A guide to hot springs and geothermal pools in Iceland
Date
22. Jul 202522. Jul 25
Reading time
5 min
Share
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.
GeoSea in Húsavík, North Iceland.
Iceland’s hot springs – FAQ
First, let’s give a little background as to what hot springs are, and why Iceland has so many!
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.
Reykjadalur ‘hot river’ close to Hveragerði, South Iceland.
Types of geothermal springs and pools in Iceland
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 best hot springs and geothermal pools in Iceland
The map below shows some of our favorite geothermal bathing spots in Iceland.
Iceland’s most famous lagoons
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.
Iceland’s best public swimming pools
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:
Geothermal pools with hotels, hiking trails, and more
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 you’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:
Fancy getting into hot water?
Come and experience the endless geothermal bathing options in Iceland. This is more than just a means of relaxation – it’s a cherished, UNESCO-recognized tradition!
