Hvammsvík Hot Springs: Natural Spa Near Reykjavik

Hvammsvík Hot Springs sits at the end of Hvalfjörður — Whale Fjord — about an hour from Reykjavik, and it is quietly becoming one of the most talked-about experiences in Iceland. Unlike the big-name geothermal spas closer to the capital, Hvammsvík puts you deep inside a beautiful fjord. It has eight pools fed by natural hot springs right at the edge of the fjord. The setting is genuinely dramatic. You have mountains on three sides, tidal flats in front of you. On a good day, you will experience the kind of silence you came to Iceland to find.

It does not hurt that Hvammsvík Hot Springs is a Stuck in Iceland partner; simply sign up for my newsletter and instantly receive a discount code that saves you 10% on their Classic and Comfort packages.

I sat down with Hilmar Þór Bergmann, COO of Hvammsvík, to find out what makes this place tick — and what visitors should know before they go.

How is Hvammsvík different from Iceland’s other geothermal bathing experiences — and who is it best suited for?

At Hvammsvík, we set out to create and offer a raw, authentic, and natural bathing experience. I think our feedback to date proves that we have been successful in delivering on this promise. The earliest recorded settlement on the property dates to the 12th century. The oldest hot spring on the beach is over 30 years old.

We offer eight geothermal pools at various temperatures. All are heated by our on-site geothermal water source. The water is pumped up from a 150m deep drill hole. The water reaches the surface at 91-92 degrees Celsius. We then mix this water with ocean water in the pools. This creates a fully natural circulation system with a constant flow, allowing each pool to renew its water supply every 90-120 minutes. This renewal process, along with the salt levels in the water, maintains water cleanliness. Finally, we return all used and excess water to the ocean. This completes the natural circulation.

The pools are located in the Hvalfjörður fjord on the Atlantic coast, surrounded by mountains and wildlife in the fjord. Guests can expect to experience the true Icelandic elements. Those who want to do it like the locals will dive into the ocean for a cold dip. They might well encounter the curious seals in the area and the birds most famous for their eiderdown.

What time of day and what time of year do you think gives visitors the best experience?

The beauty of the experience we offer is that it is ever-changing. You can visit us at sunrise, sunset, in winter, summer, spring, or fall, and during high or low tide, and always get a different experience. Our tidal pool, for example, disappears in high tide and slowly reappears when the tide goes out.

The busiest times tend to be Saturday afternoons year-round. This is when the Icelanders come to visit on their weekend breaks. My favorite time to visit is in winter. This is when you hit the combination of being on-site between tides at sunset and have a chance to see the northern lights from the pools as it gets dark.

We accept walk-in bookings when available. However, we strongly recommend booking in advance. We sell a limited number of tickets at any given time to preserve the experience for every guest.

Can guests spend more than a few hours there, and what else is there to do on the property beyond the pools?

Yes, there is no time limit on stays once you have arrived. Most guests find a 2-hour visit to the pools adequate. That will give you enough time to soak in all the pools, go for a cold plunge in the ocean, and visit our steam rooms.

After the soak, I highly recommend dining at our bistro & bar, Stormur. For example, we offer a local seafood soup that is more popular than the beer we sell at the bar!

Guests are further welcome to go for a walk around the Hvammsvík grounds, where you can find ruins from the occupation in WWII, experience the birdlife in summer, where over 30 species of birds lay their eggs, and visit the famous elf rock Staupasteinn or Steðji. We only ask guests to respect the nature and wildlife whilst wandering the grounds.

Lastly, we offer overnight accommodation in one of our renovated farmhouses on the property. An overnight stay is the perfect way to end the day in Hvammsvík!

How far in advance do people need to book, and is there anything they should bring or prepare for Hvammsvík Hot Springs

We recommend booking as early as guests are willing to commit to avoid disappointment. We offer a 36-hour cancellation policy so guests can reschedule or cancel should plans change. Walk-ins are accepted, provided we have availability. We are often fortunate enough to be fully booked, leaving guests without bookings disappointed.

Both towels and swimsuits can be rented on-site. However, they are not included in a visit in line with our sustainability efforts. I recommend bringing your own. Many guests who wish to dip into the ocean also bring wading or water shoes, as the surface can be rough. These can also be rented on site.

What do you wish more visitors knew about the Hvalfjörður and the drive out there?

Hvalfjörður is a true oasis within easy reach of the capital area. It has a fascinating story. Mountains surround the fjords, and it is teeming with wildlife. Many people travel long distances to see and experience fjords and don’t realize there is one very nearby.

The fjord is sparsely populated and therefore offers true Icelandic nature and farmland. We often get comments from guests stating that the drive to our location alone was worth the trip. The waterfall Glymur is at the bottom of the fjord. The hike up there is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful in Iceland. On top of this, there are many more waterfalls and hikes in the fjord. You can easily spend many days exploring all the fjord has to offer.

Many people also don’t realize we are only about a 45-60-minute drive from Reykjavík and a mere 30-minute drive from Þingvellir National Park, which is the first stop on the Golden Circle. It is therefore perfect to incorporate a visit to Hvammsvík Hot Springs into the Golden Circle.

What other places and experiences would you recommend for visitors in Iceland?

I would strongly recommend all visitors to Iceland try at least one bathing experience. Icelandic swimming culture is on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list, underscoring its importance in our lives.

I also feel all visitors should spend at least a day in Reykjavík to soak in the culture, art, and social life. Take at least 2-3 days to explore the countryside. I always recommend visitors try to go off the beaten path (strictly no off-road driving, though!). Head west or north instead of driving down the south coast, where most of the traffic seems to lead. The raw beauty of Icelandic nature can be experienced throughout the country. Experience the see local life in the small villages along the coastline.

I usually take my guests on a day trip around the Reykjanes peninsula. There you have hot springs, lighthouses, the fishing village Grindavík, the youngest ground on planet Earth, and the bridge between continents, just to name a few. A 1-2 day trip around the Snæfellsnes peninsula is also high on the list, along with a visit to the Westman Islands in the summer and a jeep tour to Þórsmörk and Landmannalaugar.

Those who have the pleasure of time will be truly awed by driving the ring road to experience the east and north.  Don’t forget to make the trip out to the Westfjords, which is a spectacular area.

Name some secret spots close to Hvammsvík Hot Springs

Fjöruborðið langoustine restaurant in Stokkseyri, Narfeyrarstofa restaurant in Stykkishólmur, and Kaffi Valería in Grundarfjörður.