Iceland is a geological wonderland full of natural hot springs, waterfalls, and volcanic features. Some are easy to find and accessible, while others require a bit more of an adventure.
The Blue Lagoon is the most famous, but there are other excellent natural hot springs in the area.
Hrunalaug
Located on a private farm, Hrunalaug is a hot spring that gives you the feeling of being in a secret spot. The small pool is popular with bathers and is surrounded by the rugged Icelandic landscape. It was once used for sheep washing, but now it’s a unique destination for bathers who want to enjoy the area’s natural beauty. Visitors are asked to leave a donation, which helps with the upkeep of the springs.
The bathing area is small and fits about 20 people so it can get crowded quickly. Visiting the spring early in the morning or at dusk is best to avoid the crowds. However, it’s possible to have the spring all to yourself during certain times of the day if you visit during an off-season period.
The Hrunalaug Hot Springs is one of the most beautiful hot springs in Iceland, and it’s perfect for Iceland campervan rental explorers who want to experience an otherworldly soak surrounded by nature. It’s also less touristy than the Blue Lagoon and is an excellent choice for those short on time.
Fosslaug
The Galtahryggjarlaug hot spring is the newest addition to the Icelandic hot springs. It is in a natural area dotted by lava fields and steaming fumaroles. The resulting bathing experience is both refreshing and invigorating. It is bordered by two of the largest glaciers in the country, making it one of the most pristine places to dip in Iceland.
The pool is small and can fit six to eight people at a time. However, the water is hot, and the scenery is spectacular. It is possible to spot whales swimming by or the Northern Lights shining over the mountains.
This hidden gem is free to enter, unlike most other hot springs in Iceland. This hidden, hot spring is the perfect place to relax after a long day of hiking and exploring the wilderness of Iceland.
This tiny pot is an adventure to reach – it’s a short walk from the parking lot but involves crossing a muddy creek on stepping stones. Despite its size, it is worth the effort as it’s one of Iceland’s most unique and relaxing hot springs.
Reykjadalur
The Reykjadalur Hot Springs is one of the most accessible natural hot springs in Iceland. The trailhead is a short drive from Reykjavik, and the hot springs are located near the famous Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach and Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. A stop at the Reykjadalur Hot Springs is a great way to relax after a long day of driving or hiking.
In the town of Hveragerdi, Reykjadalur translates to “steam valley.” The hike to this thermal river is beautiful, with a view of the mountains and little streams flowing through. The path is well-marked and easy to follow, though it can get muddy in the rainy season.
After walking a few hundred meters along the trail, you will see wooden’ changing rooms on either side of the thermal river. These offer little privacy, so wear your bathing suit before heading here. Once you’re in the water, starting might be lukewarm, but keep working your way upstream to find a comfortably warm spot.
If you want a quieter experience, try visiting in the morning or evening when the crowds are smaller. The best time to visit Reykjadalur is in the spring (March to June) when the days are longer and the temperatures are milder. The summer is also a great time to visit, but it’s the peak tourist season for the country.
Geysir
While it may not be as well-known as the other hot springs on this list, the Galtahryggjarlaug hot pool is just as magical. It’s located on private land, and the owner lets tourists visit it daily. It’s a pretty small pool, but the view of the mountains and landscape around it makes up for it. This pool is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Iceland.
The best part about this hot spring is that it’s free to visit. However, to help the owner keep it running and clean, you must leave a donation in a wooden box at the entrance. This is an excellent way to help a local business and get a unique experience simultaneously.
If you’re a fan of geysers, you should check out the Geysir geothermal area in Haukadalur. It’s home to the famous Stori Geysir, but it also has many other active geysers that can be seen throughout the Geysir field. At the same time, the main geyser is the show’s star which erupts more frequently and is often overlooked by visitors.
