A guide to hot springs and geothermal pools in Iceland

Learn about Iceland’s hot springs and the best geothermal pools to visit on your trip.

Words of wisdom from a poetic Icelander: “Iceland’s sunshine doesn’t come from the sky, it comes from the water.”

For centuries, the mineral-rich geothermal water found in abundance on this volcanic island has done much to make winters not just bearable, but pleasurable. In fact, soaking in pools of hot water has been known to Icelanders since Viking times.

This side of Icelandic life hasn’t been lost on visitors, who are more than happy to join the locals in the subculture of soaking and swimming. Many travelers relax and unwind in warm water all over the country.

Soak spots are found in fantastically varied places, from small natural hot springs in remote fields to large, well-maintained public swimming pools in Reykjavík and in virtually every town and village in Iceland. New to the scene are a growing number of deluxe lagoons and spa experiences, tapping into local nature to offer tourists a bathing experience to remember (amid lava fields, by a lakeshore or fjord-edge, atop a cliff with a sea view, etc).

Discover more facts about Iceland’s hot springs, including the different types of geothermal pools, and explore the best hot springs and spas to visit in each region so you can experience them for yourself.

First, let’s give a little background as to what hot springs are, and why Iceland has so many!

There are over 45 hot springs in Iceland, which includes a combination of natural and man-made baths, as well as more than 120 geothermal pools and public swimming facilities.

Some of Iceland’s natural hot springs are in the perfect state (with the perfect temperature) to attract bathers, and can be found as natural small pools in the countryside, or places such as the unique Reykjadalur ‘hot river’. These locations are untouched or very lightly developed sites that offer a more rustic and traditional bathing experience.

More commonly, hot springs have their water channeled (and temperature regulated, with the help of cooler water) to fill constructed facilities like luxury lagoons, town swimming pools, hot-pots (like a jacuzzi without the bubbles), and more.

When a lagoon is described as ‘man-made’, it just means that it’s not a naturally-occurring pool. These places are still naturally heated by Iceland’s supply of geothermal energy, and some contain various minerals and compounds that are healing and soothing for the skin.

The map below shows some of our favorite geothermal bathing spots in Iceland.

Taking cues from the popularity of the Blue Lagoon (easily among Iceland’s most visited attractions) are a growing number of bathing complexes, springing up in various geothermal hotspots around the country.

Some are large, established facilities with restaurants and cafes, while others are more secluded, intimate spaces set within the tranquility of nature. However, what they all share is the prospect of a soothing and scenic soak as an escape from the cold: a welcome relief after a long day of travel.

Below, we share the best-known hot springs and lagoon facilities in each part of Iceland.

Thinking about bathing in Iceland may conjure images of luxury lagoons set in lava, but some of the country’s best (and most affordable) swimming and soaking spots are its humble neighborhood pools.

Community swimming pools are designed to appeal to everyone. Generally speaking, most complexes will have a main central pool – usually around 25 meters in length – which is used by serious lap-swimmers and learners alike. These pools tend to be around 27-30°C (80-86°F).

Additionally, most community pools have a selection of smaller, warmer pools – generally known as hot tubs or hot-pots (heitur pottur in Icelandic) – with water temperature around 38 to 40°C, which are perfect for relaxing during the colder months, or soothing aching muscles after a vigorous swimming session. Many pools will also have a sauna or steam room, and areas for lounging, sunbathing (depending on the time of year, of course!), and chatting with friends.

Given that Iceland has an abundance of community pools, you’re guaranteed to find something to suit your tastes, from family-friendly pools with twisty waterslides, to gorgeous views, to steaming hot-pots.

Look for signs for sundlaug, which means swimming pool in Icelandic. Almost every town and village has one, and they’re the hub of local life all year round.

There’s no shortage of natural hot-water springs in Iceland. From small geothermal pools to hot springs rivers, there are some wonderfully unique destinations worth checking out to get the true sense of how Icelandic ancestors really did it! Here are some of our favorite picks:

As well as larger hot-spring resorts like the Blue Lagoon’s Retreat, there are a number of hot-pots dotted around the country at smaller guesthouses. Many hotels have them, and many Icelanders consider summerhouses to be incomplete without them.

There are also plenty of geothermal pools near hiking routes or with unique tours nearby that add another level to the experience. So, whether youv’re taking a road trip around Iceland, or want to combine your soak with a fun activity, check out some more of our favorite spots below: