Every Hot Spring and Geothermal Pool in Iceland: A Local’s Complete Guide

Iceland has more ways to soak in warm water than any other country I know. Premium lagoons carved into lava fields. Wild rivers you hike to in the highlands. Neighborhood swimming pools where locals discuss politics in the hot tub. I’ve written about a lot of them over the years on Stuck in Iceland — below is the whole map, organized so you can actually choose the right one for your trip.

I’ve grouped them into four categories: premium geothermal spas (ticketed, with full facilities), wild hot springs (free or donation-based, with varying levels of effort to reach), Reykjavík-area swimming pools (the sundlaug network, where Icelanders actually bathe), and notable pools around the country. GPS coordinates are included for every entry — paste them straight into Google Maps.

Icelandic Bathing Etiquette — Read This First

Shower naked with soap before you get in

No exceptions. This applies everywhere — premium lagoons, wild springs with no staff, village pools. Icelandic pools use very little chlorine, so proper washing keeps the water clean. To the body-conscious people out there, don’t worry too much. First of all, nobody is thinking about how you look (unless you are annoyingly handsome). Secondly, the spas and the larger swimming pools have private showers. Shower thoroughly before entering the pool. Cleanliness is next to godliness, right?

Wild springs deserve respect

Pack out everything you pack in. Don’t use soap, shampoo, or anything else in natural pools. If the spring sits on a farm, there’s often an honesty box — use it. These places stay open because visitors behave well. When they don’t, owners close them.

Hot tub temperatures range from 36°C to 44°C. Start in the cooler ones. The heitir pottar at 42°C are where the serious conversations happen. There are cold pots as well, but I hate cold water so let’s not talk more about that!

Premium Geothermal Spas

The ticketed, facilities-included experiences. Changing rooms, showers, towels if you pay for them, usually a bar or restaurant, always a dramatic setting. Book in advance for the popular ones.

Blue Lagoon. The one everyone’s heard of. Milky silica-blue water in a black lava field near Keflavík Airport, making it the natural first or last stop of an Iceland trip.. GPS: 63.8804, -22.4495

Sky Lagoon. A fantastic lagoon. Infinity edge over the North Atlantic, a seven-step ritual that leaves you properly reset, and a bar in the pool. Ten minutes from downtown Reykjavík in Kópavogur. Adults only. GPS: 64.1188, -21.9510

The Retreat at Blue Lagoon. A separate, more expensive experience attached to the Blue Lagoon — private lagoon access, spa treatments, and the adjoining luxury hotel. For travelers who want the Blue Lagoon without the Blue Lagoon crowd. This is a bit out of my price range, to be honest, so I have never tried it. I am sure it is great, though. The folks at the Blue Lagoon know what they are doing! GPS: 63.8804, -22.4495

Hvammsvík Hot Springs. Eight natural pools along the shore of Hvalfjörður, an hour from Reykjavík. The tide affects the water in the lowest pools — no two visits are the same. Quieter than the better-known spas, and the setting is unbeatable. I just love Hammvsík. Hvammsvík is also one of my great partners. Sign up for the Stuck in Iceland newsletter to receive a discount code that gives you 10% of their Classic and Comfort Packages. GPS: 64.3810, -21.5836

Krauma. Fed directly by Deildartunguhver, the most powerful hot spring in Europe. Five pools at different temperatures, a wonderful fireplace-heated, quiet room, and an unfussy Icelandic design. On the Silver Circle route in West Iceland, an hour from Reykjavík. Sign up for the Stuck in Iceland newsletter to receive a discount code that gives yoou 10% off entry. GPS: 64.6639, -21.4094

Secret Lagoon (Gamla Laugin). Iceland’s oldest swimming pool, built in 1891 in Flúðir on the Golden Circle. Rustic rather than luxurious — you’re bathing in a stone-lined pool next to a small geyser that erupts every few minutes. Cold beer available poolside. What is not to love?  Sign up for the Stuck in Iceland newsletter to receive a discount code that gives yoou 10% off entry. STUCK25. GPS: 64.1373, -20.3105

Fontana (Laugarvatn Fontana). On the shore of Laugarvatn lake on the Golden Circle. Multiple pools at varying temperatures, three saunas built over a hissing hot spring, and you can dip straight into the cold lake between soaks. They also bake rye bread in the naturally geothermal black sand right to Lake Laugarvatn out back. GPS: 64.2128, -20.7283

Mývatn Nature Baths. The north’s answer to the Blue Lagoon, fed by a 130°C borehole at Bjarnarflag. Milky-blue mineral water in a stark volcanic setting, with far fewer visitors than the Reykjavík spas. The perfect mid-trip reset on a Ring Road loop. GPS: 65.6306, -16.8478

Forest Lagoon (Skógarböðin). Minutes from Akureyri, nestled in the woodland of Vaðlaskógur with a view over Eyjafjörður. Two pools, a proper Finnish sauna, and a cold plunge. Built around hot water that was discovered accidentally during a tunnel project. Excellent in winter under the aurora. GPS: 65.6963, -18.0543

GeoSea. Geothermal sea baths perched on a cliff above the Arctic Ocean in Húsavík. You can watch for whales from the pool — North Sailing’s boats come in and out of the harbor below. The view from GeoSea of the Skjálfandi Bay is just incredible Sign up for the Stuck in Iceland newsletter to receive a discount code that gives yoou 10% off entry.  GPS: 66.0514, -17.3325

Vök Baths. Floating pools on Lake Urriðavatn in East Iceland, just outside Egilsstaðir. The pools literally float on the surface of the lake — the only place in Iceland with naturally occurring hot water emerging through a lake. If you want to, you can jump straight into the lake from the pool. Unique. hey also bake rye bread in the black sand out back. Sign up for the Stuck in Iceland newsletter to receive a discount code that gives yoou 10% off entry.  GPS: 65.3039, -14.5494

 

Highland Base — Kerlingarfjöll. Highland bathhouse built at the Kerlingarfjöll mountain resort, deep in the central highlands. The only developed spa you can reach without going back down to the lowlands. Sign up for the Stuck in Iceland newsletter to receive a discount code that gives yoou 10% off entry. GPS: 64.6406, -19.2764

Wild Hot Springs and Natural Pools

Free or donation-based, no facilities beyond (sometimes) a shed to change in. Some are drive-ups; others take a hike. Respect the rules posted at each site.

Hot Springs and Natural Pools in the South of Iceland

Reykjadalur Hot River. A geothermal river you hike to above the town of Hveragerði, 45 minutes from Reykjavík. The walk in is about an hour uphill through steaming valleys; at the top, the river is warm enough to sit in. Walking boards along the bank for changing. GPS: 64.0293, -21.2011 (trailhead)

Hrunalaug. A small stone-walled pool on private farmland near Flúðir, close to the Golden Circle. Room for maybe six people at a squeeze. Farmer charges a small fee — pay it. Can get busy midday; go early or late. GPS: 64.1411, -20.2197d

Seljavallalaug. A 25-meter concrete pool tucked into a narrow valley at the foot of Eyjafjallajökull. Built in 1923 to teach Icelanders to swim. No facilities, lukewarm water, spectacular setting. Twenty minutes’ walk from the car park off the Ring Road. GPS: 63.5672, -19.6103

Hoffell Hot Tubs. Three simple hot tubs on a farm near Höfn in Hornafjörður, with a view of Vatnajökull. Basic but memorable. GPS: 64.4167, -15.3333

Hot Springs and Natural Pools in the West of Iceland

Canyon Baths. These are tucked into a small canyon in the Húsafell area. Guided entry only, which keeps numbers low. Pairs naturally with a visit to Víðgelmir lava cave or Into the Glacier (one of my wonderful partners). GPS: 64.7058, -20.8768

Landbrotalaug. A tiny two-person pool on the Snæfellsnes peninsula, almost comically small but in a genuinely beautiful setting. Blink, and you’ll drive past the turnoff. Best visited early or late to have it to yourself. GPS: 64.8411, -22.3461

Snorralaug (Reykholt). The oldest preserved bathing pool in Iceland, dating at least to the 12th century, and associated with Snorri Sturluson. Fenced off, so you can look but not soak — still worth a stop if you’re in Reykholt visiting Snorrastofa. GPS: 64.6636, -21.3053

Hot Springs and Natural Pools in the Icelandic highlands

Hveravellir. A geothermal area halfway across the Kjölur highland route, with a small bathing pool fed from a nearby hot spring. Pairs naturally with the Kerlingarfjöll highland base. Summer access only; winter requires a Super Jeep tour. GPS: 64.8656, -19.5564

Laugarvalladalur. A hot waterfall in East Iceland — yes, a waterfall you can stand under, warm. Reached via gravel roads east of Egilsstaðir. Summer only, and not well signposted, which is half the charm. GPS: 64.9714, -15.6889

Landmannalaugar. The famous bathing spot in the Fjallabak highlands, at the start of the Laugavegur hiking trail. A shallow stream-fed pool with a gravel bottom, surrounded by the rainbow-coloured rhyolite mountains. Summer only — access requires an F-road vehicle or a highland bus. GPS: 63.9891, -19.0611

Strútslaug. A remote hot spring in the Fjallabak highlands, reachable by a serious hike from the Hólaskjól mountain hut. Few visitors make it this far. For experienced highland hikers only, and only in summer. GPS: 63.8972, -18.9769

Hot Springs and Natural Pools in the North of Iceland

Grettislaug. A stone-lined pool at the tip of the Skagafjörður peninsula in North Iceland, named after the outlaw Grettir, who (according to the saga) swam ashore here and warmed himself in these waters. Small fee at the adjoining campsite. GPS: 65.8964, -19.6311

Hot Springs and Natural Pools in the Westfjords

Krossneslaug. A concrete pool at the very end of the road in the Westfjords, on the black pebble beach at Krossnes. Fed by a natural hot spring behind the pool. You’ve driven a long way to get here, and it’s worth it. GPS: 65.9811, -21.4322

Reykjafjarðarlaug. A natural pool on the Westfjords peninsula of the same name, with an adjacent concrete pool for variety. Rarely crowded because you have to really mean to go there. GPS: 65.5772, -23.4742

Hellulaug. A small natural pool right by the sea in Vatnsfjörður, Westfjords — you can see the water while you soak. Easy roadside stop, no facilities. GPS: 65.5717, -23.2569

Drangsnes Hot Tubs. Three simple hot tubs right on the beach in the tiny Westfjords village of Drangsnes, maintained by the community. Free. You change in a shed across the road. Locals bring thermos flasks and stay for hours. GPS: 65.6806, -21.4528

Reykjavík Area Swimming Pools (The Sundlaug Network)

This is where Icelanders actually bathe. Ten of the pools below, together, see far more visitors than the Blue Lagoon, almost all of whom are foreign. Every pool has outdoor hot tubs ranging from 37°C to 44°C, and that’s where the social life happens. If you only do one thing on this list, do this.

Laugardalslaug. The biggest pool in the country, in Laugardalur valley. Fifty-meter outdoor Olympic pool, seven hot tubs, a steam room, water slides, and a seawater tub. The one every visiting Icelander goes to. Pro tip: Get a hot dog from the nearby hot dog stand to refuel after an arduous soak in the tubs. GPS: 64.1461, -21.8800

Vesturbæjarlaug. The most beloved neighborhood pool in Reykjavík is in the old Vesturbær district. Smaller, more local, more talkative. This is the one I go to. GPS: 64.1446, -21.9625

Sundhöll Reykjavíkur. The city’s oldest pool, built in 1937 by state architect Guðjón Samúelsson (also responsible for Hallgrímskirkja). Indoor 25-meter pool plus a newer outdoor pool with rooftop hot tubs and diving boards. In the heart of downtown. GPS: 64.1418, -21.9207

Árbæjarlaug. Family pool in the eastern suburb of Árbær with a glass-walled indoor section, outdoor pool, water slides, and running trails through the adjacent Elliðaárdalur valley. Good for kids. GPS: 64.1122, -21.7948

Breiðholtslaug. Neighborhood pool in Breiðholt with two water slides, saunas, and a genuinely local crowd. Less polished than Laugardalslaug, more character. GPS: 64.1048, -21.8188

Dalslaug. The newest pool in the city, opened in 2021 in the Úlfarsárdalur suburb. Clean modern design, sauna, hot tubs, good if you’re staying in that part of town. GPS: 64.1323, -21.7366

Grafarvogslaug. Neighborhood pool in the Grafarvogur district. Quiet, family-focused, rarely touristy. GPS: 64.1361, -21.7961

Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach. Reykjavík’s own hot-springs-meets-ocean setup: a lagoon fed with geothermal water sits beside a stretch of imported golden sand, and you can plunge between the warm lagoon and the actual North Atlantic. Free in summer, small charge in winter. GPS: 64.1222, -21.9589

Swimming Pools in the Neighboring Towns of Reykjavik

Klébergslaug. The tiny outdoor pool on Kjalarnes peninsula, technically still within Reykjavík city limits, but feels rural. A 25-meter pool with a view of Mount Esja. GPS: 64.2522, -21.6639

Kópavogslaug. Kópavogur’s main pool is in the suburb just south of Reykjavík. Indoor and outdoor pools, water slides, and multiple hot tubs. GPS: 64.1111, -21.9125

Sundlaug Seltjarnarness. Community pool on the Seltjarnarnes peninsula, west of Reykjavík. Great ocean views and a local, vibe. GPS: 64.1544, -21.9858

Álftaneslaug. Small pool on Álftanes peninsula (near the presidential residence) with a wave pool — unusual for an Icelandic public bath. Good for kids. Fun fact: this pool was so expensive to build that it bankrupted the municipality. The town had to merge with the neighboring town of Garðabær to save its finances.  A prime example of how Iceland’s obsession with swimming pools can take a dark turn! GPS: 64.1083, -22.0458

Lágafellslaug. Mosfellsbær’s main pool, with water slides, multiple hot tubs, and a sauna. Worth the short drive north if you’re staying out that way. GPS: 64.1694, -21.6961

Notable Pools Around the Country

Every town of a few hundred people in Iceland has a pool, and many of them are genuinely worth a detour. These are the ones I’d stop at on a road trip.

Swimming pools in the West of Iceland

Lýsuhólslaug (Snæfellsnes). A small geothermal pool on the Snæfellsnes peninsula is filled with naturally mineral-rich, slightly greenish water. Basic facilities; locals swear by the health effects. Summer only. GPS: 64.7811, -23.2736

Borgarnes Pool. The main pool in Borgarnes is a useful break on the drive north from Reykjavík. Includes water slides and a dedicated kids’ area. GPS: 64.5356, -21.9219

Sundlaug Akraness (Jaðarsbakkalaug). Akranes town pool, 45 minutes from Reykjavík through the undersea tunnel. Underrated and usually quiet. GPS: 64.3211, -22.0889

 

Borg (Grímsnes). A really nice countryside pool on the Golden Circle, about 70 km from Reykjavík. Twenty-five-meter outdoor pool, hot tubs, a children’s pool, and a water slide that’s fast enough to be a hit with kids. Close to Kerið crater and Sólheimar eco-village, so it fits neatly into a Golden Circle day.GPS: 64.0745, -20.8368

Stykkishólmur Pool. The town pool in Stykkishólmur on Snæfellsnes. Warm tubs with harbor views. Pairs naturally with the ferry over to Flatey. GPS: 65.0744, -22.7322

Sundlaug Ólafsvíkur. Snæfellsnes town pool near the fishing harbor, with the Snæfellsjökull glacier visible on a clear day. Worth the stop if you’re circling the peninsula. GPS: 64.8931, -23.7050

Swimming Pools in the South of Iceland

Sundhöll Selfoss. The town pool on the South Coast is a natural stop if you’re driving toward Vík. Indoor and outdoor pools, steam room, water slides. GPS: 63.9344, -20.9858

Sundlaug Hvolsvöllur. Small town pool in Hvolsvöllur. Handy if you’re staying at my partner’s Midgard Base Camp or Landhotel near Hella, or traveling with Midgard Adventure.  Sign up for the Stuck in Iceland Newsletter to receive discount codes for accommodation and adventures with all of those.
GPS: 63.7500, -20.2267

Vík Pool. The pool in Vík í Mýrdal on the South Coast. Not grand, but welcome at the end of a long day on the beach.
GPS: 63.4186, -19.0050

Swimming Pools in the East of Iceland

Selárdalslaug. A remote geothermal pool in a riverside canyon in the northeast, near Vopnafjörður. Built into the landscape, rarely crowded, spectacular setting.
GPS: 65.7747, -14.8508

Seyðisfjörður Pool. The East Fjords town of Seyðisfjörður has a small, charming pool with mountain views — a good soak after the drive over Fjarðarheiði. GPS: 65.2633, -14.0144

Sundlaug Egilsstaða. Egilsstaðir’s main pool in East Iceland. The obvious choice if Vök Baths isn’t where you’re heading. GPS: 65.2656, -14.3947

Swimming Pools in the Westfjords

Sundlaug Patreksfjörður. Westfjords town pool with harbor views. Pairs well with a visit to the nearby Rauðasandur beach or Látrabjarg cliffs. GPS: 65.5917, -23.9681

Sundlaug Ísafjörður. The main pool of the Westfjords capital. Indoor 25-meter pool, outdoor hot tubs with a view of the fjord, and sauna. Good base for exploring the region. GPS: 66.0736, -23.1322

Swimming Pools in the North of Iceland

The Akureyri Swimming Pool – Sundlaug Akureyrar. The main pool of Iceland’s northern capital. Outdoor 25-meter pool, multiple hot tubs, water slides, and a steam room. My hometown of Akureyri does pools very well. GPS: 65.6789, -18.0897

Hofsós Infinity Pool. An architectural masterpiece on the edge of Skagafjörður in North Iceland. A 25-meter pool with an infinity edge that seems to drop straight into the bay, with the islands of Drangey and Málmey floating on the horizon. Worth driving out of your way. GPS: 65.8967, -19.4200

Which one should I pick?

If you only have one day in Iceland, Sky Lagoon, unless you’re landing late and want the Blue Lagoon on the way from the airport.

For the most Icelandic experience, Vesturbæjarlaug in Reykjavík.

If you want a wild experience with minimal effort, Reykjadalur hot river near Hveragerði, or Seljavallalaug on the South Coast. It is a really nice hike there.

If you’re driving the Ring Road: Mývatn Nature Baths in the north, Forest Lagoon near Akureyri, and Vök Baths in the east. Plus one of the Reykjavík pools when you’re back.

If you want a unique architecture, the Hofsós infinity pool.

If you want the deepest silence, Krossneslaug at the end of the road in the Westfjords, or Strútslaug in the highlands.

Save on the Commercial Spas

Five of the premium spas on this list offer exclusive discounts to Stuck in Iceland subscribers. The codes live behind the newsletter signup — subscribe, and you’ll get them immediately by email. Discounts range from 10% to 15%, and they cover Hvammsvík, Krauma, Secret Lagoon, Vök Baths, and GeoSea.