The Icelandic Guide

Geothermal Pools in Iceland: Hot Springs Guide

· 4 min read Activities
Steaming geothermal pool in Iceland with mountains in background

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Contents

  1. Commercial Geothermal Spas
  2. Blue Lagoon
  3. Sky Lagoon
  4. Mývatn Nature Baths
  5. GeoSea Geothermal Sea Baths
  6. Free and Low-Cost Options
  7. Reykjadalur Hot Spring River
  8. Seljavallalaug
  9. Secret Lagoon (Gamla Laugin)
  10. Landmannalaugar Pool
  11. Municipal Pools (Sundlaugar)
  12. Related Guides

Geothermal bathing is Iceland’s most accessible and authentic experience. The country sits on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge — volcanic heat warms underground water across the entire country. This gives Iceland a heated public outdoor swimming pool in almost every town (the local sundlaug), dedicated spa facilities, and scattered natural springs throughout the landscape.

Commercial Geothermal Spas

Blue Lagoon

Location: Grindavík, Reykjanes Peninsula (47km from Reykjavík, near Keflavík airport) Entry: approximately ISK 9,990–25,990 depending on package as of 2026 Hours: Year-round (check bluelagoon.com — closures due to volcanic activity can occur)

The most visited attraction in Iceland. The milky-blue silica water is a byproduct of the nearby Svartsengi geothermal power plant. Temperature approximately 37–39°C year-round. All entry includes a silica mud mask and a drink. Higher packages include in-water service and access to a lava suite.

Book weeks ahead in summer — it sells out. Note: the Blue Lagoon has been evacuated and re-opened multiple times since 2023 due to nearby volcanic activity. Always confirm it’s open before travelling.

Sky Lagoon

Location: Kársnes harbour, 10 minutes from central Reykjavík Entry: approximately ISK 9,990 (Pure package) as of 2026

Opened 2021. An infinity-edge geothermal pool overlooking the ocean, with a cliffside setting above the harbour. The ‘Skjól’ ritual includes cold plunge, sauna, steam room, and exfoliating scrub. Less commercial than the Blue Lagoon, more accessible from Reykjavík. Smaller capacity — book in advance for peak summer.

Mývatn Nature Baths

Location: Mývatn area, North Iceland (100km from Akureyri) Entry: approximately ISK 6,500 adult as of 2026 — less crowded and cheaper than the Blue Lagoon

Silica-rich geothermal pool at approximately 36–40°C. The volcanic setting — steam rising above the Mývatn lava landscape — is more dramatic than the Blue Lagoon’s lava field. Less crowded. Book online at jardbodin.is for peak summer.

GeoSea Geothermal Sea Baths

Location: Húsavík, North Iceland Entry: approximately ISK 5,300 adult as of 2026

Two infinity-edge geothermal pools above the Húsavík harbour, with views over Skjálfandi bay. One of Iceland’s most underrated bathing experiences. You may see whale spouts from the pool in peak season.

Free and Low-Cost Options

Reykjadalur Hot Spring River

A geothermal river at approximately 35–40°C, reached by a 3km hike from Hveragerði (approximately 1 hour). The hike itself passes steaming vents and a collapsed geothermal well. The river is wide enough to wade and bathe in at the designated area. Free. Changing huts at the river. Year-round access but the path can be icy in winter.

Seljavallalaug

A naturally heated outdoor pool in a mountain valley on the South Coast, approximately 15km west of Skógafoss. Built in 1923, still in use. Water temperature approximately 25–30°C (warm but not hot). Free. A 15-minute walk from the parking area. The pool is unfacilitated — pack in, pack out. Sometimes closed for maintenance.

Secret Lagoon (Gamla Laugin)

Location: Flúðir, approximately 90km from Reykjavík Entry: approximately ISK 3,000 adult as of 2026

Iceland’s oldest operating swimming pool (1891). A geothermal pool with a small natural geyser nearby. Less commercial and cheaper than the Blue Lagoon alternatives, with a pleasant rural setting.

Landmannalaugar Pool

The natural geothermal pool at Landmannalaugar in the Highlands (accessible by 4WD rental or Highland Bus, June–September) is free. The pool is the result of a geothermal stream mixing with the cold river. Water temperature approximately 38–40°C. Surrounded by rhyolite mountains.

Municipal Pools (Sundlaugar)

Every Icelandic town and most villages have a geothermal outdoor pool — the sundlaug. These are heated by geothermal water, typically at 28–32°C for the main pool and 38–44°C for the hot pots (heitir pottar). Entry is usually ISK 900–1,200 adult.

Reykjavík has 17 public pools. Sundhöllin (central), Vesturbæjarlaug, Laugardalslaug (the largest), and Nauthólsvík geothermal beach are the most popular. Entry approximately ISK 1,000 adult.

These pools are where Icelanders socialise — they’re a genuine glimpse of local life rather than a tourist experience.

Book Iceland attraction tickets — skip-the-queue entry for geothermal baths, cave tours, and top attractions.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Blue Lagoon worth it?
Yes, but go in knowing what it is — a large commercial spa with capacity for thousands of visitors, built around a genuinely impressive geothermal setting. The milky-blue silica water, the lava field backdrop, and the steam atmosphere are real. At ISK 9,990–25,990 depending on package, it's expensive. Book weeks ahead and don't miss the free silica mud mask included in all entries.
What is the difference between the Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon?
The Blue Lagoon is 47km from Reykjavík near Keflavík airport — a dedicated site with huge capacity. Sky Lagoon is 10 minutes from central Reykjavík and focuses on an infinity pool edge over the ocean. Sky Lagoon is smaller, newer, and more intimate. Both cost approximately ISK 9,990 for entry as of 2026.
Are there free natural hot springs in Iceland?
Yes. The Reykjadalur hot spring river (a 45-minute hike from Hveragerði), the Seljavallalaug outdoor pool (a mountain valley pool open since 1923), and the Landmannalaugar geothermal pool (in the highlands) are all free or very cheap. Wild bathing at natural sources is a part of Icelandic culture.

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