Discover the Magic of Iceland’s Hot Springs
Read our Iceland hot springs guide and find out the best spots to soak up the healing properties of these wonders - each heated directly by the Earth’s core.
For centuries, Icelanders have harnessed the healing properties of the country's hot springs to detoxify, heal, and rejuvenate.
Whether you want suppler, clearer skin, or to simply relax in life-giving geothermal waters while surrounded by nature, Iceland has a wealth of hot springs to choose from.
Aside from the two big hot springs near Reykjavik, the following list of the best hot springs in Iceland includes some wilder, more remote locations where you can unwind and regenerate amidst unparalleled natural beauty.
Sky Lagoon
15 minutes from Reykjavik
From 73 GBP per person
Opened in 2021, the man-made Sky Lagoon is a departure from the geothermal pools found across Iceland. It boasts a vast infinity pool overlooking the wild North Atlantic, where the mineralized water promises to rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul. The epic views combined with the therapy package offer a truly unique and life-affirming experience.
A Sky Lagoon therapy package involves a '7-step Ritual' therapy process, including an ice plunge pool, body scrub (self-administered), and 46-degree steam room.
While the full 'Sky' package costs ISK 16,990 (95 GBP), you can book the slightly cheaper 'Pure' option (73 GBP), which unlike the Sky deal, doesn’t include private changing facilities and some amenities. It's also possible to book a pool-only visit, which can be cheaper during low season. However, high season pool-only visits can actually be more costly than either of the packages.
The vast majority of visitors leave rejuvenated and impressed by the Sky Lagoon, with a TripAdvisor rating of 4.5/5, and a Google Review score of 4.7/5.
The Blue Lagoon
From 56 GBP
55 minutes from Reykjavik
Located in the wilds of Iceland's southwestern tip, The Blue Lagoon is a world-famous reservoir, loved for its warm, healing geothermal waters.
The milky blue hue is caused by the water's high concentration of silica, which helps the body form the building blocks of collagen, a key protein found in skin and muscles.
Covering 8,700 square metres, the lagoon has ample space for you to enjoy the healing properties of the water.
The Comfort package costs ISK 9,990 (56 GBP), which includes full access to the Blue Lagoon, a mud mask, towel, and a drink at the in-water bar.
The Premium option, meanwhile, costs 73 GBP and includes two extra mud masks, an extra drink, and use of a bathrobe.
Signature is the most costly option (92 GBP), offering all the benefits of Premium, but with two mud mask products to take home with you.
Interestingly, the Blue Lagoon is not natural: it was formed by water from the nearby Svartsengi geothermal power plant which filled a lava field to create the lagoon we now know. Canny Icelanders saw the opportunity to create an iconic attraction from what is essentially wastewater!
Today, more than 700,000 people enjoy the lagoon and its spa facilities each year. Google Reviews scores it 4.6, while TripAdvisor users rate it 4.5. While it may be the “obvious choice” for visitors seeking geothermal therapy, the Blue Lagoon deserves its status as one of the best hot springs in Iceland.
The Secret Lagoon
20 GBP
1h 30mins from Reykjavik
Surrounded by nature, the Secret Lagoon is located in the Golden Circle area and offers a more authentic (and cheaper) spa experience than The Sky Lagoon or the Blue Lagoon.
Icelandic people first started bathing in these healing waters in the late 19th Century, and today it's one of the country's top attractions (although it doesn’t get as busy as the pools near Reykjavik).
It may not have the Instagrammable blue waters of the Blue Lagoon, but it's an opportunity to enjoy unspoilt Icelandic vistas while soaking up the heat and minerals of these ancient geothermal waters.
Take care not to wander into one of the nearby pools of boiling water, although these are incredible to experience up-close, since they burble with heat straight from the Earth's core.
The main pool can also get very hot, so you may need to move around to find a suitable temperature.
Without doubt, the Secret Lagoon is one of the more authentic geothermal pools in Iceland.
At ISK 3,600 (20 GBP) for an adult and free entry for children, the Secret Lagoon offers good value, although it’s considerably smaller than the more famous lagoons listed above. Visitors rate it 4.6 on Google and 4.5 on TripAdvisor.
Landmannalaugar Hot Springs
3 hours from Reykjavik
Free
Dazzling, multicoloured rhyolite mountains, along with volcanoes and lava fields, are the chief attractions of Landmannalaugar, but you can also bathe in the area's hot springs and rivers.
The healing properties of the hot springs offer the perfect end to a day of hiking. When it comes to natural hot springs in Iceland, it doesn’t get more natural than this.
Known as the “pool of the people,” Landmannalaugar hot springs have changing areas and showers (washing naked with soap is mandatory before entering the pool), available for a small fee. The pool itself is free to enjoy.
The location of this hot spring is much wilder than others on this list. Accessing the area can be challenging in winter, since guides have to plot a route through snowy areas on an ad hoc basis. A summer visit is your best bet, whether you book a tour or take your own hire car. If renting a vehicle (4x4), it’s a good idea to take out additional insurance for damage to the underside of the vehicle.
Geosea Geothermal Sea Baths
37 GBP
6 hours from Reykjavik
Perched on a cliff overlooking Skjálfandi Bay and the Arctic Circle, Geosea Geothermal Sea Baths offer a unique combination of mineral-rich seawater and heat from the centre of the Earth.
It's the perfect spot for some laid-back whale-watching or, if you’re lucky, to see the Northern Lights (aurora borealis).
Located in Iceland's remote northeastern region, Geosea is the ultimate place to decompress and rejuvenate - just as Icelanders have done here for centuries.
Adult entry costs ISK 6,490 (37 GBP), with towel, swimsuit and bathrobe all available to rent.
An in-water bar and dining options are also offered.
Despite being one of the more remote examples of Iceland’s thermal baths, winter visits are possible.
TripAdvisor users give it a 4.5/5 rating, while Google scores it an impressive 4.8/5.
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