Lagoon / Geothermal Spa
Krauma Geothermal Baths
West Iceland, Near Reykholt (Borgarfjörður)
Nestled in West Iceland's scenic Borgarfjörður, Krauma Geothermal Baths offers a modern sanctuary for relaxation. Here, the raw power of Deildartunguhver, Europe's most potent hot spring, is artfully blended with cold glacier water, creating perfectly tempered pools for an unparalleled bathing experience. Immerse yourself in the infinity-style pools, indulge in steam baths, and unwind in a quiet relaxation room, all while surrounded by breathtaking countryside views.
️ Water in Deildartunguhver hot spring itself is extremely hot and dangerous. Bathing is only permitted inside designated Krauma pools and facilities.
Soak in water sourced directly from Europe's most powerful hot spring, cooled to comfort with glacial meltwater, in a modern spa with full facilities and countryside views.
Story
In Borgarfjörður, a short 600-meter walk from Deildartunguhver — Europe's most powerful hot spring, where 180 liters of 100°C water erupt from the ground every second — Krauma tempers that raw force into something you can actually sit in. The scalding water is blended with cold water from Rauðsgil, a stream fed by what was once the Ok glacier, until it settles into six pools spanning a range of soothing, swimmable temperatures. Steam drifts across lava-field views toward the mountains of Borgarfjörður while you soak, sit in a steam bath, or relax by the fire in the quiet indoor lounge. Krauma opened to the public in late 2017, built as the calmer, design-forward counterpart to Deildartunguhver's raw geothermal spectacle next door — a way to experience the spring's power at a safe, comfortable remove, with a full restaurant and spa facilities rather than an open field of boiling water.
History
Deildartunguhver's hot water was put to domestic use long before Krauma existed: locals recall an 80–90-year-old wooden duct that once carried hot water roughly 600 meters to a nearby farmhouse for saunas, hot showers, and cooking. The land around the spring was farmed for generations by the family of Sigurbjörg Björnsdóttir (1886–1984), and her long-held appreciation for the spring's potential is credited by Krauma's own account as part of the inspiration behind the modern baths. The land was eventually taken into state hands — a pattern Krauma's own history notes echoes other major natural sites such as Gullfoss — and Krauma Geothermal Baths opened to the public in late 2017. Deildartunguhver's water also leads a second life beyond the spa: it feeds pipelines that are among the longest in Iceland, reaching 34 km to Borgarnes and 64 km to Akranes to supply district heating, still around 78–80°C on arrival at the far end. (Sources: krauma.is; guidetoiceland.is)
Highlights
- ✓Heated with water from Deildartunguhver hot spring
- ✓Mixed with glacier water for ideal bathing temperature
- ✓Infinity-style relaxation pools
- ✓Steam baths and saunas
- ✓Quiet indoor relaxation room with fireplace
- ✓Restaurant on site
- ✓Scenic Borgarfjörður countryside views
Did You Know?
Deildartunguhver, the spring that feeds Krauma, discharges about 180 liters of 97–100°C water every second — enough that its pipeline still delivers water at roughly 78–80°C after traveling 64 kilometers to heat homes in Akranes. (Sources: krauma.is; guidetoiceland.is)
Admission
7,900 ISK for adults (17+), as listed on krauma.is in September 2026 — verify current pricing before booking.
Practical Information
Best Time
Year-round — the pools are geothermally heated regardless of season, and winter visits offer a chance at Northern Lights over the surrounding countryside.
Duration
2–3 hours to make use of the pools, steam baths, and relaxation room; longer if dining at the restaurant.
Getting There
Krauma is located at Deildartunguhver, Road 50, 320 Reykholt, in West Iceland's Borgarfjörður — about 97 km (roughly 1.5 hours' drive) from Reykjavík via Route 1 and Route 50. It sits right next to, but is entirely separate from, the open geothermal area of Deildartunguhver itself. (Source: krauma.is)
Transport
Self-drive is the most practical option (about 97 km / 1.5 hours from Reykjavík); organized day tours covering West Iceland commonly include Krauma as a stop.
Budget
As listed on krauma.is in September 2026: 7,900 ISK for adults (17+), with reduced rates for teens (4,160 ISK), children (500 ISK), and seniors/disabled (5,790 ISK). Confirm current pricing on krauma.is before visiting, as rates change. (Source: krauma.is)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the connection between Krauma and Deildartunguhver?+
Krauma's pools are filled with water piped roughly 600 meters from Deildartunguhver, Europe's most powerful hot spring, then blended with cold water from Rauðsgil (fed by the former Ok glacier) to bring it down to comfortable bathing temperatures. Bathing is only possible inside Krauma's own pools — Deildartunguhver's open water is dangerously hot. (Source: krauma.is)
How much does admission to Krauma cost?+
As listed on krauma.is in September 2026: adults (17+) 7,900 ISK, teens (13–16) 4,160 ISK, children (0–12) 500 ISK, and seniors/disabled 5,790 ISK, plus multi-visit and seasonal passes. Prices change, so confirm current rates on krauma.is or at booking. (Source: krauma.is)
What are Krauma's opening hours?+
krauma.is lists daily hours of 11:00–21:00 year-round, with shortened hours (11:00–16:00) on December 24 and 31, and closure on December 25 and January 1. Hours can vary, so check krauma.is before visiting. (Source: krauma.is)
What facilities does Krauma have?+
Six geothermally heated pools (five warm, one cold), two steam baths, a relaxation room with a fireplace, and an on-site restaurant seating up to 140 guests between indoor and terrace seating. (Source: krauma.is)
