Natural Hot Spring
Krossneslaug
Westfjords, Strandir
Discover Krossneslaug, an exceptional ocean-side pool nestled at the very end of the remote Strandir coast in Iceland's Eastern Westfjords. Here, warm geothermal waters meet cold North Atlantic breakers, offering a unique and profoundly peaceful bathing experience amidst stunning ocean views.
️ Very long drive on gravel roads required. Plan for limited daylight in winter.
Soak in a geothermal pool built into the shoreline at the very end of Iceland's remote Strandir coast, with nothing between you and the North Atlantic but a low sea wall.
Story
At the very end of Route 643 on Iceland's wild Strandir coast, past Norðurfjörður, Krossneslaug waits by the sea — a modest concrete pool holding water warmed by the earth just meters from the cold North Atlantic surf. There is no spa architecture here, no glass walls or infinity edge, just a rectangular pool and a smaller, hotter tub built right at the shoreline, so the sound of breaking waves is the backdrop to your soak. Local farmers in the tiny community of Árneshreppur built the pool by hand in 1954 after finding geothermal water flowing toward the ocean, and the municipality — home to only around 50 year-round residents — has kept it running as a proper public pool ever since. Reaching it means hours of gravel driving past fjords and abandoned farms, which is exactly why so few visitors ever see it, and why those who do often call it one of the most memorable pools in Iceland.
History
Krossneslaug was built by local farmers in 1954 after geothermal water was discovered flowing toward the sea near Krossnes, and it has been maintained ever since by Árneshreppur, one of Iceland's smallest and most remote municipalities.
Highlights
- ✓Oceanfront geothermal pool
- ✓Extremely remote location
- ✓Natural geothermal water
- ✓Stunning Strandir scenery
- ✓Quiet Westfjords experience
- ✓Views over the North Atlantic
- ✓Sunset bathing location
Did You Know?
Krossneslaug was built by hand in 1954 by local farmers after they found hot water seeping toward the sea, and it is still run today by Árneshreppur, a municipality of only around 50 residents — one of the smallest in Iceland.
Admission
~1,000 ISK for adults (children typically less or free)
Practical Information
Best Time
June through August, when the road is reliably open and staff are on site. The approach road is typically impassable from autumn through spring.
Duration
1–2 hours at the pool, though the remote drive can easily take up most of a day.
Getting There
At the very end of Route 643 on the Strandir coast, past Norðurfjörður in Árneshreppur, Westfjords — reached only by a long gravel road with no fuel, food or services along the final stretch.
Transport
Private car (a 4x4 is recommended for the gravel road) — there is no public transport to Norðurfjörður.
Budget
Modest admission fee, around 1,000 ISK for adults — this is a staffed municipal pool, not a free wild spring.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Krossneslaug open?+
The pool operates seasonally, roughly mid-May to the end of August, since the gravel road into Árneshreppur is typically snowbound the rest of the year. Staff are usually present through the day in summer — check current hours locally before making the long drive.
Is there an admission fee?+
Yes — this is a staffed municipal pool, not a free wild spring. Expect a modest fee (around 1,000 ISK for adults, typically less or free for children), which covers use of the heated changing rooms and showers.
How do you get there?+
Krossneslaug sits at the end of Route 643 on the Strandir coast in the Westfjords, past Norðurfjörður — a long gravel drive of several hours from the nearest towns. Set out with a full tank of fuel, food and water, and daylight to spare.
What's the water like?+
Two pools are fed by natural geothermal water: a larger, milder pool and a smaller, hotter tub, both built right at the ocean's edge. Expect gravel-road dust and salt air rather than resort polish.