Hot tubs and natural hot springs have been a part of Iceland's culture since the settlement era. The love for swimming and bathing is engraved in our DNA. For centuries we have known the health benefits of bathing in the oh-so-wonderful warm mineral water and de-stressing and relaxing every muscle in your body after a hard day at work. Almost all Icelandic swimming pools are geothermally heated so they are warm and cosy all year round. Most of the facilities also sport a hot tub or two. Swimming pools are even considered one of the most important places to socialize, work out and unwind.
Swimming or bathing is not just a summer thing in Iceland. Sitting in a hot tub on a dark frosty night, feeling the snowflakes land gently on your nose while gazing at the starry sky, is nothing short of amazing! We encourage you to go pool-hopping on your Iceland trip. Explore the different kinds in every region you visit. You will not regret doing so.
The 30 Best Swimming Pools and Hot Springs in Iceland
1. The Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is the most famous pool in Iceland and one of the most popular Iceland attractions. It has been named as one of the 25 wonders of the world according to National Geographic and an absolute must-see on your trip to Iceland. The milky blue waters and the white silica mud make the lagoon a unique one.
2. The Secret Lagoon
This rustic pool was opened in 1891 and used until 1937 before being abandoned for over 60 years. It is the oldest swimming pool in Iceland and has been renovated in recent years. This beautiful lagoon has become increasingly popular and is only a short detour from the famous Golden Circle Route.
3. Laugarvatn Fontana
Easily accessible on the Golden Circle Route on the way to Gullfoss Waterfall, this sleek lake-front spa is well worth a visit for its pool, three hot tubs and sauna.
4. Mývatn Nature Baths
The Mývatn Nature Baths have been called the Blue Lagoon of the North. The milky blue mineral water is very soothing and the natural steam baths are wonderful. Lake Mývatn and the surrounding area is a magnificent and unique natural wonder.
5. Laugardalur Swimming Pool
Photo from reykjavik.is
This is Iceland's largest and most visited swimming pool complex with Olympic size lap pools and hot tubs of various kinds and sizes. This pool has something for everyone.
6. Reykjavík Swimming Hall
Photo from reykjavik.is
Sundhöllin was opened in 1937 and is the oldest one in Reykjavík. It is located in downtown Reykjavík, a short walking distance from the main shopping and nightlife Laugavegur. This pool has an old-school and authentic feel about it and the atmosphere is quite interesting. This is the only pool in Reykjavík with diving boards and the facilities also has hot tubs and a steam bath.
7. Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool
Seljavallalaug is among the oldest swimming pools in Iceland, built in 1923. The pool is nestled in a valley beneath the infamous Eyjafjallajökull Glacier, not far from Skógafoss Waterfall. The pool is very picturesque and makes a very interesting stop along the South Coast.
8. Reykjadalur Geothermal River
Reykjadalur is located near Hveragerði town, just a 40-minute drive from Reykjavík. A short three-kilometer hike brings you to Reykjadalur ('Smoky Valley') and the geothermal river. There are no changing facilities here so be prepared to strip down to your birthday suit out in the open.
9. Landmannalaugar Hot Pot
Landmannalaugar, literally the People's Pool, is possibly the most scenic geothermal hot springs of our list! Make your way to the outdoor showers and changing rooms and you're in for an extraordinary natural bathing experience surrounded by colourful rhyolite mountains.
10. Strútslaug Geothermal River
Strútslaug is a hidden gem in Iceland! It is located between Torfajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers, where a geothermal river and a glacial river converge to create this natural hot spring in the remote Highlands. You need to have a jeep to reach this place and it is about an hour walk from the road. There are no changing facilities, so be prepared to get naked in the wild.
11. Sky Lagoon
Immerse yourself in warmth at our oceanside geothermal lagoon, as the dramatic North Atlantic Ocean stretches out before you. Feel yourself relax and unwind as you take in the dazzling sunsets and moody skies and, if you're lucky, the dancing Northern Lights will put on a stunning show. Then, take your relaxation deeper with the Ritual, a unique seven-step experience.
12. Vestmannaeyjar Swimming Pool
Photo from south.is
If there is a family-friendly pool in this list, it has to be the one in Vestmannaeyjar. The pool provides a wide range of toys, a basketball ring, a rounded waterfall, along with the most exciting water slides. Kids can also conquer a climbing wall with the outlines of Heimaklettur, the highest mountain in Westmann Islands!
13. Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach
Nauthólsvík is a golden man-made beach in walking distance from downtown Reykjavík. The beach has a geothermally heated ocean as well as hot tubs, an outdoor shower and grilling facilities. On hot summer days you will find this beach packed with sun starved Icelanders looking to soak up every ounce of every ray of sun.
14. Laugaskarð Swimming Pool
Photo by hveragerdi.is
The Laugaskarð Swimming Pool is renowned for its lovely setting in the hillside of Hveragerði as well as excellent facilities, including hot tubs, whirlpools, a natural sauna and a fitness centre. The pool is heated with steam coming directly from the ground, which you can also enjoy in the steam bath.
15. Víti Geothermal Lake
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Víti('Hell') is one of the most interesting natural wonders in Iceland. It is a explosion crater which contains a geothermal lake of opaque blue, mineral-rich, warm water. Although the name isn't particularly inviting, many visitors like to take a dip in the lake.
16. Grjótagjá Geothermal Spring
Grjótagjá is a small cave in the Lake Mývatn area, that used to be a popular bathing place dating back to the 18th century. Geological activity in the period 1975-1984 caused the temperature of the water in the cave pool to rise to such a degree that is has not been possible to bathe there for a long time. At the moment, bathing there is strictly forbidden but the temperature is slowly going down again, so maybe one day... Game of Thrones fans will recognize this place as the cave where Jon Snow and Ygritte first got hot and steamy.
17. Drangsnes Hot Tubs
Photo from westfjords.is
The Drangsnes Hot Tubs are right along the shoreline in the middle of the village, easily spotted from the road. Locals and visitors alike use the tubs throughout the year and they are said to to be the place to meet and gossip about everything and nothing. What is better than a geothermal hot tub overlooking the ocean to help you let off some steam?
18. Hörgshlíð Hot Pot
The pool is located below the road not far from Hörgshlíð farm, at sea-level on a pebbled beach. The pool is fed water from three hoses, two hot and one cold, which is used to cool the pool off. The temperature is a perfect 40°C and the facilities include a very simple changing room. Please note that the pool is owned by the farmers at Hörgshlíð, so please knock on their door and ask for permission to take a dip!
19. Heydalur Geothermal Hot Pot
This is a very well-hidden secret that offers such an amazing and bizarre experience. In fact, Heydalur is so off-the-beaten-track that your GPS will probably tell you that it is not even possible to get there. Don't worry - it lies! When you get here you will see that there are actually three pools to choose from: one small indoor pool, a man-made rocky pool and a tiny natural hot spring. And why is this experience bizarre? - You ask. Well... because here you can swim in a greenhouse with grape vines and fruit trees growing all around you after eating said fruit at the Heydalur restaurant.
20. Landbrotalaug Hot Pot
Landbrotalaug is a beautiful natural hot spring and the temperature is just perfect year round. It is a surprising and well-hidden gem, easily accessible but can be difficult to spot due to its tiny nature. The pool is small. It only fits 2-3 people, which makes it such a special and romantic stop. Landbrotalaug lies north of Eldborg Crater on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, just about two hours drive from Reykjavík.
21. Krauma
Experience nature from its core by bathing in the lovely Krauma bath. The hot water originates in Europe's most powerful hot spring, Deildartunguhver, at a temperature of 100°C (212°F). To achieve the perfect bathing temperature they mix the boiling hot water with glacial water from Rauðagil Canyon. Here you find relaxing natural geothermal baths, a cold tub to get your blood circulation going, two calming saunas, and a relaxation room where you can rest by the fireplace while listening to soothing music.
22. GeoSea Geothermal Sea Baths
Opened in August 2018, these ones propelled themselves to the Time Magazine’s 2019 list of the world’s greatest places or 100 destinations to experience right now. Drilling for hot water in the mid-20th century revealed hot seawater that turned out to be too rich in minerals for heating houses but... with many healing benefits! Thanks to the underground heat, the water in the baths is at an optimal temperature of 38°-39°C. Pure bliss right next to the sea's edge, with views over mountains, Skjálfandi Bay, all the way to the Arctic Circle!
23. Hofsós Swimming Pool
The Hofsós swimming pool is arguably the most beautiful swimming pool in Iceland. A view worth any Luxury Spa in Iceland, yet at a very reasonable price. Built into the hillside above the sea, the pool is designed by the same architect who worked on the infamous Blue Lagoon. While you take a few laps, you can enjoy the view of the mountain range, the Greenland Sea beneath the cliffs, and Drangey island on the horizon.
24. Grettislaug
In Reykjaströnd, you will find two small pools named Grettislaug and Jarlslaug, the Earl’s Pool. Grettislaug is named after the character Grettir the Strong, from the Icelandic Saga Grettis. Grettir is the most famous Icelandic outlaw and is said to have relaxed in the geothermal pool after what must have been a rather fresh swim, where he covered about 7.5 kilometers from Drangey Island. Easy. All you have to do is sit and enjoy the surrounding mountain ranges and the sound of waves crashing. Unless you are in for a dip in the Greenland Sea?
25. Djúpavogskörin
Djúpavogskörin is one you will most likely enjoy by yourself. The hot tub is not located in the town Djúpivogur, but 2 km West of Djúpivogur. Although the hot tub cannot be seen from the road, you can see steam rising from the ground, about 100 meters off the Ring Road. As rustic as it gets!
26. Vök Baths
Completed in the Summer 2019, only 5 km Northwest of Egilsstaðir, Vök baths have become an essential stop on any visit to East Iceland. For generations, people living around Lake Urriðavatn have noticed spots on the lake that were never freezing during the wintertime. The source turned out to be underwater hot springs streaming up to the surface from deep under the lake. Enjoy the sauna, geothermal pools and cold tunnels on the lake shore.
27. Selárdalur Swimming Pool
Lying on the riverbank, Sélarlaug provides a unique view over Selá salmon stream running through a shallow canyon. If you really want to get away from it all and relax during your long-distance drive, this is the place. The pool extends over an area where hot springs used to feed the pool in a not-so-distant past. The hot spring is now used to heat up the water in the present pool. You will find this gem on Road 85 in direction of Bakkafjörður, 12 km from Vopnafjörður.
28. Laugavallalaug
Laugarvallarlaug lies in the lush green valley of Laugavalladalur, close to the river Jökulsá í Dal in North East Iceland. The pool is fed by a geothermal stream coming from a nearby hot spring. You can either relax in the pool or shower under the waterfall falling into the pool from a cliff. Take great care before entering the pool, as temperatures can range from mildly warm to extremely hot.
29. Krossneslaug
Krossneslaug is a pool located in the remote region Strandir, in the Westfjords. It is one of the rare swimming pools heated by natural hot-springs in the region. Krossneslaug lies on a scenic wild black-pebble beach, where one gets to bathe to the sound of roaring waves. Please note that the pool is only accessible in the Summer time (May-August), when roads are easily passable in the Westfjords region.
30. Kvika Footbath
To end your journey across Iceland nicely, make sure to check the fabulous Kvika installation on Seltjarnarnes, in Reykjavik. Kvika is an artwork by the Icelandic artist Ólöf Nordal. It might not be big in size but it is still a nice spot to pull your boots off and soak your feet for a bit!
Pool-hopping in Iceland is easy and fun and we encourage you to try some or all of the above hot springs and swimming pools for an unforgettable experience!
If you are travelling to Iceland and found this article interesting and helpful, you might also want to check out our articles about what to wear on a trip to Iceland and how to drive in Iceland in the summer.
About the author
I am a born and bred Icelander and the matriarch of an above-average sized family. I have a true passion for travel and love to discover new destinations and cultures. I want to introduce you to the real Iceland, the beauty, the history, and the things that will make you fall deeply in love with my homeland.
Lella Erludóttir