Iceland is a country teeming with natural splendors characterized by breathtaking landscapes and the soothing waters of its hot springs. An outdoor soak in these natural hot springs is an essential bucket-list activity when planning a trip to Iceland. The charm of Iceland is revealed in the beauty of its changing seasons, with each one bringing its own burst of color and wonder. This Icelandic tradition of bathing in volcanically heated pools dates back to the Viking era. Here is your guide to unlocking the natural grandeur of Iceland’s hot springs, with our top picks of the best ones to visit.
1. The Blue Lagoon (from USD 129.0)
Let the soothing waters of Blue Lagoon calm your senses when you opt to go on this fun tour. It’s easy to see why this natural attraction is one of the most popular sites visited by tourists and locals alike. The opaque milk-blue waters are contrasted by the black lava field which surrounds the lagoon. Situated in the Reykjanes Peninsula, the large lake is the perfect temperature (39˚C/102˚F) for endless hours of bathing and it offers rich skin nourishment properties. This tour also gives travelers the opportunity to visit some of Iceland’s other natural wonders like Thingvellir National Park, Kerid Crater, Gullfoss Waterfall and much more. Get the most out of your visit to this region of Iceland.
Golden Circle, Kerid Crater, Lagoon Tour from Reykjavik
Duration 11 hours
2. Mývatn Nature Baths
Bask in the beauty of Myvatn Nature Bath, which is a stunning man-made construction. This nature bath is unique in that it contains a large number of minerals which prevent undesired bacteria and vegetation from thriving in the lagoon, making it the perfect spot to unwind and relax. The everchanging landscape that surrounds the nature baths makes it an all-year-round destination. In the warmer seasons, the days are longer, which is ideal for more exploration and relaxation. While summer eases into autumn, the landscape becomes a picturesque beauty boasting shades of gold and brown. Winter is the perfect time to visit, as the landscape is blanketed with a tapestry of snow, sparkling frosts and opportunity to appreciate the splendor of the Northern Lights. Cover more ground and explore the natural beauty of the area by going on this bike tour which starts at Myvatn. The bike tour takes you to the underground bakery and will continue past the first steam generator in Iceland before heading to the old bathing caves of Grjótagjá. End the day relaxing in the natural steam baths of Mývatn Nature Baths before heading back to Myvatn.
Biking Tour and Myatn Nature Baths from Reykjahlid
Duration 3 hours
3. Secret Lagoon (from USD 27.0)
Located in the small village of Fludir, in the Golden Circle area, you will come across the idyllic natural hot springs of Secret Lagoon. The hot springs capture the true Icelandic feeling characterized by the pools’ natural surrounding and the magic of the steam rising in the air. The water stays at a constant temperature all year round, and there are little Geysers which erupt every five minutes. Treat yourself to the magic of the Northern Lights in winter above the Secret Lagoon. Snag this tour to get entrance ticket into the Secret Lagoon hot springs and experience the beauty of a Golden Circle attraction without the crowd.
Secret Lagoon Entrance Ticket
Duration 1 hour 30 minutes
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4. Krossneslaug hot springs
Enjoy the best of Iceland by incorporating the natural beauties and the hot springs which it’s famous for. Take a scenic drive through majestic fjords, stunning coasts and towering mountains to come across the tranquil hot springs of Krossneslaug. The journey might be long, but the destination is spectacular. The pool is relaxing, and travelers feel their stress drift away as they soak up the warm water of the springs.
5. Landmannalaugar hot springs (from USD 207.0)
Unlock the thermal wonderland of Landmannalaugar. The area is characterized by extremely beautiful multi-colored landscapes, and it is a hiker’s paradise. Surrounded by picturesque mountains, the hot springs stay at a constant temperature all year round and is a highland oasis ideal for bathing. Delve into Iceland’s geothermal wilderness by going on this hiking tour to discover the beauty of the region. The tour will take you through the rugged terrain of Fjallabak Nature Reserve boasting panoramic views of lava fields, glacial lakes and towering peaks. End the tour with a dip in the soothing hot springs while to admiring the unspoiled beauty which surrounds you.
Landmannalaugar Hiking Tour - Highlands of Iceland
Duration 5 hours
6. Laugarvallalaug Hot Springs
Tucked away in the scenic Laugarvallalaug Valley, stumble upon this hidden jewel that not only boasts two soothing natural hot springs but also a warm little waterfall. The drive to this natural attraction can be tough but it is so worth the trip. The geothermal stream flows into a pond with the waterfall serving as a shower.
7. Reykjadalur hot springs (from USD 117.0)
Unravel the volcanic beauty of the Reykjadalur Valley by taking this action-packed tour. The hot springs are reached after a short 45-minute drive and a short hike up to the warm waters that flow from the Reykjadalur Valley. This tour, led by an expert guide, takes travelers past otherworldly sceneries of gushing rivers, beautiful waterfalls and bubbling pools. Unlock the stories of Iceland’s history along the way and stop at the naturally heated hot springs where you will have a chance to relax in the soothing waters.
Reykjadalur Valley Hiking, Hot Spring Tour from Reykjavik
Duration 6 hours
8. Grjotagja hot spring
Avid Game of Thrones watchers will instantly recognize this natural hot springs from the hit show. You can take a dip in the hot springs at certain times of the year because, as inviting as it may look, the water can get extremely hot, preventing swimming. Grjotagja is a small lava cave, and the thermal springs can be found inside. Marvel in the beauty of this underground wonder and take pictures for your Instagram feed.
9. Grettislaug hot springs
Iceland is laden with hidden gems just waiting to be explored. One of these hidden jewels is the Grettislaug Hot Springs. This off-the-beaten-track attraction can fit 15 to 20 people at the same time, and it is surrounded by tranquil beauty. Legends tell of Grettir Ásmundason, who was said to have warmed up in the geothermal pool after his swim from Drangey Island. It’s a unique blend of ancient mysteries and natural wonders.
10. Seljavallalaug geothermal pools (from USD 244.0)
Venture out to the stunning oasis of Seljavallalaug which is one of the oldest swimming pools in Iceland. Nestled in the scenic, lush hills, there is no entrance fee attached to entering the pool. Getting to this pool is quite an adventure as it requires you to trek through the valley on a 20-minute hike through the fields of lava ash, little streams and craggy hills. The region is best explored in a group. So, choose to take this small group tour which will introduce you to the splendors of Iceland’s south coast, hiking through glaciers, visiting wreck sites and bathing in Seljavallalaug geothermal pool.
Small Group Day Trip from Reykjavik to see the Elements of the South Coast
Duration 14 hours
Soak up the beauty of Iceland
Make your travel dreams a reality by exploring the natural beauty of Iceland and the alluring charm of its hot springs.