Best Natural Hot Springs in Iceland
Looking for an off the beaten path Iceland adventure? Exploring Iceland’s natural hot springs is a must do on your Iceland vacation. Iceland’s incredible landscapes and adventurous activities make it one of Europe’s top destinations. With waterfalls cascading down every cliff and volcanic craters and lava fields around every corner, Iceland is an adventurer’s dream come true. When it comes to the number of hot springs in Iceland, there are more than you can imagine and hot spring hunting is one of the best ways to explore all that Iceland has to offer. Check out our list of our favorite natural hot springs below.
Landbrotalaug
An hour and a half drive from Reykjavik, Landbrotalaug is super cozy and intimate. This small spring only allows for two to three people at any given time, so we recommend visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon while there is still daylight. This is completely natural without any changing facilities, so plan accordingly.
Grettislaug
Grettislaug is located at Reykir in Skagafjordur, about 25 miles from the Ring Road in North Iceland. In the early 20th century, the original geothermal pool was destroyed by a storm. However, it was rebuilt in 1992 by Jón Eiríksson and a group of locals, using natural springs with precisely the right temperature coming from the ground. The name Grettislaug refers to the character Grettir the Strong, who was the strongest man who ever lived from one of Iceland’s most famous Sagas, Grettis Saga, which was written around the 13th and 14th centuries. Visitors can enjoy this geothermal bath while taking in amazing seaside views of the shores of Skagifjörður.
Seljavallalaug
Seljavallalaug is one of the more well-known hot springs in Iceland. If you’re looking for a more secluded natural hot springs experience, then Seljavallalaug is the perfect stop along the Ring Road in the southern region of Iceland. Seljavallalaug is a built-up pool set on the side of a valley surrounded by mountains. Less than a mile walk from the parking lot to the pool, visitors can enjoy the dark green, naturally heated water surrounded by the stunning valley. A small changing facility is available. Due to it’s proximity to the Ring Road, it can get crowded.
Landmannalaugar
Landmannalaugar, also known as the “People’s Pools,” is located in the heart of Iceland’s southern highlands and is one of the first stops on our Iceland guided hiking tour. Nestled at the base of the Laugahraun lava field, Landmannalaugar is known for its stunning, colorful mountainous landscape and unique beauty. For centuries, travelers have been using this soothing natural spring as a means to relax and recollect after hiking. This is a very social hot spring with hikers sharing stories (and beers!) about their time hiking in the area. You can get to Landmannalaugar via scheduled highlands buses or if you have a 4×4 vehicle.
Hrunalaug
This natural hot spring is located on a farm and holds the perfect temperature all year long. Hrunalaug is a small, natural hot pool near Flúðir, in the Golden Circle area that holds a handful of people at a time. There is a changing room next to the hot spring so that you can change clothes.
Reykjadalur
The Reykjadalur Hot Spring River is one of our favorite experiences in Iceland and a stop on all of our Iceland Highlights tours. Located only 45 minutes outside of Reykjavik, travelers can enjoy a one-hour scenic hike from the parking lot to the river. Reykjadalur means smoky or steam valley, and as you hike past hot springs, steam vents, and mud pots, it’s easy to understand why. At the end of the hike, you will be rewarded with a shallow, hot river where you can soak and enjoy the scenery. The further up the river you go, the hotter the water is. This is entirely natural and less developed than the other hot spring mentioned above, having only a boardwalk and basic changing structures. Reykjadalur has become very popular, so we recommend going early or late in the day to avoid crowds.
Ready To Go To Iceland?!
Iceland is our most popular destination and we highly recommend everyone visits! Iceland’s hot springs are one of our favorite aspects of the country, and we love enabling our customers to experience these amazing natural wonders. We include hot springs on all of our Iceland small group tours. Each tour has a maximum of 8-12 travelers, allowing us to create the perfect vacation personalized for our guests. If you are interested in one of our Iceland small group tours, then give one of our travel specialists a call at 1-888-890-9898, contact us via email or book one of our small group tours to Europe today.
