No trip to Iceland is complete without visiting at least one geothermal pool. There are dozens of them dotted around the country, ranging from natural hot springs in remote mountain valleys to sleek, ultra-modern spa complexes with their own restaurants and accommodation. Not only does it feel great; soaking in steaming, mineral-rich water brings with it a whole host of health benefits. For some time, the Blue Lagoon has been the most popular – but there are many superb, lesser-visited alternatives worth seeking out. Below, we explore 10 of our favourites.
1. Sky Lagoon
Sky Lagoon, Kopavogur (Image: Visit Reykjavik)
Since opening in 2021, the Sky Lagoon has established a reputation as one of Iceland’s finest geothermal spas. It’s built into a cliffside overlooking the Atlantic Ocean in Kopavogur, just a 10-minute drive from downtown Reykjavik, making it a fantastic, easily accessible addition to a city break in the Icelandic capital. As well as the main lagoon, which is framed by volcanic rock walls, you can also step inside a turf-roofed building to experience an invigorating seven-step ritual, including a cold plunge, a sauna, a body scrub and a steam room. There’s a swim-up bar in the lagoon and a cafe in the main building serving Icelandic tasting platters, while the changing facilities are top class.
2. Myvatn Nature Baths
Myvatn Nature Baths (Image: Visit North Iceland)
Surrounded by rugged, desolate volcanic landscapes and filled with milky-blue, silica-rich water, the Myvatn Nature Baths bear a strong visual resemblance to the Blue Lagoon – except smaller, cheaper and typically less busy. It’s just off the Ring Road in North Iceland, making it an easy stop on a road trip or as a day trip from Akureyri. The water is heated to around 36-40°C, and as you move around the lagoon you’ll notice it varies quite significantly, so you can find the spot that suits you best. It also has steam baths, saunas and a swim-up bar.
3. Forest Lagoon
Forest Lagoon (Image: Visit North Iceland)
Another of Iceland’s newest geothermal lagoons, the Forest Lagoon opened its doors for the first time in May 2022, and has been a roaring success ever since. In a country with very little natural forest, its wooded surroundings give it a rather different feel to most other Icelandic lagoons and hot springs. It’s carved into a mountainside just a five-minute drive from downtown Akureyri, the largest town in North Iceland, and offers magnificent views overlooking the Eyjafjörður fjord. As well as two pools (one heated to 37°C, the other 40°C), it features a cold pool, a Finnish dry sauna and a cosy bistro restaurant.
4. GeoSea Geothermal Sea Baths
GeoSea Geothermal Sea Baths, Husavik (Image: Visit North Iceland)
Few geothermal pools can compete with the stunning setting of the GeoSea Geothermal Sea Baths, which are built into a cliffside overlooking Skjálfandi Bay, on the outskirts of Husavik in Iceland’s far north. Unlike most other geothermal pools, these ones use a steady flow of mineral-rich sea water from nearby, which requires no cleaning agents. While soaking in the infinity pools, you may even be fortunate enough to spot a whale in the sea below – this particular bay is one of Iceland’s top whale watching destinations – or, if you’re here after dark, the Northern Lights. There is, of course, a swim-up bar and a steam room as well.
Explore North Iceland holidays
5. Hvammsvik Hot Springs
A scenic 45-minute drive north of Reykjavik, you’ll find these idyllic hot springs among mountains and black sand beaches, with views looking out across Hvalfjörður (the Whale Fjord). There are eight pools of varying temperatures, along with a geothermally heated sauna, a swim-up bar and a bistro restaurant. A significant part of Hvammsvik’s appeal is that you can take a refreshing dip in the sea whenever you fancy, before retreating to the warmth of the hot springs once more. If you’re drawn to somewhere a little more small-scale and stripped-back, this is an ideal choice.
6. Secret Lagoon
Secret Lagoon (Image: Gray Line Iceland)
Dating back to 1891, the Secret Lagoon (locally known as Gamla Laugin) is the oldest known bathing pool in Iceland, and is fed by naturally occurring hot springs. Its grassy surroundings are more mellow than the harsher, barren backdrop to the Blue Lagoon or the Myvatn Nature Baths, but it’s a delightful setting for a relaxing soak nonetheless – even if it’s not much of a secret these days. You’ll find it just outside the village of Flúðir in the Golden Circle region, making it a worthy addition to the standout sights of Gullfoss, Geysir and Thingvellir National Park.
7. Krauma Geothermal Baths
Krauma Geothermal Baths
Fed by water from Europe’s most powerful hot spring, Deildartunguhver, which is then mixed with cold, glacial meltwater from the nearby gorge, Krauma features five pools heated to between 37-42°C and a cold plunge pool at 5-10°C. It's just a short detour from the Ring Road, around half an hour's drive from Borgarnes. Its stark, minimalist aesthetic, dominated by jet black stone, is heavily reminiscent of Iceland’s dramatic volcanic landscapes. Inside, you’ll find a sauna, a steam room and a tranquil relaxation room with a fireplace, comfortable seating and soothing music. There’s a restaurant, too, serving authentic Icelandic cuisine based around seasonal ingredients from local farmers and producers.
8. Husafell Canyon Baths
Husafell Canyon Baths
The Husafell Canyon Baths in West Iceland may only be small and somewhat rustic, but their remote location and the journey it takes to reach them, is all part of the allure. They can only be accessed by a guided hike through the untamed Icelandic wilderness, passing a beautiful two-tiered waterfall before descending via 64 steps to reach the canyon floor, where the hot pools can be found. Visitor numbers are strictly limited, so if you’re looking to escape the crowds for a truly serene, off-grid geothermal soak, you’ll be in your element here.
Discover the hidden delights of Western Iceland
9. Hofsos Sundlaug
Hofsos Sundlaug (Image: Visit North Iceland)
Designed by the same architect behind the Blue Lagoon, Hofsos isn’t a geothermal spa as such – but it might just be Iceland’s most spectacular swimming pool. Built into a grassy cliffside on the west coast of the Troll Peninsula in North Iceland, the views overlooking Skagafjörður fjord and out towards the island of Drangey in the distance, are quite simply breathtaking. The main pool is 25 metres long and heated to around 30°C, and there’s also a small hot tub heated to 38-39°C. In terms of value for money, it’s difficult to beat. It’s also well worth taking a short stroll down to the Staðarbjörg basalt columns while you’re there.
10. Bjorbodin Beer Spa
Bjorbodin Beer Spa (Image: Visit North Iceland)
Beer spas may be more commonly associated with the Czech Republic, but Iceland has had its very own version since 2017 in the village of Árskógssandur – around a 30-minute drive north of Akureyri. There are seven wooden tubs in total, each filled with beer that’s in the early stages of fermentation and rich in minerals which are said to carry a multitude of therapeutic benefits for the skin. The beer you bathe in isn’t drinkable, but there are taps by each of the tubs, so you can pour yourself a glass while you soak for around 25 minutes before continuing to the relaxation room. Don’t fancy bathing in beer? There are also regular outdoor hot tubs with views looking out across the fjord.
