Discover what to expect at Iceland’s best hot springs and exactly how to reach them on your own. We also share key hot spring etiquette tips so you can soak like a pro—without embarrassing yourself or offending anyone.

Iceland is known for its seemingly endless supply of geothermal activity, so it should come as no surprise that this volcanic island is a hot spot for hot springs.
Whether you’re a hot spring enthusiast like us or you’ve never dipped a toe in one, we’d highly encourage you to add a hot spring (or three!) to your Iceland itinerary.
Sometimes called “hot pots” (for some reason, I find that phrasing super endearing), there are Icelandic hot springs for just about every type of traveler. From remote and rustic hot springs that you may be lucky enough to have all to yourself to developed resorts with spa-like amenities, there’s a huge range of soaking opportunities in Iceland.
Our favorite hot springs in Iceland
If you’re looking for quick answers, here you go! Click the link to jump down the article for more details.
- Reykjadalur Thermal River: there’s nothing more rewarding than earning your soak with a stunning hike to a wild, open-air hot river.
- Fosslaug: a dreamy riverside soak with a nearby waterfall and we had it all to ourselves!
- Hrunalaug Hot Spring: feels like stepping into Middle-earth, with hobbit-like hills and a rustic stone changing hut.
- Blue Lagoon: the milky-blue water, spa-like amenities, and seamless experience actually live up to the hype.
- GeoSea Geothermal Sea Pools: soaking in infinity pools perched above the Arctic Ocean at sunset is pure Icelandic magic.
Keep reading to discover our full round up of the best hot springs in Iceland along with what to expect and exactly how to get there, so you can easily visit them on your own trip.
We’re also sharing some important things to know about Iceland hot spring etiquette so you don’t embarrass yourself or offend anyone (you’re welcome!).
Iceland Hot Springs Guide
- Developed hot springs vs. natural hot springs
- Public pools vs. hot springs
- Map of the best hot springs in Iceland
- Iceland’s best hot springs
- Iceland hot springs etiquette
- Iceland hot springs FAQs
- What to pack
- More resources
- Perfect Iceland itinerary
- Custom Iceland map
Before we jump into our round up of the best hot springs in Iceland, there are a few important distinctions we want to make…
Developed vs. natural hot springs in Iceland
Iceland has a huge variety of hot springs – from those that are very remote and require a grueling hike to reach to those that have spa facilities and will make you feel like a freaking princess.
Both have their merits as well as their drawbacks.
Developed Hot Springs

- Cost: Most developed hot springs cost upwards of $50 per person (often closer to $100 and above). You’ll have to determine what price point is worthwhile to you.
- Water clarity: Developed hot springs in Iceland are typically very well maintained (that’s part of what your entry fee pays for). You can expect clean and clear water.
- Facilities: All developed hot springs will have showering and changing areas. They are usually quite nice and clean, but the level of privacy varies. In some resorts, the shower facilities are open while others have private stalls.
- Crowds: It shouldn’t come as a surprise that this is more of a “tourist” experience than an authentic local one. That said, don’t let that turn you off, as they can be a really freaking cool tourist experience.
Natural Hot Springs

- Cost: Unlike developed hot springs, ones in the middle of nature are typically free. There are a handful that are located on private land, in which case landowners ask for a fee or donation (typically on the honor system).
- Water clarity: Natural hot springs in Iceland aren’t maintained as often as those in developed resorts. This means you should expect murky water, a muddy or sandy bottom, and maybe even algae. Some are cleaner than others, but be sure to manage your expectations when going to a natural hot pot. Conditions of the water can change depending on the season, recent weather, and how often it is used.
- Crowds: You may find yourself unable to fit inside a small pool that’s already packed with other travelers. Or perhaps you’ll get lucky and have the hot spring all to yourself. We’ve experienced both situations in Iceland, so be sure you have realistic expectations before going out of the way to get to a hot pot.
- Facilities: Some hot springs have rustic shelters for changing, while many others do not.
Our personal take on hot springs
We consider ourselves hot spring connoisseurs of sorts, and have sought them out all over the world – from the snow-covered mountains in the Pacific Northwest to remote areas of Myanmar.
Personally, we’re huge fans of the free, natural hot springs. The more off-the-beaten-path, the better. Requires a hike to get there? Sign us up!
Sometimes we get a little snobbish about the ultra developed hot spring “resorts” that require a hefty entrance fee. In fact, on our first trip to Iceland, we skipped the Blue Lagoon because we thought it would be “too touristy”. Well, that and we were on an extremely tight budget.
Since that first trip, we’ve returned to the Blue Lagoon on two different occasions, and I can say with certainty that yes, it’s touristy, but yes, it’s also super worthwhile and it’s a cool thing to add to your Iceland bucket list.
Our advice is to try soaking in a few different types of hot springs during your trip to see which you like best. Try at least one natural spring and one developed resort, even if you, like us, are hesitant about them. I will admit, Iceland does developed hot springs pretty damn well!
Public pools vs. hot springs in Iceland

If you want to soak where the locals are, head to a public pool. While they may look similar to a regular old swimming pool, there’s a couple of major differences:
- They are often located outdoors. Yes, even in Iceland’s notoriously chilly climate, the public pools are exposed to the elements, but that’s okay because…
- They are heated using geothermal energy. There are typically different pools of varying temperatures. The larger lap pools are usually on the cooler side, whereas there are smaller soaking pools at increasing temperatures. Icelanders visit public pools in all weather.
- They are a local gathering space. This is a common place for friends to meet on a regular basis and catch up.
- Cameras are usually not allowed. Since public pools are intended for Icelanders to get exercise, relax and socialize (instead of being intended for tourists), there are often rules restricting cameras.
- Almost every town has at least one public pool. They are incredibly common throughout the country.
Unlike natural hot springs, public pools are easily accessible and regularly cleaned. However, unlike the hot spring resorts, they are cheap and intended for locals to visit regularly.
If you have the time, we’d recommend trying a public pool during your trip because it’s quite a different experience from soaking in hot springs. It’s certainly not as picturesque, but it’s also kind of a cool authentic experience where you’ll likely be surrounded by more locals than tourists.
Map of the best hot springs in Iceland
We’ve even created a map of the best hot springs in Iceland so all your visual people (hey, that’s me too!) can see if they would work to include on your trip.
Click on the map to see the exact GPS locations of each of the Iceland hot springs on this list. We recommend downloading Google Maps offline and saving the coordinates so you can navigate to where you need to go!

Incredible Hot Springs in Iceland
One thing that we can say for sure is that Iceland has some of the best hot springs in the world. With such a high concentration, they are easy to fit into your itinerary.
Since we haven’t had the chance to visit them all (with sooo many hot springs in Iceland, that could take a while!), we called on some fellow travel bloggers to help us create this list.
1. Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River

- At a glance: Thermal river requiring a 1 hour hike to reach
- Type of Hot Spring: Natural
Visiting Reykjadalur Hot Springs was one of our favorite hot spring experiences in Iceland. There’s something more rewarding about a place you have to put a little work into finding.
We visited on our first day in Iceland. Shortly after landing and stocking up on groceries, we began this hike, and what an adventure it was!
The 5-mile round trip hike to the hot springs takes roughly 1 hour each way. When we visited in the late afternoon, there were a fair amount of people, but since the river is quite long, most people were able to have their own space.
Good to know: The water gets hotter as you walk upstream (to the point that it’s too hot to sit in toward the end). There are also some changing “barriers” set up here, but they are not very private.
Find out exactly how to get there and everything else you need to know in our guide to visiting Reykjadalur Thermal River.
Quick info:
- Google maps location
- Cost: paid parking via Parka app
- Facilities: simple changing huts (cafe & restrooms in parking lot)
- Park here
2. Blue Lagoon

- At a glance: Iceland’s most iconic hot spring famous for its milky blue hue
- Type of Hot Spring: Developed
We couldn’t talk about Iceland hot springs without mentioning the famous Blue Lagoon, which draws over a million visitors a year. We skipped it on our first trip thinking it was too pricey and touristy, but after visiting twice, we can confidently say it’s worth adding to your itinerary if your budget allows.
Yes, it’s busy year-round, but the facility is huge and well-organized, and timed entry keeps crowds manageable. Just be sure to book ahead, as it often sells out.
Expect milky blue, silica-rich water, a complimentary drink, and a free silica face mask. You can upgrade for extras like additional masks, a robe, or another beverage, but we think the standard package is plenty.
And if you’re on a tight budget, don’t worry — there are lots of free natural hot springs in Iceland to choose from instead.
Quick info:
- Google maps location
- Cost: from €80 (prices vary by package and seasonality)
- Reservation necessary: Book your tickets here
- Facilities: changing rooms and lockers, showers, bathrooms, restaurant, cafe and swim-up bar, hotel
- Park here
3. Fosslaug Hot Spring

- At a glance: Small riverside pool requiring a short and easy walk to reach
- Type of Hot Spring: Natural
Nestled beside a small river, Fosslaug Hot Spring is truly a gem and a worthy detour from the Ring Road.
With bucolic views and the sound of a babbling creek, this small hot pot is the stuff dreams are made of. To make this rustic hot spring even sweeter, visitors will find a small but picturesque waterfall, named Reykjafoss, just around the corner.
For a natural hot spring, the water is pretty clear and the temperature is more lukewarm than hot, making it comfortable for a longer soak. This small pool can’t fit too many people—8 would be pushing it—so coming early in the morning or around sunset will give you the best chance of having the pool to yourself.
Find out exactly how to get there and everything else you need to know in our guide to Fosslaug Hot Spring & Reykjafoss Waterfall.
Quick info:
- Google maps location
- Cost: 1,500 ISK payable by cash (honesty box/attendant) or card/QR code
- Facilities: basic toilet & changing room in car park
- Park here
4. GeoSea Geothermal Sea Pools

- At a glance: Hot pools overlooking the ocean in Northern Iceland
- Type of Hot Spring: Developed
The three hot spring pools at GeoSea offer a luxurious soak for those that make their way as far north as one can go in Iceland.
The infinity-style pools with varying temperatures sit at the ocean’s edge overlooking Skjálfandi Bay. It’s a great way to warm up after a long day of whale watching.
The facilities include nice changing rooms with restrooms and showers. Drinks are available for purchase there as well. The western-facing pools make the perfect place to catch the sunset with a drink in hand.
Insider tip: Looking for cheap dinner nearby? The seasonally-open fish and chips restaurant on the main drag is excellent and serves huge portions which can be split between two people.
Quick info:
- Google maps location
- Cost: from 6,990 ISK for adults (prices vary by package and seasonality)
- Book your soak
- Facilities: changing rooms and lockers, showers, bathrooms, steamroom and sauna, restaurant and swim-up bar
5. Earth Lagoon Mývatn

- At a glance: Similar to the Blue Lagoon, known for its stunning blue water
- Type of Hot Spring: Developed
Earth Lagoon Mývatn (formerly Mývatn Nature Baths), is often called the “Blue Lagoon of the North.” It offers the same milky-blue water, but at a much lower price, making this lagoon a great budget-friendly alternative. The pools sit around 30–40°C, and there’s a hotter soaking trough if you prefer a steamy soak.
Crowds aren’t usually an issue, so you can visit any time (though sunset is especially beautiful). You can book ahead, but it’s not essential. Bring a swimsuit, flip-flops, and a change of clothes; you’ll find clean changing rooms, free lockers, and the required pre-soak showers onsite.
Perched on a hillside, the baths have sweeping valley views, plus a small restaurant and saunas. Overall, it’s a relaxing, affordable spa-style hot spring experience in Iceland.
Quick info:
- Google maps location
- Cost: from 7,400 ISK (prices vary by package and seasonality)
- Book your soak
- Facilities: changing rooms and lockers, showers, bathrooms, steamroom, restaurant and swim-up bar
Recommended by: Victoria from Iceland Trippers
6. Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool

- At a glance: A public pool in the middle of a stunning valley which you must hike into
- Type of Hot Spring: Minimally developed, natural setting
Built in 1923, this is one of the oldest public pools in all of Iceland (some accounts claim it is the oldest). We’ve visited this hot pool twice – once in 2016 and again in 2021 – and we enjoyed our visit both times.
That said, there are a few things you should know…
Seljavallalaug is a 25-meter outdoor public pool fed by a natural hot spring. The water in the pool is lukewarm (not hot), and the bottom of the pool has algae so it’s a little slippery in places. It didn’t bother us, but don’t expect clean, pristine water here.
There was also some trash around left from other visitors and graffiti in the changing rooms when we visited.
The facilities are minimal, changing rooms are separated by gender, but there are no doors, just stalls, so it’s not that private. There are no toilets here either.
The “hike in” is an easy 20-minute walk along the riverbed to reach this pool. On our most recent visit, we were the only ones there for a while.
Find out exactly how to get there and everything else you need to know in our guide to visiting Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool.
Quick info
- Google maps location
- Cost: free
- Facilities: changing rooms
- Park here
7. Sky Lagoon

- At a glance: Luxury thermal spa near Reykjavík with infinity pools overlooking the ocean
- Type of Hot Spring: Developed
Sky Lagoon is a luxury bathing and spa facility near Reykjavík, best known for its signature 7-step wellness ritual (an additional cost) inspired by traditional Icelandic bathing practices. The ritual cycles you through warm lagoon waters, a cold plunge, sauna, cold-mist room, body scrub, steam, and a final cleansing shower.
When we visited in the early afternoon, it was surprisingly quiet.
Everything on site was beautifully designed from the changing facilities to the picture perfect infinity pools overlooking the ocean. In fact these were the best changing facilities we encountered at any of the hot springs in Iceland we visited, complete with private showers.
We appreciated the level of luxury and feeling like you could treat yourself here. You can even purchase drinks at the swim up bar.
Quick info
- Google maps location
- Cost: from 13,990 ISK (prices vary by package and seasonality)
- Book your tickets here
- Facilities: changing rooms and lockers, showers, bathrooms, sauna, cold plunge, restaurant, cafe and swim-up bar
8. Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Baths

- At a glance: Modern lakefront hot spring featuring outdoor mineral pools, natural steam baths and a Finnish-style sauna, all in the heart of Iceland’s Golden Circle.
- Type of Hot Spring: Developed
Laugarvatn Fontana is a popular geothermal spa along the Golden Circle, conveniently located between Þingvellir and Geysir.
The spa sits on a beautiful lakefront and offers sleek facilities, including a cafe/bar, indoor lounge areas, and modern changing rooms. It can get busy, so visit early or later in the day for a quieter soak.
Outside, you’ll find four clear geothermal pools ranging from 32–40°C (90–104°F), plus steam rooms and a sauna with sweeping views of the lake, black sand shoreline, and surrounding mountains. It’s an excellent choice for a spa-like experience at a friendlier price point—well worth adding to any Iceland itinerary.
Quick info
- Google maps location
- Cost: 7,490 ISK for general admission
- Book here
- Facilities: changing rooms and lockers, showers, bathrooms, steamroom and sauna, cold plunge
Recommended by: Natasha from Planes, Trains & Karcz
9. Hrunalaug Hot spring

- At a glance: A quaint little stone pool, like a scene from Lord of the Rings
- Type of Hot Spring: Natural
Hrunalaug Hot Spring looks like a scene straight out of the Lord of the Rings movie. With lush rolling hills and a quaint little changing room, we felt like we were actually in the Shire.
The hot spring is just a short walk from the parking lot, but the ground can get a bit muddy here, so be prepared. There are also small changing huts, but it’s not very private if there are other visitors around.
The water is comfortable, but certainly not pristine either. And we’ve read accounts that there can be a lot of litter left around, though it was pretty clean when we visited.
While Hrunalaug is open to the public, the landowner has implemented an entry fee to help maintain the area. This is payable via cash or card upon entry. Please also read the rules and regulations before you go.
We stopped here after a long day of exploring the Golden Circle and really enjoyed a nice soak. When we arrived, a big (and loud) group showed up at the same time, but other than them, there weren’t too many other visitors.
Quick info
- Google maps location
- Cost: 3,000 ISK per adult
- Hours & entrance fees
- Facilities: changing huts, restrooms and snacks available at the service hut in the parking lot
- Park here
10. Secret Lagoon

- At a glance: Iceland’s oldest swimming pool
- Type of hot spring: Constructed pool, at the location of natural hot springs
The Secret Lagoon (locally as Gamla Laugin, which means ‘Old Pool’) was built in 1891 in the geothermal area of Hverahólmi near Flúðir, making it the oldest swimming pool in Iceland. After years of neglect, it was restored and reopened in 2005.
The pool is fed entirely by sulphur-rich geothermal water that naturally renews every 24 hours and stays a steady 38–40°C (100–104°F).
Despite its popularity, the site still feels natural and low-key. Facilities include basic changing rooms (with towel and swimsuit rentals) and a small cafe, while a boardwalk lets you safely view steaming pools and a tiny geyser nearby.
As with most Icelandic hot springs, thorough showering is required before entering.
It may no longer be a “secret,” but the lagoon offers a relaxed soak in a historic setting without feeling overcrowded—thanks to its reservation system.
Quick info
- Google maps location
- Cost: $34 USD per adult
- Book your admission
- Facilities: changing rooms with lockers, showers, bathrooms, and a small cafe
Recommended by: Rachel from Children of Wanderlust
11. Vök Baths

- At a glance: Vök Baths captivate with their tranquility and an extraordinary view of the lake and the surrounding hills.
- Type of Hot Spring: Developed
Vök Baths, the largest thermal spa in East Iceland, sit on the edge of Lake Urriðavatn, where geothermal heat was first discovered after locals noticed parts of the lake never froze in winter. Fed by naturally warm 75°F water from deep beneath the lake, the spa was built to bring hot-spring bathing to a region where geothermal pools are rare.
Opened in 2019, Vök features serene floating geothermal pools with infinity views, lakeside hot pools, a cold tunnel into the lake, a sauna, a tea bar using Icelandic herbs, and a pool bar offering alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Changing rooms, private showers, and towel/swimsuit rentals are available, along with a restaurant serving seasonal dishes.
Because the water lacks mineral content, the baths are odor-free—no classic “eggy” smell. Set in quiet, rolling hills, Vök Baths offer a peaceful, scenic, and deeply relaxing soak.
Quick info
- Google maps location
- Cost: 7,490 ISK per adult
- Hours, entrance fee & booking
- Facilities: changing rooms and lockers, showers, bathrooms, sauna, cold plunge, restaurant, tea bar, restaurant and swim-up bar
Recommended by: Agnes from The Van Escape
12. Hoffell Hot Pots

- At a glance: Simple in-ground hot tubs heated by natural geothermal energy with a spectacular view!
- Type of Hot Spring: Minimally developed, natural setting
Set in beautiful southeast Iceland, about 20 minutes from Höfn, Hoffell Hot Tubs are a quiet, rustic set of geothermal tubs with glacier views. It’s truly one of the cooler places to visit in South Iceland!
There are four tubs—two warmer, one cooler—so you can alternate temperatures as you soak. Payment is handled either by a local attendant or online booking.
The tubs are simple plastic hot pools built into the ground and heated with geothermal water—rustic but relaxing. You’ll need to bring your own towel, swimsuit, and change of clothes. While you should shower beforehand, it doesn’t require the usual naked shower like many Iceland hot springs.
Hoffell can get busy in summer, so visit early or late if you want a tub to yourself. Overall, it’s a charming, low-key thermal stop worth adding to your Iceland itinerary.
Quick info
- Google maps location
- Cost: 4,500 ISK per person
- Hours, entrance fee & booking
- Facilities: changing rooms, bathrooms and an outdoor shower, guesthouse
Recommended by: Victoria from Iceland Trippers
13. Djúpavogskörin Hot Springs

- At a glance: A small geothermal tub with ocean views in East Iceland
- Type of Hot Spring: Minimally developed, natural setting
A small unassuming pool built seemingly in the middle of nowhere, Djúpavogskörin Hot Spring (sometimes called Djupivogur Hot Spring after the nearest town) makes a nice stop as you drive Ring Road up Iceland’s East Fjords.
The tub comfortably fits two people (four is cramped), so aim for early morning or late evening to avoid crowds.
Built by locals, it has no changing area—just a small deck and a rack for towels. The water is very hot, so ease in slowly or simply dip your feet. Located about 6.5 hours from Reykjavík, it’s best visited as part of a Ring Road itinerary.
Quick info
- Google maps location
- Cost: free
- Facilities: none
14. Reykjafjarðarlaug Hot Pool

- At a glance: A warm hot spring with pool on the shore of the Westfjords
- Type of Hot Spring: Natural stream with man made pool adjacent
The more natural Reykjafjarðarlaug hot pool sits right off the road at the head of a fjord—an easy, scenic stop on any Westfjords road trip. The shallow hot pot fits about four people and sits in a grassy depression surrounded by mountains, with views stretching down the deep blue fjord.
A small wooden changing area and toilet are available, but facilities are otherwise minimal. The hot pot is a short walk from the parking area, while the nearby man-made pool is much cooler. The parking lot can fill up, but the area never feels crowded by Iceland standards.
Quick info
- Google maps location
- Cost: free (donation suggested)
- Facilities: changing area and toilets
- Park here
Recommended by: Suzanne from Meandering Wild
15. Laugarás Lagoon

- At a glance: Luxury thermal spa on the Golden Circle with a cascading waterfall connecting its two lagoon levels
- Type of hot spring: developed resort
Laugarás Lagoon is a brand-new geothermal spa on the Golden Circle, set on the banks of the Hvítá River and surrounded by peaceful countryside.
Opened in 2025, it offers warm geothermal pools (around 37–40 °C), a unique cascading waterfall between levels, saunas, a cold plunge, and swim-up bars for drinks without leaving the water.
Designed to blend with the landscape and provide a relaxing escape after sightseeing, the lagoon also has an on-site restaurant serving seasonal Icelandic dishes. Reservations are recommended, and it’s a great stop along the Golden Circle between Thingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss.
Quick info
- Google maps location
- Cost: tiered admission from $65 USD per adult
- Book your admission
- Facilities: changing rooms and lockers, showers, bathrooms, sauna and cold plunge, restaurant and swim-up bars
Iceland hot springs etiquette

Hot spring etiquette is different all over the world. In Japan, for instance, one bathes nude in a hot spring (or onsen). However, in Iceland, bathers must wear a swimsuit to cover up.
Before dipping your toes in, let’s go over the etiquette for Iceland hot springs so you don’t embarrass yourself or offend the locals.
Note: Some of these rules apply more for hot spring resorts while others are directed at natural hot springs.
1. Remove your shoes
If there’s a changing room, take your shoes off before entering. There will usually be a shoe rack for this purpose.
2. Shower naked
If there is a shower, it is not only mandatory that you shower before entering the water, but also that you shower completely naked. In some facilities, the showers are more private than others.
If this sounds uncomfortable to you, know this – everyone else will be more focused on themselves than on you. It’s not so awkward when everyone is naked. Don’t let this scare you off!
3. Wear a swimsuit
While it’s common and totally acceptable to bathe naked in some places around the world, this simply isn’t the case in Iceland. This goes for developed hot springs as well as natural ones.
4. Be respectful
I hope I don’t have to go too far into depth for this one, but be respectful of fellow soakers. This means keeping your voices down, respecting other people’s space, and making room for others.
5. Don’t litter (and avoid glass)
This is especially important at natural hot springs as they aren’t maintained or cleaned all that often. If you bring snacks, be sure to completely clean up after yourself (and maybe even clean up after others for some karma points).
Also, it’s best to avoid glass bottles. Nobody intends for them to break, but cleaning up glass is very hard to do, especially when there’s mud and murky water involved.
6. Dry off completely
If you are returning to a changing room, it’s nice to rinse off once again. However, be sure you’ve completely dried off before heading to the lockers so you don’t drip all over the place.
Iceland Hot Springs FAQs

Got questions about hot springs in Iceland? We’ve got answers for you…
How many hot springs are there in Iceland?
Total counts of hot springs in Iceland vary, with some estimates around 45 and others that report well over 100 natural bathing springs around the country. Frankly, it doesn’t matter which is more accurate – the point is hot springs in Iceland are plentiful and you’ll have more than enough to choose from.
In addition to hot springs, there are said to be more than 200 public swimming pools (heated by geothermal energy) throughout the country. For a population of just over 360,000 people, that sure is a lot of hot water!
Why are there so many hot springs in Iceland?
Short answer: Iceland has a lot of geothermal activity.
Long answer: If you want to get nerdy about it, here’s the scoop… Iceland is situated on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge (aka the spot where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet).
Tectonic rifts lead to high volcanic activity and this, in turn, heats much of the underground water (known as geothermal activity). Geothermal activity is what creates hot springs all around the country.
What are the benefits of soaking in hot springs?

Personally, we love soaking in hot springs because it’s a fun and unique experience. However, there are some supposed health benefits too:
1. Hot springs are relaxing. You can’t really argue with that, now can you? Soaking in a hot spring is a good way to start your trip – you’ll surely feel rejuvenated after a long flight and landing in a new country. Alternatively, it’s a fantastic way to end your journey as well and soak up a bit of R&R before heading back to the “real world”.
Insider Tip: Luckily, there are a few great hot spring resorts and public pools near Reykjavík, making it easy to tack on at the start or end of your trip. In fact, it’s one of our top things to do in Reykjavík.
2. Mineral-rich waters are supposedly good for your skin. The Blue Lagoon boasts water that has a high concentration of silica, which is said to hydrate and improve the skin’s texture. Other hot springs around the country have high levels of other minerals, such as sulfur, sodium and magnesium, each of which have their own health benefits.
3. Can ease muscle aches. There’s not much that feels better than a long hot soak after a day of hiking or exploring.
Speaking of hiking, here’s a list of some of the best hikes in Iceland.
Can I soak in hot springs if I am pregnant?

First and foremost, we are not medical experts, so the following information is just to share our personal experience and is not meant to be taken as medical advice. Before making any decisions, please talk to your healthcare provider.
Disclosure aside, here’s my personal experience: I was 6.5-months pregnant while traveling in Iceland. I spoke with my OB before my trip and she said as long as I stuck to pools that were under 100ºF (38ºC), I should be fine. She also said to drink plenty of water during my soaks and to get out if I felt lightheaded.
Our friend who lives in Iceland and just had a baby said this, “I loved going to hot pots [throughout my pregnancy]. Up to 37/38ºC is recommended and okay in Iceland.”
Think about it this way: Baths are commonly recommended throughout pregnancy. Hot tubs are sometimes said to be avoided because the temperatures can get higher than 100ºF. However, most hot springs in Iceland have cooler areas, which are further away from the water source. We stuck to those spots and I alternated between being in the water and just letting my feet dangle in if I felt too hot.
Again, talk to your doctor before making any decisions.
Can you go to hot springs in the rain or snow?
Absolutely! In fact, some people think it makes the experience even better when it’s cold or snowy out.
What to pack for Iceland hot springs

- Hiking daypack
- Hydration pack and/or water bottles
- We take our insulated Hydroflask water bottles with us everywhere, but for hiking, we especially love the Grayl water purifying bottles
- Snacks
- Swimwear
- Quick-dry travel towel
- Sun protection: sunglasses, hat
- Comfortable walking shoes or hiking sandals (like Chacos)
- Camera and tripod (this is our favorite for hiking)
Be sure to download our complete packing list for Iceland! It’s packed with good suggestions and insider tips to help plan your Iceland trip. And it’s completely FREE, so why not!?

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Perfect Iceland itinerary
Want to skip the stress of trip planning?
Planning a trip to Iceland can feel overwhelming—there’s so much to see, and it’s easy to miss hidden gems if you don’t know where to look. That’s why we created our done-for-you Iceland South Coast Itinerary—so you can spend less time researching and more time soaking in Iceland’s epic landscapes.

This 7–day itinerary takes you along Iceland’s breathtaking southern coast, blending adventure with a touch of luxury. You’ll visit iconic sights like Skogafoss and Diamond Beach, plus off-the-beaten-path spots most tourists miss (like a hidden waterfall that’s one of our all-time favorites!).
With detailed daily plans, insider tips, driving directions, and hand-picked stays, this guide takes the guesswork out of planning so you can experience Iceland stress-free.
Iceland map: Our favorite spots!
Want to upgrade your experience in Iceland?
Maybe itinerary planning isn’t your thing and you’d rather have the freedom to just wing it?
We’ve created a fully interactive, custom map of Iceland that includes all our favorite recommendations and hidden gems.
We’re talking everything in this article—plus all of our personal recommendations, restaurants, hidden gems, viewpoints and unique stays.
If you prefer to navigate like a local rather than planning every detail yourself, this map is the perfect next step.
Plan your trip to Iceland
We have TONS of resources on travel in Iceland and how to make the most out of your trip. Check out our Iceland Homepage for all the answers to your most burning questions, or read some of our favorite articles below.
- Check out all of our top recommendations for things to do in Iceland.
- Read up on Icelandic foods so you know what to try and what to skip.
- Get a complete cost breakdown for your Iceland trip and follow our sneaky budget tips to save money!
- Save this list of cool Iceland Airbnbs for when you’re ready to book your accommodation.
- And don’t forget camping in Iceland is one of the best ways to save money!
- You’ll want to keep this guide handy if you plan on driving Iceland’s Golden Circle.
- Read up on all the actually cool things to do in Reykjavik.
- Be sure to download these essential Iceland travel apps before your trip!
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We want to hear from you!
Which Iceland hot springs are you most excited to visit? Do you have a favorite Iceland hot spring you think we should add to this list?
Comment below and we’ll do our best to get back to you!


We loved visiting Iceland last summer. While some of the bigger hotsprings were fun, we loved visiting Fosslaug since it was remote and free!
I appreciate your excellent overview about geothermal baths. The experience at Krauma in Borgarfjordur was fantastic. Amid the Westfjords, Reykjafjarðarlaug is situated in a stunning setting.