Iceland hot springs and geothermal pools near Reykjavik
Iceland’s hot springs — in short
Hot springs and geothermal pools near Reykjavík are a good way to have a calmer day between routes, a flight or intensive sightseeing. What matters most is matching the place to your budget, the travel time, the season and whether you are looking for a natural atmosphere or comfortable infrastructure.
Iceland hot springs near Reykjavík: best pools, prices and tips
The best thermal bathing spots close to Reykjavík — iconic lagoons, quieter pools and one easy hot‑river hike.
To connect this topic with a wider northern travel plan, see the North section.
GUIDE
North
North on OndaTravel.pl: Iceland, Norway, Lofoten, fjords, northern lights, ready-made routes and tools for planning northern trips.
Which Iceland hot springs should you choose?
The best option depends on budget, route and atmosphere rather than one universal ranking. Always distinguish bathing pools from geothermal areas where entering the water is prohibited.
- luxury and easy access: Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon
- a more natural setting: Reykjadalur or Hvammsvík
- lower budget: municipal geothermal pools
- geysers and boiling springs are for viewing, not bathing
When building your route, also check: Golden Circle · Iceland hub
NORTH
North: Iceland, Norway, northern lights and Lofoten
A dedicated OndaTravel section for northern trips: Iceland, Norway, fjords, Lofoten, northern lights, ready-made routes and planning tools.
Affiliate disclosure: Some links in this article may be affiliate links. If you use one of them, OndaTravel.pl may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
This list covers the classics (Blue Lagoon, Sky Lagoon) and calmer alternatives like Secret Lagoon in Flúðir, Reykjadalur’s warm river or Hvammsvík by the fjord. For a bigger plan, see my Iceland map page and the Golden Circle travel guide.
TRIP PLANNING
Iceland travel guide — plan hot springs inside the full route
Use the main Iceland guide to connect geothermal pools with Reykjavík, Golden Circle, South Coast, driving distances, weather buffers and realistic route planning.
Short on time? Use this as a day‑trip cheat sheet from Reykjavík. If you’re building a longer route, check Iceland in 7 days: a ready itinerary.
Hot springs near Reykjavík — table of contents
Map: hot springs near Reykjavík (driving times and quick picks)
Where these places are: Reykjavík, Reykjanes and the Golden Circle
Discover Iceland hot springs hidden in raw volcanic landscapes. Natural geothermal pools Iceland offer a unique way to relax, surrounded by steam, lava fields, and Arctic air. From remote valleys to iconic spots, geothermal pools Iceland connect you directly with the island’s powerful nature.
Why Iceland has hot springs: volcanoes, tectonic plates and geothermal heat
How do hot springs form in Iceland? A quick, simple explanation
What are geothermal pools in Iceland? Natural pools vs. built lagoons
Blue Lagoon near Grindavík – what to expect, prices and tips
Blue Lagoon (Blue Lagoon) – geothermal pool Iceland
Location: Grindavík (on the Reykjanes Peninsula), about 40 minutes drive from Reykjavík,
Norðurljósavegur 9, 240 Grindavík
ICELAND
Iceland Reykjanes Peninsula Suðurnes – these places you must see
Reykjanes Peninsula near Keflavík Airport: Bridge Between Continents, Gunnuhver, Reykjanesviti, Seltún and the Blue Lagoon, plus volcano updates.
Advantages: This is the most famous place in Iceland. The lagoon is surrounded by lava fields and has milky-blue water that contains minerals with skin care properties.
Attractions: In addition to bathing, you can enjoy spa treatments such as silica masks, saunas, and restaurants serving local cuisine.
Package prices: Tickets start from approx. 8,000 ISK (approx. 240 PLN) per person. There are various packages available, including the Comfort package (includes towel, silica mask) and Premium (with drinks and additional treatments).
Nov 21, 2024: lava reached the Blue Lagoon area – what changed
Sky Lagoon near Reykjavík – the ritual, views and ticket tips
Sky Lagoon – geothermal pool Iceland
Location: Just 10 minutes drive from Reykjavík center,
Vesturvör 44-48, Kópavogur
Advantages: A newer place that offers a modern thermal experience with an ocean view. There are eight stages of the thermal ritual, including sauna, cold immersions, and hot springs.
Attractions: Infinity pool with Atlantic view, sauna with panoramic window, possibility to enjoy local spa rituals.
Package prices: Prices start from 7,000 ISK (approx. 210 PLN) for the basic package, but more luxurious options are also available, including additional amenities and drinks.
Laugarvatn Fontana on the Golden Circle – sauna, lake dip and steam
Laugarvatn Fontana – geothermal pool Iceland
Location: Laugarvatn, approx. one hour drive from Reykjavík,
Hverabraut 1,840 Laugarvatn
Advantages: Located by a lake, this place offers natural hot springs and access to sandy beaches where you can immerse yourself in the cool lake water.
Attractions: Sauna with natural geothermal steam, hot pools, and the possibility to bake traditional Icelandic bread in the hot ground.
Package prices: Admission starts from approx. 4,500 ISK (approx. 135 PLN), and various family and group ticket options are available.
Interesting fact: bread baked in geothermal sand (yes, really)
Secret Lagoon in Flúðir – a calmer soak with geysers nearby
Secret Lagoon (Secret Lagoon) – geothermal pool Iceland
Location: Flúðir, approx. 90 minutes from Reykjavík, Hvammsvegur, 845 Flúðir
Advantages: The Secret Lagoon is one of the oldest thermal bathing spots in Iceland, surrounded by natural hot springs and geysers.
Attractions: Besides bathing in the hot springs, you can walk around the area, observing miniature geysers. This place is less crowded than the Blue Lagoon, offering a more peaceful atmosphere.
Package prices: Admission starts from approx. 4,500 ISK (approx. 135 PLN), and various family and group ticket options are available.
Reykjadalur hot river hike – warm water after an easy trek
Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River – Hot springs Iceland
Location: Hveragerði, approx. 45 minutes from Reykjavík,
Reykjadalur 816, Hverir
To reach the spring, you need to walk an hour-long trail through the Reykjadalur valley. The trail starts at Reykjadalur Cafe
Advantages: This is a more natural place where you can bathe in a hot stream after a short, scenic walk through the valley. It is an ideal place for nature lovers.
Attractions: Natural stream with warm water, surrounded by Icelandic landscape, without commercial development. Ideal for trekking combined with relaxation.
Package prices: No entrance fee, making it an attractive, free alternative.
Hvammsvík Nature Resort – fjord views and hot springs near Reykjavík
Hvammsvík Nature Resort & Hot Springs – geothermal pools Iceland
Location: Hvalfjörður approx. 45 minutes from Reykjavík,
Mosfellsbær 276
Nearby (18km) from the geothermal spa is a trail leading to the beautiful Glymur waterfall, which I write about in the article “The Most Beautiful Waterfalls in Iceland according to OndaTravel.pl”
SOUTH COAST
The Most Beautiful Waterfalls in Iceland: Map, Route and Practical Tips
A practical guide to Iceland waterfalls: Kvernufoss, Glymur, Gljúfrabúi, Háifoss, Granni and Gullfoss, with route ideas, photos and safety tips.
Advantages: Hvammsvík Nature Resort & Hot Springs is a unique place in Iceland, located in the picturesque Hvalfjörður fjord “Whale fjord”, about a 45-minute drive from Reykjavik. The resort is situated on an area of 486 hectares, surrounded by mountains and the Atlantic coast. The main attraction is eight natural thermal pools with varying temperatures (from 35°C to 40°C), which combine geothermal waters and seawater. Their level and temperature change with the tides and seasons
Attractions: In addition to bathing in the hot springs, guests can use the steam sauna, participate in activities such as paddleboarding or Wim Hof method sessions, and also admire the beautiful views of the mountains and ocean. There is also the Stormur Bistro restaurant on site, offering local cuisine, and after relaxation, you can warm up by a bonfire on the beach
Package prices: Prices for admission to Hvammsvík Hot Springs start from 7,900 ISK (approx. 230 PLN) for a standard ticket. It is also possible to book a transfer from Reykjavik for an additional fee
Laugarás Lagoon – new geothermal baths with a quiet countryside vibe
Laugarás Lagoon – Wellness center
Location: Skálholtsvegur 1, 806 Laugarás, Iceland on the Hvítá river, in the Golden Circle region. About 94 km (1 h 10 min drive) from Reykjavík
GOLDEN CIRCLE
Golden Circle – Iceland Travel Guide
Drive the Golden Circle from Reykjavík: Þingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss and Kerið in order, with a map, driving times, paid parking and winter tips.
Advantages: Modern, two-level architecture and water cascades – the first of its kind in Iceland.
Water maintained at a temperature of 38–40 °C, total pool area about 1 000 m
Located in a forest setting, with a view of the river – quiet and peace away from the crowds
Two swim-up bars, two saunas (dry + steam), cold plunge, grotto, infinity pool
Ylja restaurant run by renowned chef Gísli Matt, with a focus on local ingredients and eco-friendly style
Attractions:
Cold Pool – cold immersion after hot baths.
Forest Pool (Skógarpottur) – hidden pool surrounded by greenery.
Infinity Edge – endless water effect combined with nature.
Lagoon Bars – relaxation with a drink without leaving the water.
Saunas and grotto – for maximum relaxation.
Cascades between levels – a unique attraction on a national scale
Package prices: Birki (Standard) includes unlimited access to wellness areas, a locker and toiletries, and its price starts from 6 900 ISK (~193 PLN). In the Lerki (Premium) version for a minimum of 9 400 ISK (~263 PLN) you additionally get a towel, vanity station and one drink at the swim-up bar. The richest package, Ösp (Wellness Experience), costs from 15 900 ISK (~445 PLN) and includes all the amenities of Lerki plus two dishes at the Ylja restaurant
Laugarás Lagoon is a luxurious, modern geothermal complex combined with natural surroundings – waterfalls, saunas, bars and the Ylja restaurant guarantee unique experiences. A day trip from Reykjavík takes about 1 h 10 min by car, or almost 3 h by bus. Package prices range from 200 to 530 PLN, depending on the level (Birki, Lerki, Ösp). The perfect place for relaxation ending your Golden Circle exploration!
Which hot spring near Reykjavík should you choose? Quick summary
Complete tourist guide to Iceland: Don’t miss anything! Discover Iceland’s tourist attractions, from the Golden Circle to ice caves. Our Iceland guide will suggest what to see in Iceland – geysers, black beaches, or mysterious fjords. Discover interesting facts about Iceland (e.g., no mosquitoes!) and find out what to visit in Iceland to feel the magic of the land of fire and ice. This Iceland guide is the key to your perfect trip!
- hot springs Iceland Reykjavik
- geothermal pools Iceland guide
- best geothermal places Iceland
- Iceland bathing in hot springs
- Reykjavik Iceland thermal attractions
FAQ: hot springs and geothermal pools near Reykjavík
Which hot springs are closest to Reykjavík?
The closest to the centre is Sky Lagoon (Kópavogur). The natural hiking option is Reykjadalur. The Blue Lagoon is further away – on the Reykjanes peninsula.
Is the Blue Lagoon safe during volcanic activity?
As of today there is no ongoing eruption at Sundhnúkur, but the Icelandic Meteorological Office still publishes hazard maps and reports continued magma accumulation under Svartsengi. Before your visit, always check the official announcements and the current availability of the Blue Lagoon.
Do I need to book Sky Lagoon / Blue Lagoon in advance?
In season, usually yes – booking online gives you the best availability of time slots and prices.
Can children use these bathing spots?
Yes, but the age rules differ between venues. For example: Sky Lagoon admits guests from 12 years old, Laugarás Lagoon from 8, Hvammsvík from 10, and the Blue Lagoon from 2. Secret Lagoon also accepts children, but always check the current rules of the specific place before your visit.
What should I bring to a geothermal pool in Iceland?
A towel (if not included in the price), a swimsuit, flip-flops, shower toiletries and something warm for when you get out (the wind!).
Read also / next
If you’re planning Iceland beyond a single soak, these pages will help you connect the dots.
- Iceland travel map: routes, regions and top attractions
- Reykjavík travel guide: what to see, where to eat, how to get around
- Reykjanes Peninsula guide: volcano landscapes near Blue Lagoon
- Golden Circle travel guide: waterfalls, geysers and easy day trips
- Iceland in 7 days: day‑by‑day itinerary (ready plan)
- Northern Lights radar: locations and live forecasts
- Waterfalls of southern Iceland: the most beautiful stops
Hi, I’m Krystian “dziadzia przewodnik” from OndaTravel.pl!
The North is my greatest passion, but the world is far too beautiful to stay in just one climate. On my blog, I combine the raw landscapes of Iceland and Norway with the exotic energy of Thailand or Vietnam, showing you how to travel authentically — with passion and a camera in hand.
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Krystian „dziadzia przewodnik”The North is my greatest passion, but the world is too beautiful to stay in one climate. On my blog I combine the raw nature of Iceland and Norway with the exotic energy of Thailand and Vietnam, showing you how to travel authentically, with passion and a camera in hand.
