A region-by-region map and guide to Iceland's hot springs and lagoons — from the Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon to Secret Lagoon, Reykjadalur and the wild pools of the Westfjords, plus how to visit.
This Iceland hot springs map and guide plots the country’s best geothermal pools, lagoons and wild bathing spots region by region, so you can slot a soak into your itinerary wherever the road takes you. Iceland sits on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where volcanic heat warms groundwater to bathing temperature, which is why hot springs appear in nearly every corner of the island. Rather than an interactive Iceland hot springs map, treat this as a written map: work outward from Reykjavík and you will always have a pool within reach.
How to use this Iceland hot springs map
We have grouped the most popular Iceland hot springs by region — Reykjavík and Reykjanes, the Golden Circle and South, the North, and the wild Westfjords. Polished spa lagoons sit alongside free, natural pools, so each entry notes whether you need to book, what facilities to expect, and roughly how far it is from the capital.
Reykjavík & Reykjanes
Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is Iceland’s most famous geothermal spa, set in a black-lava field on the Reykjanes peninsula about 20 minutes from Keflavík Airport and 50 minutes from Reykjavík. Its milky-blue, silica-rich water makes it an obvious first or last stop on any trip. Pre-booking is essential, and because Reykjanes has seen volcanic activity in recent years, check the lagoon’s status before you travel, as it can close at short notice.
Sky Lagoon
Sky Lagoon is the closest major lagoon to the city, perched on the shoreline at Kársnes in Kópavogur just a few minutes from central Reykjavík. Its long infinity edge looks straight out over the Atlantic, and the seven-step Skjól ritual — alternating warm water, a cold plunge, sauna and steam — is the signature experience. Our Sky Lagoon Spa Evening with Transfer takes the driving and parking out of the equation, with return pick-up so you can simply enjoy the soak at sunset.
Golden Circle & the South
Secret Lagoon (Flúðir)
In the village of Flúðir, just off the Golden Circle, the Secret Lagoon (Gamla Laugin) is Iceland’s oldest swimming pool, dating to 1891. It is far more rustic than the big spa lagoons — a natural, gravel-bottomed pool with a little geyser bubbling beside it — which is exactly the appeal.
Reykjadalur hot-spring river
For a wild soak, Reykjadalur, the ‘Steam Valley’ above Hveragerði around 45 minutes from Reykjavík, rewards a 45-minute uphill hike with a warm river you can actually lie down in. There is no entrance fee and only basic wooden changing screens, so bring everything you need and stick to the boardwalks to protect the fragile ground.
Fontana (Laugarvatn)
On the shore of Lake Laugarvatn, Fontana sits directly over natural hot springs that hiss beneath its steam rooms. After a sauna you can run straight into the cool lake — a very Icelandic contrast — making it an easy add-on to a Golden Circle day.
North Iceland — Mývatn Nature Baths
Often called the Blue Lagoon of the North, the Mývatn Nature Baths (Jarðböðin) near Lake Mývatn offer the same mineral-blue water and steam vents with a fraction of the crowds. If you are touring the north or driving the Ring Road, it is the standout geothermal stop, with sweeping views over the lava landscape.
Westfjords & wild pools
The remote Westfjords are where Iceland’s hot springs feel most undiscovered. Hellulaug, a simple stone pool above the shore at Vatnsfjörður; Reykjafjarðarlaug, with its old concrete pool and natural hot stream; and Krossneslaug, set right beside the crashing sea in Strandir, are all free and gloriously low-key. Facilities are minimal, often just a changing hut, so treat them with care, take your litter home and respect that some sit on private land.
How to visit Iceland’s hot springs
Wherever you bathe, the golden rule is the same: shower thoroughly without swimwear before getting in — it keeps the water clean and is non-negotiable at public pools. Bring a towel, flip-flops and a refillable water bottle, and remember that the hot springs are a year-round pleasure; steam against snow in winter is half the magic. To string several capital-area pools together in a single afternoon, our Reykjavík Geothermal Pool Crawl visits a handful of local favourites with transport and local guidance included.
Frequently asked questions
Where are Iceland’s hot springs located?
They are spread right across the country. The biggest concentration of easy-to-reach pools is around Reykjavík and the Reykjanes peninsula (Blue Lagoon, Sky Lagoon), with more along the Golden Circle and South (Secret Lagoon, Reykjadalur, Fontana), at Lake Mývatn in the north, and scattered as wild pools through the Westfjords.
Which hot spring is closest to Reykjavík?
Sky Lagoon is the nearest major lagoon, just a few minutes from the city centre on the Kópavogur shoreline. Reykjadalur’s hot-spring river is also within an hour’s drive for those wanting a wild, free soak.
Are Iceland’s hot springs free?
Some are. Wild pools such as Reykjadalur and many in the Westfjords are free to use, though they have few or no facilities. The big spa lagoons — Blue Lagoon, Sky Lagoon, Mývatn Nature Baths, Secret Lagoon and Fontana — charge an entry fee and include changing rooms and showers.
Do I need to book in advance?
For the Blue Lagoon, yes — it regularly sells out and walk-ins are not guaranteed. Sky Lagoon and Mývatn Nature Baths are best booked ahead in summer too. Wild pools never require a booking.
Can I visit hot springs in winter?
Absolutely. Iceland’s geothermal pools stay open and warm all year, and bathing while snow falls around you is one of the country’s signature experiences. Just take care on icy paths and check road conditions before heading to remote pools.
What should I bring?
Swimwear, a towel and flip-flops are the essentials, plus a warm layer for afterwards. At wild pools bring water and a bag for your rubbish. And remember to shower properly before entering — it is expected everywhere in Iceland.
