Deep in the Highlands of southern Iceland, where glaciers meet lava fields, the natural pool of Strútslaug offers a secluded geothermal soak, several hours' drive into the backcountry from the coast. Reserved for travelers equipped with a 4x4 and willing to trek, this hot spring ranks among the most remote in the country.

Why visit Strútslaug

Strútslaug, also called Holmsarbotnalaug, stands out for its isolation and mineral setting. The pool lies in the Syðri Fjallabak Highlands, near the Mælifell volcano and Strútur mountain. Access combines roughly fifty kilometers of 4x4 track and a hiking section, which naturally limits crowds and preserves the site's quiet character. Bathing is free, and the geological environment—volcanoes, glaciers, glacial rivers—is reason enough to make the journey. The rewards are substantial for those prepared for adventure.

History and name origins

The name Strútslaug means literally "ostrich pool," an appellation whose origins remain obscure: no ostrich has ever inhabited Iceland, and several theories circulate without consensus. For decades, possibly centuries, the pool served as a waystation for mountain travelers and shepherds crossing the highlands. This role as a thermal refuge explains why the site, despite its remoteness, has long been known to Icelanders.

The pool and its features

Strútslaug's basin sits beside a cold-water stream, allowing bathers to regulate temperature. The pool measures roughly 8.5 x 5 meters, with a maximum depth of around 20 inches. A natural stone wall divides the basin into two sections, their temperatures varying depending on proximity to the hot-water inlet and the cold stream's influence.

A few practical points before you bathe:

• No changing facilities or infrastructure are available on-site.
• The pool floor is muddy: best to avoid stirring the water excessively.
• Shallow depth means wading and soaking rather than swimming.

Nearby: Mælifell

The Mælifell volcano, known as the "Green Pyramid," rises to about 2,600 feet. Its cone covered in vivid green moss contrasts strikingly against the black volcanic sand surrounding it, making it one of Iceland's most iconic southern landscapes. Scenes from Game of Thrones were filmed here. From Strútslaug, this peak pairs naturally with a pool visit.

How to get there

The most practical route starts from the Ring Road near Vík, on the south coast. Main stages:

• Head north from east of Vík on Hrífunesvegur (Route 209).
• Turn west onto the mountain track Öldufellsleið (F232).
• Reach Brytalækir, where signs indicate Mælifell and Mælifellssandur.
• Follow the Mælifell volcano along the Brennivínskvísl river, then head north on the dirt road toward Strútur hut.

The route covers roughly fifty kilometers of track, with river crossings. A high-clearance 4x4 in good condition is essential. From Strútur hut, expect about 5 kilometers (roughly 3 miles) of hiking to the pool—around 4 hours round trip including bathing time.

When to go

The site is accessible only from June through September. Outside this window, Highland tracks are closed: snow, swollen rivers, and harsh weather make travel impossible or dangerous. July and August offer the most stable track conditions and maximum daylight, though may attract larger numbers of hikers.

Practical advice

• Gear: swimsuit, towel, hiking boots, warm clothes for after bathing (air stays cool even in summer).
• Track safety: never cross a river without assessing depth and current; check safety bulletins before you depart.
• Self-sufficiency: no services (fuel, water, food) along the track—bring adequate supplies and fuel reserves.
• Lodging: Strútur hut allows overnight stays, letting you split the expedition across two days.

Nearby attractions to combine

Strútslaug fits naturally into a larger loop through southern Iceland. Several sites string together logically:

• The Mýrdalsjökull ice cap to the south, which dominates the region.
• The Katla volcanic system, whose ice cave is a prized winter destination.
• The Landmannahellir hut and zone, gateway to Landmannalaugar.
• The iconic Fimmvörðuháls trek, a natural extension of the Laugavegur trail crossing Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk valley.
• Farther west, Mount Hekla, one of the country's most active volcanoes.

FAQ

To incorporate Strútslaug into a full southern Highlands itinerary, explore our Iceland journeys.