Icelandic water is among the purest and cleanest on the earth. And Icelanders have turned having fun with this pure useful resource into an artwork and a science. The Blue Lagoon is only the start. From sprawling lagoon complexes with multi-step bathing rituals to tiny secluded pure swimming pools, you'll discover a wide range of geothermal services throughout the nation.
Several types of geothermal experiences in Iceland
Spas: These sprawling spa complexes faucet into Iceland's crystal-clear geothermal water and take issues up a notch with tub rituals, massages and extra.
Hidden gems: Spending some huge cash isn't your solely possibility. A lot of tiny geothermal swimming pools are scattered throughout Iceland and price a fraction of the value.
Native swimming pools: Icelanders take swimming significantly and a few public swimming pools are nearer to what international guests might name waterparks, however with sizzling tubs. Visiting is a cultural expertise.
Reykjavík and round
1. Blue Lagoon (Reykjanes Peninsula)
While you consider Iceland, little question one of many first issues that involves thoughts is the Blue Lagoon. Strolling out in a fluffy white bathrobe to milky-blue water surrounded by lava, is the epitome of rest and luxurious. With its silver towers, rolling clouds of steam, and folks daubed in white silica mud, it's an otherworldly place. Those that say it's too industrial and too crowded aren't mistaken, however you'll be lacking one thing particular in case you don't go. Pre-booking is important.
Professional tip: Go early within the morning or after 6pm to keep away from crowds. Load up on conditioner (supplied with admission) because the minerals within the water will be onerous on hair.
2. Sundhöll Reykjavíkur (Metropolis Middle)
Our prime choose for a Reykjavík city-center swim. Situated close to Hallgrímskirkja, the advanced has a sauna, steam rooms, chilly plunge swimming pools and a number of other heated swimming pools. Admission prices a fraction of what you'd pay for the Blue Lagoon or the Sky Lagoon. There are not any cocktails to sip or selfie spots to go to, simply heat Icelandic water and a really genuine native expertise.
3. Hvammsvík Scorching Springs (Hvalfjörður)
Ebook forward to soak in these scenic sizzling swimming pools perched alongside the fjord, simply 45 minutes from Reykjavík. Eight geothermal swimming pools dot the shoreline, with some positioned so near the water's edge that sea spray mingles with the nice and cozy springs. Take an invigorating chilly plunge within the fjord between soaks in case you dare.
The Westfjords
4. Krossneslaug (Norðurfjörður)
Krossneslaug is a geothermal (infinity) pool and pure sizzling pot that shouldn't be missed. Up a mud monitor about 2 miles (3km) past Norðurfjörður, you'll park, then stroll right down to the place it sits on the fringe of the universe on a wild black-pebble seaside. It's an unbelievable place to observe the midnight solar flirt with the roaring waves.
Professional tip: Regardless of having official opening hours, the pool is accessible evening and day through machine cost.
5. Reykjarfjarðarlaug (Southwest Peninsulas)
On the head of tiny Reykjarfjörður are the fantastic geothermal swimming pools of Reykjarfjarðarlaug. Up entrance there's a concrete pool (90°F/32°C), however the true deal with is 30 paces out again – a piping sizzling (113°F/45°C), pure, turf-fringed pool. And throughout are hovering seabirds, mountains and fjord views. The swimming pools are 14 miles (23km) southeast of Bíldudalur and 10 miles (17km) west of the junction with Rte 60.
West Iceland
6. Akranes & Guðlaug Geothermal Swimming pools (Akranes)
Akranes gives two bathing experiences that may be loved in a single afternoon: Jaðarsbakkalaug, a family-friendly outside advanced that includes a 25m pool, sizzling tubs, steam tub and waterslide. Simply minutes away on Langisandur seaside, you'll discover the free-to-enter Guðlaug Pure Pool, a cleverly-designed three-level pool overlooking the ocean that's cherished by sea swimmers and is fantastic for stress-free.
7. Lýsuhólslaug Geothermal Tub (Southern Snæfellsnes)
This previous nation pool is full of naturally sizzling mineral water wealthy in inexperienced algae and numerous minerals thought-about to have therapeutic properties. The water bubbles at an ideal 98°F to 102°F (37°C to 39°C). From the pool, bathers can benefit from the view of Lýsuhyrna mountain. Discover it simply past the horse ranch at Lýsuhóll.
8. Húsafell Pool & Canyon Baths (Borgarbyggð)
In Húsafell you'll discover a geothermal pool with sizzling tubs and a waterslide. You can even be a part of a two-hour guided mountaineering and bathing tour to the Húsafell Canyon Baths (pre-booked visits solely). The path leads previous pure wonders, together with Langfoss waterfall.
9. Krauma (Reykholt)
A mixture of water from neighboring Deildartunguhver (Europe's strongest sizzling spring) and glacial water is the proper recipe for a soothing soak in Krauma's 5 multi-temperature sizzling pots. Moreover, it has a chilly tub, two saunas and a rest room the place friends can nod off by the hearth earlier than visiting the on-site restaurant.
South Iceland
10. Seljavallalaug (Seljavellir)
In-built 1923, this is without doubt one of the oldest swimming pools in Iceland. Whereas the historic 25m pool supply free entry and gorgeous mountain views, bear in mind it's unmanned and minimally maintained. The pure algae could make surfaces slippery. Regardless of this, it's a worthwhile detour whereas touring alongside the South Coast.
11. Laugarvatn Fontana (Golden Circle)
These steam rooms at Laugarvatn Fontana are positioned immediately on prime of the new springs, permitting the sounds and smells to seep by way of the picket flooring (and making it onerous to do something however chill out). The advanced additionally features a assortment of out of doors mineral baths. Don't miss the playful stone art work surrounding the pool or the panoramic view from the new tub. For those who'd favor a conventional Finnish sauna, there's a type of right here as nicely.
Professional tip: Time your go to round every day native geothermal bakery excursions to observe recent pots of bread emerge from sizzling black sand. Pattern one-of-a-kind recent bread with native smoked trout and Icelandic butter.
Southwest Iceland
12. Gamla Laugin/Secret Lagoon (Flúðir)
The distant oasis of Gamla Laugin traces its historical past to 1891. In any other case referred to as the Secret Lagoon it isn't as picturesque because the Sky Lagoon or Blue Lagoon, but it surely's a peaceable place for a soothing soak in nature at a fraction of the value. There are not any eucalyptus steam rooms, multi-step bathing rituals, saunas or swim-up bars, however the Secret Lagoon does have the fundamentals lined. You'll discover altering rooms, restrooms, showers, lockers and a restaurant on-site.
Professional tip: More and more widespread, the lagoon will get filled with tour-bus crowds in mid-afternoon, so come earlier or later.
13. Hveragarðurinn/Geothermal Park (Hveragerði)
The geothermal park Hverasvæðið, within the middle of Hveragerði, has mud pots and steaming swimming pools the place guests can dip their toes (however no extra). Teams can guide forward for a guided stroll to study in regards to the space's distinctive geology and greenhouse energy.
14. Reykjadalur/Scorching River Valley (Hveragerdi)
Reykjadalur is a pleasant geothermal valley close to Hveragerði, the place there's a sizzling river you possibly can bathe in. There are maps on the vacationer data workplace to seek out the path. From the trailhead automotive park it's a 1.85 miles (3km) hike by way of fields of sulphur-belching plains (it takes roughly one hour a technique). Keep on with marked paths (lest you soften your footwear) and go away no garbage.
East Iceland
15. Vök Baths (Egilsstaðir)
Iceland's solely floating infinity swimming pools are full of geothermal water from Urriðavatn lake. Since opening in 2019, the top-of-the-line Vök Baths has been a default vacation spot for these in search of to soak in sizzling water on the fringe of a chilly lake. It's an architectural delight with a swim-up bar serving a collection of colourful teas. Situated 3 miles (5km) from the regional capital of Egilsstaðir.
North Iceland
16. Myvatn Nature Baths (Myvatn)
Steam rises in wisps from these mineral-rich waters overlooking Lake Mývatn, a quieter various to the Blue Lagoon the place locals nonetheless outnumber vacationers. This can be a excellent Ring Street pitstop, particularly at sundown, Whereas at the moment present process a significant renovation, a significant growth is ready to open later in 2025, bringing new services.
17. Forest Lagoon (Akureyri)
Open since 2022, the posh spa resort of Forest Lagoon boasts views over Akureyri and two overlapping baths of various temperatures. The End dry sauna is excellent, and a few friends transfer ritually out and in of the chilly plunge pool, whereas a faint odor of burning wooden from the hearth inside fills the calm outside scene. It leans extra in direction of rest quite than Iceland's pool tradition of socializing; the ambiance is maintained by excessive admission prices and a no youngsters after 6pm coverage.
18. Grettir's Tub/Grettislaug (Tindastóll)
On the northern finish of Tindastóll is a geothermal space, Reykir, that was talked about in Grettir's Saga. Grettir supposedly swam ashore from the island of Drangey and soothed his aching bones in an inviting spring. In the present day Grettislaug is a well-liked pure bathing gap, alongside a second sizzling pot.
19. Bjórböðin Spa (Árskógssandur)
Bathe in beer at Bjórböðin SPA in Árskógssandur whereas having fun with a Kaldi beer from faucet, an expertise dropped at you by Iceland's oldest microbrewery, Bruggsmiðjan. There's additionally a sizzling tub with a view of Hrísey island. The restaurant serves dishes from native meat and fish and beer. Full your journey with a brewery tour.
20. Sjóböðin á Húsavík/GeoSee (Húsavík)
The cliff-edge infinity pool in whale-watching nation merges with Skjálfandi bay and the mountain ridge of Víknarfjöll. It begs for an awesome vacation photograph, drink in hand. The GeoSea exists because of a geothermal drillhole that bought tainted with seawater, pumping up salty water of bathing temperature, unfit for different functions. The baths are frequented by socializing locals – as annual membership is a cut price in comparison with the price of a single admission ticket – and are busiest within the night solar.
Professional tip: Húsavík Swimming Pool, the general public pool in Húsavík, is one other (inexpensive) possibility after a chilly day at sea. Right here, you'll discover a steam tub, three sizzling tubs and a water slide named Anaconda.
This text was tailored for digital from ours Iceland guidebooks: Iceland (revealed 2024), written by Meena Thiruvengadam, Alexis Averbuck, Egill Bjarnason and Eygló Svala Arnarsdóttir. Expertise Iceland (revealed 2022), written by Zoë Robert, Egill Bjarnason, Jeannie Riley, Eygló Svala Arnarsdóttir and Porgnyr Thoroddsen.
