Iceland's Secret Soaks - Hot Springs Beyond the Blue Lagoon

From unique experiences to tranquil, off the beaten track retreats, there’s a whole host of authentic places where you can immerse yourself in geothermally-heated water. In this round up piece, we’ll take a deep dive into Iceland’s secret soaks as we demonstrate what’s on offer at the hot springs beyond the Blue Lagoon, many of which can be booked through our website.

Which geothermal baths scream luxury and how do these compare to the Blue Lagoon?

Upscale Sky Lagoon is probably Blue Lagoon’s most serious competitor and the epitome of high-end geothermal bathing in Iceland. Positioned so that its infinity edge pool directly overlooks the ocean, its striking architecture and rugged lava walls set the scene for an experience that’s far more bucolic than its suburban location would suggest. Little wonder our tours prove so popular.

Wellness is at the heart of provision here and visitors follow a multi-step Skjól ritual. The word loosely translates from Icelandic as “retreat” but in fact the process is more akin to going on a fascinating journey through the local bathing culture. Warm and cold soaks precede a stint in the sauna, a refreshing mist, exfoliation with Sky Lagoon’s signature body scrub and then chance to steam.

This rustic chic spot has only been open a few years but is already making its mark on the luxury lagoon scene. It’s situated overlooking Hvalfjörður (Whale Fjord) north of the capital but our tours include transport to and from Reykjavik so there’s no need to worry about renting a car.

Surrounded by nature and overlooking a breathtaking fjord, eight hot pools nestle along a black sand beach. The coolest is the Ocean Plunge Pool, while the warmest is the Old Hot Spring at 40°C. They are connected by wooden boardwalks making it easy to switch between them.

Hvammsvík stands apart for its direct connection to the sea. Thermal water flows straight from underground springs and blends with the tidal ebb and flow of the mineral‑rich, salty waters of the Atlantic. Dipping in the open fjord, surrounded by mountains and wildlife, gives you a sensory experience that's much wilder and closer to nature compared to other geothermal pools.

Iceland’s newest luxury geothermal baths opens in early autumm 2025. This eagerly anticipated lagoon looks set to be the hottest trend, not least because it’s conveniently situated on the popular Golden Circle route. Our tours combine sightseeing at Þingvellir National Park, Geysir Geothermal Area and Gullfoss waterfall with a restorative soak.

The infinity edge of Forest Pool (Skógarpottur) at Laugarás Lagoon is designed to blur the boundaries between nature and the built environment. Careful thought has been given to the architecture and quality of the materials used to ensure that the first and lasting impressions you have are positive and that it’s going to be a hot ticket among Iceland’s spa tours.

Which other Iceland geothermal pools are worth seeking out?

Perched on the shore of the pretty lake with which it shares its name, Laugarvatn Fontana isn’t quite as luxurious as some of its competitors but it scores well on convenience, as it is located close to Geysir at the heart of the Golden Circle route. Luxuriate in the warm water of the main pool as you take in the view and then cool off in the lake’s cooler waters.

There’s another reason why this place is popular and that’s the chance to sample rúgbrauð. Here, this traditional Icelandic rye bread is baked in tins that are buried in the hot volcanic sand. When the loaves are uncovered and unwrapped, still steaming, you’ll have the opportunity to top a slice with a thick smear of butter and some smoked trout from the lake.

Screened by leafy birch trees in summer, this upscale North Iceland geothermal lagoon is the ideal retreat for anyone staying in charming Akureyri. In winter, once those leaves have been shed, the trees’ skeletal forms add an architectural element to the outlook, dappling the shade cast by the low winter sun.

In any season, this is a dreamy place to unwind as you let the warm geothermal water cocoon your body and envelope your senses. Easily accessible from both the town centre and the ring road, Forest Lagoon has rapidly become a must-do for visitors to this part of the country.

Húsavík has long had a stellar reputation as North Iceland’s whale watching capital but in recent years the arrival of GeoSea has cemented its popularity with tourists and locals alike. The infinity edge pool overlooks Skjálfandi Bay; it’s not unheard of to spot passing cetaceans as you relax in the water.

Here, mineral-rich seawater meets heat from deep underground, harnessed in the most magnificent setting. This place isn’t as large as the Blue Lagoon, but the feeling of intimacy created by its smaller proportions makes it easy to strike up a conversation with your fellow bathers.

In the north east of Iceland, the Mývatn area is known for its geothermal activity. This lovely spa is a popular choice among visitors looping the ring road and makes the ideal pitstop if you’re travelling between Austurland and North Iceland. The walk from the car park can be a bit of a surprise in summer when the midges are out, but once in the baths you shouldn’t encounter them.

The pool area is split into two large baths and these overlook the surrounding nature reserve, giving the place a bucolic feel. This place has been open for over 20 years and is currently getting a bit of a facelift so that the facilities are even better. Regardless of construction it’s still a must-do.

Krauma is located in West Iceland and forms the ideal accompaniment to our Silver Circle tours. The source of its hot water is the Deildartunguhver hot spring, which is Europe’s most powerful with a discharge of around 180 litres per second. The water temperature starts at 100°C, so they add cold glacier water from Rauðsgil to ensure it’s safe for bathers.

This is a popular wellness spot as the water is rich in a number of minerals, including iron, aluminium, calcium, magnesium and sulphur. Many people believe that bathing in such a spot has health-enhancing properties, but regardless of whether you agree, it’s definitely an incredible place to relax after a day’s sightseeing.

The largest baths in East Iceland are located beside Lake Urriðavatn and capitalise on its hot water spring, giving the pools a temperature of between 39 and 41°C. They’re a little unusual, featuring two floating pools that have an infinity edge, placing bathers out into the lake yet still within the confines of a pool. This extraordinary feature makes them a hit with passing tourists.

Guests can also soak in two onshore pools and experience a sauna and a cold water spray tunnel. Another unique feature is that the water doesn’t have the mineral content that most of the others do, making it the only geothermal water in the country that’s certified as acceptable to drink. There’s a bar too, if you prefer.

What are some hidden hot springs in Iceland worth visiting?

There are numerous secret hot springs in Iceland, some in tucked away hollows that might involve a bit of a hike, others easier to spot but in sparsely populated areas. Alongside these tiny hot pools, you’ll also come across a few that are larger but frequented by fewer travellers than places like the Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon.

Gamla Laugin, as the locals know it, is widely held to be Iceland’s oldest geothermal baths, so you could say the modern-day tradition of hot springs in Iceland has its roots here. Located at Hverahólmi, a geothermal area near Flúðir, its water is supplied by Vaðmálahver, Básahver and Litli Geysir. The sulphur-rich water has a consistent temperature of between 38 and 40°C.

The pool dates back to 1891; in the past, not only would people have bathed here but they would also have brought their laundry. Though it closed for a time in the 20th century, it has been thoroughly restored and for more than a decade, it has been welcoming bathers once more.

If you’ve come to Iceland during the summer months then you’ll have the option of travelling up to the Highlands as the F roads are open. Landmannalaugar is known for its colourful geology and geothermal activity. Most day and overnight visitors spend their time hiking its trails and relax afterwards in the area’s hot springs.

It can be challenging to get up there, as the route involves fording rivers. However, there’s no need to concern yourself about whether your driving skills are up to it. Instead, book a ticket for the Highland Bus and let someone else get behind the wheel as you concentrate on enjoying the scenery.

Natural hot springs in Iceland don’t have to be fancy to be popular. In fact, they don’t even need much in the way of infrastructure, as our final example demonstrates. The Reykjadalur valley is unusual, even by Icelandic standards; it attracts in-the-know hikers because of the hot water river that runs through it. It’s sensible to test the water before you immerse yourself in it to make sure that the water at the spot you select is at a safe temperature for bathing.

Yet, the significant walk required to reach it ensures that it remains a hidden gem to an extent and certainly one of the more offbeat hot springs Iceland has up its sleeve. Wooden screens and a boardwalk alongside the river indicate where the temperature is usually ideal for bathing, but you won’t find showers, hairdryers and any of the other accoutrements you’ll come to associate with the country’s most luxurious spas.

What’s the cultural etiquette at hot springs in Iceland?

There’s a definite etiquette where hot springs in Iceland are concerned. Most importantly, if you are hoping to bathe in a hot spring with formal facilities, as it’s a shared space the expectation is that you will shower naked before you don your swimsuit and slide into that luxuriantly warm water.

If you’re a bit shy, many of the upscale lagoons have private shower stalls so you can retain your modesty while showering. But you’re still expected to strip off behind that opaque glass door. This regime is to ensure the pool stays clean; they aren’t chlorinated and no harsh chemicals are used.

You’ll also be expected to remove your shoes before entering the changing rooms of the lagoon. This is to keep the place clean and prevent sand and gravel from tracking through to the pool. There’s often a rack outside on which you can place them. Inside, the lockers give you a secure place to store everything else.

Though lagoons are a place to socialise, they aren’t a place for raucous behaviour. People like to come for a drink and a chat, so make sure you’re mindful of the noise you make and ensure you aren’t disturbing other guests. The idea is to stay calm and relax, so aim for that vibe yourself and you’ll fit right in.

Lastly, either within a complex or out in the countryside, it’s important to conserve the surrounding nature. Be careful to stick to marked paths or trails where applicable, and always take any rubbish with you when it’s time to go. When parking close to the more remote hot springs, be sure to do so considerately and in a place that doesn’t endanger passing motorists.

No matter which of these Iceland thermal baths, natural hot springs and pools you shortlist, you can’t go wrong. From the showy headliners to the lesser known hot springs, Iceland has one that’s the perfect fit for you no matter what your travel style. Why not browse the geothermal lagoon and spa tours on our website and see which takes your fancy?