Natural Hot Spring
Marteinslaug
South Iceland
Nestled deep within South Iceland's Haukadalsskógur forest, near the famous Geysir, Marteinslaug offers a truly authentic and serene natural hot spring experience. This rustic, stone-lined pool, partially covered by a metal grate, invites you to unwind away from the crowds. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of Icelandic landscapes, surrounded by diverse flora and a peaceful stream.
️ As a rustic, undeveloped spring, visitors should exercise caution, especially regarding water temperature which can vary, and the uneven natural surroundings. There are no facilities or lifeguards.
Soak in a hidden stone pool just minutes from Geysir and Strokkur, without the crowds of the Golden Circle's headline stops.
Story
On the southern edge of Haukadalsskógur forest, a short walk from the world-famous Geysir and Strokkur, a small stone-lined pool sits tucked beside the Kaldilækur stream — easy to walk straight past if you don't know it's there. Barely a metre wide and just over half a metre deep, it holds only three to five people at a time, warmed to a gentle 39–43°C by the same geothermal forces that send Strokkur skyward every few minutes. Unlike its famous neighbors, Marteinslaug asks nothing of its visitors — no ticket, no queue, no viewing platform — just a quiet soak among the forest a few minutes off the Golden Circle's best-known stop.
History
No verified founding date or historical account of Marteinslaug was found. It sits near Haukadalskirkja, a timber church built in the 1800s, and close to another natural pool, Kúalaug, about 130 metres away — but Marteinslaug itself appears to be a naturally occurring, informally used spring rather than a documented historic site.
Highlights
- ✓Rustic stone-lined hot spring pool
- ✓Secluded natural setting beside a tranquil stream
- ✓Surrounded by diverse Icelandic flora, including dry grasses, deciduous, and evergreen trees
- ✓Offers an authentic and serene bathing experience
- ✓An ideal escape from crowds, immersed in nature's embrace
- ✓Partially covered by a metal grate, adding to its unique, undeveloped character
Did You Know?
Marteinslaug should not be confused with nearby Marteinshver, a geothermal feature in the same forest that reaches 80–100°C and is dangerous to enter — Marteinslaug is the separate, cooled bathing pool that's safe for soaking. (Source: guidetoiceland.is)
Admission
Free
Practical Information
Best Time
Summer for easy gravel-road access; an off-road-capable vehicle is advisable in poor weather.
Duration
30–45 minutes, or longer combined with a Geysir/Strokkur visit.
Getting There
In Haukadalsskógur forest, on the southern edge of the woods about 2 km from the Geysir geothermal area in South Iceland's Golden Circle — reached via road F333 and a short walk from the forest parking area to the Kaldilækur stream.
Transport
Private car via Road F333 from Geysir; a short walk from the forest parking area.
Budget
Free — no admission fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where exactly is Marteinslaug?+
It's in Haukadalsskógur forest in South Iceland's Golden Circle area, about 2 km from the Geysir geothermal field — in Bláskógabyggð, South Iceland, not the Capital Region. (Source: guidetoiceland.is)
Is Marteinslaug free?+
Yes — it's an unmanaged natural pool with no admission fee, open 24 hours. (Source: guidetoiceland.is)
How hot is the water?+
Reported between 39°C and 43°C. (Source: guidetoiceland.is)
Is it safe?+
There are no lifeguards or facilities, and the stone surround can be slippery, so it's better suited to visitors comfortable on uneven, wet ground. Take care not to confuse it with the much hotter Marteinshver nearby. (Source: guidetoiceland.is)
