All about Iceland’s Hot Springs, Geothermal Spas and Pools
If there’s one thing that all Icelanders love, it’s spending time in their marvelous hot pots and geothermally heated swimming pools. Long before bars and coffee shops were invented, this is where people met each day to share their news and see their friends and family.
It started with the early Viking settlers who discovered that they had limitless hot water flowing in the rivers and rock pools, ideal for bathing, washing their clothes, and keeping warm in the winter.
The warm waters are fueled by Iceland’s fierce volcanic activity, with the country sitting on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and a “hot spot” of magma rising from the Earth’s molten core.
Icelandic bathing culture was born centuries ago and is now perfected in glorious geothermal spas that offer heavenly hot water experiences for all to enjoy.
As well as that, Iceland is the home of the “original” Geyser. This fantastic natural marvel is named after an Icelandic word!
You can’t come to Iceland without splashing around in one of its stunning spas, hot pots, or swimming pools – here’s everything you need to know!
Where are Iceland’s Hot Springs and Geothermal Spas?
You’ll discover these fantastic water features dotted all over the country, where you can lie back and relax after a day of exploring and enjoy a chat with the locals.
Close to the city and the airport, you can visit the iconic Blue Lagoon or the Sky Lagoon, both high-end spas offering unforgettable experiences with modern facilities.
As you tour the country, you’ll find more classy spas like these, including Forest Lagoon and Mývatn Nature Baths in North Iceland or Vök Baths in East Iceland.
But there are countless more opportunities to immerse yourself in warm waters, with proven health benefits for blood pressure, circulation, and skin conditions.
Every little village or town has its own public swimming pool – there are more than a hundred to choose from, and they’re much cheaper than the spas!
And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can dip in one of Iceland’s natural “hot rivers” and hot pots, like Reykjadalur or the Secret Lagoon in South Iceland.
Wherever you are in Iceland, you won’t be far from one of these fantastic places!
All about Iceland’s Geothermal Spas
Modern geothermal spas can be found all around Iceland, offering comfortable changing facilities, on-site restaurants, swim-up bars, and everything you’ll need for an unforgettable experience. Here’s a selection of some of the best!
The Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is Iceland’s most well-known geothermal spa, about halfway between the airport and the city. One of National Geographic’s “25 Wonders of the World”, visitors flock here to enjoy a serene and soothing spa experience in its milky-blue waters, slapping on silica mud for exfoliation and sipping drinks at the swim-up bars.
Sky Lagoon
One of Iceland’s most modern geothermal spas, Sky Lagoon offers fantastic ocean views from a 250-foot-long infinity pool in a rocky cove with a turf-roofed visitor center. And you can experience authentic Icelandic bathing traditions by taking the Seven Step Ritual here!
Forest Lagoon
Located close to Akureyri, Forest Lagoon is one of the newest spa experiences in Iceland. With marvelous views over Iceland’s second city and its longest fjord and nestling amongst the trees, Forest Lagoon is a magnificent addition to Iceland’s glorious collection of geothermal spas.
Vök Baths
Far from the capital city in East Iceland, you can take a dip in the floating infinity pools at Vök Baths. There are three fabulous pools to try, set in Lake Urriðavatn and surrounded by majestic mountains. No chemicals are used, so this is a perfectly natural experience! And if you’re feeling brave, you can jump into the lake for a cold dip before returning to the warmth of the infinity pools.
Mývatn Nature Baths
Situated in the hills overlooking Lake Mývatn in North Iceland, Mývatn Nature Baths enjoys magnificent panoramic views of the surrounding area, which makes it a top-rated spa experience. Its mineral-rich waters are guaranteed to soothe any aches and pains from a day of traveling too!
All about Iceland’s Natural Hot Springs
The Icelandic word “Geysir” means “to gush,” and it’s the name given to the “original” geyser at the Haukadalur Geothermal Area in the Golden Circle.
First recorded centuries ago, Geysir used to send superheated water and steam vapor shooting high into the sky, but it has fallen silent in recent years.
Don’t worry – nearby Strokkur has taken over the role, erupting with enormous power every few minutes. It’s a fabulous sight, and you’ll be able to see the spectacle up close too!
Iceland’s traditional bathing pools can be traced back to the 13th century when the warrior chieftain Snorri Sturluson built his stone-walled pool at Reykholt in West Iceland.
Since then, tiny pools and little lagoons have been built all over Iceland, enabling the locals to make the most of the natural warmth that bubbles up from deep below.
One of the most famous is the Secret Lagoon near the Golden Circle in South Iceland, which dates back to the 19th century.
That’s near the famous “Hot River” at Reykjadalur, which can be reached with a short hike from Hveragerði - a free hot spring experience!
And “Game of Thrones” fans may want to visit Grjótagjá up in North Iceland, where Jon Snow and Ygritte enjoyed a dip together!
All about Iceland’s Public Swimming Pools
Icelanders may visit their geothermal spas for special occasions, but you’re much more likely to “meet the locals” at the public swimming pools in each community around the country.
No matter how small a village might be, you can be sure there’ll be a hot pot or a public swimming pool (sundlaug) there.
In addition, you’ll often be treated to an astonishing view, like at Hofsós, for less than 25% of the cost of the Blue Lagoon!
When can I visit Iceland’s Hot Springs and Geothermal Spas?
The geothermal spas like Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon will be open almost every day of the year, with multiple time slots to choose from.
Public swimming pools will have shorter opening hours, so checking on these before planning your visit is wise.
Most of the natural “hot rivers” and hot pots in secluded spots around the country are free to enter and accessible at all times. Still, some are on private land, and there may be restrictions at certain times of the year.
What should I bring with me?
Bring a bathing suit, a towel, and toiletries. Those with long hair might consider a bathing cap and/or conditioner when visiting the Blue Lagoon to protect your tresses from drying out.
You can also rent anything you might need from the geothermal spas.
Don’t use soap, shampoo, or conditioner in the natural hot rivers and hot pots – that will adversely affect the local environment after you leave.
Icelanders will expect you to shower thoroughly (while naked) before entering their pools, hot pots, and spas.
This is the local custom, and it should be respected. Most places offer cubicles to change in if you are shy!
Icelanders have a deep emotional connection with their geothermal hot springs and swimming pools – here’s your chance to dive in and feel a part of the culture!