Iceland's Best Hot Springs
Iceland is a Nordic island nation, renowned for its otherworldly landscapes and spectacular northern lights.
Iceland is a Nordic island nation, renowned for its lunar landscapes and spectacular northern lights. Yet its true character lies deep within its volcanic terrain, dotted with hot springs, natural pools, and countless craters and calderas that define its beauty. Known for its geothermal activity, the Land of Ice is filled with lakes and lagoons with restorative properties. Ready to bathe in turquoise and milky waters, and brave their high temperatures? Discover Iceland's 8 best hot springs!
1 – Blue Lagoon: Iceland's Most Renowned Hot Spring
Located in the Reykjanes Peninsula at the far southwest of the island, the Blue Lagoon is the most famous hot spring in the Land of Ice. Why? The mineral salts, algae, and silica concentrated in its turquoise water give it a milky appearance that is both beautiful and surreal! Renowned for its singular beauty, it is also Iceland's most visited natural attraction. To admire its volcanic landscape and enjoy its therapeutic benefits, remember to book your entry (several weeks in advance) on the official website.
Practical Information
Address : Norðurljósavegur 9, 240 Grindavík
Water Temperature : 39°C
Opening Hours : June to August: 08:00–21:00. Rest of year: 08:00–18:00. Booking required
Price (average/person) : €60 to €555 depending on entry type (Standard, Premium, Luxury). Free for children aged 2–13.
2 – Secret Lagoon: the Famous Gamla Laugin of the Golden Circle
The Golden Circle is a tourist route created to explore the country's iconic sites. Spanning nearly 300 kilometers, it includes Gamla Laugin, better known as Secret Lagoon! Located in the Suðurland region, this pool with geothermal properties was built in 1981 at the request of local residents – who wanted to harness volcanic heat! Less touristy than the Blue Lagoon, it remains an enjoyable experience.
Practical Information
Address : Hvammsvegur, Flúðir, Iceland
Water Temperature : 40°C
Opening Hours : June 1–September 30: 10:00–20:00. October 1–May 31: 10:00–19:00. Booking required.
Price (average/person) : €20. Free for children under 14.
3 – Mývatn Natural Baths: a Dreamy Spot for Northern Lights
Nestled in northeast Iceland, about one hundred kilometers from the Arctic Circle, the Mývatn baths were designed in harmony with nature. Naturally fed by hot springs from a borehole, they offer a genuinely relaxing experience with stunning views of landscapes that shift from ochre to snow-covered to shimmering… and the magnificent northern lights that illuminate the sky in emerald hues!
Practical Information
Address : Jarðbaðshólar, 660 Mývatn
Water Temperature : 36–40°C
Opening Hours : 10:00–23:00. Booking not required, but recommended.
Price (average/person) : €42 to €65 depending on entry type (Relaxation, Enjoy, Experience). Free for children under 12.
4 – Hellulaug: the Geothermal Pool of Vestfirðir
Located in the northwest of the country, the Hellulaug spring is a natural hot bath nestled at the heart of the fjords! Relatively untouristy, this stone geothermal pool (approximately 60 meters deep) offers an incredible sea view! As a natural site, this spot offers no tourist amenities such as showers or changing rooms… A truly authentic location for a genuine Icelandic experience!
Practical Information
Address : Flókalundur, Iceland
Water Temperature : 38°C
Opening Hours : Open 24/7
Price (average/person) : Free
5 – Landmannalaugar: Iceland's Region with the Best Hot Springs
The volcanic region of Landmannalaugar is situated in Iceland's highlands. Highly popular with trekkers, it is equally renowned for hot springs nestled within its mountainous massif. Featuring rugged terrain and lava fields, Landmannalaugar also boasts gorges and natural pools where you can admire the solfataras – these impressive fumaroles that release substantial quantities of sulfur at certain temperatures!
Practical Information
Address : The Landmannalaugar geothermal region (south-central Iceland)
Water Temperature : 34–41°C, depending on the spring
Opening Hours : Open 24/7
Price (average/person) : Free
6 – Seljavallalaug: Hot Spring at the Foot of Eyjafjallajökull Volcano
Nestled between the Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls lies one of Iceland's most pleasant outdoor pools! Built in 1923 – and initially a great success – it fell into disuse in favor of more modern facilities, before regaining its prestige in 1998. Once overlooked for convenience, it is today celebrated for its geographical location… at the foot of the famous Eyjafjallajökull volcano (which naturally heats the basin's water). To reach it? You'll need to walk about twenty minutes through the valley.
Practical Information
Address : H98V+F3G Vik and Myrdalsjokull
Water Temperature : 36°C
Opening Hours : Open 24/7
Price (average/person) : Free entry and changing rooms
7 – Hveravellir: an Oasis in the Kjölur Desert
Hveravellir is a geothermal oasis located in Iceland's barren Kjölur region (which serves as a natural highway between the southwest and northwest). Devoid of vegetation, this part of the country hosts small lakes and waterways that feed the Blanda River. Among these natural springs, linger by Hveravellir's turquoise pool to contemplate its geysers, fumaroles… and the sheep that occasionally wander around the spring!
Practical Information
Address : Hveravellir, Kjölur (Accessible only with 4x4 vehicles)
Water Temperature : 38–42°C!
Opening Hours : Open 24/7
Price (average/person) : Free. Be warned: the sole lodge near the spring is notorious for excessive rates… and minimal service.
8 – Askja Caldera: a Volcanic Crater at the Heart of Lake Víti
Víti is a volcanic lake that formed in 1875, where water naturally accumulated within a crater (the Askja caldera)! Celebrated for its shifting colors, this natural spring retains its milky appearance regardless of season. While bathing is possible, caution is advised. The presence of carbon dioxide can cause dizziness.
Practical Information
Address : Norðurland eystra Region (Accessible after a 45-minute hike)
Water Temperature : 25–30°C
Opening Hours : Open 24/7
Price (average/person) : Free
Frequently asked questions
Blue Lagoon is Iceland's most celebrated hot spring, prized for its mineral-rich turquoise and milky waters. However, for a more authentic and less touristy experience, Secret Lagoon or Mývatn Natural Baths are excellent alternatives.
Yes, booking is mandatory for Blue Lagoon and should ideally be made several weeks ahead, especially during peak season (June–August). Tickets are available on the Blue Lagoon's official website.
Several hot springs are entirely free in Iceland: Hellulaug in the western fjords, Landmannalaugar in the highlands, Seljavallalaug at the foot of Eyjafjallajökull volcano, Hveravellir in the Kjölur desert, and Lake Víti in the Askja caldera.
Yes! Mývatn Natural Baths, located about one hundred kilometers from the Arctic Circle, are particularly renowned for offering exceptional views of the northern lights. Bathing in 36–40°C water beneath a sky illuminated by the aurora is unforgettable.
Temperatures vary by site: from 25–30°C for Lake Víti (Askja caldera) to 38–42°C for Hveravellir. Most springs fall between 36–40°C, an ideal temperature for comfortable bathing.
Landmannalaugar is accessible only in summer (typically June–September) due to mountain roads. It is recommended to use a 4x4 vehicle or take a bus from Reykjavik. The region is located in the highlands of south-central Iceland.
