Natural hot springs in Iceland: three places to plan for

Choose the whole experience

A visit to a natural hot spring starts well before you reach the water. Sometimes the approach is a walk through a steaming valley. Elsewhere, the journey takes you into the Highlands, where the road and the season shape the entire day.

Reykjadalur, Landmannalaugar and Hveravellir each offer a different setting for geothermal bathing. Pick the place that fits your route and your appetite for travel, then check access before leaving. If you are also considering historic swimming pools or smaller managed pools, see our natural swimming pools guide.

Reykjadalur: make the walk part of the day

Above Hveragerði in South Iceland, the Reykjadalur trail leads through a geothermal landscape to a river with an established bathing section. Visit South Iceland describes the warm river as a place to bathe, while also warning that the trail can close and directing visitors to Safetravel for current conditions. [1]

This is a good option when you want both a walk and a soak. Carry what you need for the entire return trip, including dry layers for afterwards. Getting warm in the water does not remove the need to prepare for wind and rain on the walk back.

Stay on the marked route and use the designated bathing area. Other springs and steaming pools in the valley are geothermal features to observe from the path. Do not assume they are suitable for entering because the river is.

Check the local Reykjadalur guidance ↗

Landmannalaugar: warm water beside the lava

Landmannalaugar is part of the Fjallabak Nature Reserve. Near the huts and the Laugahraun lava field, hot springs feed a natural brook used for bathing. The Iceland Touring Association asks visitors to use the wooden path over the wet ground and prohibits soap, litter and glass at the brook. [2]

Let the wider landscape be the reason for the journey. If you plan a walk as well as a soak, choose a route that fits the conditions, your equipment and the time you have available.

Getting here requires more planning than a stop along the coast. Ordinary road access is seasonal. The Iceland Touring Association states that a standard rental 4x4 is not suitable for reaching Landmannalaugar in winter. Check road access, vehicle requirements and your rental agreement before deciding to drive. [2]

Parking reservations and service charges may apply. Consult the official parking information for your travel date. A plan for the pool is only useful once the journey itself is realistic. [3]

Hveravellir: a bathing stop in the Highlands

Hveravellir is a geothermal area reached from the Kjölur route in the central Highlands. Its bathing pool uses water flowing from the geothermal area. The protected area’s visitor information describes seasonal road access and directs travellers to the site operator for services. [4]

The operator lists toilets, showers and use of the geothermal pool for day visitors for a fee. Check the current arrangements before arriving rather than treating the word “natural” as a promise of free access. [5]

Use the actual bathing pool and follow local directions. The surrounding geothermal features are not alternative pools. Keep to paths and barriers when exploring the area, and leave enough time for the drive onwards.

Consider Hveravellir when a Highland journey is already part of your itinerary. If you only have a short stay around Reykjavík, choose your travel priorities first instead of adding a long journey for a single stop.

Before you get in

• Check current access. Use Safetravel, road information and local notices.
• Pack beyond your swimwear. Bring a towel, dry clothes, drinking water, weather protection and footwear suited to the approach.
• Follow the site’s bathing instructions. Natural water does not come with a guaranteed temperature or pool conditions.
• Leave the water and banks as you found them. Keep soap and shampoo out of natural bathing water, avoid glass and take your rubbish away.
• Give others room. Keep belongings off narrow paths and ask before taking photographs of other bathers.

Have another option in mind if access changes. A town swimming pool can be a good alternative when you want warm water without a long or exposed approach. Our Reykjavík guide includes a city pool stop.

Common questions