Aguas termales naturales
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.
Historia
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.
¿Sabías que?
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.
Entrada
Free — no admission fee
Información práctica
Mejor época
Late spring through early autumn (June–September), when the trail is clearer of snow and stream crossings are lower and safer.
Duración
2.5–3 hours round trip, including time to soak
Cómo llegar
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.
Transporte
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.
Presupuesto
Free — no admission fee