Best Hot Springs in Iceland: Where to Soak in 2026 (Local Picks)

Iceland has hundreds of hot springs. Some are world-famous spas with entrance fees, changing rooms, and in-water cocktail bars. Others are free pools in the middle of nowhere where you might be the only person soaking with a mountain view and steam rising around you. This guide covers both, with honest takes on which ones deserve your time and money, and which ones are more hype than heat.

Before we get into the list, a note on Icelandic hot spring culture: soaking in hot water is not a tourist activity here. It is daily life. Icelanders grow up going to hot pots (heitir pottar). The local swimming pool, called a sundlaug, is where communities gather, gossip, debate, and decompress. It is the Icelandic version of going to the pub, except healthier. When you soak in Iceland, you are participating in something that has been part of life here for over a thousand years.

Premium Geothermal Spas

These cost money but offer a full experience with facilities, changing rooms, and usually a restaurant or bar. They range from internationally famous to beautifully under the radar.

Blue Lagoon (Reykjanes Peninsula)

The most famous hot spring in Iceland, and yes, it is worth doing once. The milky-blue water sits in the middle of a black lava field on the Reykjanes Peninsula, and the contrast is genuinely striking, even after seeing thousands of photos of it.

The water is rich in silica and minerals, and the free silica mud masks are part of the experience. There is an in-water bar where you can order drinks without leaving the pool. The whole place is designed to feel luxurious, and it delivers on that.

The honest take: it is expensive, it is busy, and it feels more like a spa resort than a natural Icelandic experience. But the setting is unique and the water feels incredible on your skin. Do it once, skip the most expensive packages unless you really want the private lounge, and move on to the places further down this list.

  • Price: From around ISK 9,000 to 12,000+ depending on package
  • Temperature: 37 to 40 degrees Celsius
  • Book in advance. Walk-ins are almost never available
  • Location: Reykjanes Peninsula, about 45 minutes from Reykjavik, 20 minutes from Keflavik airport
  • For our full honest review, including whether the premium packages are worth it, see our Blue Lagoon guide

Sky Lagoon (Reykjavik)

Sky Lagoon opened in 2021 and quickly became one of the most popular hot springs in the country. The main feature is a large infinity-edge pool that seems to merge with the North Atlantic Ocean in front of you. On a clear day, you can see Snaefellsjokull glacier on the horizon.

The standout here is the Ritual, a 7-step spa experience that takes you through a warm pool, cold plunge, sauna, fog room, body scrub, steam room, and back to the warm pool. It is well designed and feels like a genuine experience rather than a gimmick.

Sky Lagoon is only 15 minutes from downtown Reykjavik, which makes it far more convenient than the Blue Lagoon if you are short on time. It is also slightly less expensive.

  • Price: From around ISK 7,000
  • Temperature: 38 to 40 degrees Celsius
  • Location: Karsnes, about 15 minutes from downtown Reykjavik

Hvammsvik Hot Springs (Hvalfjordur)

Hvammsvik is the option that feels most authentically Icelandic among the premium spas. Eight natural pools at different temperatures are scattered along a fjord shoreline, with the ocean lapping at the edges during high tide. You move between pools, adjusting temperature as you go, with an Atlantic cold plunge available between them.

The setting is stunning. Mountains rise on both sides of the fjord, and depending on the tide, some pools are partially submerged in seawater. It is about 45 minutes from Reykjavik, through the Hvalfjordur tunnel.

  • Price: From around ISK 7,500
  • Temperature: Varies by pool, from cool to around 42 degrees Celsius
  • Location: Hvalfjordur, about 45 minutes from Reykjavik
  • Our full Hvammsvik guide covers what to expect and how to get there

Laugarás Lagoon (Golden Circle, South Iceland)

The newest addition to Iceland's premium spa scene, Laugarás Lagoon opened in October 2025 on the banks of the Hvítá River in the village of Laugarás. It sits right on the Golden Circle route, about 1.5 hours from Reykjavik, which makes it a natural add-on to a Golden Circle day or an easy standalone trip.

The signature feature is a 6.7-metre cascading waterfall that flows between two tiers of geothermal pools. You can swim right under it. The lagoon also includes a grotto with built-in seating, a forest pool tucked near the treeline, two dry saunas with river views, a cold plunge pool, and two swim-up bars. The building itself is striking, with a grass-covered roof and arched architecture inspired by Icelandic lava caves, designed to blend into the surrounding landscape rather than dominate it.

The on-site restaurant, Ylja, is run by celebrated Icelandic chef Gísli Matt and serves a seasonal farm-to-table menu built around local ingredients. This is not your typical spa cafe. If you go for the top-tier Ösp pass, a two-course meal at Ylja is included.

This is a 3-billion-ISK investment and it shows. The facilities are polished, the design is thoughtful, and the Golden Circle location means it will probably become one of the most visited spas in Iceland within a year or two. If you are doing the Golden Circle and want a premium soak, this is now the top option on the route.

  • Price: Birki (standard) from ISK 6,900, Lerki (premium, includes towel and drink) from ISK 9,400, Ösp (wellness, includes meal and private changing) from ISK 15,900

  • Temperature: 37 to 40 degrees Celsius

  • Location: Village of Laugarás, off Route 30 on the Golden Circle, about 1.5 hours from Reykjavik

  • Minimum age: 8 years

  • Book in advance at laugaraslagoon.is

Forest Lagoon (Akureyri)

North Iceland's answer to Sky Lagoon. An infinity pool overlooking Eyjafjordur, the longest fjord in North Iceland, surrounded by birch forest. It opened in 2022 and still feels fresh compared to the south coast options.

The big advantage of Forest Lagoon is location. Because Akureyri gets fewer tourists than the south, this place rarely feels as crowded as the Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon. If you are driving the Ring Road or spending time in the north, this is an easy stop.

  • Price: From around ISK 5,500
  • Temperature: 38 to 40 degrees Celsius
  • Location: Akureyri, North Iceland

Myvatn Nature Baths (North Iceland)

Often called the Blue Lagoon of the North, and the comparison is fair. The water has a similar milky-blue colour from the mineral content, but Myvatn Nature Baths gets a fraction of the crowds. On a quiet day, you might share the pool with only a handful of people.

The setting is dramatic. Steam rises from the surrounding lava fields, and in winter you can sometimes see the northern lights while soaking. It is right next to the Hverir geothermal area, so you can combine the two: walk through the alien landscape of boiling mud and sulphur vents, then soak in warm mineral water afterward.

  • Price: Around ISK 5,500
  • Temperature: 36 to 40 degrees Celsius
  • Location: Near Lake Myvatn, North Iceland. Right off Route 1
  • Combine with: Hverir geothermal area (15 minutes away)

Vok Baths (East Iceland)

The most architecturally unique spa in Iceland. Vok consists of floating geothermal pools on Lake Urridavatn near the town of Egilsstadir. You walk across a bridge to reach pools that actually float on the lake surface, with the surrounding mountain scenery reflected in the water around you.

Very few tourists make it to East Iceland, so Vok Baths feels like a discovery rather than a tourist attraction. If you are driving the Ring Road, it is worth the stop. If East Iceland is not in your plans, it is probably not worth a special detour unless you are a hot spring completionist.

  • Price: From around ISK 5,500
  • Temperature: 38 to 40 degrees Celsius
  • Location: Egilsstadir, East Iceland

GeoSea (Husavik, North Iceland)

Infinity pools overlooking Skjalfandi Bay in Husavik, the whale watching capital of Iceland. On a good day, you can watch whale watching boats head out to sea while you soak. The water here is geothermally heated seawater, not freshwater, which gives it a different mineral feel.

GeoSea pairs perfectly with a whale watching trip in Husavik. Do the boat tour in the morning, warm up in GeoSea in the afternoon. The combination is one of the best half-days you can have in North Iceland.

  • Price: From around ISK 5,000
  • Temperature: 38 to 40 degrees Celsius
  • Location: Husavik, North Iceland

Fontana (Laugarvatn, Golden Circle)

Fontana sits on the Golden Circle route between Thingvellir and Geysir, which makes it the easiest premium spa to fit into a Golden Circle day trip. The steam rooms are built directly over natural hot springs, and you can see geothermal bubbles rising through glass floors beneath your feet.

It is smaller and more intimate than the big-name spas. If your Golden Circle day has room for one more stop, Fontana is a genuinely enjoyable addition.

  • Price: From around ISK 5,000
  • Temperature: 36 to 40 degrees Celsius
  • Location: Laugarvatn, on the Golden Circle between Thingvellir and Geysir

Free Natural Hot Springs

No entrance fee, no changing rooms, no cocktail bars. Just you, hot water, and whatever landscape surrounds it. Bring a towel, bring a bag for your clothes, and respect the land.

Reykjadalur Hot River (South Iceland)

This is not a pool. It is an actual river of naturally warm water flowing through a green valley. You hike about 45 minutes from the trailhead near the town of Hveragerdi, and at the top you find a section of river where geothermal water mixes with cold stream water to create perfect bathing temperature.

The temperature varies as you walk along the river, so you find the spot that feels right to you and sit down. There is a basic changing area with wooden screens, but no other facilities. Bring everything you need and carry everything out.

This is one of the most popular free hot springs in Iceland, especially in summer. Going early in the morning or later in the evening makes a huge difference in how many people you will share it with.

  • Temperature: Varies along the river, roughly 35 to 45 degrees Celsius
  • Location: 45-minute hike from trailhead near Hveragerdi, South Iceland
  • Difficulty: Easy to moderate. Some uphill, but the trail is well marked
  • Time needed: About 2.5 to 3 hours total including the soak

Seljavallalaug (South Iceland)

A 25-metre swimming pool built into the side of a mountain in 1923, making it one of the oldest pools in Iceland. It is fed by a geothermal spring mixed with cold mountain water, and it sits at the end of a short valley hike with waterfalls visible on the cliffs above.

The honest take: the water can be lukewarm rather than hot, especially in colder months, and algae builds up on the bottom and sides. It is not pristine. But that is part of its character. This is a nearly 100-year-old pool in the wilderness, not a spa. Go for the history and the setting.

  • Temperature: Around 25 to 35 degrees Celsius (varies by season and weather)
  • Location: About 15-minute walk from a dirt road turnoff near Seljavellir, South Iceland
  • Note: Volunteers clean the pool periodically, but it is not maintained like a public facility

Hrunalaug (Near Fludir, Golden Circle Area)

A small, ancient hot pot sitting on private farmland near the town of Fludir, about 10 minutes off the main Golden Circle route. It is stone-lined, fits maybe 6 to 8 people, and has been used for bathing for centuries.

A small donation is requested to help with maintenance. This is private land, and the landowners have had issues with tourists leaving rubbish, parking badly, and generally not respecting the place. Check locally whether it is open before making the trip, and if you go, leave it cleaner than you found it.

  • Temperature: Around 38 to 39 degrees Celsius
  • Location: Near Fludir, a short detour from the Golden Circle
  • Important: This is private land. Respect the rules, pay the donation, park only where indicated

Grettislaug (Skagafjordur, North Iceland)

A natural hot pot on the coast of the Skagafjordur district in North Iceland, named after Grettir the Strong, one of the most famous characters in Icelandic saga literature. According to the saga, Grettir swam across the cold fjord from the island of Drangey and warmed himself in this hot spring.

The pool was reconstructed after storm damage and there are now actually two pools at different temperatures, a hot one and a warmer one, right on the shoreline with views across to Drangey island. There is a small entrance fee.

This is a great addition to a North Iceland trip, especially if you are interested in saga history. The setting, the story, and the soak combine into something memorable.

  • Temperature: Two pools, roughly 38 and 42 degrees Celsius
  • Location: Reykir, Skagafjordur, North Iceland
  • Cost: Small entrance fee

Landbrotalaug (Snaefellsnes Peninsula)

A tiny natural hot pot in the middle of a moss-covered lava field on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. It fits two, maybe three people at most, and it is completely unmarked. You have to know where to look or ask locally.

This is the quintessential "secret" Icelandic hot pot. No facilities, no signs, no changing area. Just a small stone-walled pool with hot water bubbling up from below, surrounded by nothing but lava and sky.

  • Temperature: Around 40 degrees Celsius
  • Location: Off the main road on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula (ask locally for exact directions)
  • Please leave no trace. No rubbish, no soap, no sunscreen in the water

Hellulaug (Westfjords)

A stone-walled hot pot sitting on the edge of a fjord in the Westfjords, one of the most remote and least-visited regions of Iceland. The setting is spectacular: mountains, fjord water, and nothing else in sight.

Getting to the Westfjords takes commitment. The roads are long and often winding, and the region is far from the Ring Road. But if you are making the trip, Hellulaug is one of those rewards that makes the journey worthwhile.

  • Temperature: Around 38 to 40 degrees Celsius
  • Location: Vatnsfjordur, Westfjords (along Route 62)

Landmannalaugar Pool (Highlands)

A natural warm pool at the edge of the Landmannalaugar campsite where a hot geothermal stream meets a cold river. You find the temperature you want by moving between the two flows. The pool is surrounded by the colourful rhyolite mountains that make Landmannalaugar famous.

The catch: you can only get here in summer. The F-roads leading to Landmannalaugar are typically open from late June to September, and you need a 4x4 or to take a bus from Reykjavik. But if you are already hiking the Laugavegur trail or visiting the Highlands, this is a perfect way to end a day on the trail.

  • Temperature: Varies, roughly 36 to 40 degrees Celsius where the streams meet
  • Location: Landmannalaugar, Highlands (F-road access only)
  • Access: 4x4 or scheduled bus from Reykjavik. Late June to September only

Public Swimming Pools: The Hot Springs Tourists Miss

Here is the part of Icelandic hot spring culture that most visitors completely overlook. Iceland has over 170 public swimming pools, called sundlaugar, and almost every single one has hot pots at different temperatures. Some have one pot, some have four or five. Temperatures usually range from 38 to 44 degrees Celsius.

This is where Icelanders actually soak. Not at the Blue Lagoon. Not at Sky Lagoon. At their local pool, often daily, year-round, in every kind of weather. The hot pot is where neighbours catch up, where business deals are quietly discussed, and where you decompress after work. It is the heart of Icelandic community life.

Entry to a public pool is usually ISK 1,000 to 1,200. You get access to the pool, hot pots, steam room, and cold tub. No reservations, no packages. Just pay and soak.

A few standouts:

Hofsos Swimming Pool (North Iceland) has an infinity edge overlooking the Skagafjordur fjord and the island of Drangey. It is one of the most photographed pools in Iceland, and for good reason. The views are extraordinary.

Vesturbaejarlaug (Reykjavik) is a local favourite in the west end of the city. Almost no tourists. Just Reykjavik locals doing what they do every day.

Sundlaug Seltjarnarnes (Reykjavik area) has outdoor pools with mountain views across the bay. On a clear day, you can see Snaefellsjokull glacier.

Laugardalslaug (Reykjavik) is the largest pool in the city, with a water slide for kids, several hot pots, and a steam room. The most facilities, the most people.

One non-negotiable rule: Icelanders consider the pre-swim shower absolutely mandatory. You shower naked, with soap, before entering any pool. This is not optional and not a suggestion. It is how things work here, and you will be told off if you skip it. For full bathing etiquette, see our etiquette guide.

Practical Tips

What to Bring

  • Swimsuit. Rental is available at most paid spas, but it is expensive. Bring your own
  • Towel. Same. Spa rentals cost ISK 1,000 or more. Your hotel towel works fine
  • Water shoes for natural hot springs. Many have rocky or uneven bottoms
  • Waterproof phone pouch if you want photos from the water
  • Water bottle. You dehydrate faster than you think in hot water. This is especially true at the higher-temperature pools

Etiquette Basics

  • Shower thoroughly with soap before entering any pool, spa, or hot spring. This applies everywhere in Iceland, from the Blue Lagoon to your local sundlaug
  • Keep voices down at natural hot springs. These are peaceful places
  • Do not bring glass near any body of water
  • If you find a wild hot spring, leave it exactly as you found it. No rubbish, no soap, no shampoo
  • For the full rundown on Icelandic pool culture, see our etiquette guide

Temperature Guide

  • 36 to 38 degrees: Warm and relaxing. Good for long soaks
  • 38 to 40 degrees: The sweet spot for most people. Hot enough to feel it, comfortable enough to stay
  • 40 to 42 degrees: Hot. Most people cannot stay in for more than 15 to 20 minutes
  • 42 degrees and above: Very hot. Enter slowly. Some Icelandic public pools have pots up to 44 degrees. Locals sit in them casually. Visitors tend to last about 3 minutes

Best Time to Visit

  • Summer (June to August): Midnight sun soaks, access to highland hot springs like Landmannalaugar, warmest weather for natural outdoor pools
  • Winter (November to February): Steam rising in cold air, northern lights from the water, the most dramatic atmosphere. The premium spas and public pools are great year-round
  • Shoulder seasons (May, September): Fewer crowds than summer, better weather odds than winter. A sweet spot for most visitors

Find Your Perfect Soak

Soaking in hot water is as Icelandic as it gets. Whether you pick a luxury spa with an ocean view, hike to a hidden river in the mountains, or just slip into the hot pot at the local swimming pool, you are doing something Icelanders have done for over a thousand years. The best hot spring in Iceland is whichever one you have to yourself.