What are the top hot springs in Iceland, and what makes them distinctive? Iceland is a land of glaciers, thermal spas and water. An open soak is an essential part of the Icelandic experience -bathing outdoors in volcanically heated pools. The geothermal water is the reason for the bunch of swimming pools across the country. Iceland’s homes make use of the Geothermal water to heat and keep pavements and car parks snow-free in the winter. Read on to find out everything you want to know about the Top 10 natural hot springs of Iceland.

Hot springs of Iceland — Credits – Pixabay

What Are Natural Hot Springs?

A hot spring or geothermal spring is a spring produced by the emergence of geothermally heated groundwater that rises from the Earth’s crust. These springs are usually observed in areas that have active as well as inactive volcanoes The magma that is present on the surface of the earth heats the groundwater, creating steam which in return produces hot water. This hot water rises through crevices in the ground. When it reaches the surface through cracks hot springs, and mud pits are created.

There are three main factors that are responsible for the heat of a hot spring:

The first is the depth at which the heat is supplied – magma chamber
The second is the rate at which the spring water flows -current formation
The last is the amount of cool water that the hot water source flows into.

Icelandic hot springs — Credits – Pixabay

10 Top Hot Springs in Iceland

Landbrotalaug
Reykjadalur Steam Valley
Hrunalaug hot srpings
The blue lagoon
Geothermal Footbath – Reykjavik
Lake Mývatn Nature Bath
Seljavallalaug swimming pool
Gamla Laugin – The secret lagoon
Hot Spring at Landmannalaugar
Snorralaug, Reykholt

1 . Landbrotalaug hot spring

The Landbrotalaug hot spring also known as the Landbrotalaug hot pot is one of the famous hot springs of Iceland. This tiny hot spring is one of Iceland’s most romantic hot springs as it fits only two or three people at a time. Landbrotalaug is about a two-hour drive from Iceland located in Snaefellsnes.

Grab your soulmate and drive down to this romantic spot.

2. Reykjadalur Steam Valley

The Reykjadalur Steam Valley is a river full of hot springs, mud pools and thermal springs located 45 km away from Reykjavík, Iceland’s capital city. The drive from Reykjavik to Reykjadalur is less than an hour but it is recommended to hike through the valley. The hike itself is remarkable with incredible scenery.

Note: There are no bathrooms or changing facilities at this attraction, so you should bring a bag that will keep your clothing dry while you swim.

3. Hrunalaug hot srpings

One of the best natural hot springs in South Iceland is the gem right here, Hrunalaug near to the town of Flúðir.

Located on a small farmers land lies this small pool with an ideal temperature year-round. Note that the pools are literally two -although they’re right next to every other. It’s the larger pool which will easily fit 6-8 people then there’s a little old cabin where you’ll change and from there lies this small pool.

4. The Blue Lagoon

The blue lagoon iceland — The Blue Lagoon ( Credits – Pixabay )

The glorious Blue Lagoon is Iceland’s most popular, largest, and foremost spa. No wonder this stunning hot spring pool is the main reason for many travellers to visit Iceland. The lagoon surroundings are magical fine and a white surface is considered a cure for all manner of skin conditions. Some people find this place expensive but it is only expensive because it is so popular.

It’s a must do while in Iceland!

5. Geothermal Footbath – Reykjavik

This one is more of a simple geothermal foot-bath than a mud pit or a hot spring pool. It is the perfect spot for those who want just witness the natural hot springs without diving in. It’s small and allows visitors to just get their feet wet.

Geothermal footbath Iceland — Credits – Pixabay

6. Lake Mývatn Nature Bath

The Mývatn Nature Baths are Iceland’s most commercial natural hot springs. Soak in the spa with its relaxing lagoon and steam baths. The lagoon itself is an imitation but filled up completely by natural water containing incredible amounts of minerals, algae, alkaline and silica making the waters somewhat of a healing pool for skin problems. This is a must-visit place in North Iceland and one of the best Icelandic pools.

7. Seljavallalaug swimming pool

Seljavallalaug is the oldest man-made swimming pool in Iceland, heated by a hot spring naturally. The entire scenery around the pool is very beautiful with mountains and scenery surrounding it. Unlike Reykjadalur Steam Valley, this place has a small changing room but a very basic one. The pool can be visited by renting a car and drive east along Ring Road.

Just a couple of kilometres further along from Seljavallalaug is another waterfall, Skógafoss. You can also try including it in the itinerary because this feature should not be missed by those in the area.

8. Gamla Laugin – The Secret Lagoon

The Secret Lagoon as known as the Gamla Laugin in South Iceland is 97.5 kilometres from Reykjavík, the country’s capital. This geothermally active spot present along with a very active geyser that erupts every few minutes are added attractions adjacent to the pool.
Unlike Reykjadalur Steam Valley and Seljavallalaug swimming pool, Gamla Laugin has comfortable changing rooms, and showers, a bar and eating areas.

See you at the secret lagoon!

9. Hot Spring at Landmannalaugar

The “Farmer’s Hot Bathing Pool” commonly known as the Landmannalaugar hot springs is one of the best hot springs in Iceland southern Highlands. For many decades, this mineral-rich water served as a rest area for travellers that take a break to relax and energize in the soothing waters before getting back on the road.

Hiking and horseback riding are some of the great activities to fill your days in this beautiful place especially when you are on a day trip to Landmannalaugar.

10. Snorralaug

This is the oldest human-used hot spring in the country is a beautiful hot spring located in the village of Reykholt .

Snorralaug hot spring — Snorralaug (Credits – Pixabay )

Benefits of Soaking in a Hot Spring

While there are many medical facts, Soaking in hot springs can be a great way to naturally detox your skin due to the high amount of silica in the water. Also the mineral content especially sulfur of springs has been shown to help persisting skin conditions like psoriasis, acne and eczema. 10 to 20 minutes soaking in a hot spring does wonder to your skin.

Taking a dip in the hot springs is the perfect way for relaxing and rejuvenating your mind. Blood pressure gets modified usually when soaked in hot water, the minerals in hot springs such as calcium are great for improving circulation. This also helps in lowering blood pressure.

Bathing in hot spring also relieves musculoskeletal pains and aches throughout your body.

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