Reykjavik, Iceland
Bucket List Experience
This world-famous (man-made) outdoor geothermal pool of steaming 39°C healing waters, surrounded by black lava fields, is Iceland’s star attraction.
Adult price: 35
Min age 2
Good for age: 4+
Travel bucket list idea:
Natural spas and hot springs in Iceland
Iceland
Bucket List Experience
Last updated: 21 March, 2024
Like many Nordic nations, Icelanders are obsessed with bathing in the great outdoors – only here, they have the advantage that many of their favourite swimming spots are as warm as a bath.
Iceland is littered with natural hot springs, or ‘hotpots’, a by-product of the violent volcanic activity that’s continually roiling just beneath the island’s rocky crust. Some, like the Blue Lagoon and Myvatn Nature Baths, are very well-known – but there are hundreds more ‘hot pots’ hidden away deep in the countryside or along the coast which are known only to locals.
Bathing in the hot, mineral-rich waters is said to be good for the body and the mind. The naturally warm waters are especially rich in sulphur and silicate minerals – believed to be beneficial to skin conditions like psoriasis.
Who to go with: tour operators
Secret Lagoon
Fluoir, Iceland
Experience
Despite the name, this landmark geothermal bathing pool is far from a well-kept secret: in fact, it’s said to be the oldest hotpot in Iceland, and it’s very popular as it’s easily reached from Reykjavik, and makes an ideal stop for visitors tracing the Golden Circle.
Adult price: 18
Good for age: 8+
Duration: 1 night
Freq: monthly
Husavik, Iceland
Hot, mineral-rich seawater pools heated to 38˚C, and heart-stopping ocean views bring benefits for both physical and spiritual health.
Adult price: 35
Good for age: 8+
Duration: 1 night
Freq: monthly
Myvatn Nature Baths
Myvatn Lake, Iceland
Experience
Myvatn Nature Baths at Jardbodin are known as the northern version of the Blue Lagoon – a large outdoor geothermal pool and steam room complex with views of Myvatn Lake.
Adult price: 35
Good for age: 8+
Hofsos Thermal Baths
Hofsos, Iceland
Experience
This coastal pool was once well off the beaten track, but it’s becoming increasingly popular due to social sharing and Instagram. It’s certainly an impressive sight, with views over Drangey Island and Skagafjordur.
Adult price: 6
Good for age: 8+
Lysuholslaug geothermal baths
Snaefellsnes Peninsula, Iceland
Experience
Snaefellsnes has its own answer to the Blue Lagoon – and while the site isn’t quite as impressive, it’s still a soothing place for a dip. The water often looks a murky green from the minerals and algae, but don’t fret – it’s completely clean, and warm as a bath.
Good for age: 8+
Duration: 1 night
Freq: monthly
Krossneslaug thermal baths
Strandir, Westfjords, Iceland
Experience
An incredible infinity pool located way out in the Westfjords, on the wild Strandir coast overlooking a striking black sand beach. It’s accessed via a rough, unsealed track near Nordurfjordur.
Adult price: 25
Good for age: 8+
Sky Lagoon
Kopavogur, Iceland
Experience
For setting, the Sky Lagoon takes some beating. Opened in 2021, it’s framed between craggy rocks and looks right out to sea, making it feel like a natural feature (although it’s actually man-made).
Adult price: 65
Good for age: 8+
Duration: 1 night
Freq: monthly
Logistics
Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 8+
When: All year around
Duration: -
Getting there & doing it
The better-known pools are easy to find, but you’ll need a local guide and/or a decent map to find the more secret ones.
Not all of Iceland’s hot pots are safe to bathe in (some are just too hot, others have unpleasant minerals in them), so it’s not a good idea to just jump in unless you know what you’re doing.
When to do it
Theoretically, you can bathe in the hot pools at any time of year. Many people come for the unique experience of bathing under the Midnight Sun, but midwinter is in some ways even more atmospheric – it’s an unforgettable experience to sit back in the piping hot water and simultaneously watch the snow falling all around.
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From volcanoes and glaciers to black beaches, geothermal pools and the Northern Lights, Iceland is one of the world’s wildest, weirdest destinations. A paradise for adventurous travellers.
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