A guide to hot springs and geothermal pools in Iceland

The definition of a hot spring is ‘a naturally occurring spring of water that is warmed by heat within the Earth’. Hot springs are also referred to as thermal or geothermal springs – the word ‘thermal’ means relating to heat.

With hot springs in Iceland, the groundwater is naturally heated by volcanic sources. As the water is heated, it rises through fissures, crevices, and volcanic crust to emerge in hot springs and other geothermal features, such as geysers, fumaroles, steam vents, and mud pots you can see at various geothermal areas across Iceland.

Not to get too technical, but Iceland has a unique position straddling the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, the boundary where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates converge. As a result, it’s a geological hotbed of activity.

This activity can take the form of volcanic eruptions and earthquakes, and also results in some unique tourist attractions – such as the Bridge between Continents on the Reykjanes peninsula, or the Silfra fissure in Þingvellir National Park, where you can dive or snorkel in crystal-clear water between tectonic plates.

It’s this geothermal energy that also lends itself to the many hot springs in Iceland located all around the country, including a combination of natural and man-made pools, which we’ll explore in more detail later.

It’s useful to note that not all hot springs in Iceland are places where you can swim or soak. 

The temperature of Iceland’s natural hot springs varies. Sometimes water emerges from the ground at the perfect temperature for bathing (38-40°C, or 100-104°F), while in other areas water emerges at a far hotter temperature that’s unsuitable for bathing.

Fun fact: Geothermal water is used to heat most homes in Iceland, and is also used to heat greenhouses where fruits and vegetables are grown. You can see a geothermal greenhouse as you travel the Golden Circle route. It’s called Friðheimar and is known for growing ripe and juicy tomatoes.

The natural hot springs in Iceland contain a variety of minerals that are found to have health benefits. Minerals like magnesium are known to help the skin’s radiance, and sodium that’s known to have anti-inflammatory powers can be found in the natural waters.

As well as the mineral benefits, relaxing in a hot spring can calm your mind and body, so it’s the perfect way to unwind from the everyday.

There is no ‘best’ time to visit hot springs, since most of Iceland’s geothermal pools and baths are open year-round. However, there are a few things to consider when planning your trip, since each season in Iceland offers a slightly different bathing experience.

Winter: Visiting hot springs during Iceland’s winter (November to March) offers magical contrasts with snow-covered landscapes and the chance to soak under the northern lights at night. However, due to reduced daylight hours and harsher weather conditions, road access to some of the more remote springs (such as those in the highlands) is restricted.

Summer: Summer (June to August) is favored by many bathers due to the milder weather conditions when going for a dip. With the flexibility of longer daylight hours, you’ll have even more opportunities to enjoy Iceland’s geothermal pools in the evenings after a long day of exploring. Plus, visiting in summertime gives you full access to highland springs or pools with hiking en route.

Spring/Fall: The shoulder seasons of spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) are ideal if you want to enjoy geothermal bathing with fewer crowds while temperatures are still relatively mild. During these seasons, some of Iceland’s more remote hot springs are still accessible, and there are some beautiful landscapes to observe during the spring and fall months too.