Iceland’s Top 8 Hot Springs and Saunas to Check Out
When we travel, there’s two things we always try to seek out if it’s available: beer and hot springs.
We’ve dipped in hot springs and saunas in Japan, Costa Rica, and now Iceland. Not surprisingly, Iceland is THE place to go if you’re a fan of a relaxing soak in a geothermal pool or a nice sweat in a sauna accompanied by a invigorating dip in a cold pool.
Sky Lagoon
Icelandic hot spring and sauna culture is deeply ingrained in the country's history and lifestyle. It is a common tradition for Icelanders to go for a relaxing soak in a natural hot spring or a man-made geothermal pool after a long day of work or outdoor activities. Iceland has numerous geothermal pools and hot springs scattered throughout the country, some upscale and others more rustic. We’ve explored a number of them so read on to learn more!
Drangsnes Hot Tubs
Our Top Eight Hot Springs To Check Out:
Sky Lagoon: This relatively new hot spring complex boasts breathtaking views of the ocean and the surrounding mountains, making it a must-visit destination for anyone looking to soak in Iceland's natural beauty. Sky Lagoon also features a swim-up bar, several relaxation areas, and a unique ‘Ritual’ program that takes you through a multi-step relaxation process. It was our first stop (only 10 minutes outside Reykjavik) after arriving and a perfect spot to unwind from a long flight.
Reykjadalur Thermal River: Another must-see location for hot springs enthusiasts is the Reykjadalur Thermal River, which is located about an hour's drive from Reykjavik. This river is accessible via a scenic hike that takes you through geothermal fields and hot springs. Once you reach the river, you can relax in its warm waters and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Laugarvatn Fontana: a geothermal spa located in the small town of Laugarvatn, about an hour's drive from Reykjavik. It's situated on the banks of Laugarvatn, a picturesque lake in the heart of Iceland's Golden Circle. One of the highlights of Laugarvatn Fontana is the geothermal bakery, where visitors can sample traditional Icelandic rye bread baked in the hot springs. The bread is slow-cooked for 24 hours in the hot sand near the spa and is served warm with butter and Icelandic delicacies. Unfortunately, the rye bread tour was sold-out when we arrived but we still enjoyed the spa and took a dip in the lake.
Drangsnes Hot Tubs: For those looking for a more off-the-beaten-path hot spring experience, Drangsnes Hot Tubs are a great option. These hot tubs are located in the small fishing town of Drangsnes and are free for anyone to use. The tubs offer stunning views of the ocean and are a great way to experience Iceland's hot spring culture like a local. We camped a short walk away from these tubs and when we got there, had a chance to mingle with both tourists and locals.
Hauganes Hot Tubs: Another lesser-known hot spring location is Hauganes Hot Tubs, located in the northern part of the country. These hot tubs are about $10 to use and offer stunning views of the nearby fjord. It's the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Another plus is there is a camping site nearby.
Mývatn Nature Baths: One of Iceland's most famous hot spring destinations is the Mývatn Nature Baths. This geothermal spa is located in the north of Iceland and offers a range of amenities, including saunas and steam rooms. The milky blue water of the baths is rich in minerals and is believed to have healing properties. It's a popular spot among tourists and locals alike.
Blue Lagoon: No mention of hot springs in Iceland would be complete without mentioning the Blue Lagoon. This iconic hot spring is located on the Reykjanes Peninsula and is one of Iceland's most popular tourist destinations. The Blue Lagoon is a luxurious spa that offers a range of amenities, including massages and skin treatments, in addition to the relaxing hot springs. We ended our trip here, donned some mud masks, and soaked for a few hours with cold beers in hand. It was a great way to round out the many unique hot spring, sauna, and hot tub experiences we had across the country!
Sundhöllin Public Swimming Pool: Ok, this one is not technically a hot spring or spa but we had to share this hidden gem because this is not your normal swimming pool. I’m not sure if this applies to all public pools in Iceland but this one was next level. For about $8 USD, you get access to multiple indoor and outdoor lap pools, a couple of hot tubs of varying degrees, a traditional wooden sauna, a modern steam sauna and cold dip plunge! That’s a lot for the price of admission and more than worth it if you have a few hours to spare in Reykjavik.
Hot Spring and Sauna Etiquette in Iceland:
It would be remiss of us not to also mention the importance of proper etiquette when visiting a hot spring or sauna in Iceland. We learned this also applies to swimming pools. It's important to follow certain etiquette to ensure a positive and respectful experience for everyone. Here are some general guidelines:
Always shower before entering the hot spring. I can’t stress this enough and cringe when I see some tourists skip this step entirely. This is not only for hygiene reasons but also to avoid polluting the water with soaps and shampoos.
You are required to shower without your swimsuit before entering the water. For us North Americans this seemed a little daunting at first especially in more open changing rooms but becomes pretty normal after your first go.
Avoid using any lotions, oils, or other products that may contaminate the water.
Keep your voice down and avoid making excessive noise. Many people visit hot springs for relaxation and tranquility.
Always remove your shoes before entering changing rooms or hot springs.
We love the hot spring culture in Iceland and was so thrilled to have experienced it fully across so many locations in the country.
