Iceland is one of the countries with the most intriguing natural landscapes. Traveling around the island feels like crossing several different planets in just a few kilometers of road.
One of the things that fascinates me the most are the thousands of natural hot springs hidden in every corner.
These waters come from the country’s intense geothermal activity, which naturally heats the underground water and enriches it with minerals like silica, sulfur, or iron.
Some of these hot springs are completely wild, located deep in the mountains, next to rivers, lakes, or even waterfalls. Others, although found in man-made pools, also use this geothermal water, which gives them a very special character.
After visiting many of them, I’d love to share my 7 favorites with you. Some are set in the heart of nature and are completely free; others are modern spas, housed in architectural buildings that will leave you speechless.
Top 7: Landbrotalaug Hot Springs
It’s a small thermal pool next to two lagoons. Getting there isn’t easy: you have to walk about 15 minutes from a parking area along a muddy trail. But if you’re brave enough to take off your warm clothes and put on your swimsuit outdoors despite the cold, the reward is a blissful soak in very hot water, with stunning views of snow-covered mountains and complete intimacy with nature.
Top 6: Fosslaug
A pool next to the river, near the Reykjafoss waterfall. In addition to soaking in the warm water while enjoying the views, if you’re up for it, you can step out of the pool and dip into the ice-cold river water just a couple of steps away, then return to the comfort of the hot bath. A true Icelandic-style experience that will leave your body completely renewed.
Top 5: Foss, Hallandsnes
It’s very close to the city of Akureyri and doesn’t even have a name. On Google Maps it appears as Foss, which means “waterfall,” and that’s because it’s actually right at the foot of one. I don’t know what it is about waterfalls that makes them so hypnotizing, but personally, taking a bath at sunset while watching and listening to the water fall is one of my favorite experiences.
Top 4: Beach Baths, Hauganes
In this picturesque village, which is worth a visit in itself, there are some very cozy boat-shaped tubs right at the edge of the fjord. If you’re brave, you can take a dip in the Atlantic and return to your warm, pleasant tub. They’re not free, but the price of around 2,000 krona is practically symbolic compared to others and includes access to showers and changing rooms.
Top 3: Forest lagoon
This spa-style bath stands out for its design and its unique location surrounded by pine and birch trees, with views of Iceland’s longest fjord, Eyjafjörður. The entrance fee is 6,900 ISK, which includes access to several hot pools, a cold pool, and a dry sauna. Perfect if you're looking for a relaxing afternoon with a slightly more luxurious touch.
Top 2: Blue Lagoon
The most famous baths in all of Iceland, and not by chance. This spa, located right in volcanic land, stretches over an impressive area of hot springs. It offers various types of services, and the basic entrance fee, around €90, includes several types of mud facial masks. Although it can be a bit crowded, the experience is undoubtedly a must on your trip to Iceland.
Top 1: Vök Baths
They are hexagonal floating geothermal pools located on Lake Urriðavatn. For me, the design, location, and views have placed them at the top of this ranking. Additionally, since they float on the lake, you can dare to swim directly in its icy waters (which can freeze in winter) and alternate that with your hot bath. The basic entrance fee is around 7,500 krona, and it is usually less crowded compared to the Blue Lagoon.
Extra recommendation: experience the public pools
Besides the hot springs, almost every city in Iceland has public swimming pools that also use geothermal water and are outdoors. You’ll find pools of various sizes and temperatures, perfect for relaxing like the locals do.
Many of these pools feature huge slides of different shapes, almost like small water parks. It’s definitely a typical Icelandic experience that is very different from the classic pools you’d find in other countries.
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