♨️ Geothermal Iceland
Natural Hot Springs in Iceland
From the Blue Lagoon to wild highland rivers — your complete guide to Iceland's geothermal baths, lagoons and natural hot springs.
Did you know? Iceland's geothermal valleys have long been considered sacred places. Many natural hot springs were believed to be guarded by hidden people who would bless those who bathed with respect — and curse those who did not.
Geothermal Bathing in Iceland
Iceland sits atop the Mid-Atlantic Ridge where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet. This geological drama means geothermal energy bubbles up naturally across the entire island — heating rivers, creating pools and filling valleys with steam. Hundreds of natural hot springs exist, ranging from simple puddles to legendary bathing spots known since the Viking age.
Unlike the commercial lagoons (Blue Lagoon, Sky Lagoon), most natural hot springs in Iceland are free to access. Some require a short hike, others a long 4WD drive across highland F-roads. All deliver an incomparable connection to Iceland's raw volcanic landscape.
Iceland has two categories of geothermal bathing. Commercial lagoons — Blue Lagoon, Sky Lagoon, Forest Lagoon, Mývatn Nature Baths, Vök Baths — offer stunning infrastructure, facilities and convenience. Natural hot springs — Reykjadalur, Grettislaug, Hrunalaug — are wild, free and require more effort to reach.
The best experiences combine both: a premium lagoon for a special evening, a wild hot spring for the sense of discovery. Year-round bathing is possible throughout Iceland — and winter bathing under the Northern Lights is one of the most memorable experiences the country offers.
Best Geothermal Baths in Iceland
Detailed guide to lagoons and hot springs — with tips, prices and what makes each one special
Blue Lagoon
Iceland's Most Famous Geothermal Spa
The Blue Lagoon is Iceland's most visited attraction — a milky blue geothermal lagoon set in a dramatic black lava field on the Reykjanes Peninsula. The milky blue water is rich in silica, minerals and algae thought to benefit the skin. The average temperature stays at a comfortable 37–40°C year-round, making it perfect in any season. Located just 20 minutes from Reykjavík Airport, it works perfectly as a first or last stop on any Iceland trip.
Sky Lagoon
Oceanfront Geothermal Spa
Sky Lagoon is a modern geothermal spa just outside central Reykjavík with a dramatic infinity-edge pool overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Opened in 2021, it offers a signature seven-step ritual — lagoon, cold plunge, sauna, cold fog mist, body scrub, steam and shower — designed to follow traditional Icelandic bathing culture. The design blends seamlessly into the surrounding lava landscape.
Reykjadalur Hot Spring River
Hike to a Naturally Heated River
Reykjadalur — 'Steam Valley' — is one of the most popular free geothermal experiences in Iceland. A scenic 3km hike through a valley filled with steaming vents and bubbling mud pools leads to a warm geothermal river where visitors can bathe. The temperature varies along the river — hotter upstream, cooler downstream. Changing facilities are installed at the riverbank.
Secret Lagoon (Gamla Laugin)
Iceland's Oldest Swimming Pool – Est. 1891
The Secret Lagoon — officially Gamla Laugin ('Old Pool') — is the oldest geothermal swimming pool in Iceland, first opened in 1891 near the village of Flúðir. The lagoon is surrounded by bubbling hot spring vents and small natural geysers that erupt periodically. The water sits at a natural 38–40°C and the atmosphere is beautifully rustic compared to commercial spas.
Landmannalaugar Natural Hot Pool
Highland Hot Spring Beneath Rhyolite Mountains
Landmannalaugar in the Icelandic Highlands is famous for its extraordinary multicoloured rhyolite mountains — ochre, green, pink and grey — that form one of the most otherworldly landscapes in Iceland. A natural geothermal pool sits directly beside the Laugahraun lava field and has been used by travellers for centuries. The water temperature in the pool is naturally warm and varies by season.
Hrunalaug Hot Spring
Peaceful Countryside Hidden Gem
Hrunalaug is a small, rustic hot spring near Flúðir in South Iceland — one of the country's most beloved hidden geothermal gems. The stone pool sits in a peaceful countryside setting surrounded by farmland, with warm water from a natural spring. It offers a genuinely local, authentic bathing experience far removed from the commercial lagoons. Capacity is small and it can fill up on busy summer days.
Hvammsvík Hot Springs
Tidal Geothermal Pools in Hvalfjörður
Hvammsvík Hot Springs are built along the shoreline of Hvalfjörður fjord, about 45 minutes from Reykjavík. The pools are unique in that their temperature changes with the ocean tides — as the sea rises, cooler seawater mixes with geothermal water for a constantly changing experience. The fjord setting is dramatic, with mountain walls rising steeply on both sides.
Mývatn Nature Baths
The Blue Lagoon of the North
Mývatn Nature Baths are often called the 'Blue Lagoon of the North' — a milky geothermal lagoon set against the spectacular volcanic landscape of the Lake Mývatn area. The water is rich in minerals and the surroundings, including the Dimmuborgir lava formations and Hverir geothermal fields, make this one of the most dramatic bathing settings in Iceland.
GeoSea Geothermal Sea Baths
Infinity Pools over Skjálfandi Bay
GeoSea in Húsavík is genuinely unique — geothermal heat is mixed with seawater from Skjálfandi Bay, creating mineral-rich baths that change slightly with the ocean tides. Panoramic infinity-style pools look directly over the bay towards the mountains of the Tjörnes Peninsula. In summer, humpback and minke whales can sometimes be spotted from the water.
Krauma Geothermal Baths
Powered by Europe's Most Powerful Hot Spring
Krauma is located next to Deildartunguhver — the most powerful natural hot spring in Europe, pumping out 180 litres of boiling water per second. The spa mixes this boiling geothermal water with cold glacier water from Langjökull glacier to achieve the perfect bathing temperature. Multiple pools at different temperatures, a cold pool, steam room and relaxation lounge are all on site.
All Geothermal Baths in Iceland
22 lagoons and natural hot springs in our database
Hot Springs Map
Geothermal locations across Iceland
Safety Guide for Wild Hot Spring Bathing
Iceland's geothermal areas are beautiful but require respect
Test the temperature first
Geothermal water can reach scalding temperatures. Always test with your hand or foot before entering — temperatures vary wildly even within the same pool.
Check F-road access
Many highland hot springs are only accessible via F-roads requiring 4WD vehicles. Never drive a regular 2WD car on F-roads — you risk serious damage and may need rescue.
Download offline maps
Remote areas have no mobile signal. Download the area maps in advance (Maps.me, Google offline maps). Tell someone your plans before heading into the highlands.
Never dive headfirst
Natural pools can have submerged rocks and uneven bottoms. Always enter feet-first, carefully test the depth before committing to a full entry.
Watch for changing conditions
In geothermal areas, conditions can change rapidly. If you see new steam, smell sulphur more strongly, or the ground feels unstable — leave immediately.
No sunscreen in natural pools
Sunscreen, body lotion and other chemicals damage the natural microbial environment. Rinse thoroughly before entering, and save products for after.
Guided Geothermal Tours
Expert-guided tours to Iceland's best lagoons and hot springs, including transport from Reykjavík.
Private Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon 2 Day Tour & Glacier Hike
From $7240
Book Now
Private Silfra Snorkeling 6 p. group - Meet on Location - with Underwater Photos
From $899
Book Now
Reykjavik Private Northern Lights Tour with Pro Photographer
From $1631.14
Book Now
Visit the Volcanoes - Half Day Private Tour - up to 9 passengers
From $1200
Book NowFrequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Blue Lagoon and natural hot springs in Iceland?
The Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon are premium geothermal spas with facilities, restaurants, treatments and high admission prices (€60–100+). Natural hot springs like Reykjadalur and Hrunalaug are free, wild bathing spots with minimal facilities but a more authentic connection to Iceland's volcanic landscape.
Are natural hot springs in Iceland free?
Most natural hot springs are free to access. Reykjadalur hot river, Hrunalaug, Grettislaug and Landmannalaugar pools are all free. Commercial lagoons (Blue Lagoon, Sky Lagoon, Mývatn Nature Baths, Vök Baths, Forest Lagoon) charge admission fees.
Which hot spring is closest to Reykjavík?
Sky Lagoon is just 7km from central Reykjavík. Reykjadalur hot river is 45km away in Hveragerði (about 1 hour). Blue Lagoon is 50km away on the Reykjanes Peninsula (45 minutes). Hrunalaug is 80km east of Reykjavík.
Can you bathe in hot springs in Iceland in winter?
Yes — most natural hot springs and geothermal lagoons are open year-round. Winter bathing while it snows or during the Northern Lights is one of Iceland's most magical experiences. Some of the best Northern Lights viewing is from geothermal lagoons like Sky Lagoon and Mývatn Nature Baths.
Is the Blue Lagoon worth the high price?
Many visitors say yes — the setting, quality of facilities and overall experience are world-class. However, if the price is a barrier, Sky Lagoon, Secret Lagoon or the free Reykjadalur hot river offer excellent alternatives. The 'mid-level' lagoons (Mývatn, Forest Lagoon, Vök Baths) offer premium experiences at lower prices.
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