As the name suggests, Iceland is a land of ice and fire. And lots of hot springs, too! However, not all of them are suitable for bathing. Some are too cold just for chilling in the water (also due to Icelandic weather), and few can reach temperatures up to 100°C. Nevertheless, we have selected the best ones that are safe and worth visiting.
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Landmannalaugar Hot Springs
Why Go
Are you dreaming about enjoying the epic view from a hot spring in a remote area? Then you are in the right place. Landmannalaugar hot springs are in the Highlands, and accessing them is challenging.
How To Get There
But don’t worry it is not impossible! First, you must get to Landmannalaugar by car, 4×4, or tour bus. There are three routes to get there:
1. F26 and F208 from the north
2. F225 from the west
3. F208 from the south
After arriving, follow the boardwalks from the information hut to bathe in these natural hot springs. Don’t forget to bring some food and water; it is a remote place without any service.
Tips For Visiting
- Price: FREE of charge
- We recommend visiting this fairytale place late evening/night or early morning during the long summer days. Do it!
- Be sure to try one of the top Landmannalaugar hikes too!
Kerlingarfjoll Hot Spring
Although humans maintain Kerlingarfjoll, it was initially a wild hot spring! When you reach the Kerlingarfjöll Mountain Resort, it’s an easy 1.5-hour hike as a round trip.
Why Go
Kerlingarfjöll is a combination of two words – Kerling, meaning old lady, and fjöll, meaning mountain. Nature formed this 10,000-year-old range of mountains from volcanic activity. The whole Highlands, where the Kerlingarfjöll Hot Spring is, are known for the various colors of the ground – red, green, and yellow – and numerous hot springs.
How To Get There
Kerlingarfjoll is located approximately 3.5 hours from Reykjavik (one way). To get there, you need a 4X4 car. Take Iceland Highland Road F-35 to F-347. Ten minutes before you reach Kerlingarfjoll, you will pass Gýgjarfoss Waterfall (there is a view platform where you can stand). Afterward, you will start to see the multiple colors of the mountains in the distance. Then, to the right, you’ll see a sign for Kerlingarfjöll Mountain Resort. Then, follow the road down and around. Parking can be tricky, depending on when you visit.
Tips For Visiting
- The Kerlingarfjöll Hot Spring can be visited year-round – during the summer by hikers and in winter by snowmobilers.
- Possibly to stay overnight in Kerlingarfjöll Mountain Resort – you can choose from the Highland Base Hotel, hostel huts, or campsite (make a reservation six months in advance)
- There is also an on-site restaurant with breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Price: FREE of charge; however, it’s nice to leave some cash for the hut warden who takes care of it to support this remote place
Askja Hot Spring
Askja in Iceland is a volcanic crater located near the Dyngjufjöll mountains.
Briefly about Askja’s history: Askja is safe nowadays and has not erupted since 1961. Known for its more enormous eruption in 1875, which set off a wave of Icelandic emigration, Askja sent ash all over the countryside – the wind carried it as far as Europe. This place is intensively studied; however, it is safe to visit, so no worries.
Why Go
Askja is different from other hot pots. Don’t expect a typical hot spring. Askja is one big spectacular lake inside a crater with warm water – around 25°C.
This remote place is challenging to reach, and you need the whole day to get there, so it is very likely that only a few groups of travelers will find it.
How To Get There
The easiest way to access it is via guided tour (from Myvatn or Akureyri). However, the crater is big enough that you can take advantage of it if you are driving. So, for adventurers, there are two options to get to Askja. However, we recommend only the first one, described below, due to your safety.
Take road 901 and turn onto F905, a gravel road. From F905, you go to F910 and drive up to Drekadil. You will take highway F894 from there, leading you straight to Askja. After approximately 8 km, you will find the car park. You will need to cross two large rivers on this route, so with a 4×4 car, it is possible.
Tips For Visiting
- Swimming in the crater may or may not be possible, depending on the situation at your visit. Check it here before your adventure begins: www.safetravel.is
- If so, don’t forget to bring a towel with you; there are no facilities
- Askja is one of the best places in Icelandic highlands; if you like it, you should go see more spots in the highland!
- Price: FREE of charge!
The Secret Lagoon
The Secret Lagoon, considered the oldest natural bathing in Iceland, was constructed in 1891. By locals known as Gamla Laugin, this place began, like many of the hot springs here – a place to do laundry. (yes, you read that right!)
Why Go
All this water is fed into the lagoon naturally, and the temperature stays around 39°C year-round, so you can take a bath every season you decide to come. Also, the Secret Lagoon is smaller and less touristy than other big-name lagoons.
How To Get There
The Secret Lagoon is located on a popular tourist route, the Golden Circle, close to the Gullfoss waterfall in the village of Flúðir.
Tips For Visiting
- Since you will be on the Golden Circle, you can find, for example, the famous Gullfoss waterfall, the Geysir geothermal area, Thingvellir National Park, and so on nearby! Just check it out before your trip.
- Price list:
– 15 years and older: 3600 ISK
– 14 years and younger: FREE
– seniors 67+: 2500 ISK
Hrunalaug Hot Spring
If you are looking for a tiny, cozy hot tub in the middle of nowhere, Hrunalaug Hot Spring looks like a perfect spot. This property is privately owned and has been in the same family since it was built in the 1890s on the farm Ás.
Why Go
Hrunalaug is perfect for those who prefer lower water temperatures. These three pools have a temperature between 37° – 38°C. Also, every visit has a time limit of 1.5 hours. The owners made this measure because the place is tiny, and they want to give the opportunity to as many people as possible.
How To Get There
Hrunalaug is located in southern Iceland, just a few kilometers from the famous Colden Circle – a short distance from all the main natural gems.
Tips For Visiting
- Book a Hrunalaug just and only for yourself, with no other guests simultaneously. This place is perfect for celebrating special occasions with loved ones, more prominent groups, photoshoots, etc.
- Price list:
– adult: 2500 ISK
– 12-16yrs: 1500 ISK
– 11 and younger: FREE
Seljavallalaug Pool
It is one of the oldest outdoor swimming pools in Iceland (the oldest one is the Secret Lagoon mentioned above. However, Seljavallalaug was built in 1923, especially for kids who want to learn how to swim).
Why Go
Seljavallalaug is different and unique from others. There is a short hike north, surrounded by breathtaking Icelandic nature. In the end, after about 1 km, you will see a geothermal hot spring pool located in the valley, which is so far away from our busy modern lives. We felt like we never wanted to leave this magical place.
How To Get There
To reach Seljavallalaug from Reykjavik, follow the Ring road to the east, which encircles the country for just over an hour and a half before turning onto Route 242 for the car park. From here, you just take a short hike.
Tips For Visiting
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- The fact is that water in the pool circulates very slowly; some algae and bacteria turn the pool green and make the surface a little slippery.
- You should also be informed that the pool is cleaned only once yearly. So, if you know you have a weaker immune system or prefer more hygienic pools, it’s better to head somewhere else.
- Also, be aware that the pool is deep, and no lifeguards are on duty. So watch out for your kids carefully while enjoying the pool.
- Price: FREE of charge
Hellulaug
Hellulaug is a tiny hot tub with a depth of around 60cm and a water temperature of around 38°C. However, it is worth visiting if you are already in the Westfjords area (or planning to go there).
Why Go
It’s easy to dive in since Hellulaug is not so far from the main road, so it’s even accessible for those who can’t walk much (or don’t want to, haha). Moreover, the amazing ocean view is waiting for you right there!
How To Get There
To reach the Hellulaug hot spring from Reykjavik, follow the Ring Road north until you pass Bifrost. Then, take a left onto scenic Route 60. After around 215 kilometers, you will be there!
Tips For Visiting
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- We highly recommend you visit this place during the winter and dark—it’s the perfect spot to see the marvelous Northern lights!
- Price: FREE of charge
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There are 3 comments
Love this post! Iceland is on my bucket list. What a cool country!
My daughter visited Iceland a few years ago and went to Hrunglaug Hot Springs. She loved it! She also went to the Tomato brewery. Maybe your next post could cover that?! Thanks for a great informative guide to Overland Hot Springs!
Great article! I love that “most” of these hot springs are free! What a great addition to any Iceland itinerary.