admire and are very tranquil and remote. Perched on cliffs overlooking the Arctic Ocean near Húsavík, these baths use geothermally heated seawater.
Two infinity pools stretch toward the horizon while the midnight sun or northern lights dance overhead, depending on the season. It’s often quite windy near the sea front, so switching the pools can feel chilly for a moment. Still worth the brief discomfort.
Fontana Spa
Perched on the banks of Lake Laugarvatn, Fontana houses steam baths and a sauna. You’ll also find 3 outdoor mineral pools, varying in size and temperature. The real draw here isn’t just the soaking — it’s the geothermal bakery where bread is literally cooked underground using natural heat.
For the ultimate experience, take a dip in the lake before heading into the sauna or steam bath. This kind of cold-water immersion is said to have numerous health benefits! The lake stays cold year-round, providing the perfect contrast to the hot pools.
Krauma
Krauma was a nice surprise; it’s one of the nicest under-the-radar spas in Iceland. The water is heated by Deildartunguhver hot spring, the largest and highest-flowing hot spring in Europe. Six baths range from refreshingly cool to soothingly warm, each fed by Europe’s most powerful hot spring.
While you sit in the outdoor pools you will be surrounded by steam vents, creating this otherworldly vibe. Relaxation rooms, saunas, and a cold plunge complete the circuit. Multiple temperature options mean everyone finds their perfect soak.
Hoffell Hot Tubs
The Hoffell tubs are hot springs hot tubs! They have limited amenities, but do provide a towel and a basic changing room. There are 5 tubs of varying temperatures nestled against a rock wall. Located in Southeast Iceland near Höfn, these rustic tubs offer an authentic, no-frills experience.
The temperatures do not stay consistent. Some days they are too hot to get into, and some days they are lukewarm. Nature calls the shots here. That’s part of the charm — you never quite know what you’ll get.
Reykjadalur
Reykjadalur — Icelandic for “smoky valley” — is located just off the Ring Road, around a 50-minute drive from Reykjavík. This geothermal river requires a moderate hike to reach, but the payoff is soaking in a naturally heated stream surrounded by steaming hillsides.
The 90-minute round-trip hike through the valley passes multiple hot springs and mud pools before reaching the main bathing area. Price: Free Location: Right above the town of Hveragerði, near Hengill geothermal area Bath Season: All year round Pack a towel and prepare to get muddy.
Kerlingarfjöll
There’s only one hot spring in Kerlingarfjoll available for bathing. And it is well hidden from the mainstream trails of the Hveradalir geothermal area! The entire scenery around the hot spring looks entirely like from another planet. Reaching this otherworldly spot requires a 4WD vehicle and determination.
Water in the warmer of the two pools had temperature of around 37°C in July, which was more than just pleasant after a full day of hiking. Two pools sit adjacent to each other with varying temperatures. The alien landscape of colorful rhyolite mountains and steaming vents makes the journey worthwhile.
Sturlungalaug
Sturlungalaug, sometimes called by locals also Guðmundarlaug, is actually the only wild hot spring in Snæfellsnes peninsula. And not many visitors know about it. Don’t expect anything fancy. Sturlungalaug is basically just a big pool in the ground. But man, what a pleasant and remote spot!
Getting here requires navigating unmarked dirt roads through old lava fields — a 20-minute bumpy drive from the main road. In July, the water in Sturlungalaug was pleasantly hot, having around 38–39°C (102°F). The isolation makes it feel like your own private discovery.
Seljavallalaug
Seljavallalaug is an incredible place. However, I would not go back because the water is not that warm, and the pool is cleaned once a year — and it looks and feels that way. Built in 1923, this is one of Iceland’s oldest swimming pools, hidden at the end of an unmarked 15-minute walk from the Ring Road.
This remote pool, Seljavallalaug, is located at the end of a valley near Eyjafjallajökull. It was built in 1923 and is one of the oldest swimming pools in Iceland. The setting beneath the infamous volcano makes it photogenic, even if the water quality leaves something to be desired.
Drangsnes Hot Pots
This natural geothermal spring is located in a remote corner of the Westfjords, not far from the Heydalur Farm guesthouse. Three concrete tubs perch on rocks overlooking the ocean in this tiny fishing village east of Hólmavík.
These 3 naturally heated tubs are completely free to use and offer you stunning views of the ocean and coastline. Unsurprisingly, the Drangsnes hot pots are very popular among locals, so you may have to share!
- Completely free to use
- Ocean views from every tub
- Changing facilities across the street
- Popular with locals, so expect company
Finding your perfect soak
Iceland is famous for its hot springs, and there are many to choose from. They can be found all around the island, some of which are, of course, harder to get to than others.
Whether you prefer luxury spa treatments or wild adventure, Iceland’s geothermal landscape offers a warm refuge from the cold North Atlantic winds. Pack a towel, embrace the sulfur smell, and dive into the land of fire and ice.
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