Explore Geothermal Pools on an Iceland Hot Spring Tour
Iceland boasts a vibrant volcanic landscape, with geothermal activity continuously sculpting the land, triggering periodic eruptions and hot springs, warm pools, and rivers.
These geothermal sanctuaries are among the treasures that beckon travellers to Iceland. They range from the rustic and wild to the refined and luxurious, located in bustling towns or secluded wilderness. On an Icelandia geothermal tour, you'll journey through these captivating destinations.
For instance, immerse yourself in the therapeutic embrace of the Blue Lagoon, a world-renowned spa. Its mesmerising milky-blue waters paired with top-tier dining make it an essential stop on any Icelandic itinerary.
Tailor your experience to match your pace. Blend a visit to the Blue Lagoon with airport transfers, the iconic Golden Circle tour, or even an enchanting Northern Lights viewing. Alternatively, let the lagoon be the star of its own exclusive visit.
Expand your spa exploration with newer additions like Sky Lagoon, which offers stunning vistas of the North Atlantic. Or perhaps the Secret Lagoon or Laugarvatn Fontana Baths, both nestled within the Golden Circle, will be more to your liking.
Dive into the charm of nature with natural baths, such as Hvammsvík – crowned by TimeOut as 2023's top global destination.
Regardless of your choice, you'll be enveloped by the healing essence of Icelandic spa rituals. Dive into our offerings and chart your rejuvenating journey with our spa tours.
FAQ
The pools you find across Iceland will typically have slightly different temperatures. However, you can expect most pools to reach temperatures of around 36° – 44°C (96° – 111° F), so they’re pretty warm!
In Iceland, you can enjoy geothermal pools in whichever way you prefer. You can bathe, relax, visit the spa facilities, or visit the restaurants that are often to be found on site. Of course, you can swim too!
Typically, though, the water is quite warm, so you may not want to swim for fitness in these pools.
There are at least 50 natural hot springs in Iceland, many of which you can visit on a geothermal tour. The most famous is in the Icelandic highlands, known as Landmannalaugar. Alternatively, there’s Hvammsvík natural hot springs, which combine geothermal heat with ocean views.
Yet there are many more scattered across Iceland. That’s because it’s one of the most geothermally active countries in the world.
In and around Reykjavík, you’ll find some of the most impressive thermal baths in the whole of Iceland. For example, this is where you’ll discover the Blue Lagoon and the Sky Lagoon, while the Laugarvatn Geothermal Baths are not far away either.
There are many geothermal baths spread out across Iceland. From the Reykjavík area to the north coast and in the heart of the highlands, you’ll find thermal baths almost wherever you go. It’s an authentic Icelandic experience.
There are as many as 50 natural hot springs in Iceland, as well as five geothermal lagoons—including the Blue Lagoon, the Sky Lagoon, and the Secret Lagoon. As you’ll see for yourself, there’s a really impressive variety of ways to enjoy Iceland’s thermal energy.
You will usually have to pay to access Iceland’s hot springs. The costs typically go to maintaining the site and dressing rooms. If you book a spa tour, you’ll also pay for transport and your expert guide.
You’ll need a ticket to enter Iceland’s spas as well, including the Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon. Explore the geothermal tours above to book them in advance.
You should wear a swimming costume when you visit a hot spring—whether that’s a man-made pool such as the Blue Lagoon or a natural spring like Landmannalaugar.
Of course! In Iceland’s hot springs and pools, you’ll find people gently swimming, relaxing, or enjoying the therapeutic benefits of the water for their skin.
For lane swimming or more athletic activities, we’d recommend you try out one of Iceland’s many dedicated indoor or outdoor swimming pools. Many of these are geothermally heated too!
There are roughly 50 geothermal pools in Iceland.
These include man-made lagoons with geothermally heated water, such as the Sky Lagoon and the Blue Lagoon. But they also include entirely natural hot springs, such as Reykjadalur, where you can swim in a warm river.
Yes, Iceland is one of the best places in the world to bathe in hot springs. Thanks to its remarkable levels of geothermal activity, you can find hot springs across the country.
For example, one of the most popular destinations for natural hot springs is Landmannalaugar. In the heart of the Icelandic highlands, you can bathe in these pools while surrounded by rugged mountains.
Alternatively, visit Reykjadalur, the so-called “thermal river”, thanks to its warm flowing waters. It’s in the middle of the Golden Circle, making it a very convenient destination.
Yes, Iceland’s hot springs are clean, for two reasons.
Firstly, the water itself is natural. It’s heated naturally and in many cases it gets replaced very regularly too.
Secondly, Icelanders have quite a strict etiquette about cleanliness and hygiene before entering public pools, spas, or lagoons. You should shower first, fully nude, to get rid of any dirt or bacteria. That helps keep the dirt out of the pools.
Iceland has many spas, lagoons, and hot springs. Discover the different options in our geothermal tours.
Iceland is one of the most geothermally active countries in the world. Thanks to that, it has pioneered the use of geothermal heating for domestic and industrial energy.
For example, as much as 25% of Iceland’s electricity is produced by geothermal energy, while 90% of Iceland’s homes are heated using this energy.
The Blue Lagoon is definitely the best known geothermal pool in Iceland, if not in the whole world. However, it’s not technically a hot spring—because it’s not actually natural. Instead, it was created by humans, although by mistake!
Iceland’s most famous natural hot spring is probably Landmannalaugar, the so-called “People’s Pool” that you’ll find in the centre of the Icelandic highlands.
You don’t have to shower after a hot spring, however most people do—at least when shower facilities are available. In some remote springs, there aren’t any showers to use!
If you’re visiting the Blue Lagoon, the Sky Lagoon, or another geothermal spa, you’re requested to follow the etiquette of showering before you visit. By the way, it can be a particularly good idea to wash your hair after using the Blue Lagoon, as the silica in the water can make your hair quite dry.