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
Bucket list experience:
Natural spas and hot springs in Iceland
Iceland
Last updated: 16 December, 2022
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.
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Destination Guide >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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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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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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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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Overview >Round-ups that include this experience
14 Best destinations for hot springs and natural spas
Multiple countries
‘Natural’ spa holidays can be traced back thousands of years – Cleopatra was a regular visitor to the rejuvenating waters of the Dead Sea. Here’s our round-up of some of the best places to find the authentic ‘natural spa’ experience.
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