Stay Warm This Winter In Iceland’s Hot Springs

Iceland’s hot springs were a bit off most people’s radar until Iceland Air came out with some amazing deals. Now about 2.3 million people visit every year and hot springs are a major draw. Of course we love the northern lights, but did you know you can snorkel between two continents as well?!?

But it’s been a myth for a long time that elves are keepers of the springs. Legends speak of the Huldufolk, mischievous elves residing in the hidden realms of nature, who call the lagoon their playground. According to a 2007 study by the University of Iceland, an estimated 62% of the nation believe that the existence of elves is more than a fairy tale.

About a forty-five-minute drive from the capital city of Reykjavík is among the world’s most iconic hot spring destinations, the Blue Lagoon. Put this on your bucket list and then escape consider looping the island to see its real mineral water gems. This full resort offers two hotels, a plethora of spa treatments, and world-class hot springs pools.

The best part is you can squeeze it in on a stopover. This geothermal pool sits only 20 minutes from Keflavík International Airport, meaning it’s entirely possible to schedule a long layover flight in Iceland and hit the hot springs before your next leg of the journey. But if you have more time you can visit some of the other less popular, but equally amazing springs and spas in Iceland.

Blue Lagoon Hot Springs

Residing on an other-worldly lava field in Grindavík, the Blue Lagoon Resort is isolated on the Reykjanes Peninsula next to a geothermal power plant, Svartsengi. It’s easily one of Iceland’s most popular tourist attractions and a can’t-miss destination if you’re on the island and a fan of healthy hot mineral water. Pre-booking is required for all-day visits!

The Blue Lagoon is filled with natural mineral water from volcanic aquifers 2000 meters under the earth. It’s a wonderful combination of freshwater and seawater: geothermal seawater. The silica, algae, and salt-rich water repair and strengthen the skin.

The crazy blue shade of milky water is due to the high silica content. You’ll notice bathers covered in white face masks, which are from a Silica mud mask complimentary to all bathers - one of many hot springs good for homemade mud masks.

The soaking pool’s temperature averages between averages 37–39° Celsius (99–102° Fahrenheit). The pool is open to children 2 and over, however, those under 9 years of age must wear complimentary pool floaters on their arms. Children under 14 get in free with adults. All guests must shower before entry. Clothing is optional. There is an accessible ramp for wheelchair users.

The deepest part of the pool is 1.4 meters (4.7 feet). The shallowest area is nearly 0.8 meters (2.6 feet). All guests must pre-book their tickets before they visit. The entrance comes with a mud mask, and towel, and 1st drink is free. In addition to the pools, there is a Sauna and Steam rooms.

There is also an In-Water Bar and Mask Bar. The bar has a refreshing selection of soft drinks, beer, wine, smoothies, and juices. The Mask Bar has both a Silica mud mask and an Algae mask, the former deep cleans and the latter stimulates collagen production

The all-natural water is not artificially disinfected and is rich in minerals, PH 7.5, and a salt content of 2.5%. Still, it contains no foreign bacteria, such as fecal bacteria, environmental bacteria, fungi, or plants. It is a self-cleaning ecosystem. It has been gifted a Blue Flag for more than a decade.

Djúpavogskörin Hot Springs

Djúpavogskörin Hot Springs is tucked away on the east coast of Iceland near the town of Djúpivogur. Sitting in this isolated tub without a house or building in sight can easily make you feel like the only person in the world. Sadly the developed pool was closed and removed in 2025, but a small rock pool still exists.

Between the Ring Road, the not-so-distant snowy peaks, and the North Atlantic Ocean, Djúpavogskörin is surprisingly accessible for anyone looking to relax away from it all.

This cozy little soaking pool and deck were put up by locals for social gatherings and family fun. Djupivogur, the closest community, only has about 500 people today but was even smaller when it was settled in 1589 as a trading center.

Over the years, as more people visited the hot springs, the town began catering to visitors by adding cafes and campgrounds. Today, after spending time in Djúpavogskörin, bathers can head back to this quiet destination for food and a place to spend the night.

Forest Lagoon

Forest Lagoon is a geothermal spa unlike any other in Iceland, yet it’s just a five-minute drive from the city of Akureyri, known as the “capital of the North.” The same people who made the famous Blue Lagoon also made this fantastic Forest Lagoon thermal complex. They also provide free shuttle from Akureyri, you can walk to harbour where their schedule is published.

Stay nearby at the Viking Cottages where you can keep the warmth going with your private hot tub and a great view of the mounatins and green landscape. The cottage provides a washing machine with laundry detergent, a small but well-equipped kitchen, and a mini-fridge, which suffices for short stays.

The lagoon stands out because of how well it fits in with the rocky and forested landscape around it. People go from all around to unwind in the soothing waters and take in the breathtaking woodland environment.

Your bracelet operates the locker and drinks purchases, and you pay by card/phone before you exit (make sure you have a payment method with you!).

Two infinity pools, complete with swim-up bars are the main features of the premises. The large swimming areas are heated at 39 and 41 °C/102 and 105 °F, making up the lagoon. The dry Finnish sauna paired with the 11°C cold tub is a fantastic combination.

Inside the facility is a sauna and a relaxation room with sweeping views of the nearby ski resort, the town of Akureyri, and the Eyjafjörur Fjord.

The sauna’s glass walls look out over the river, the snow-capped peaks, and the beautiful trees whose lush leaves change from summer to autumn hues in the fall.

The primary building has two sections: a wooden pavilion that holds the restaurant with a fireplace and large windows that look out onto the forest, and a concrete building that contains a changing room for up to 200 people. Both structures offer stunning forward-facing vistas of the fjord.

Geosea Geothermal Sea Baths

In North Iceland, the quiet fishing town of Husavik is home to GeoSea, a wonderful, relaxing place to soak with a set of unique geothermal infinity pools. Stay in town at the Hótel Húsavík right next to Jaja ding dong bar (Eurovision movie fans!) and you get free entry to the Eurovision exhibition there if you show your hotel booking.

Sitting on a clifftop, the Geosea baths have one of the best views for whale watchers and people who want to see the northern lights as they look west over Skjálfandi Bay and north to the Arctic Circle. These don’t have the silica that makes the Blue Lagoon sky blue, but are still quite lovely and for this reason they are less crowded.

Located on the edge of the Húsavíkurhöfði cliffs and 49 meters/161 feet above sea level, this outdoor area is also great for observing the seabirds. They can be seen from the baths and add to the beauty of the scene.

There are three large pools, which stay at a comfortable 38–39 °C/100-102 ℉. They are great for easing muscle tension and increasing blood flow, giving you a deep sense of being re-energized. No chemicals are added to the water, and there is a steady stream running through the tubs to keep everything excellent, toasty, and germ-free.

The warmest pool is the one near the locker rooms and farthest from the golden lighthouse, especially along the section closest to where the water comes from.

The baths also feature a swim-up window where you can order refreshments. The selection includes alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and you can pay for them when you check out before leaving. A glass of water is provided at no cost.

Bathing suits and towels are required to use these facilities, but you can bring your own or rent them on-site. Entry fees are charged based on age, with different prices for adults, kids under 18, senior citizens, and students. Children under age six are free. If guests make advance reservations and need to cancel, there are penalty fees for the three days leading up to their booking.

Gudrunarlaug Hot Springs

A rural northwestern hot tub with a rich history, Gudrunarlaug is fed by one of Iceland’s many hot springs. Due to the island’s plethora of geothermal activity, pools such as this can be found both in and out of the larger cities, with Gudrunarlaug falling into the latter category. A great way to embrace your inner Viking and learn about the area, make sure to plan a trip to this thermal bath.

Stay onsite at the Dalahótel with a beautiful free hot spring made of stones right next to the waterfall. There is also a terrific games room with pool, darts, table tennis and games ideal for kids. I loved the magical living room full of instruments to play, including a piano and guitars

The original tub on this land is said to have been built a thousand years ago. The Icelandic Sagas, a series of narratives written based on historical events that are very important to the country’s people and culture, tells how it belonged to a woman named Guðrún Ósvífursdóttir. Guðrún, known for her beauty, was a point in one of the most well-known love triangles in the Sagas.

Guðrún’s suitors were raised as brothers and both fell in love with her. She fell in love with Kjartan, but when Kjartan went abroad for a few years, Bolli asked her to marry him. Chaos ensued, but the story won’t be spoiled here.

It’s just behind a small group of buildings. There are no associated fees with the pool, and there is even a quaint little hut for changing your clothes, though it should be noted that it lacks a shower.

Gudrunarlaug is made in a traditional Medieval style with a turf roof and was erected at the same time as the new pool. Round and lined with large, smooth stones, it’s a comfortable place to relax and enjoy the grassy mountain view.

If you set yourself up in the opposite direction of the unrelated nearby hotel, it’s natural scenery to the horizon. At around 100℉, the water is nice and toasty.

Hellulaug Hot Spring

The small and solitary Hellulaug Hot Spring is located in Iceland’s remote Westfjords. It’s in the little town of Flokalundur, near the head of the Vatnsfjordur fjord, and looks out over the Atlantic Ocean. Stay within walking distance at Hótel Flókalundur

While soaking in the hot springs, visitors may gaze out over the fjord in search of marine birds like Arctic terns. The Hellulaug Hot Spring maintains a consistent, warm temperature all year, so you can visit regardless of the month or season.

The Hellulaug Pool feeds a 13-by-10-foot cozy bath and is roughly 20-30 inches deep. The pool is concealed from view from the road by a slight elevation in the terrain. Because of this, you may have the pool to yourself rather often. These thermal springs are a hidden gem; getting there doesn’t even involve hiking from the parking area.

Geothermal activity heats the pool water naturally, and consistently high temperatures of approximately 100 °F/38 °C are the norm. In the absence of locker rooms and showers, most visitors to the hot spring change in their cars before heading off.

This is not a clothing-optional pool, and Icelandic culture discourages anyone from not wearing proper swimming attire. Remember to pack warm clothes and towels, especially if you’re visiting in the winter since there aren’t any provided. Another excellent suggestion is to have a thermos of hot soup or tea waiting for you when you come out of the water.

Hrunalaug Hot Springs

Hrunalaug, also known as Hruni, is one of the multiple hot springs near Flúðir. About an hour and a half from Reykjavik, it’s considered one of the oldest pools in Iceland. Stay nearby at Garður Stay Inn where you can also enjoy the Secret Lagoon with shared kitchens.

Only a couple of miles from The Secret Lagoon, but much smaller, it makes a convenient stop for anyone making their way along the Golden Circle road.

There are several pools with different temperatures, ranging from approximately 36–37°C to 38–39°C, making it easy to find the perfect level of comfort. The facilities are well maintained, with warm showers, secure lockers with free code locks, and a very clean environment throughout. Unlike some of the big lagoons, this one does not have stalls for showering. Towels are available for rent, and there is a selection of snacks, coffee, drinks, and other items for purchase.

Hrunalaug is currently maintained by a local sheep farmer who previously used the area to tend his animals. You can even soak in an old water trough that now acts as a bath.