The Best Hot Springs Experiences in Iceland

Getting Oriented

Although many travelers make their way to the popular Blue Lagoon, you might be surprised to learn that Iceland has several geothermal pools throughout the country. Even those famous milky blue waters have a rival in the north (Mývatn Nature Baths), but you'll also find other pools near Reykjavík.

If you'd like to enjoy more modern and unique soaks, head to other regions in Iceland, such as the East Fjords and Northern Iceland. You'll find the GeoSea pools with views of whales swimming in a bay or Iceland's only floating pools. Or, opt for an adventure and hike out to more remote hot springs, such as the Seljavallalaug pool in Iceland's South Coast. 

Reykjavík Day Trips

One reason why the Blue Lagoon is so popular is that it's close to Reykjavík. But if you want to visit more baths or ditch the crowds, there are always alternatives to popular sites, plus many are close enough to work as a day trip from the capital.

Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is perhaps Iceland's most famous thermal pool, but it offers much more than just a popular tourist attraction—the baths are a recognized psoriasis treatment facility! Enjoy soaking in the milky blue water and using the silica mud as a face and body mask. You can also take a chilly (and exhilarating) shower in the artificial waterfall. Read More

The Secret Lagoon

As the oldest swimming pool in Iceland and one beloved by its local community, you get a little bit of everything with the Secret Lagoon: history, culture, and far fewer crowds. Three nearby active geysers supply the mineral water, replenishing it completely every 24 hours. As you soak in the healing waters, you can enjoy watching the geysers erupt every few minutes. Read More

Fontana Geothermal Baths

Although not as popular as the Blue Lagoon, the Fontana Geothermal Baths are a close second thanks to their proximity to the capital. This thermal pool offers more than just a soak—enjoy steam baths, Finnish-style saunas, hot tubs with panoramic views, and a chilly lake perfect for a refreshing dip, all in addition to traditional hot springs. Plus, much of the artistic stonework at Fontana is by the Icelandic artist Erla Thorarinsdottir, so you truly get the full experience here! Read More

North, East, & South

But Iceland's west isn't the only region home to healing and minerally rich soaks. Extend your reach and visit other geothermal pools that offer unique experiences or ones that rival the popular baths near the capital. 

Mývatn Nature Baths

If you want that signature milky blue water but want to leave the crowds of the Blue Lagoon behind, consider a visit to the Mývatn Nature Baths in Northern Iceland. This alkaline bathing lagoon relaxes the body and mind with minerally rich waters heated by the Earth's core. The baths also feature a steam room, where vents on the floor release natural geothermal steam. Read More

The Geothermal Vök Baths

Set in the East Fjords region near the town of Egilsstaðir are the Vök Baths. What makes this hot spring so unique is that the facility uses the area's geothermal power to mimic what you might find in nature, but places their pools atop a lake. As the only floating pool in Iceland, you'll relax on the scenic Lake Urriðavatn. You can also enjoy the steam bath, cold water tunnel, mist shower, bistro, and tea bar. Read More

Seljavallalaug Outdoor Pool

A hot spring with an adventure, Seljavallalaug offers a unique experience. Set next to a river with a mountainous backdrop, the pool is near two of Iceland's most popular waterfalls, Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss. Getting there requires a short hike from the parking lot, and the conditions of the pool may vary, as it's only cleaned once a year and maintained sparingly. Although not hot, many find the warm waters perfect in the summertime! Read More

GeoSea Geothermal Baths

Another hot spring in Northern Iceland, the GeoSea Geothermal Baths facility is one of the country's newest and most modern. Near the town of Húsavík, this bath is particularly unique because it uses minerally rich seawater. The Earth heats the salty seawater from the same source the locals have used for centuries. From the pools, enjoy views over Skjálfandi Bay and the Arctic Circle, known for abundant marine life, including whales. Read More

How to Craft the Perfect Hot Springs Itinerary in Iceland

You could easily create an entire itinerary devoted to soaking in Iceland's thermal pools! That's how popular and beloved they are by tourists and locals alike. Of course, it's a given that any vacation to the country should include at least one thermal bath experience, and luckily, many are near Reykjavík or conveniently located off the popular Ring Road.

Determining how many days to spend in Iceland depends on which regions you'd like to explore. If you only have 4 or 5 days in Iceland, you can stick to the Westfjords region or combine Reykjavík and the west with the Golden Circle or the South Coast. But if you'd like to venture a bit further and incorporate the north and east or more of the Ring Road to your itinerary, give yourself at least one or two weeks. 

It's also helpful to consider when you plan to travel. Just keep in mind that winter in Iceland has limited daylight, so you might want to add a few extra days if you have lots of sites to see!

Past kimkim travelers have enjoyed the following itineraries that include experiences in Icelandic hot springs:

• 3 Days in Iceland: Blue Lagoon, South Coast, Reykjavik - 3-day itinerary
• Iceland: Golden Circle, South Coast, & Westman Islands - 6 Days
• Iceland Highlights: Snaefellsnes Peninsula, Golden Circle, & South Coast - 7 Days