Soaking in Iceland’s heavenly hot springs is an experience you don’t want to miss! They are the perfect place to relax, unwind and soak up some wonderfully warm waters. It’s also a true Icelandic tradition which locals indulge in every day.

So why does Iceland have so many hot springs?

Iceland is one of the most volcanic countries on the planet with 30 active volcanoes – yes 30! (and a total of 130 inactive and active volcanoes!). This is a result of Iceland straddling two tectonic plates on the mid-Atlantic Range. All that volcanic activity means there are many, many geothermally heated hot springs some of which have been converted to pools.

With so many hot springs to choose from why not check out my list of the seven heavenly hot springs you shouldn’t miss in Iceland. From a remote pool by a wild ocean, to small hot tubs, a hot river and the famous Blue Lagoon there is a hot spring experience for everyone!

1. Krossneslaug

At the end of a remote road in Iceland’s Westfjords sitting snugly next to a wild coastline is Krossneslaug, a geothermally heated swimming pool. You can’t ask for a more dramatic setting.

To reach this epic location is not easy, but the trip here is equally as stunning.

From the nearest significant township of Holmavik you need to drive for around two and a half hours along a rough, unpaved, potholed road winding along the coast to Nordurjuordur on the Standir Coast.

From Nordurjuordur it’s a short couple of minutes drive to reach Krossneslaug.

I was extremely fortunate to have this incredible location to myself for half an hour.  A truly memorable experience which helped make this incredible hot pool my favourite in all of Iceland.

If you decide to visit this wild, remote and wonderful hot pool I recommend staying at Hotel Dúpavík. A lovely, cosy hotel not too far away and where I had one of the best dinners of my travels in Iceland.

2. Drangsnes

On the way back from Krossneslaug I made sure I detoured to the small hamlet of Drangsnes on the Strandir Cost. Why? Because at Drangsnes is another unique hot pool experience.

Picture three small hot-tub like pools of varying temperatures nestled in the rocks next to the sea.

Soaking in the hot waters looking out over the ocean is a truly relaxing, wonderful experience.

And this little hamlet is off the beaten-path for Iceland which makes for a unique hot spring experience and is why these are hot springs you shouldn’t miss in Iceland

Drangsnes is approx 30 mins drive north from Holmavik following Route 61 before turning onto Route 645.

3. Sundlaugin á Hofsós

In the north of Iceland in the tiny village of Hofsos is a stunning heated pool with incredible views.

The pool’s complex is a wonderful integration into the landscape. The heated pool looks out over Skagafjörður and mountains in the distance. The entrance and change-rooms have a modern, minimalist design set into the hillside.

Hofsos is on the little-visited Trollaskgi Peninsula and when I visited early on a Saturday morning there were only locals enjoying this beautiful pool.

I recommend staying nearby at Lonkot Rural Resort. Peaceful, cosy and set right by the Arctic Ocean this was one of my favourite stays in my three weeks travels in Iceland.

4. Myvatn Nature Baths

North Iceland’s version of the Blue Lagoon! Myvatn Nature Baths certainly does have some similarities to the famous Blue Lagoon including milky blue-coloured water set within black lava boulders.

Myvatn Nature Baths are also often promoted as less busy than the Blue Lagoon however when I visited there were plenty of other  visitors.

What I liked about Myvatn Nature Baths was the views out over the Myvatn Lake and it’s surrounds.

This is a fabulous area to explore full of volcanic activity like Hverir’s bubbling mud-pots and volcano formed landscapes like the fantastical Dimmuborgir. You will go from thinking you’re on Mars to being on the set of Game of Thrones (Dimmuborgir was the location for the Wildling camp in season 3 north of the wall!).

North Iceland is often missed from traveller’s itineraries. They’re not only missing the insane volcanic landscapes described above but they’re also missing some of Iceland’s best waterfalls like Dettifoss, Godafoss and Aldeyarfoss, and the pretty Trollaskgi Peninsula.

5. Gamla Laugin

Gamla Laugin means secret lagoon, but it’s definitely not a secret any longer! So don’t come here expecting to have the place all to yourself.

Despite Gamla Laugin’s popularity it’s still a charming place. The secret lagoon is set in a grassy meadow, lined by black boulders and hot steam rising from the water and nearby fumaroles.

Gamla Laugin is also located close to Reykjavik and the famous Golden Circle drive. It’s therefore very accessible to most of Iceland’s visitors.

To reach Gamla Laugin head towards Fludir on Route 30.

6. Hot River Valley – Reykjadalur

Are you looking for an even more unusual, and unique hot spring experience? Then imagine a geothermally heated river cutting through a multi-coloured valley.

A geothermally heated river?  Yep, that’s right and it’s only 45 mins drive from Reykjavik.

Heading out of Reykjavik follow Route 1 (the Ring Road) south to the town, Hvergerdi. From here follow the signs for around 5 mins or so to Rekyjadalur (Hot River Valley).

To reach the heated river you need to hike for around an hour (approx 3km).

But once again be prepared to not have this place to yourself. When I arrived cars where parked for a considerable distance up the road and once I reached the rivers there were a lot of people here. This place has clearly grown in popularity recently.

I also recommend you arrive with your swimmers on beneath your clothes as there are no change rooms at the river, just a handful of privacy screens.

7. Blue Lagoon

No trip to Iceland is complete without a visit to the famous Blue Lagoon and out of all the hot springs you shouldn’t miss in Iceland this is it.

Yes it’s  touristy and yes it can be busy, but it is still really special and it is a one-of a kind experience.

Why?

Because the Blue Lagoon is set in the heart of black lava field with gorgeously coloured milky blue water that is in fact geothermal seawater.

The water has a soft quality to it from the mineral salts and fine silica mud. That mud can also be used as a face mask.

You can simply book a day visit or opt for a number of various spa retreats. There are also restaurant options and if you want you can stay here!

My number one tip is to make sure you book ahead to avoid in an disappointments. And as the Blue Lagoon is between the airport and Reykjavik it is easy to drop in here on the way between the two.

Plenty of tour operators and bus companies arrange trips to the Blue Lagoon and you can also include transport when you book your visit.

Are you heading to Iceland? Which of these hot springs you shouldn’t miss in Iceland which do you want to see most?