The 12 best hot water sources in Iceland

Are you ready to face the cold of Iceland to discover its geothermal manifestations? Here are the 12 best hot springs in Iceland, to warm you!

Natural phenomena and unusual geological formations are becoming increasingly popular with travellers, who do not hesitate to face the elements to meet them. You will not escape the rule if you want to visit Iceland to admire its fjords, glaciers and geysers. You can taste the pleasures of baths in natural hot springs and discover the incredible feeling of having the body warm in the open air, by temperatures around 0 °.

There are more than a hundred hot springs in Iceland, spread throughout the country, but mainly to the west and the centre. Some are arranged and paid, while others are in free access to nature. Keep in mind that it is best to swim naked, with a towel at hand as soon as you come out. Follow us to discover the most interesting!

1. Blue Lagoon

The most famous hot springs in Iceland — the Blue Lagoon — is located in 30 minutes Capital Road — Reykjavík - and only to 15 minutes Keflavik International Airport. The images of its milky blue waters are well known and give an irresistible desire to plunge into it.

These are the mineral salts, silicate and algae that give it this particular color. The contrast with the black lava is particularly striking and you can spend several hours on site, without getting tired of the show.

Given its success, its access is regulated and it is more than advised to book in advance your arrival time. Entry fees are rather high, counting about 50€ for the basic service, which will allow you to stay the time you want.

2. The Golden Circle and the Lagoon Secret

No Icelandic visit can be made without an exploration of Cercle d’Or , with the famous Geysir , which gave its name to the phenomenon of sprinkling hot water at more or less regular intervals, the fall of Gullfoss and the Thingvellir park where you can almost touch the fault that separates the European and American continents.

It is in this region that you can experience another source of Icelandic hot water: Lagon Secret Fludir. A basin was built in the middle of hot springs, with temperatures around 40° for some. This site, at more affordable prices, is an excellent alternative to Lagon Bleu.

3. Myvatn

We leave this time the south and the region of the capital to go north and the site Myvatn , another high place of hot springs in Iceland. Located near Circular Road No.1, not far from Akureyri, they offer a large swimming surface and are less frequented because of their distance.

The water temperature ranges from 38 to 40 °. You can swim there until midnight in the summer and enjoy beautiful sunsets. At the end of the season, it is not uncommon to observe, as a bonus, boreal aurora. The site is arranged, and the right of entry is located around 30€ .

4. Hellulaug

If you visit the Vestfirdir, you will have many opportunities to relax in one of the hot springs of Iceland. Located at the extreme northwest point, the West Fjords Region is accessible in 4 to 5 hours of car from Reykjavik and deserves to be spent several days.

Its hot water sources are scattered throughout the cut ribs and we recommend you especially that of Hellulaug well hidden below hotel Flokalundur . Once on site, you can simply put your clothes on the rocks and freely enjoy baths around 38°. It is a natural swimming pool, with beautiful views of the nearby sea and the fjord.

5. Landmannalaugar

Trek lovers, you will not miss the one of the Laugavegur and its incredible landscapes. However, you are not required to walk for 4 days to reach Landmannalaugar , but you will need to be vehiculated in 4X4 to pass the gué.

Lost in the middle of nature, you will be able to swim in the middle of the herbs, in a hot water river, between 34° and 41°. You will be surrounded by colorful mountains of green and red. Attention, the place is also appreciated by flyers. They do not sting, but may be awkward. L’ access is free and the site has facilities to allow you to change.

6. Seljavallaug

Near the south coast, near Raufarfell, Seljavallaug is known as the hidden swimming pool of Iceland. One of the first to have been built (in 1923), it is actually very discreet and is located in 20 minutes on foot from the parking lot of the Seljavellir pool.

At the foot of the famous Eyjafjallajökull volcano, it is powered by the hot spring flowing on its sides. Free access and having an accommodation to get mad, it starts to become very popular, which is not a problem, so much it is great. You can go there all year round, but access can be difficult if there is too much snow.

7. Hveravellir

Heading north, you can stop at one of the most beautiful hot springs in Iceland: the turquoise swimming pool Hveravellir . Within a geothermal oasis, where you walk between geysers and Smokingolles, it can accommodate about 20 people, in a water at 38°. The place is particularly pleasant and it is possible to hike to the foot of several glaciers, including the Langjökull .

8. Laugarvatn Fontana

Always close to the Golden Circle, you can swim in the outdoor resort Laugarvatn Fontana , arranged by the lake. The baths at different temperatures are heated by geothermal and the water can be heard.

With many services, such as hammam, bar and relaxation area, its access is pay . Between two hot baths, a ramp allows you to refresh yourself in the waters of the lake. The place is particularly pleasant to the sunset, the atmosphere being assured by candles arranged around the basins.

9. Reykjadalur

To 1:30 Hveragerði or 45 minutes by car from Reykjavik, the river Reykjadalsá snakes in a valley in the middle of smoky hills. During its course, a very hot water source pours into its fresh waters, allowing swimming in good conditions.

Depending on whether or not you find yourself far from the meeting point, the temperature will vary between 25° and 35°. The conditions of swimming are excellent, the river is lined with wooden docks in suitable places and stones were arranged in the river, so as to create independent basins.

10. Víti

If you visit the country by using Circular Road No.1, Iceland’s hot springs are more rare on the North-East coast. It is one however that distinguishes itself by its situation: Víti . The pool is actually a volcano crater, very small and shallow. After taking the small path carefully, you can experience a scented bath with sulphur smell, in a small group. The basin can hardly accommodate more 7 people but the view is unbearable.

11. Guðrúnarlaug

Fan of Icelandic sagas? So you shouldn't miss the small pool surrounded by stones Guðrúnarlaug , just before arriving at the West Fjord Peninsula. He was already present 1,000 years ago — at the time of the sagas — but he was covered by a landslide and long remained buried. It was cleared 2009 and bears the name of a famous local heroine, Gudrún Ósvífursdóttir . A small house with a peat roof allows to change before diving into a water exceeding 35°.

12. Laugafell

Do you dream of spending the night in a refuge, near an Icelandic hot spring? North of the mountain Laugafell , in the Haute Terres, several huts surround a natural swimming pool of 16m x 7m and a maximum depth of 1.50m, with water whose temperature varies between 35° and 38°.

The basin is surrounded by natural stones and paved paths lead to different accommodations. The hike in these areas is sometimes harassing. Laugafell’s swimming pool is a welcome step to relax and leave a good foot!