Natural Hot Spring
Djúpavogskörin
East Iceland
Discover Djúpavogskörin, a natural geothermal hot spring nestled in the serene, snow-dusted landscape of East Iceland. This inviting pool, set amidst a vast, open field with distant mountains, offers a tranquil retreat. Its clear, warm waters provide a perfect contrast to the chilly, overcast skies, inviting visitors to relax and soak in the raw beauty of the Icelandic wilderness.
A reportedly free, easy-to-reach roadside hot pool near Djúpivogur on the East Iceland Ring Road route — worth a stop if it is in service, especially in the cooler months when the water is said to be most comfortable.
Story
Djúpavogskörin is a small, rectangular geothermal pool tucked just off the Ring Road a couple of kilometres west of the East Iceland town of Djúpivogur — close enough to reach easily, yet hidden from the road behind a low rise. A short unmarked path (reportedly around 100 metres) leads from a small pull-off to the pool, which was built by locals as an informal bathing spot rather than a natural rock basin: it reportedly holds six to eight people, with a wooden deck alongside for towels and clothes, but no changing room. Its water is said to run very hot in summer — sometimes uncomfortably so — and to be better suited to a soak in the cooler, quieter months of autumn and winter, with views out toward the surrounding fjord and hills. Its condition has not always been constant: this is a small, locally built pool, and multiple sources describe it going in and out of service, reportedly tied at times to nearby geothermal well work for the village. Treat it as a worthwhile stop to check out along the Ring Road near Djúpivogur, but confirm its current status locally rather than assuming it will be exactly as described.
History
Djúpavogskörin is a modern, locally built bathing pool rather than an ancient site — sources describe it as constructed by residents as an informal, free geothermal soaking spot near Djúpivogur, a trading town dating back to 1589, one of Iceland's oldest. The pool itself does not have a long recorded history, and its physical condition has changed over time: one source (Guide to Iceland) reported the bathing tub removed and the site closed around 2022, while separate, more recent visitor discussion (from 2024) describes it as having been taken out of use temporarily — reportedly connected to drilling work on the village's hot-water supply — before returning to use later that year. Given these conflicting and evolving reports, its exact current state should be treated as unconfirmed rather than assumed.
Did You Know?
Visitors have reported the water at Djúpavogskörin running over 43°C (109°F) in summer — too hot for many people to fully enjoy — while it reportedly cools to a more comfortable soaking temperature in autumn and winter.
Admission
Reported as free — but confirm the pool is currently in service before visiting; see FAQ.
Practical Information
Best Time
Autumn and winter, when the water is reported as more comfortable for soaking; summer water has been described as uncomfortably hot.
Duration
Allow perhaps 30–45 minutes for the short walk and a soak, if the pool is in service.
Getting There
Reported to be just off Route 1 (Ring Road), roughly 2–3 km west of Djúpivogur in East Iceland. Park in the small pull-off area and follow an unmarked path (about 100 m) from the road; the pool is said to be hidden from the road behind a small hillock. Reports on current usability are mixed — see FAQ.
Transport
Private car; it is described as directly off the Ring Road, making it an easy stop for anyone driving through East Iceland.
Budget
Reported as free, with no admission fee — though the site's current operational status should be confirmed locally before visiting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an entrance fee at Djúpavogskörin?+
No — it has consistently been described across sources as a free, unstaffed pool with no admission fee.
How do I get to Djúpavogskörin?+
It's reported to be just off Route 1 (the Ring Road), roughly 2–3 km west of Djúpivogur. Look for a small pull-off/parking area; the pool itself is said to be hidden behind a low hillock and reached by an unmarked path of about 100 metres.
Is Djúpavogskörin currently open and usable?+
This is not certain. Reports describe the pool being removed or closed around 2022, reportedly connected to hot-water well drilling for the village, with some 2024 visitor discussion suggesting it was back in use later that year. Verify current status locally (for example, in Djúpivogur) before making a special trip to see it.
What should I bring?+
Reports describe no changing room, just a wooden deck for towels and clothing — bring a towel, swimsuit, and water, and be ready to change outdoors.