Natural Hot Spring
Selgil
West Iceland
Tucked away in West Iceland near Húsafell, Selgil is a natural geothermal hot spring, offering a tranquil escape. This rustic, stone-lined pool, with its dark, reflective waters, provides a unique opportunity to soak in Iceland's raw, geothermal power amidst a scenic valley.
Earn a soak in a rustic, stone-lined wild pool at the end of a scenic canyon hike above Húsafell.
Story
High above the historic farm and resort of Húsafell, a narrow ravine called Selgil cuts into the hillside, carrying a small geothermal stream down through moss, wildflowers and scattered waterfalls. Reaching the pool means following this canyon on foot — crossing the stream more than once, climbing gently past Teitsgil, and arriving finally at a rustic, stone-lined basin where the water runs dark and warm. It is a quieter, more physical kind of hot-spring visit than most: no changing rooms, no ticket booth, just a trail, a canyon, and a pool shaped by the land itself. For hikers based at Húsafell, Selgil is one of the more rewarding half-day detours in West Iceland's Borgarfjörður highlands — a chance to earn a soak the old-fashioned way, with views back down the valley and, if trail descriptions are accurate, water drawn from the very same geothermal source reported to help heat Húsafell itself.
History
No documented historical or saga-era record specific to Selgil has been found. The pool is best understood as a feature of the modern Húsafell hiking network rather than a site with a recorded past of its own; Húsafell itself has long been a farm and gathering place in Borgarfjörður, but that broader history isn't specifically tied to this particular spring.
Did You Know?
According to trail descriptions of the route, the stream running through Selgil's canyon — Teitsgil — is reported to be the same geothermal source that helps supply hot water for heating and bathing at Húsafell.
Admission
Free — no admission fee
Practical Information
Best Time
Late spring through early autumn (June–September), when the trail is clearer of snow and stream crossings are lower and safer.
Duration
2.5–3 hours round trip, including time to soak
Getting There
On foot only, via a trail from the Húsafell camping area — roughly 4 miles (6.4 km) round trip with about 720 ft (220 m) of elevation gain, following the Selgil ravine and crossing its stream more than once.
Transport
Self-drive to Húsafell (about 1.5–2 hours from Reykjavík via Route 50); the trailhead starts at the Húsafell camping area and there is no public transport to it.
Budget
Free — no admission fee
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Selgil hot spring free to visit?+
Yes. Like most of Iceland's wild, unmanaged hot springs, Selgil has no admission fee and no on-site staff.
How do I get to Selgil?+
Selgil is reached on foot from the Húsafell camping area, via a moderate round-trip hike of roughly 4 miles (6.4 km) with about 720 feet (220 m) of elevation gain, typically taking 2–2.5 hours.
Is the hike difficult, and what should I bring?+
It's rated moderate rather than easy — the route follows a canyon with stream crossings and can be muddy or icy outside summer, so sturdy hiking boots, a spare pair of shoes for wading, and a weather check beforehand are all worth it.
How warm is the water?+
An exact, independently verified temperature isn't published, but hikers consistently describe the pool as comfortably warm for bathing after the hike in.
