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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 16 December, 2022
Expert travel writer: Oliver Berry

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.

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.

Blue Lagoon

Reykjavik, Iceland

This world-famous (man-made) outdoor geothermal pool of steaming 39°C healing waters, surrounded by black lava fields, is Iceland’s star attraction.

Best for ages: 4+ | £35

toruists soaking in the Geosea Geothermal Sea Bath
Experience

Geosea (Geothermal Sea Baths)

Husavik, Iceland

A newcomer to the north coast, near Husavik, with hot seawater pools heated to 38˚C, and fine ocean views. The waters are said to be good for psoriasis.

Best for ages: 6+ | £35 | 1 night

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Hofsos thermal baths
Experience

Hofsos thermal baths

Hofsos, Iceland

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.

Best for ages: 6+ | £6

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Krossneslaug thermal baths
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Krossneslaug thermal baths

Strandir, Westfjords, Iceland

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.

Best for ages: 6+ | £25

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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Iceland

Iceland

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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