Iceland’s top 20 geothermal pools and spas

Melting from pristine glaciers, the water in Iceland is some of the purest and cleanest in the world, and islanders have turned enjoying this precious natural resource into an art and a science. Iceland's best geothermal pools include sprawling hot-water bathing complexes, architecturally striking spas, outdoor community swimming pools and secluded natural springs.

The famous Blue Lagoon at Keflavík is just the beginning. Pretty much every town in Iceland has some kind of swimming pool, hot pot or spa, heated by the geothermal energy that simmers just below the surface of this volcanic island. Even the tap water in Reykjavík has a subtle tang of sulfur thanks to the geothermal energy that warms the capital's showers and bath water.

Geothermal bathing is one of the top things to do on the island, so be sure to pack a bathing costume, towel and something warm to change into afterward. Here is our pick of the top geothermal pools and spas in Iceland.

Different types of geothermal experiences in Iceland

There are geothermal pools all over Iceland, many close to the Ring Road that circles the island. But with so many geothermal experiences to choose from, at so many different price points, it's helpful to get an overview of what's on offer.

Bathing complexes: Icelanders take their swimming seriously, and the island boasts some extravagant places to bathe, from stylishly designed, purpose-built outdoor swimming complexes, complete with hot pots and saunas, to expansive family-focused public pools that could almost be considered water parks. Entry fees at government-run pools are quite affordable, but admission to some private bathing complexes can cost as much as a day at a spa.

Outdoor pools: Many rural towns and villages have some kind of outdoor pool, sometimes with room for just a handful of swimmers. Entry fees tend to be moderate; some pools are even free to use, though these sites are often minimally maintained and have quite basic facilities (often just a hut to get changed in).

Hotel pools: Hotels and guesthouses across Iceland take advantage of the abundance of low-cost geothermally heated water to provide warm pools or hot pots for their guests.

Spas: Found mostly in bigger cities and at upmarket hotels, the island's spas tap into Iceland’s crystal-clear geothermal water and take things up a notch with bath rituals, massages and more. There's often an entry fee as well as charges for treatments.

Natural geothermal pools: In some remote corners, geothermal streams and ponds steam gently in the open air, offering a natural take on the hot bathing experience. Also look out for manmade "natural" springs, such as the hot beach at Nauthólsvík and the tiny hot pot near the Grótta lighthouse, both on the fringes of Reykjavík.

Reykjavík and around

Some of the most enticing options are in and around the capital.

1. The Blue Lagoon (Reykjanes Peninsula)

Type of pool: Spa

When people think of Iceland, one of the first things that comes to mind is the Blue Lagoon (Bláa Lónið). While it's usually visited from Reykjavík, this famous spa complex is actually close to the island's main international airport at Keflavík.

Walking out in a fluffy white bathrobe and stepping into warm, milky-blue pools surrounded by black lava flows is the definition of relaxation – there's even a hot waterfall. However, the high entry fee makes visiting feel like a bit of a splurge.

With its wooden boardwalks, roiling clouds of steam, and bathers daubed in white silica mud, it’s an otherworldly place to swim, particularly in the colder months when you can swim outdoors while it snows. Those who say it’s commercial, costly and crowded aren’t wrong, but you’ll be missing something special if you don’t go.

The mineral waters come from the Svartsengi geothermal electricity plant, and pre-booking is essential. Visit early in the morning or after 6pm to avoid the crowds. Load up on conditioner (provided on admission) as the minerals in the water can be hard on your hair.

Detour: A rival upmarket spa experience is offered by the Sky Lagoon, just south of central Reykjavík at the tip of the peninsula at Kópavogur. Backed by low, rocky cliffs, this expanse of organic-looking geothermal pools is the setting for indulgent rituals overlooking the bay.

2. Sundhöll Reykjavíkur (City Center)

Type of pool: Bathing complex

Our top pick for a city-center swim is this expansive public pool, located near Hallgrímskirkja, Reykjavík's basalt-column-inspired cathedral. The complex has a sauna, steam rooms, cold plunge pools and several heated indoor and outdoor swimming pools. Admission costs a fraction of what you’d pay for the Blue Lagoon or the Sky Lagoon. There are no cocktails to sip or selfie spots to visit, just warm Icelandic water and a truly authentic local experience.

Southwest Iceland

There are several geothermal pools close to the capital in the southwest that can be easily combined with a visit to the popular sights around the Golden Circle.

3. Laugarvatn Fontana (Golden Circle)

Type of pool: Spa

With views of lake waters and mountains, the steam rooms at Laugarvatn Fontana at Laugarvatn are located directly on top of the lake's hot springs, allowing the sounds and scents to seep through the wooden floors. It's not far from Þingvellir National Park; get here by driving inland from the Ring Road at Selfoss.

The complex also includes a collection of outdoor mineral baths at the water's edge. Tasteful touches include the playful stone artwork surrounding the pools and the panoramic view from the hot tub. If you’d prefer a traditional Finnish sauna, there’s one of those here as well.

Planning tip: Time your visit around Laugarvatn Fontana's daily geothermal bakery tours to watch fresh pots of bread emerge from the hot black sand, then sample fresh slices with local smoked trout and Icelandic butter.

4. Gamla Laugin/Secret Lagoon (Flúðir)

Type of pool: Bathing complex

The remote oasis of Gamla Laugin near Flúðir can trace its history to 1891. Also known as the Secret Lagoon, this outdoor pool isn’t as dramatically located as the Sky Lagoon or Blue Lagoon, but it’s a peaceful place for a relaxing soak in nature, and it's a fraction of the price.

There are no eucalyptus steam rooms, bathing rituals or swim-up bars, but the Secret Lagoon does have the basics covered – you’ll find changing rooms, restrooms, showers, lockers and a cafe on-site. Get here by following Rte 30 from the ring road, west of Selfoss.

Pro tip: The lagoon gets packed with tour-bus crowds in mid-afternoon, so come earlier or later in the day for a more peaceful experience.

5. Seljavallalaug (Evindarhólar)

Type of pool: Outdoor pool

Built in 1923 in a green valley running north from the Ring Road toward the Eyjafjallajökull volcano, the Seljavallalaug pool near Evindarhólar is one of the oldest in Iceland. This long-established 25m-long pool offers free entry and stunning mountain views, but it's unmanned and minimally maintained. Natural algae can make surfaces slippery, so be careful when entering and leaving the water.

6. Reykjadalur/Hot River Valley (Hveragerði)

Type of pool: Natural spring

Reykjadalur is a delightful geothermal valley near Hveragerði, where there’s a hot river you can bathe in. Just pick up a map at the tourist information office to find the trail. From the trailhead car park, it’s a hike of around 3km through fields of sulfur-belching plains (it takes roughly an hour each way). Stick to marked paths lest you melt your shoes!

7. Hveragarðurinn/Geothermal Park (Hveragerði)

Type of pool: Natural spring

The Hveragarðurinn geothermal park, in the center of Hveragerði, has mud pots and some steaming pools where visitors can dip their feet (but no more). Groups can book ahead for a guided walk to learn about the area’s unique geology and greenhouse power.

Western Iceland

The west of Iceland has some great choices that offer lower prices and smaller crowds than the pools close to Reykjavík.

8. Akranes & Guðlaug Geothermal Pools (Akranes)

Type of pool: Bathing complex

About 50km north of Reykjavík via the Ring Road, the town of Akranes offers two bathing experiences that can be enjoyed together in a single afternoon. First comes Jaðarsbakkalaug, a family-friendly outdoor complex featuring a 25m pool, hot tubs, steam bath and waterslide.

Just minutes away on rock-backed Langisandur beach, you'll find the free-to-enter Guðlaug Natural Pool, a cleverly-designed triple-level pool overlooking the ocean that's loved by sea swimmers and is wonderful for relaxing.

9. Hvammsvík Hot Springs (Hvalfjörður)

Type of pool: Bathing complex

Book ahead to soak in these scenic hot pools perched along the shores of Hvalfjörður, just 52km northeast of Reykjavík, inland from the Ring Road. Steaming stone-ringed geothermal pools dot a rugged stretch of shoreline, with some positioned so close to the water's edge that sea spray mingles with the warm spring water. It's an uplifting open-air experience; take an invigorating cold plunge in the fjord between soaks if you dare!

10. Lýsulaugar Geothermal Bath (Southern Snæfellsnes)

Type of pool: Outdoor pool

This open-air country pool in the southern part of the Snæfellsnes peninsula is filled with naturally hot mineral water, rich in natural green algae and minerals considered to have healing properties. If you don't mind immersing yourself in the slightly murky waters, the pool bubbles at a perfect 37–39°C (98–102°F). From the pool, bathers can enjoy views of Lýsuhyrna mountain; find it just beyond the horse ranch at Lýsuhóll.

11. Húsafell Pool & Canyon Baths (Borgarbyggð)

Type of pool: Bathing complex

Close to the Langjökull glacier at the Hótel Húsafell, you'll find another appealing outdoor geothermal pool with hot tubs and a waterslide. You can also join a two-hour guided hiking and bathing tour to the Húsafell Canyon Baths – a line of circular, rock-fringed pools hidden in a natural valley. Book visits ahead; the trail passes several natural wonders, including the Langfoss waterfall.

12. Krauma (Deildartunguhver)

Type of pool: Spa

The pools at Krauma, a turf-roofed spa complex off Rte 50, mix cool glacial water with geothermally-heated outflow from nearby Deildartunguhver – Europe's most powerful hot spring. It's the perfect recipe for a relaxing soak, with five multi-temperature hot pots, a cold tub, two saunas and a relaxation room where guests can doze off by the fireplace before visiting the on-site restaurant.

Eastern Iceland

The east of Iceland is better known for ice than hot springs, thanks to the Vatnajökull glacier and the icebergs in the Fjallsárlón lagoon, but there are also some geothermal pools to enjoy.

13. Vök Baths (Egilsstaðir)

Type of pool: Outdoor pool

Iceland's only floating geothermal pools are filled with naturally warm water from Urriðavatn lake. Since opening in 2019, the top-of-the-line Vök Baths have been a default destination for those seeking to soak in hot water at the edge of a scenic cold-water lake. The complex is an architectural delight with a swim-up bar serving a selection of colorful teas; it's located near Fellabær, around 5km from the regional capital, Egilsstaðir.

The Westfjords

One of Iceland's most scenic corners, the Westfjords in the island's far northwest contain some stunning geothermal pools.

14. Krossneslaug (Norðurfjörður)

Type of pool: Outdoor pool

Off the road to the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, Krossneslaug is an outdoor geothermal pool and natural hot pot that shouldn’t be missed. After following a dirt track about 2 miles beyond Norðurfjörður, you’ll park up, then walk down to this small infinity-style pool, sitting at the edge of the universe on a wild black-pebble beach. It’s an incredible place to watch the midnight sun flirt with the roaring waves.

Planning tip: Although the pool has designated opening hours, in practice, the pool is accessible night and day via machine payment – handy for those long summer evenings. The access road can be impassable in wet or snowy weather.

15. Reykjarfjarðarlaug (Southwest Peninsulas)

Type of pool: Outdoor pool

At the head of tiny Reykjarfjörður are the glorious geothermal pools of Reykjarfjarðarlaug, basking in the landscape in the open air, surrounded by soaring seabirds, mountains and fjord views. You'll first reach a concrete pool simmering at 32ºC (90°F), but the real treat is out back, where you can slip into a piping hot turf-fringed pool at 45°C (113°F).

Planning tip: The pools are 23km southeast of Bíldudalur and 17km west of the junction with Rte 60; there's a hut to get changed in, and entry is free, but leave a donation in the box.

North Iceland

The less-visited north of Iceland has plenty of hot-water experiences, both natural and manmade.

16. Mývatn Nature Baths/Earth Lagoon (Mývatn)

Type of pool: Bathing complex

Steam rises in wisps from the mineral-rich Mývatn Nature Baths overlooking Lake Mývatn, right by the Ring Road. Also known as the Earth Lagoon, this attractive outdoor complex is a quieter alternative to the Blue Lagoon, where locals outnumber tourists.

With expansive blue pools set in a rocky landscape, this is a perfect pitstop while exploring the north, especially at sunset, when the light shimmers on the water. A big revamp is due to bring new facilities in 2026.

17. Forest Lagoon (Akureyri)

Type of pool: Spa

Open since 2022, the luxury Forest Lagoon spa resort boasts views over Akureyri, with two overlapping outdoor baths of varying temperatures, spilling out of a forest glade. The Finnish dry sauna is superb, and guests move in and out of the cold plunge pool, while a faint smell of burning wood wafts over the scene.

It leans more towards relaxation than warm-water socializing. The laid-back mood is preserved through high admission costs and a policy of no children after 6pm. The spa sits at the tip of the Eyjafjörður fjord, with the city's small airport sitting across the water.

18. Grettir’s Bath/Grettislaug (Tindastóll)

Type of pool: Outdoor pool

At the northern end of Tindastóll, the mountain rising to the west of Skagafjörður, is the historic geothermal area of Reykir, mentioned in the Icelandic medieval story Grettir’s Saga. According to legend, Grettir the Strong swam ashore from the island of Drangey and soothed his aching bones in an inviting spring. Today, the spot is known as Grettislaug, with two stone-lined outdoor bathing pools, open to bathers for a small entry fee.

19. Bjórböðin Spa (Árskógssandur)

Type of pool: Spa

You can bathe in style at Bjórböðin SPA in Árskógssandur on the west side of Eyjafjörður while you enjoy a Kaldi beer on tap, an experience brought to you by Iceland’s oldest microbrewery, Bruggsmiðjan. There's also a hot tub with a view of Hrísey island. The restaurant serves dishes prepared from local meat and fish. Complete your trip with a brewery tour.

20. GeoSee (Húsavík)

Type of pool: Bathing complex

Close to the small town of Húsavík, this cliff-edge infinity pool complex in whale-watching country merges with Skjálfandi bay and the mountain ridge of Víknarfjöll. Also known as Sjóböðin á Húsavík, it exists thanks to a geothermal drillhole that became tainted by the sea, pumping up bathing-temperature salty water that was unfit for other purposes. The baths are frequented by socializing locals year-round, and are busiest in the evening in summer.

Planning tip: The public Húsavík Swimming Pool is a less expensive option after a cold day of whale seeking. Here, you’ll find a steam bath, three hot tubs and a water slide called "The Anaconda."

This article was adapted from Lonely Planet’s Iceland and Experience Iceland guidebooks, published April, 2026.