From the famous Blue Lagoon to hidden wild hot pots in the highlands.
Iceland sits on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, straddling the boundary between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Beneath the surface, magma heats groundwater to temperatures that can exceed 100 degrees Celsius, and this superheated water finds its way to the surface through fissures, faults, and volcanic rock. The result is one of the highest concentrations of geothermal activity on Earth — and hundreds of natural hot springs scattered across the country.
Bathing in geothermally heated water has been part of Icelandic culture for over a thousand years. The sagas describe Viking settlers soaking in hot pools, and today the tradition continues in everything from luxurious geothermal spas to wild, unmarked pools in remote valleys.
The Blue Lagoon: Worth It or Overrated?
The Blue Lagoon is Iceland's most famous attraction, and opinions on it are sharply divided. Located on the Reykjanes Peninsula between Keflavik Airport and Reykjavik, this milky-blue geothermal pool set in a black lava field is undeniably striking.
The case for visiting:
The mineral-rich silica water is genuinely good for your skin
The setting — blue water against black lava — is unlike anything else
Facilities are world-class (restaurant, bar, changing rooms, skincare products)
Convenient location near the airport, perfect for a first or last day visit
The case against:
It is expensive — standard entry starts around 7,000 to 9,000 ISK and premium packages cost significantly more
It is crowded, especially during peak hours (11am to 3pm)
It feels more like a resort than an authentic Icelandic experience
You must book in advance — walk-ins are not possible
Tips for visiting: Book the earliest morning slot for the smallest crowds and the best light for photos. The Comfort package is sufficient for most visitors. Apply the free silica mud mask as soon as you enter.
The verdict: It is a polished, commercial experience, but it is also genuinely beautiful. Visit once, especially if it is your first time in Iceland. Then explore the alternatives below for something more authentic.
Secret Lagoon (Gamla Laugin): The Authentic Alternative
Located in the village of Fludir in South Iceland, the Secret Lagoon is Iceland's oldest swimming pool, dating back to 1891. It is a natural hot spring pool at a constant 38 to 40 degrees Celsius, surrounded by steaming geothermal vents and a small geyser that erupts every few minutes.
Why visit:
Far more affordable than the Blue Lagoon (around 3,000 ISK)
Genuinely natural setting with steam vents and a live geyser
Less crowded, more relaxed atmosphere
Easy to combine with a Golden Circle day trip
Best time: Winter evenings are magical — soak in the warm water while watching for northern lights overhead. Summer mornings are the quietest.
Landmannalaugar Natural Pools
Landmannalaugar is one of Iceland's most spectacular highland destinations, and the natural hot river at its base is legendary. A warm geothermal stream mixes with cold river water, creating a natural pool where you can adjust your temperature by moving upstream or downstream.
How to get there: Landmannalaugar is in the highlands, accessible only via F-roads. A 4WD vehicle is required, or you can take a highland bus from Reykjavik.
What to expect:
The "pool" is actually a section of warm river flowing between lava walls
No facilities at the bathing spot itself
Surrounded by colourful rhyolite mountains in reds, oranges, greens, and yellows
The water temperature varies — find your perfect spot by moving along the stream
Also the starting point of the famous Laugavegur hiking trail
Season: Late June through September only. The highland road typically opens in late June.
Why it is special: There is nothing manufactured about Landmannalaugar. You are soaking in a geothermally heated river in a volcanic landscape that feels genuinely primordial.
Hveravellir: The Ultimate Remote Hot Spring
Hveravellir sits in the middle of Iceland's uninhabited interior, on the Kjolur highland road between the Langjokull and Hofsjokull glaciers. The geothermal area features fumaroles, boiling mud pots, and silica deposits — plus a beautifully maintained warm bathing pool.
How to get there: Via Route 35 (Kjolur highland road) by 4WD, or on the highland bus service.
What makes it extraordinary:
Complete isolation — the nearest town is hours away in any direction
The warm pool is maintained at a perfect bathing temperature
Surrounded by one of the most barren and beautiful landscapes in Iceland
A staffed mountain hut provides basic accommodation and food
At night, the absence of any light pollution makes the sky extraordinary
Krauma Geothermal Baths
Located in Borgarfjordur, about 90 minutes from Reykjavik, Krauma is a modern geothermal spa fed by Deildartunguhver — Europe's most powerful hot spring.
Why visit:
Five hot pools at varying temperatures plus a cold plunge pool
Beautiful modern design with mountain views
Relaxation room with fireplace and blankets
On-site restaurant serving local food
Perfect stop on a Snaefellsnes Peninsula or West Iceland day trip
Best combined with: A visit to nearby Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls, the Reykholt historical site, and the Vidgelmir lava cave.
Hot Spring Etiquette in Iceland
Icelandic bathing culture has specific norms that visitors should understand and respect.
Showering before entry: At every public pool and geothermal spa in Iceland, you are required to shower thoroughly without a swimsuit before entering the water. This is not optional — it is a deeply held cultural expectation. Shower areas are communal, and you will be expected to wash with soap.
Why this matters: Icelandic pools use minimal chemical treatment, relying instead on clean water and the hygiene of bathers. Showering properly keeps the water clean for everyone.
Other etiquette points:
Swimwear: Required in all commercial hot springs and public pools.
Keep voices low — Many hot springs are places of quiet relaxation.
Leave no trace — At wild hot springs, pack out everything you bring in.
Respect closures — Some hot springs are on private land or periodically closed for environmental reasons.
Best Hot Springs by Region
Southwest Iceland (Near Reykjavik)
Blue Lagoon — The famous one. Book in advance.
Sky Lagoon — Newer alternative in Kopavogur, oceanfront infinity pool with cold plunge.
Reykjadalur hot river — A 45-minute hike from Hveragerdi leads to a natural warm river. Free.
West Iceland
Krauma — Modern spa in Borgarfjordur.
Husafell Canyon Baths — Restored historic stone pool in a dramatic canyon setting.
South Iceland
Secret Lagoon — Fludir. Affordable and authentic.
Seljavallalaug — A historic pool built into a hillside near Seljalandsfoss. Free, but basic facilities.
North Iceland
Myvatn Nature Baths — Often called the "Blue Lagoon of the North." Similar mineral-rich water, far fewer tourists, lower prices.
GeoSea — Geothermal sea baths in Husavik with stunning ocean views. Perfect after whale watching.
Beer Spa (Bjorbodin) — In Arskogssandur near Dalvik. Soak in tubs filled with beer, water, hops, and yeast.
East Iceland
Vok Baths — Floating geothermal pools on Lake Urridavatn near Egilsstadir. Modern and uncrowded.
Westfjords
Pollurinn (Talknafjordur) — A free, community-maintained hot pot overlooking the fjord.
Drangsnes hot pots — Three free seaside hot pots on the shore of Steingrimsfjordur.
Planning Your Hot Spring Route
The beauty of Iceland's geothermal pools is that they are everywhere. No matter your route, you are never far from a warm soak. Build hot springs into your itinerary as rest stops — after a long day of driving or hiking, slipping into warm geothermal water is the perfect way to recover.
Budget tip: While commercial spas charge 3,000 to 10,000 ISK, Iceland's municipal swimming pools typically cost only 1,000 to 1,500 ISK and almost always include hot tubs. Every town in Iceland has one, and they are an essential part of local social life. Visiting a town pool is one of the most authentic Icelandic experiences available — and one of the cheapest.