Iceland’s otherworldly landscape of fire and ice creates the perfect environment for natural hot springs, many of which remain tucked away from the typical tourist routes. The country’s volcanic activity has blessed it with hundreds of geothermal areas where warm, mineral-rich waters bubble beneath the earth’s crust. While places like the Blue Lagoon see thousands of visitors daily, a world of secluded hot springs is waiting to be discovered by those willing to venture off the beaten path.
Here is a list of 20 hidden hot springs in Iceland that offer authentic relaxation experiences far from the tourist crowds.
Reykjadalur Hot Spring River
Reykjadalur, or Steam Valley, offers a unique hot spring experience. An entire river runs at the perfect bathing temperature, and a 45-minute hike through steaming landscapes keeps casual tourists at bay while rewarding adventurous travelers with a memorable soak.
The further you hike upstream, the hotter the water becomes, allowing you to find your ideal spot along the flowing thermal river.
Landmannalaugar Hot Pot
Nestled in the colorful rhyolite mountains of Iceland’s highlands, Landmannalaugar’s natural hot pot sits adjacent to a cold mountain stream. The striking contrast between the rainbow-colored mountains and the steaming waters creates a surreal bathing experience unlike any other in the world.
Access requires a 4×4 vehicle and is only possible during summer, ensuring you’ll share this gem with only the most dedicated travelers.
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Hveravellir Nature Reserve
Hveravellir offers a perfect blend of bubbling geothermal features and a serene hot spring pool along Iceland’s highland F-road. Ancient outlaws once used this remote area as a hideout, adding a historical mystique to your soak.
The bright blue water against the stark highland landscape creates a photographer’s paradise, especially under the midnight sun or northern lights.
Viti Crater Lake
This milky-blue crater lake in the Krafla volcanic area formed after a massive explosion in 1724, known as the ‘Fires of Myvatn.’ Viti ironically means ‘hell’ in Icelandic and now contains geothermally heated water that hovers around 77°F year-round.
The steep descent into the crater deters many visitors, leaving this otherworldly bathing spot relatively peaceful even during peak season.
Kverkfjöll Ice Caves
Kverkfjöll offers the rare opportunity to bathe in hot springs within ice caves at the edge of Europe’s largest glacier, Vatnajökull. The meeting of fire and ice creates surreal steam-filled caverns with pools of warm water surrounded by ancient blue ice.
Access requires guided tours and specialized vehicles, limiting visitors to those truly committed to experiencing this geological wonder.
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Grettislaug Hot Spring
Named after Grettir, a famous Icelandic outlaw from the Sagas who allegedly swam 4 miles from Drangey Island to warm himself in this pool. The stone-lined circular pool sits on the Skagi Peninsula with stunning views across Skagafjörður and the mountains beyond.
Local farmers maintain the site and charge a small fee, ensuring the facilities remain pristine while keeping commercial development at bay.
Laugarfell Highland Hostel Springs
Tucked away in the eastern highlands, Laugarfell’s two stone-lined hot pots offer panoramic views of nearby glaciers and mountains. The hostel provides basic accommodation, but the springs themselves are accessible to day visitors willing to navigate the challenging highland roads.
The pools’ remote location means you might have them entirely to yourself, especially during weekdays or shoulder seasons.
Hrunalaug Hot Spring
Locals have used this historic hot spring near the Golden Circle for centuries, and it features charming stone walls and a tiny turf house changing room. The intimate size of the pools only accommodates about 6-10 people, creating a naturally limited capacity that preserves its tranquil atmosphere.
Despite growing popularity on Instagram, Hrunalaug remains relatively quiet due to its location on private farmland and the small voluntary maintenance fee.
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Kvika Foot Bath
This artificial foot bath carved into the coastal rock near Reykjavík’s Grótta lighthouse offers a humble yet magical hot spring experience. Though not suitable for full-body immersion, soaking your feet while watching the sunset or northern lights over the Atlantic Ocean creates an unforgettable moment of tranquility.
The pool’s small size and pedestrian-only access to the nature reserve keep crowds manageable even though it’s within city limits.
Landbrotalaug Hot Pot
Iceland’s tiniest hot spring, Landbrotalaug, can accommodate only two or three people and is hidden in plain sight on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. The crystal-clear waters maintain a perfect temperature year-round, allowing for comfortable bathing even during winter snowfalls.
Its obscure location, minimal signage, and requirement for careful GPS navigation continue to be its best protection against overtourism.
Gudrunarlaug Hot Spring
This reconstructed medieval hot pot mentioned in Icelandic sagas features traditional turf architecture and deep historical significance. After being buried by a landslide for centuries, local enthusiasts rebuilt Gudrunarlaug in 2009 to match historical descriptions from the ancient texts.
The spring’s connection to Iceland’s literary heritage adds a cultural dimension to your soak that few other hot springs offer.
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Laugavallalaug Hot Spring
This natural hot waterfall in the eastern highlands creates a unique shower-and-pool experience. Warm water cascades down moss-covered rocks.
The spring sits on an abandoned farm site with stunning views across the highland wilderness that few tourists ever witness. Reaching this gem requires navigating unmarked tracks, ensuring only the most determined bathers join you.
Hellulaug Hot Spring
This coastal pool near Flókalundur maintains a perfect 100°F temperature with views across Vatnsfjörður, where whales occasionally breach in the distance. The pool’s rocky surroundings provide natural protection from the wind while you gaze across the fjord’s pristine waters.
Despite growing attention, Hellulaug’s location in the remote Westfjords region remains far less visited than hot springs closer to Reykjavík.
Djúpavogskörin Hot Spring
Hidden along the eastern coastline, this natural pool sits where hot spring water mixes with ocean waves during high tide. The temperature varies throughout the day, creating a constantly changing bathing experience as seawater and geothermal water intermingle.
The surrounding black sand beach and distant mountain views make this one of Iceland’s most dramatically situated yet least-known bathing spots.
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Fosslaug Hot Spring
Fosslaug sits adjacent to Reykjafoss waterfall, allowing bathers to enjoy the thundering sound of falling water while soaking in mineral-rich waters. The natural stone pool blends perfectly with the surrounding landscape and has remained relatively untouched by modern development.
Local sheep farmers occasionally use the surrounding pastures, adding an authentic glimpse of rural Icelandic life to your hot spring experience.
Laugarvatn Fontana’s Secret Beach
While Fontana Spa is well-known, few visitors discover the natural hot springs that bubble up along the lakeshore just steps from the commercial facility. These springs create perfect bathing spots where hot water mixes with the cool lake.
You can adjust your temperature by moving closer to or further from the geothermal sources. Early morning visits often reward bathers with having this hidden gem entirely to themselves despite its proximity to a popular attraction.
Strútslaug Hot Spring
In the remote Highlands near the Hekla volcano, Strútslaug requires crossing unbridged rivers and navigating rough terrain that keeps casual tourists away. However, the reward for your effort is a perfectly circular pool with a sandy bottom and waters hovering around 102°F year-round.
Ancient sheep-herding trails pass nearby, connecting you to centuries of Icelandic farming tradition while you soak your hiking-weary muscles.
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Trölladyngja Hot Springs
These hidden springs near the Krýsuvík geothermal area offer multiple small pools of varying temperatures scattered across a colorful, mineral-stained landscape. Unlike the developed boardwalks at nearby tourist spots, these springs remain unmarked and unaltered, providing an authentic geothermal experience.
The surrounding area’s stark volcanic terrain creates the feeling of bathing on another planet while being just an hour from Reykjavík.
Laugarhöll Hot Spring
This historic bathing site in the remote Strandir region once served as the social hub for isolated farming communities. The current stone pool was built in the 1940s but sits on a site used for bathing since settlement.
The main pool’s comfortable temperature and the optional hotter pots nearby ensure every visitor finds their perfect soaking temperature.
Kjölur Highland Oasis
Hidden between two massive glaciers along the ancient Kjölur highland route, these springs have been crucial rest stops for travelers crossing Iceland’s interior since Viking times. The current stone-lined pools were built by highland rangers who maintain the remote mountain huts in the region.
The stark beauty of the surrounding desert-like landscape contrasts dramatically with the welcoming, warm waters, creating a profound sense of refuge in the wilderness.
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The Future of Iceland’s Hidden Waters
The growing interest in authentic experiences has put even remote hot springs under the pressure of increased visitation. Iceland’s delicate geothermal areas face challenges from foot traffic, improper bathing practices, and social media exposure that can quickly transform hidden gems into tourist hotspots.
Responsible visitors who practice leave-no-trace principles, respect private property, and consider visiting during off-peak seasons play a crucial role in preserving these natural treasures for future generations.
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