Best places to enjoy a geothermal bath in Iceland
The best places to enjoy a geothermal bath in Iceland, facilities, prices, opening hours
Did you know that there are around 45 hot springs and over 200 natural swimming pools in Iceland?
Known worldwide as the land of fire and ice, Iceland has many benefits of being an active volcanic island. The underground activity of magma does not contribute only to creating spectacular volcanic eruptions but also to heating the underground water and creating steam and hot water.
Once heated, the water makes its way to the surface through cracks in the bedrock and if it has enough space it will form a hot spring or a geothermal spring. The heated water goes all the way up to the surface through the volcanic rocks enriching the water with different minerals which are good for the body.
The geothermal water in Iceland is not only used for Spas and geothermal baths but also for energy production.
Enjoying a geothermal bath is an all-year activity in Iceland. Even though that might sound like an exclusive winter activity, the fact that Icelandic summer is not hotter than 20° C (68° F) is the reason why you have to include in your itinerary a stop at a geothermal bath no matter what time of the year you visit Iceland.
Before heading to the best geothermal baths, here are some rules that must be respected when you go to a geothermal bath, spa, or swimming pool in Iceland (the exception is the natural swimming pools that are found in the wild and don’t have shower facilities or other facilities).
So for almost all geothermal pools and public swimming pools that have shower facilities, you will need to shower before going into the pool/lagoon/geothermal bath. It is compulsory to shower and wash with soap. It is also recommended for Blue Lagoon that you leave some conditioner in your hair for protection as the water does not exactly agree with hair.
In this blog, you will find information about some of the most known geothermal baths in Iceland.
Note: At the moment of writing all prices, facilities and opening hours are in line with the official websites of the places presented.
Laugarvatn Fontana is the place of a geothermal bath located in the middle of one of the most popular tourist routes in Iceland, the Golden Circle.
Laugarvatn Fontana is located near Lake Laugarvatn and you can enjoy your time in one of the steam baths, relaxing pools, sauna, or even in the lake. There are two mineral baths Lauga, Sæla, and a hot tub Viska.
Entrance fee: You can check the price updated here. You can also rent a bathrobe and a towel or a swimsuit. The ticket includes admission to the geothermal baths, natural steam baths, and the use of shower and changing rooms with a personal locker. Shampoo, conditioner, creams, and cotton pads are available in locker rooms free of charge.
If you want to learn how rye bread is made in a geothermal bakery you can book a tour at Laugarvatn Fontana. Also, you can taste the rye bread and smoked trout.
Facilities: You can enjoy two mineral baths, a hot tub, a sauna, and also steam baths. For those who want a refresher, they can take a dip into the lake also.
Because is a geothermal area you can experience the process of a geothermal bakery and see how is made by the well-known Icelandic rye bread.
Opening hours: Laugarvatn Fontana is open every day from 11:30 – 21:30. The geothermal bakery tour is every day at 11:30 and 14:30.
How to get there: Situated just a 50-minute drive from Reykjavík, Iceland’s capital. Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Baths Spa is located in the village of Laugarvatn.
It is also in the middle of the Golden Circle route which makes an ideal break between Thingvellir National Park and the natural wonders of Geysir and the majestic waterfall Gullfoss.
Bjórböðin SPA is located in Árskógssandur in the north of Iceland. There you will soak away the stress of modern life by relaxing in a bath of warm beer.
Beer yeast is used in various ways, the most common is a tablet form where the effects of the yeast are very benefitting.
A beer bath, where you bathe in both young beer and live beer yeast, without showering it off until some hours later, has a potent effect on the body and skin. This treatment is cleansing for the skin and has a very positive effect on health.
Entrance fee: You can check the price updates here.
Facilities: At Bjórböðin SPA you can find accommodation, you can eat and have a drink at the restaurant and bar, and some beer products may interest you if you want to recreate a spa at your home. You can also enjoy a hot tub outside the spa.
Opening hours: For SPA & outside tubs the opening hours are: Tuesdays to Saturdays: 12:00-21:00. The restaurant & bar is open Tuesdays to Saturdays: 12:00-22:00. This can be subject to change.
How to get there: Bjórböðin SPA is located in North Iceland. If you are in Reykjavik, you can drive north on Ring Road to Akureyri but before arriving in Akureyri you have to turn left to Road 82 to Dalvik.
Before arriving at Dalvik you turn right to a small road found on Maps as Road 808 from there, you will find the Bjórböðin SPA near the coast. Then all you have to do is to enjoy the beer bath.
Mývatn Nature Baths is a traditional and tastefully designed complex offering a completely natural experience that you can enjoy with your day admission ticket.
The 2 steam baths are built on top of a geothermal area and the sulfur steam rises through holes in the floor. The water of the Mývatn Nature Baths is drawn from a borehole that goes 2,500 meters into the ground.
The water has a high concentration of minerals, is basic, and is well suited for bathing.
Entrance fee: Check the price updates here. You can also rent a bath towel, swimwear, or bathrobe.
Facilities: You will find changing rooms, lockers, and showers. You can also enjoy a meal at Café Kvika.
Opening hours: from May 25th, 2021 the spa is open every day from 12:00 – 22:00.Guests are welcome to enter the baths until 21:30. There are also special opening hours during Easter and Christmas.
How to get there: You can get to Mývatn Nature Baths on your way to North Iceland on Ringroad or Route 1. The closest town to Mývatn Nature Baths is Reykjahlid and if you don’t have a car you can take the bus number 56 from Egilsstaðir or nearby Mývatn Nature Baths.
Experience nature from its core by bathing in the geothermal baths at Krauma.
The hot water originates in Europe’s most powerful hot spring Deildartunguhver, at a temperature of 100°C (212°F). To achieve the perfect bathing temperature, the hot water is mixed with cold water from Rauðsgil, which originates in the glacier Ok, the smallest glacier in Iceland.
Entrance fee: Check for the price updates here. You can also rent a bath towel, swimwear, or bathrobe.
Facilities: At Krauma you will have to choose between five relaxing natural geothermal baths, a cold tub, two calming saunas, and a relaxation room. There are showers and lockers to put your things on. Also, you can enjoy Icelandic food at Krauma restaurant.
Opening hours: Krauma Baths and Restaurant is open Monday to Sunday from 11:00 to 21:00. This may be subject to change.
How to get there: To get to the Krauma geothermal baths from Reykjavik you have to drive about one hour and 40 minutes on Route 1 to Borganes. Before crossing the main road that leads to Borganes turn right towards Húsafell on road 50. The total driving distance from Reykjavik to Krauma is about 130km.
Secret Lagoon natural hot springs are located in the small village called Flúðir and are in the Golden Circle area. The pool’s natural surroundings and steam rising into the air give the place a magical feeling.
The warm water stays at 38-40 Celsius all year. In the whole area, there are several geothermal spots and a little Geysir which erupts every 5 minutes, showing off for the guests relaxing in the hot spring.
Entrance fee: Check for the price updates here. You can rent a swimsuit or a towel.
Facilities: You will find sowers in traditional Icelandic style, separate for men and women. Also, next to the swimming pool there is a Bistro where you can enjoy a snack.
Opening hours: Secret Lagoon is open Monday to Sunday from 12:00-20:00. This may be subject to change.
How to get there: You will find Secret Lagoon on the Golden Circle route or if you start from Reykjavik you have to drive south on Route 1 until you get to the town of Selfoss, then turn left to Road 30 to Flúðir.
The Blue Lagoon is a popular spa destination featuring an outdoor lagoon with mineral-rich waters in a lava field. Let the warm and mineral-rich water warm you up and recharge you for your exciting trip to Iceland.
The water in Blue Lagoon is salty as the geothermal water is mixed with a small amount of seawater underground before surfacing. This adds extra minerals to the water, making it even better for the skin.
Furthermore, the water is not blue. It is cloudy water containing silica and algae and due to the refraction of sunlight, the water looks blue to the eye.
Entrance fee: Check for the price updates here. At Blue Lagoon you can choose between three types of entrance tickets:
-Comfort (Entrance to the Blue Lagoon, Silica mud mask, Use of the towel, 1st drink of your choice);
-Premium (Entrance to the Blue Lagoon, Silica mud mask, Use of a towel, 1st drink of your choice, Second mask of choice, Slippers, Use of bathrobe, Table reservation at Lava Restaurant, 1 glass of sparkling wine if dining at Lava restaurant);
-Luxury (Four luxurious hours at the Retreat Spa. Includes a private changing suite and unlimited access to both the Retreat Lagoon and the Blue Lagoon).
Facilities: Mask bar, Sauna & Steam room, In-water bar, In-water massage, Lava restaurant, Moss restaurant, Spa restaurant, accommodation, changing room, lockers.
Opening hours: in June, Blue Lagoon is open daily, from 10:00-21:00 July-December is open daily, from 09:00-20:00. This may be subject to change.
How to get there: If you are coming to Iceland or you are leaving from Iceland, Blue Lagoon is on your way. Blue Lagoon is just 20 minutes away from Keflavik Airport and 50 minutes away from Reykjavik.
The Sky Lagoon located just some minutes away from downtown Reykjavik the Sky Lagoon is a new concept that honours the centuries-old bathing culture, embracing the warmth of a people tied closely to sea, sky, and the power locked deep within the land.
Sky Lagoon offers an entire experience as you get to discover the 7-step Ritual therapy that will bring rejuvenation and relaxation.
The design of the lagoon combines nature with the Scandinavian style and the view will give you the feeling that you are swimming in the ocean water.
For the Sky Lagoon, only children above 12 years old have access.
Entrance fee: check for the price updates here. There are different packages as an entrance ticket.
Pure Lite Pass: The package includes Sku Lagoon admission, public changing facilities, and a towel.
Pure Pass Experience: The Ritual is part of the classic Pure Pass, the basic Sky Lagoon option. Package includes Sky Lagoon Admission, Complete seven-step Ritual, Public changing facilities, and Towel.
Sky Pass: Take your experience further with the Sky Pass. Our signature option includes The Ritual and focuses on privacy and vitality. Package includes Sky Lagoon Admission, Complete seven-step Ritual, Private changing facilities with signature Sky Lagoon amenities, and Towel.
Facilities: At Sky Lagoon you will find: Lagoon Bar, Sky Café, and Smakk Bar. For the 7-Step ritual, you will find the lagoon, a cold pool, a sauna, cold mist, sky scrub, a steam room, shower.
Opening hours: Every day from 9:00 to 20:30. This may be subject to change.
How to get there: Driving from central Reykjavík: From Hlemmur Square take Kringlumýrabraut (route 40). Continue to Kársnesbraut and head to Vesturvör.
Walking/biking from central Reykjavík: From Hlemmur Square take Rauðarárstígur for 5.9km. Then take Suðurhlíð and head to Vesturvör. Total of 6km /1h15min.
Bus from central Reykjavík: From Hlemmur square, take bus 4 to Hamraborg (15min). From there take nr. 35 to Kópavogsbraut (4min). Walk for a few minutes and follow the Wayfinder (signs). You will be at Sky Lagoon before you know it. Visit straeto.is for more information.
Nestled along the rugged coastline of Iceland, GeoSea Spa offers a sanctuary where visitors can immerse themselves in the soothing embrace of nature’s elements.
Perched atop cliffs overlooking the North Atlantic Ocean, this spa harnesses the power of Iceland’s geothermal energy to create a truly rejuvenating experience.
The heart of GeoSea Spa lies in its series of interconnected geothermal pools, each varying in temperature and mineral composition. Guests can indulge in the warm embrace of naturally heated waters while gazing out at panoramic views of the ocean and surrounding landscape.
Adjacent to the pools are traditional steam rooms and saunas infused with local herbs and essential oils, providing a therapeutic escape for both body and mind.
For a truly unique experience, guests can immerse themselves in Icelandic mineral baths, enriched with minerals sourced from the island’s volcanic terrain, known for their detoxifying and skin-nourishing properties.
For those seeking an invigorating contrast, an ice bath is available, allowing guests to experience the rejuvenating effects of cold therapy amid the serene surroundings.
Highly skilled therapists offer a range of massage and wellness treatments inspired by Icelandic traditions, incorporating local ingredients such as sea kelp, Arctic berries, and mineral-rich mud to revitalize the body and soul.
Scattered throughout the spa are cosy relaxation areas where guests can unwind beside crackling fireplaces or recline on plush loungers, savouring moments of tranquillity between spa sessions.
A café and restaurant onsite serve nourishing Icelandic cuisine crafted from locally sourced ingredients, providing guests with a culinary journey that complements their spa experience.
At GeoSea Spa, guests embark on a sensory journey that transcends the ordinary, enveloped by the raw beauty and therapeutic energy of Iceland’s coastal landscape. Whether soaking in the mineral-rich waters, surrendering to the healing touch of a massage, or simply basking in the serenity of the surroundings, every moment at GeoSea Spa is an invitation to reconnect with oneself and the natural world.
From the moment one sets foot within its tranquil confines, GeoSea Spa beckons with promises of renewal, restoration, and a profound sense of well-being, making it a must-visit destination for seekers of holistic relaxation and rejuvenation.
Vok Baths Spa offers a harmonious blend of relaxation and natural beauty. Situated near a tranquil lake, the spa provides a rejuvenating escape for visitors seeking to unwind and connect with nature.
Vok Baths boasts a series of geothermal pools filled with mineral-rich waters sourced from natural hot springs. Guests can immerse themselves in these soothing waters while enjoying breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and lake.
For those craving a deeper sense of relaxation, the spa features traditional saunas and steam rooms infused with aromatic essences. These heated sanctuaries provide a detoxifying experience, leaving guests feeling refreshed and invigorated.
After indulging in the warmth of the geothermal pools and saunas, guests can invigorate their senses with a plunge into the cold pool. This contrast therapy promotes circulation and revitalizes the body and mind.
Vok Baths offer spacious relaxation areas both indoors and outdoors, where guests can unwind on comfortable loungers or cosy up by crackling fire pits. These serene spaces invite quiet contemplation and reflection, allowing visitors to fully embrace the tranquillity of their surroundings.
The spa offers a range of therapeutic massages and wellness treatments designed to soothe tired muscles, alleviate tension, and promote overall well-being. From traditional Icelandic hot stone massages to indulgent body wraps, guests can customize their experience to suit their needs and preferences.
Vok Baths features a charming café serving a selection of healthy refreshments, light snacks, and Icelandic delicacies. Guests can savour organic teas, freshly squeezed juices, and locally sourced bites while taking in panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
In addition to its spa facilities, Vok Baths offers yoga and meditation classes led by experienced instructors. These sessions provide an opportunity for guests to center themselves, cultivate mindfulness, and deepen their connection to body and soul.
At Vok Baths Spa, guests embark on a journey of relaxation and rejuvenation amidst Iceland’s awe-inspiring natural beauty. Whether soaking in the geothermal pools, indulging in spa treatments, or simply basking in the serenity of the surroundings, every moment is an opportunity to nurture the body, calm the mind, and restore the spirit.
Nestled in the heart of Iceland’s pristine wilderness, Husafell Canyon Baths offers a serene and immersive spa experience that harmonizes with the surrounding landscape. Carved into the rugged terrain, this hidden gem invites guests to unwind and rejuvenate in mineral-rich geothermal waters while embracing the breathtaking beauty of the Husafell area.
Husafell Canyon Baths features a series of interconnected geothermal pools, each offering a unique temperature and therapeutic benefits. Guests can submerge themselves in the warm, mineral-rich waters sourced from natural hot springs, soaking away tension and stress as they take in panoramic views of the surrounding canyon.
Enveloped in the soothing mist of a natural steam cave, guests can indulge in a detoxifying and purifying experience. The steam emanating from the earth’s depths helps to cleanse the skin, open pores, and promote relaxation, leaving guests feeling refreshed and revitalized.
For an invigorating contrast therapy experience, guests can immerse themselves in a refreshing cold plunge pool. The brisk temperature stimulates circulation, boosts energy levels, and enhances overall well-being, providing a refreshing break from the warmth of the geothermal pools.
Perched on the edge of the canyon, the sauna at Husafell Canyon Baths offers unparalleled views of the surrounding wilderness. Guests can unwind in the heat of the sauna while gazing out at the majestic landscape, immersing themselves in the tranquility of nature.
Scattered throughout the spa are cosy relaxation areas where guests can unwind on comfortable loungers or recline in hammocks suspended amidst the trees. These serene spaces invite guests to disconnect from the outside world, unwind in solitude, and reconnect with themselves amidst the beauty of their surroundings.
Husafell Canyon Baths offers unique waterfall massage stations where guests can experience the soothing sensation of cascading water against their skin. The gentle pressure of the waterfall provides a natural massage, easing muscle tension and promoting relaxation in a tranquil outdoor setting.
After indulging in the spa’s amenities, guests can retreat to the on-site café and lounge to savour Icelandic delicacies, freshly brewed coffee, and artisanal treats. Whether enjoying a light snack or a leisurely meal, guests can relax and socialize in a cosy and welcoming atmosphere.
At Husafell Canyon Baths, guests embark on a journey of relaxation, rejuvenation, and connection with nature. Surrounded by Iceland’s awe-inspiring landscapes, guests are invited to immerse themselves in the healing powers of geothermal waters, unwind in serene natural surroundings, and discover a profound sense of peace and tranquillity amidst the beauty of Husafell Canyon.
Tucked away in the remote and rugged terrain of Iceland, Hvammsvik Hot Springs offers an exclusive retreat for those seeking solace, serenity, and rejuvenation amidst the country’s untamed beauty. Surrounded by towering mountains and lush greenery, this hidden gem provides a tranquil escape where guests can immerse themselves in the healing powers of geothermal waters and reconnect with nature.
Hvammsvik Hot Springs boasts a series of natural geothermal pools, each offering a unique temperature and therapeutic benefits. Fed by underground hot springs, these mineral-rich waters provide a soothing sanctuary for guests to relax and unwind while soaking in the serene surroundings.
For those seeking a more intimate experience, the spa offers private hot springs tubs nestled amidst the wilderness. Guests can enjoy the luxury of soaking in warm, mineral-infused waters while taking in panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, ensuring a truly immersive and rejuvenating experience.
Hvammsvik Hot Springs features a traditional sauna retreat where guests can indulge in the heat and steam to cleanse both body and mind. Surrounded by natural wood and stone, the sauna provides a tranquil sanctuary for relaxation and detoxification, allowing guests to unwind and recharge in peaceful solitude.
To complement the warmth of the hot springs and sauna, guests can invigorate their senses with a refreshing dip in the cold plunge pool. The brisk temperature helps to stimulate circulation, boost energy levels, and enhance overall well-being, providing a revitalizing contrast to the soothing warmth of the geothermal waters.
Surrounding Hvammsvik Hot Springs are scenic nature trails and hiking paths, allowing guests to explore the pristine wilderness at their own pace. Whether strolling through lush forests, meandering along riverside pathways, or trekking to nearby viewpoints, guests can immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Iceland’s landscape.
Scattered throughout the spa are tranquil outdoor meditation areas where guests can reconnect with themselves and the natural world. Surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature, these serene spaces provide a peaceful sanctuary for reflection, mindfulness, and inner peace.
After indulging in the spa’s amenities, guests can savour a gourmet dining experience featuring locally sourced ingredients and Icelandic delicacies. Whether enjoying a leisurely meal in a rustic cabin or picnicking amidst the wilderness, guests can delight in the flavours of Iceland while basking in the beauty of their surroundings.
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